Peterson Connoisseur’s Choice: classic European-style aromatic
Peterson of Dublin Connoisseur’s Choice is among the traditional aromatic blends of British or European style, offering a balance between aromatic topping and tobacco base. It is not a typical "heavy aromatic" of American style, but a more moderate aromatic tobacco where the flavoring complements rather than overwhelms the tobacco experience. It is sometimes referred to as "Caribbean tobacco." Peterson Connoisseur’s Choice is less sweet and "syrupy" than, for example, Mac Baren Vanilla Cream.
The tobacco base of Peterson Connoisseur’s Choice consists of: light and red Virginias (flue-cured), Black Cavendish, and a smaller proportion of coarser cut (broken flake / coarse cut). The aromatic profile is built on a rum topping accompanied by notes of dried fruit (apricot, peach) and a gentle vanilla sweetness. The "tropical" character is more of an interpretation than a literal description – coconut or distinctly exotic components are neither dominant nor typical. The result is a sweeter but not sticky profile, a creamy line of Cavendish, and a light rum accent at the beginning.
Cut, moisture, and handling of the tobacco
The blend combines ribbon cut with coarser fragments (broken flake), which means that burning is not as even as with pure ribbon, larger pieces slow down combustion, while finer ones tend to burn faster. Upon opening, we may be surprised by the higher moisture of the tobacco, so it is recommended to let it dry for about 10–20 minutes before packing the pipe; larger pieces should be gently rubbed, but not crushed. With too strong a draw and fast smoking, the tobacco can bite and gurgle (produce excess moisture in the pipe). The nicotine strength of the tobacco is rather low to medium, making it an overall lighter tobacco.
Smoking experience of Peterson Connoisseur’s Choice
One of the most interesting features of Peterson Connoisseur’s Choice is the development of flavor during smoking, which distinguishes this tobacco blend from cheaper tobaccos that remain flavor-flat throughout the smoking experience. In the flavor of Connoisseur’s Choice, the taste of the aromatics (rum, sweet fruit) initially prevails, offering a soft, creamy onset and a very pleasant room note for those nearby. As smoking progresses, Cavendish adds body, the aromatics stabilize, and Virginia flavors (slightly grassy/malty notes) begin to emerge. In the end, the aromatic flavor recedes, and the profile becomes drier and less sweet.
Summary
Connoisseur’s Choice is not a blend that will impress with intensity or complex flavor in the sense of natural tobaccos. However, it brings balance and refinement, overall being an aromatic tobacco that will not bore even experienced pipe smokers.
