Der Block

Der Block is one of the signature house blends from the German tobacconist Vogel's Tabakstube. It is prepared from dark Virginia, Kentucky and Perique leaf and sold as a 100-gram plug. The block is pressed relatively firm and is prepared by slicing and rubbing out.

The dark Virginia leaf carries a honey-like sweetness; the Perique adds a tangy, plum-like note that becomes more pronounced as the bowl progresses. The Kentucky thickens the body, bringing a spicy, walnut-like dryness. The mixture is unflavored, gives light-to-medium body, and shows no tendency to bite. Suited to smokers unfazed by plug preparation who enjoy an unflavored Virginia-Perique structure.