Rattray – Old Gowrie

October 2010 Nottingham Pipe Club Meeting. (1st Tobacco)

Blended in : Denmark
Contains : Kentucky, Perique & Virginia
Cased/Top : None
Pipe : Red polished Italian mill reject

I have never had the old Gowrie before, which is really a sad thing considering I’m a huge fan of Perique. So I was looking forward to this one, must say I was hoping for De Luxe Navy Rolls. On opening the tin I wasn’t greeted with the chocolaty aroma, more that of a dark Virginia. I wasn’t expecting the cut either, shag cut is the closest I can put it. It packed easily enough (full bowl, packed to half way). Very easy to light, one match was all I need.

The tobacco lit very easily, only a few draws with one match. I was first greeted with a earthy smoke, the Virginia & Kentucky blending well. The Perique at this point could barely be detected. This tasty and mellow smoke was not only cool, but very easy to draw on. No need to relight, could take a good 4-5 mins without being puffed and still be an easy smoke.

The second half of the bowl saw the Perique come to life. Slightly spicy dark chocolate, at last! The Virginia and Kentucky seemed to get a little flat in comparison to the Perique, not really giving anything to compliment the Perique. In the dying puffs, it seemed to get it together. Just a shame the easy burning tobacco had burnt easily and it was done.

A nice mellow little blend needs more Perqiue for me though. If you’re a straight Virginia fan and want to try a little Perqiue, give Old Gowrie a try. But if you’re a Perique lover and like it in quantity, then I wouldn’t bother. The Virginia and Kentucky tasted great, good rich flavours. Burns cool, easily and is a mellow smoke. I do like this tobacco, my next bowl will have some added Perique.