Esoterica Margate Pipe Tobacco

This really is superior tobacco. It smokes very smooth. The tobacco texture is unique. It's a fine shred. It packs perfectly and burns evenly. It is a true English, the latakia is well balanced with the orientals and Virginia. It's just a great smoke.

I love Margate, and my enthusiasm has nothing to do with the attendant 'hype' of it being part of the coveted Esoterica line. I've only just become a devotee within the last several weeks, having waited so long to experience it. Without fail, it pleases on every level and possesses a depth of subtle character and gently-layered flavors that seem to last until the very last whiff of smoke is produced. Even when 'pushed' (as I sometimes do when smoking outdoors in cold weather), it never bites back, never makes you pay for your insolence. It also seems that not one leaf dominates, so don't expect to be hit over the head with any one element. In a word, Margate is extraordinary.

Esoteric Margate is a nice introduction to Latakia tobacco. My bowls came from the 8oz foil bag. The 'tin' note is that of smoked, dried plums. The tobacco I in a shag cut, which makes for easy packing and slow draws. Margate is just on the moist side so a few minutes dry time is recommended but do not go overboard or you lose some of the flavors in the smoke. The smoke starts out wood Smokey but not like you are standing over the fire, with a minimum background sweetness. The flavor builds, like most tobaccos, as you burn further down the bowl but never goes past medium strength. The nicotine level stays on the med/lite side. This was an enjoyable smoke but for my first Esoterica blend I was expecting more. Margate will make a good morning smoke or raking the leaves in the fall smoke. Burns down to ash with very little moisture at bottom of bowl. Pipe used: Comoys Bulldog, cob, Savinelli bent billiard.

I am partial to English tobaccos and was excited to give this a try. I found it very light in the way of flavor, but very smooth. There is a very light touch of Latakia and I could get flavors of excellent quality orientials. The shag cut is great, it was a little moist, but with a little drying time and burned well.