The Beast is back — now featuring 51% Perique from Cornell & Diehl’s exclusive farm in St. James Parish, Louisiana. The official retail launch date is 6:00 p.m. EDT, March 21.
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As an annual Small Batch release, The Beast is one of the only mixtures on the market to highlight the unique, umami characteristics of Perique when used in large portions; indeed genuine St. James Perique comprises more than half of the blend. Together with Cornell & Diehl’s proprietary Red Virginia Cavendish, unsweetened Black Cavendish, and a whisper of Dark-Fired Kentucky, the entire mixture is soaked in spiced rum for seven days, yielding a smoke that’s rich, robust, yet exceedingly complex — supported by tangy sweetness, robust mesquite wood, rich stone fruits, and piquant spice.
In the sample tin I opened, the humidity level registered about 75%. I’d dry it a little, but I think this particular blend is best enjoyed a little wetter than the typical 62% target range for most pipe tobaccos.
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