Essential Information
Tobacco Specifications
- Tobacco Name: Cítron Blend
- Manufacturer: Who Dat Pipe Tobacco
- Blend Type: Aromatic Oriental/Virginia
- Cut: Mixed Cut (ribbons, shags, hand-cut leaf)
The Experience
First Impressions
Tin Note
The moment the tin is cracked, a breath of bright citrus greets the nose—a lively, effervescent scent that dances over a soft bed of sweet-sour Oriental perfume. Beneath the bold lemony crest, faint hints of resin, wildflowers, and sweet hay peek through. The Orientals assert their presence almost immediately: Izmir brings a buttery richness, Basma releases a delicate spice, and Smyrna adds an ethereal incense tone.
Appearance
A feast for the eyes, Cítron Blend showcases the rustic beauty of its construction: golds and yellows from bright and flue-cured Virginias intertwine with the deeper oranges of red and orange Virginias. Rich, earthy browns mark the touch of Burley, while dusky black flecks hint at the subtle strength of Rustica. The varied cuts—from shag to broad ribbons—create a tapestry that speaks to careful handcraft rather than mechanical precision.
The Smoke
Packing and Lighting
Given the blend’s diverse cut, packing requires a gentle touch. A light gravity fill followed by a soft tamp achieves the best results. A single charring light brings the surface alive, and with a true light, the bowl settles into an even, smoldering glow. No aggressive relights needed—Cítron Blend rewards patience with a cool, lazy burn.
Initial Flavor
At the rim, a surge of lemon zest bursts across the palate, effervescent and sharp like the spray from a freshly peeled citron. Sweet teas and airy hay follow from the bright Virginias, creating an almost sparkling sensation. The Orientals unfurl gently in the background, adding a cushion of resin and faint spice.
Mid-Bowl
As the ember deepens, the citrus topping gracefully steps aside. The natural tobacco flavors begin to weave more tightly: the Izmir’s nutty, slightly sour quality emerges; Basma contributes an intriguing hint of cumin and cinnamon warmth; Smyrna’s floral, incense-like whispers lift the blend into the upper registers. The Burley strengthens its grip subtly, layering a dry cocoa and soft earthiness, while the Rustica adds a barely-there bass note—earthy, feral, but never overwhelming.
Finish
In the final third, Cítron Blend glows like embers under a late afternoon sun. Sweetness wanes, and a richer, more mature profile reigns: dried fruits, toasted nuts, and a mild herbal spice. The citrus topping lingers like the memory of a summer orchard, fading gently with each measured puff. Ash forms beautifully, fine and light, signaling a clean finish.
Room Note
Light and pleasant, the room fills with the scent of mild florals, warm citrus oils, and a faint trace of clean hay. Even non-smokers find it tolerable, if not charming.
Strength
Mild to medium, with a gently insistent nicotine presence due to the Rustica. It never overwhelms but leaves an unmistakable firmness on the retrohale and a mild warming glow in the chest.
Final Thoughts
Overall Assessment
Overall Impression
Cítron Blend offers a refreshing departure from typical heavy aromatics. The citrus topping is bright but measured, enhancing rather than masking the superb tobacco underneath. There’s a tangible sense of hand-crafted balance: nothing feels accidental here. The choice to include Rustica is a masterstroke, adding just enough gravity to an otherwise airy composition.
Smoking Experience
Across multiple sessions—early mornings, humid afternoons, and crisp evenings—Cítron Blend proves adaptable. In a lightweight billiard pipe, its citrus character sings clearly; in a thick-walled Dublin, the deeper Orientals and Burley rise to dominance. Moisture is manageable out of the tin, and a brief airing only improves combustion.
Pairings
Ideal companions include a cold Earl Grey tea (amplifying the citrus and floral notes), a crisp lager, or a splash of Limoncello for a decadent twist. Avoid heavy coffee or dark spirits which may overshadow Cítron’s delicate brightness.
Similar Blends
- McClelland Grand Oriental: Smyrna No. 1 – shares a similar Oriental vibrance.
- G.L. Pease Cairo – a complex, bright Oriental/Virginia composition.
- Low Country: Waccamaw – for those who enjoy citrus-toned Virginias with body.
Recommendations
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4 out of 5 Stars)
Who Should Try It
- Lovers of Oriental-forward blends seeking a fresh, modern twist.
- Virginia enthusiasts wanting an aromatic without syrupy sweetness.
- Smokers interested in nuanced, evolving bowls that reward slow smoking.
Who Should Avoid It
- Latakia addicts searching for smoky depth.
- Those preferring heavily cased aromatics or rich dessert blends.
- Smokers who dislike any hint of citrus influence in their tobacco.
Additional Notes
Cítron Blend shows promising aging potential. Over six months in a jar, the citrus mellowed into a candied peel note while the Virginias darkened and grew richer. For best results, smoke it fresh for brightness and cellar a few tins for a deeper, more complex experience in the future.
Cellaring Guide
For those considering cellaring Cítron Blend, expect gradual but rewarding changes. In sealed tins or well-jarred batches, the brighter citrus topping will soften into a candied lemon peel, lending a delicate, mellow sweetness to the first half of the bowl. The Virginias will darken in color and flavor, developing richer, deeper tones of dried apricot, fig, and a light toasty breadiness. The Orientals, particularly the Izmir and Smyrna, will become rounder, less floral but more incense-like and woody. Burley’s cocoa notes will deepen, while the touch of Rustica will remain sturdy, providing a firmer, heartier structure over time. Best aging window: 12 to 24 months for optimal transformation, although even 6 months will reveal notable differences.
