Big n' Burley

Big n' Burley is one of Cornell & Diehl's burley-centered mixtures. A sweet, long-cut burley leaf forms the body; a small amount of Latakia, Turkish leaf, and a pinch of perique are added on top. The maker describes it as "an English blend for burley lovers"; the Latakia level is enough to nudge the blend toward the English family but doesn't mask burley's nutty, earthy core.

Nicotine strength runs high, so smoking on an empty stomach or at a fast pace noticeably increases the harshness. Taken slowly, it burns cool, with a light perique-derived spice emerging toward the middle of the bowl. It suits smokers looking for burley's natural taste along with a smoky edge, accustomed to unflavored blends; it is not a suitable starting point for someone expecting an aromatic.