Westminster is taking the world by storm, or at least some small part of the world.
From the tin, “The very essence of the traditional English mixture; rich,
elegant, refined, and exquisitely balanced. New World red virginias are enhanced
with a gentle caress of bright leaf, then lavishly seasoned with rich oriental
tobaccos and generous measures of noble Cyprus mountain Latakia. A satisfying blend,
presenting layers of flavor to delight the senses as it develops in the bowl. The
perfect every-day English.” - This one has been getting fantastic
reviews
in the wonderful tobaccoreviews.com webbase.
Give them a read! Or, read the story about it's development,
On the Road to Westminster
in
The Briar and Leaf Chronicles.
Westminster was introducd in January, 2007
“Perhaps my own personal Arcadia...
“I have been bested by this most seductive Lady Nicotine. The others? I've loved them all, but never like this. They are like young birds, to be taught to fly, and set out into the world. They are my children, and I love them equally.
“This one, though, is different. She brought more to me than I could give her in return. She teased me with her exotic ways. She promised a taste, and delivered a feast.
“At night, I lie with her smoky kiss upon my lips; her perfume lingers about me, filling my head with reverie. As the sweet arms of Morpheus carry me to the abodes of slumber, I look forward to dreams of her. In the morning, I rise to thoughts of her, swirling through the fog of awakening. All through the day, she fills my thoughts. When I am with her, she consumes me. When she is absent, I long for her. Barrie can have his; this is my Lady, my Arcadia, my Queen.
“As I wander in my mind through the ancient streets of Bohemia, she is my companion. She dances in the mist, and plays a coy game of hide and seek, though I know the light of a match will reveal her again to dance and twirl before me. She enthralls those who chance upon her, but, for now, she is mine alone. Yet, she, too, is a bird to be set free. Enjoy her company. Treat her well, and she will show you what she showed me...”
Nearly a year in the making, this blend, the first in the new Heirloom Series, features some truly magnificent Syrian Latakia, possibly the finest example of this exotic leaf that's been seen in 40 years. When we arranged for its import, and the first samples arrived, I fell quickly and deeply for it; Bohemian Scandal is the love child of our little tryst. The Syrian is wine-like, possessing subtlety and nuances that would be easily lost to a heavy hand at the blending table. I chose bright and red Virginias, and rare oriental tobaccos to compliment the spice of the Latakia; hints of cardamom, nutmeg, cinnamon are present, along with a gentle smokiness. A soft, slightly tangy sweetness continues throughout the bowl, with the complex, earthy notes from the oriental tobaccos providing depth. The flavor is bold enough for casual smoking, but sufficiently refined to be engaging during more contemplative moods. Wonderfully balanced, it is excellent in its youth, yet sturdy enough for long aging. Enjoy it now, and be sure to cellar plenty for future adventures.
Reviews
are available on Jon Tillman's wonderful
Tobacco Reviews
web site. My deepest appreciation to those who have taken the time to share
their impressions of my latest creation!
Regretfully, Bohemian Scandal is no longer available. See the
23 September, 2004 news for more details.
Bohemian Scandal was introduced in August, 2004
The Collection
This collection will never be large. It's reserved for tobaccos that, I think,
are exemplary in their category. The first was Bohemian Scandal, may it rest in peace.
It is still presented here for posterity. It has been
joined, posthumously, by Westminster. What will come next? You'll know shortly after I do.
My Thoughts
It's hard to make comments on a collection of two. Scandal was wonderfully received during
its short life, and has become something of a “Holy Grael” blend for many. I
don't know, for sure, if this is due to its rarity, or because it really was that good. I know
I liked it, but I was a little surprised by its reception.
Westminster, too, has proved very popular, and with good reason. It's got all the
characteristics that can make a blend a classic. Time will tell, but it's
been going strong since its introduction, so I've got high hopes.
The Future
I've smoked tins of Bohemian Scandal at three years, and found it superb. I'm looking forward to
the next milestone, which will be five years. I'll report back then. Westminster, of course,
is far too young to make any definitive comments on, but my experience tells me that this one
will develop for at least 15 years, stabilize for a decade or so, and then begin a slow decline.
I'm sure it'll still be wonderful in 20-30 years, but it's peak will likely be quite a bit earlier, like
most full bodied English/Balkan mixtures. Still, I'm cellaring it in enough quantity to prove myself
wrong in my tenth decade. Cheers! -glp
