XXV Reserve: Dusk

XXV Reserve: Dusk is the dark wing of the two-blend series Cornell & Diehl prepared for Smokingpipes' twenty-fifth anniversary. The series was introduced as a joint effort between Smokingpipes founder Sykes Wilford and Cornell & Diehl head blender Jeremy Reeves, using twenty-five-year-aged Virginia leaf set aside for this project. Compared to sibling blend Dawn, Dusk is built on darker Virginia grades, 31 Farms Perique, and dark fire-cured Kentucky; it's offered in flake form. Records indicate only a one-time run of ten thousand tins was produced before it was withdrawn from the market.

Its character is a Virginia-focused but full VaPer: Perique's plum-and-spice accent combines with Kentucky's smoky, dry base and mature Virginia's breadlike sweetness. Medium-high in nicotine and body, it offers an intense smoke best saved for the end of the day. It carries no added flavoring; aimed at smokers accustomed to dark Virginia blends and Perique, comfortable preparing flake. Strength stays high for beginners.