Post by Goldbrick on Oct 11, 2023 22:30:56 GMT -5
First let me say that this is not a review. This jar is from the late nineties, and Virginias of this vintage can differ from so many factors that to speak of this as a benchmark would be silly...I simply want to put down some thoughts that came up as I lifted the lid on this old jar.
First, a powerful sadness for for my empty-headed lack of respect; how could anyone think that something this good would always be just a phone call away?
My pint jar is half full of dark brown, broken flake, dotted here and there with small tan specks. In hand the bits and pieces have perfect moister, and an oily glaze that's just shy of sticky as I rub out enough for my old Hillson. The heavenly, sour bar-b-que aroma from the jar grows faint compared to the richness rolling up from my hands the way fresh garlic explodes when it hits hot oil.
Packing in three soft layers I let the tip of flame work across the bowl , and feel my mouth start to water from that classic McClelland Va tang, and a healthy side note of plum...for the life of me I don't remember if there's any perique in 2010 , but there's a plum-like flavor at work in perfect balance with the wonderful saucy flavor...there's some skillful blending at work here, with some help from Mother Nature and Father Time.
A light tamp and the kiss of the next flame and a blanket of richness rolls over my taste-buds like some new and rare roasted meat dish...this is where I pat myself on the back for being a pipe smoker.
I puffed along for a bit at a fair pace, then just let it go out and looked down at the pipe and marveled over how cool a Virginia can remain even when pushed that hard.
After some reflection I lit up again, and just sipped for a while, then I held the bowl under my nose and pulled the smoke slowly into my nostrils...the aroma was like a spicy, magical tray of baked goods, and I pictured an old antique, woodfired oven like our grandmothers or great grandmothers might have used; smoke, warm and welcoming, with a soft pastry-like aroma.
I know this comes across like one of those crazy tobaccoreview segments, but here's the deal...I've smoked inside my home since I was 24, now, at 69, my wife's medical issues and her attempt to quit smoking mean that I may have to limit my smoking to outside. So what better way to mark this milestone{good or bad} than to enjoy this bowl, inside, and share it with my friends.
Herb.
First, a powerful sadness for for my empty-headed lack of respect; how could anyone think that something this good would always be just a phone call away?
My pint jar is half full of dark brown, broken flake, dotted here and there with small tan specks. In hand the bits and pieces have perfect moister, and an oily glaze that's just shy of sticky as I rub out enough for my old Hillson. The heavenly, sour bar-b-que aroma from the jar grows faint compared to the richness rolling up from my hands the way fresh garlic explodes when it hits hot oil.
Packing in three soft layers I let the tip of flame work across the bowl , and feel my mouth start to water from that classic McClelland Va tang, and a healthy side note of plum...for the life of me I don't remember if there's any perique in 2010 , but there's a plum-like flavor at work in perfect balance with the wonderful saucy flavor...there's some skillful blending at work here, with some help from Mother Nature and Father Time.
A light tamp and the kiss of the next flame and a blanket of richness rolls over my taste-buds like some new and rare roasted meat dish...this is where I pat myself on the back for being a pipe smoker.
I puffed along for a bit at a fair pace, then just let it go out and looked down at the pipe and marveled over how cool a Virginia can remain even when pushed that hard.
After some reflection I lit up again, and just sipped for a while, then I held the bowl under my nose and pulled the smoke slowly into my nostrils...the aroma was like a spicy, magical tray of baked goods, and I pictured an old antique, woodfired oven like our grandmothers or great grandmothers might have used; smoke, warm and welcoming, with a soft pastry-like aroma.
I know this comes across like one of those crazy tobaccoreview segments, but here's the deal...I've smoked inside my home since I was 24, now, at 69, my wife's medical issues and her attempt to quit smoking mean that I may have to limit my smoking to outside. So what better way to mark this milestone{good or bad} than to enjoy this bowl, inside, and share it with my friends.
Herb.
