Its been a while since I've smoked a pipe or posted about same, so I'm doing both this afternoon. I have a stash of Bishop's Move English blend from Uhle's Tobacco Shop in Milwaukee. This is a no nonsense blend of burley, latakia, perique and Virginia. Its ribbon cut and packs very easily. I am smoking my Ben Wade calabash today and drinking (believe it or not) negronis. Beefeaters, campari and sweet vermouth-equal parts and a dash of orange bitters.
The tobacco is one of the best English blends I have had to date. I have to consciously refrain from huffing the pipe...its that good. Mindful of my pace, I proceed with metered sips and I am rewarded with a mild nicotine hit, and a sweet, edgy, tangy flavor. My drink is a slightly bitter concoction that offsets the sweetness of the smoke. There is a complexity here that is bold but subtle and the interaction of the components literally dances on the palate. Smoky sweetness, nutty, peppery, savory. I am already planning my next trip to Milwaukee with a stop at Uhle's high on the priority list.