Quiet Nights
Quiet Nights - rich, deep, contemplative. Ripe red virginias, fine orientals, smoky Cyprus latakia, and a pinch of Acadian perique are pressed and matured in cakes before being sliced. The sophisticated flavors and exotic aroma provide a wonderful backdrop for quiet moments of reflection, a good book, and if you are so inclined, perhaps a wee dram.
This is the second entry in the Old Londn Series. This one is fuller and somewhat more Latakia-forward than Chelsea Morning, with a higher percentage orientals, and less perique. It's rich, complex, leathery and smoky, with a naturally sweet structure from the darker virginias, and a balanced oriental spice. It compares in strength and fullness with blends like Samarra and Blackpoint, but the pressing makes it deeper, darker, earthier, and brings new dimensions to the flavours and aromas. It's really wonderful. An ideal addition to the series, perfectly complimenting a relaxing evening.
Quiet Nights was introducd in May, 2010
Chelsea Morning
Chelsea Morning is made from a variety of sweet red and bright virginias, fragrant orientals, a small measure of rich Cyprus Latakia, and a pinch of L.A. Poche’s brilliant Acadian perique. It is an easy to pack, easy to smoke tobacco, and a great blend to start the day with your morning cup. The flavours are lively and engaging, with a subtle fruitiness and gentle smokiness that wakes up the palate. For those expecting a Latakia powerhouse, this ain’t that. The Cyprus leaf provides depth and character; it’s certainly present, but it’s not the dominant voice. In that respect, Chelsea Morning is similar to Piccadilly, the ‘English Breakfast Mixture’ from the Classic Collection, but, it’s also very different; the orientals add additional dimensions to the smoke. It's really a delightful blend.
Of course, it would be silly to say that it’s only enjoyable in the mornings, but to my tastes, that’s when it shines its brightest. I’m very excited about this new blend, and the entire series, which I'll be finishing up over the coming months, and releasing as they're ready to go.
And, just because I know someone will ask, no, it is not a ‘clone’ of that other famous tobacco with ‘Morning’ in its name. But, if you liked that one, you should certainly give Chelsea Morning a try. It's already getting some great reviews!
Chelsea Morning was introducd in October, 2009
The Collection
The tobaccos in the Old London Series are made using old, time honoured methods utilized by some of the old blending houses. Whole strips - leaves with the mid-ribs removed - are blended in layers and pressed into cakes, and briefly matured to allow some fermentation, and for the flavours of the tobaccos to integrate. The cakes are then sliced traditionally, and either left in flakes, or tumbled into a form that is something between a ribbon and a broken flake. The results are worth the extra steps.
My Thoughts
These blends offer something unique in today's world of cost-cutting, production shortcuts and chemcial "enhancements." My intention was to turn back the clock and offer something traditional, produced like some of the blends that haven't been on the shelves for decades, but also modern in their formulations. The collection will not be a large one - so far, only four blends are planned - but each will be unique, and will provide the smoker with a delightful journey, with one foot in the past, and one in the present.
The Future
I'd been smoking the first in the series, Chelsea Morning, for several months at the time of its release, and am thrilled with the way it's developing in the tins. These blends are designed to be enjoyed now, with their youthful exuberance in full bloom, but will continue to develop and mature into something richer, more complex and delightful well into their second decade.
Quietn Nights, too, shows amazing potential for long aging. The first prototypes are a bit over a year old now, and have darkened and matured beautifully. It's fantastic fresh out of the press, but the years will bring more sophistication to the smoke. Enjoy it now, and put pleanty away to sample over the years to come.