- Tobacco Name: Astley’s No.2 Virginia Mixture
- Manufacturer: Astley’s
- Blend Type: Virginia
- Cut Type: Ribbon
- Strength Level: Medium-Mild
- Overall Rating: 4.0
- Primary Tobaccos: Bright Virginia, Red Virginia
- Similar Blends: Mac Baren Virginia No. 1, Orlik Golden Sliced
- Recommended Pairings: Black coffee, Earl Grey tea, light ale
- Recommended For: Virginia enthusiasts, those seeking a gentle, flavorful smoke, beginners looking to explore natural tobacco sweetness.
- Avoid If: You prefer heavy aromatics or strong Latakia blends, or dislike natural Virginia sweetness.
- Tin Note/Aroma: 4
- Flavor Development: 4
- Burn Quality: 4
- Smoothness: 5
- Recommend: 4
- Pipe Smoked: Peterson System Standard 303
Essential Information
TL;DR
Astley’s No.2 Virginia Mixture is a delightful, classic ribbon-cut Virginia blend that offers a naturally sweet and exceptionally smooth smoking experience. Its gentle nature makes it perfect for both seasoned Virginia enthusiasts and newcomers seeking a bite-free introduction to natural tobacco flavors. The blend burns cool and clean, developing subtle notes of hay, citrus, and a hint of bread throughout the bowl. While not overly complex, its consistent and satisfying profile makes it an ideal all-day smoke. Highly recommended for those who appreciate the pure, unadulterated essence of quality Virginia tobacco.
The Experience: A Deep Dive into Astley’s No.2 Virginia Mixture by Astley’s
First Impressions
Tin Note: Upon cracking open a fresh tin of Astley’s No.2 Virginia Mixture, a soft, inviting aroma wafts up, immediately setting a tone of understated elegance. It’s a clean, bright scent, predominantly of sweet hay and freshly baked bread, with a subtle undercurrent of citrus zest. There’s an almost ethereal quality to it, hinting at natural sugars and a promise of gentle flavors, devoid of any artificiality or cloying sweetness. It’s the kind of tin note that speaks of quality leaf and careful aging, inviting a moment of quiet contemplation before the first pack.
Appearance: The tobacco itself presents as a beautifully uniform ribbon cut, a testament to its meticulous preparation. The colors range from golden bright Virginias to deeper, richer reds, intermingled with occasional flecks of darker leaf, suggesting a blend of different Virginia varietals. The ribbons are perfectly consistent, neither too fine nor too coarse, ensuring an easy pack. The moisture content is spot-on right out of the tin—pliable and ready to smoke, with no need for additional drying. It looks exactly as a classic Virginia blend should: natural, inviting, and expertly crafted.
The Smoke: Journey Through the Bowl
Packing and Lighting: Packing Astley’s No.2 Virginia Mixture into my Peterson System Standard 303 is an absolute breeze, thanks to its consistent ribbon cut. A gentle gravity fill followed by a light tamp, and it’s ready. The charring light takes easily, producing a generous plume of fragrant smoke, and the true light follows suit with minimal effort. This blend is remarkably forgiving, staying lit with surprising ease, requiring very few relights even when smoked at a leisurely pace. It’s a testament to its ideal moisture and cut, allowing for a truly effortless and enjoyable start to the smoking session.
Initial Flavor: The first few puffs are a pure, unadulterated expression of quality Virginia tobacco. A delicate sweetness, reminiscent of natural honey and sun-dried hay, greets the palate. There’s a bright, almost zesty citrus note that dances on the tongue, providing a refreshing counterpoint to the underlying bready warmth. The flavors are clean and crisp, without any harshness or bite, even when pushed slightly. It’s a remarkably smooth introduction, setting a high standard for the rest of the bowl.
Mid-Bowl: As the smoke progresses into the mid-bowl, the flavors deepen and meld beautifully. The initial brightness mellows slightly, allowing the richer, breadier notes of the red Virginias to come to the forefront. The hay-like sweetness persists, becoming more rounded and integrated. Occasionally, a subtle, almost floral nuance emerges, adding a layer of complexity without ever becoming overwhelming. The blend maintains its exceptional smoothness, delivering a cool, dry smoke that never threatens tongue bite. It’s a consistent and satisfying experience, evolving gently rather than dramatically, showcasing the inherent beauty of well-aged Virginias.
