Cherry & Vanilla

Cherry & Vanilla is a topped blend that Gawith, Hoggarth & Co. also offers within its Kendal Gold series. It is prepared by mixing light-coloured Virginia and Burley into fermented black Cavendish, then applying a cherry- and vanilla-based top dressing; the cut is ribbon. The proportion of black Cavendish gives the blend a dark colour and a syrupy sweetness.

In the smoke, the tobacco flavour stays in the background; what stands out is the combination of dark cherry and vanilla, with the cherry leaning dark and slightly tart rather than candy-sweet. The nicotine load is low and the smoke is cool, though airing is needed before lighting since moisture tends to run high. This is a good record for those wanting a topped, sweet blend, as well as newcomers to the pipe.