Expert Review★★★★★ Click to read Tap to read
There is something fitting about the name Smokers Blend. Perhaps the finer grind is intended to provide that quicker rush of nicotine a smoker might appreciate, or perhaps the restrained aromatics and recognisable tobacco character are meant to provide some familiarity. Either way, you certainly do not need to be trying to quit smoking to appreciate it. I could easily see this being enjoyed over a few drinks in a pub, or while making your way through a bar crawl in downtown Austin, when you still want something flavourful and satisfying without having to step away for a smoke.
Smokers Blend presents a muddled blend of citrus, bergamot, and restrained floral notes that seem to dance together rather than stand out individually. There is a spicy kick to the mixture, with the bergamot eventually pushing its way forward in healthy doses alongside hints of neroli, citrus, and the base tobacco. This is not floral in the sense of perfume or some heavily fragranced snuff. Instead, the floral character seems intertwined with the citrus and tobacco, giving the whole thing a lively, slightly spicy aromatic quality. The tobacco is a light mocha brown with just a few tan specks throughout.
Medium-fine in nature, this grind in the nose feels just a hair finer than O&G. This snuff was a bit drier than similar McChrystals products, but the fine grind may contribute to this perception. It has a moderate amount of nicotine, which may be due to the finer grind allowing for a more rapid release. The fine, somewhat dry nature of the snuff can send it toward the back of the sinuses if snuffed too enthusiastically, but with that comes a rush of potent nicotine that really does satisfy. There is a wonderful kick to the sinuses followed by a noticeable lift of energy. No menthol to mention here, and frankly, none is needed. With a moderately fine grind and limited moisture, it can land deeper in the sinuses and throat if not careful. The nicotine release is approachable but fortified.
What I particularly enjoy is the light sweetness that begins to peek through as everything settles down. It reminds me of the natural sweetness found in a well-aired Virginia-Burley pipe tobacco, where the leaf itself provides just enough sweetness without needing to be heavily dressed. I am not suggesting that Virginia and Burley necessarily make up the base of Smokers Blend, but that same sort of natural tobacco sweetness is what comes to mind. It sits beneath the bergamot and citrus, occasionally peeking through before disappearing back into the blend. A good pinch delivers citrus, bergamot, natural tobacco sweetness, a healthy dose of Vitamin N, and a wonderful wake-me-up to keep you going throughout the day.