Finish: The final third of the bowl sees a gentle intensification of the core Virginia flavors. The sweetness becomes a touch richer, almost caramelized, and the bready notes gain a deeper resonance. The citrus notes recede, leaving a warm, satisfying finish that lingers pleasantly on the palate. The tobacco burns down to a fine, white ash, leaving the pipe clean and dry. There’s no bitterness or harshness, just a clean, satisfying conclusion to a truly enjoyable smoke. It’s a testament to the blend’s quality that it remains composed and flavorful right to the very end.
Room Note: The room note of Astley’s No.2 Virginia Mixture is, as expected from a pure Virginia, quite pleasant and unobtrusive. It carries a light, sweet, and natural tobacco aroma, reminiscent of fresh hay and a hint of warm toast. It’s unlikely to offend non-smokers and might even be described as comforting or nostalgic. It dissipates quickly, leaving behind a clean, fresh scent rather than a heavy, lingering odor. This makes it an excellent choice for smoking indoors or in company.
Strength: In terms of strength, Astley’s No.2 Virginia Mixture sits firmly in the medium-mild category. The nicotine content is gentle and approachable, providing a relaxing experience without any overwhelming headiness. It’s perfect for an all-day smoke, allowing for multiple bowls without feeling overstimulated. This makes it an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced smokers who prefer a lighter, more nuanced nicotine delivery.
Final Thoughts: Verdict on Astley’s No.2 Virginia Mixture
Overall Assessment
Astley’s No.2 Virginia Mixture is a true classic, a benchmark for what a pure Virginia blend should aspire to be. It’s a blend that prioritizes natural tobacco flavor and a supremely comfortable smoking experience over overt complexity or heavy toppings. Its charm lies in its simplicity and purity, allowing the inherent sweetness and subtle nuances of the Virginias to shine through. It’s a blend that rewards slow, contemplative smoking, revealing new facets with each puff, yet remains approachable enough for any occasion. This is not a blend that shouts for attention; rather, it whispers of quiet satisfaction and timeless quality.
Smoking Experience
The technical performance of Astley’s No.2 Virginia Mixture is exemplary. The ribbon cut ensures effortless packing and a consistent, cool burn. It lights easily and stays lit with minimal fuss, producing a fine, dry ash. Tongue bite is virtually non-existent, even when smoked with enthusiasm, making it an incredibly forgiving and enjoyable blend. The moisture content out of the tin is perfect, contributing to its superb burn characteristics. This is a blend that consistently delivers a hassle-free and utterly reliable smoking experience, allowing the smoker to focus entirely on the flavors.
Recommendations
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.0/5 Stars) This blend earns a solid 4.0 stars for its exceptional quality, smooth smoking characteristics, and pure Virginia flavor. It’s a testament to classic blending and a highly satisfying smoke.
Who Should Try It: Astley’s No.2 Virginia Mixture is an absolute must-try for any enthusiast of pure Virginia blends. If you cherish natural tobacco sweetness, a cool burn, and a bite-free experience, this blend will quickly become a staple in your rotation. It’s also an excellent starting point for beginners looking to explore the world of Virginia tobaccos without the risk of tongue bite or harshness. Those who enjoy Orlik Golden Sliced or Mac Baren Virginia No. 1 will find a familiar yet distinct pleasure here.
Who Should Avoid It: If your palate leans towards heavily cased aromatics, or if you crave the smoky intensity of Latakia or the peppery kick of Perique, this blend might not offer the bold flavors you seek. It’s a subtle, nuanced smoke, and those accustomed to more assertive blends might find its gentle nature underwhelming. If you’re looking for a nicotine powerhouse, this is also not the blend for you.
Additional Notes: Astley’s No.2 Virginia Mixture is a blend that truly benefits from aging, with its natural sugars deepening and flavors becoming even more harmonious over time. While readily available, securing a few tins for the cellar is highly recommended to experience its full potential. Its consistent quality and timeless appeal make it a blend that will undoubtedly remain a favorite for generations of pipe smokers.
