A few weeks ago, after posting my inquiry about peoples’ favorite aromatics, I received a generous sample of Stanwell’s Rose & Crown from Shawn (Wurm). His one request was that I write up a review for him and our fellow pipe cronies, something that I haven’t had time to do until quite recently. Shawn, thank you very much for the smoke and for your patience!
The flakes arrived quite moist and pliable, so after letting some sit for about an hour and a half, I lit it up in a new corncob. Even before the slight drying, the tobacco didn’t have any of the goopiness that I’ve encountered with other aromatics, which I took as a positive sign. When the flame hit the pipe, the first thing I noticed was an acidic, almost lemony zing that I’ve encountered in some of the Virginias that I like. In a few moments, the room was filled with a lovely scent that my beginners’ vocabulary is hard-pressed to describe. I’d say there were some touches of vanilla and cinammon, and a definite “fruity” quality—strawberries, perhaps?
Halfway through the bowl, the predominant flavor continued to be this light, citrusy note, which got sweeter as I proceeded. The sweetness definitely seemed to be a result of whatever casing was on the tobacco, but at no point did it ever turn into the unpleasant, chemical bite that I’ve tasted in other blends. I also noticed that the ash had a distinctive mottled appearance, gray with flecks of black, whereas most of the aromatics I’ve tried have burned to a uniform white. Tongue bite was noticeably absent, although I’m sure it would have been possible if I’d cared to puff hard enough. I had to re-light several times, but I’m confident that this was more due to my own puffing technique (or lack thereof) than the moisture content of the smoke. Towards the end, the citrus started to be replaced by a darker, spicier note, as though the cinnamon of the room note was finally making it to my mouth.. After I reached the bottom of the bowl, the aroma lingered pleasantly in my apartment and on my moustache.
This is the first so-called aromatic I’ve ever tasted that I’d smoke again, given the chance—I felt as though the flavorings were working with the tobacco, rather than attempting to cover it up. While Rose & Crown isn’t the most “serious” smoke I’ve ever encountered, it has earned a place in my rotation, particularly if I’m ever smoking while socializing with people who might be a bit taken aback by a snootful of latakia or perique.
Which brings me to the question: has anyone seen this stuff for sale in the US? I’ve searched for it online, but the only retailers I’ve found who carry it are in Germany. If anybody can point me in the right direction, I’d be most grateful, since it’ll be a while before I can afford a trip to Europe to pick some up.
Thanks again to Shawn for his wonderful gift!
John
The flakes arrived quite moist and pliable, so after letting some sit for about an hour and a half, I lit it up in a new corncob. Even before the slight drying, the tobacco didn’t have any of the goopiness that I’ve encountered with other aromatics, which I took as a positive sign. When the flame hit the pipe, the first thing I noticed was an acidic, almost lemony zing that I’ve encountered in some of the Virginias that I like. In a few moments, the room was filled with a lovely scent that my beginners’ vocabulary is hard-pressed to describe. I’d say there were some touches of vanilla and cinammon, and a definite “fruity” quality—strawberries, perhaps?
Halfway through the bowl, the predominant flavor continued to be this light, citrusy note, which got sweeter as I proceeded. The sweetness definitely seemed to be a result of whatever casing was on the tobacco, but at no point did it ever turn into the unpleasant, chemical bite that I’ve tasted in other blends. I also noticed that the ash had a distinctive mottled appearance, gray with flecks of black, whereas most of the aromatics I’ve tried have burned to a uniform white. Tongue bite was noticeably absent, although I’m sure it would have been possible if I’d cared to puff hard enough. I had to re-light several times, but I’m confident that this was more due to my own puffing technique (or lack thereof) than the moisture content of the smoke. Towards the end, the citrus started to be replaced by a darker, spicier note, as though the cinnamon of the room note was finally making it to my mouth.. After I reached the bottom of the bowl, the aroma lingered pleasantly in my apartment and on my moustache.
This is the first so-called aromatic I’ve ever tasted that I’d smoke again, given the chance—I felt as though the flavorings were working with the tobacco, rather than attempting to cover it up. While Rose & Crown isn’t the most “serious” smoke I’ve ever encountered, it has earned a place in my rotation, particularly if I’m ever smoking while socializing with people who might be a bit taken aback by a snootful of latakia or perique.
Which brings me to the question: has anyone seen this stuff for sale in the US? I’ve searched for it online, but the only retailers I’ve found who carry it are in Germany. If anybody can point me in the right direction, I’d be most grateful, since it’ll be a while before I can afford a trip to Europe to pick some up.
Thanks again to Shawn for his wonderful gift!
John
I agree that its more than pretty good, not something I personally could / would smoke every day, but I do enjoy a bowl full every week.