Essential Information
Tobacco Specifications
- Tobacco Name: The Beast (2023 Edition)
- Manufacturer: Cornell & Diehl
- Blend Type: Va/Per (Virginia/Perique) with Cavendish and Kentucky
- Cut: Ribbon
The Experience
First Impressions
Tin Note
Opening the tin is like walking into a witch doctor’s apothecary buried deep in the bayou. There’s a pungent, sticky richness that spills out immediately: dark chocolate truffles soaked in rum, molasses-drenched prunes, and a whisper of smoked cinnamon. The fermented aroma punches through the tin’s atmosphere, leaving no doubt—this is not an everyday smoke.
Beneath the heady top layer, something wild and vegetative lurks. The fermentation of Perique, dialed up to 51%, emits a dense humidity that smells both alive and aged. The spiced rum isn’t shy, either. It doesn’t merely accent the blend; it sways across your senses like a flame-drenched ribbon of absinthe. There’s a haunting note of dried cherries macerated in port wine—sweet, yet a little sinister.
Appearance
Visually, The Beast lives up to its name. The ribbons are coarse and unruly, woven in swirls of black licorice and oxidized mahogany. Deep rust-red flecks—likely Red Virginia—peek through like embers under the surface. It’s moist to the touch, sticky even, with a dark sheen that suggests time and pressure have done their work. Set it out for drying and the hidden hues emerge—rich browns, muted olives, and burnished copper.
The Smoke
Packing and Lighting
Because of its density and moist character, The Beast demands a bit of attention. Straight out of the tin, it resists flame and pouts like a storm cloud. But with 20–30 minutes of airing, it becomes pliable. Packing a large chambered Savinelli with a shallow gravity fill proves the most forgiving method. Smaller pipes and narrow chambers tend to muffle its complexity. In a cob? Surprisingly vibrant. In meerschaum? Almost spiritual.
First light comes with a bloom of thick, resinous smoke. It’s not sharp, but it is dense—like breathing in velvet infused with fermented cherries. Two matches in, it settles into a purring smolder.
Initial Flavor
The initial puffs are astonishingly smooth for such a strong tobacco. A fusion of dark fruits—figs, black cherries, and date syrup—coats the tongue. The rum doesn’t scream; instead, it weaves through the profile like a whispering specter. It’s creamy, too. Almost milk-like in mouthfeel, but laced with piquant tension. One moment, it caresses. The next, it claws.
The retrohale is where the Perique bares its teeth: spicy, peppery, and faintly acidic, like orange zest rubbed against wet cedar bark.
Mid-Bowl
This is where The Beast shows its full anatomy. The body expands into something vast—unfolding layers of chocolate-covered almonds, soy-glazed mushrooms, and candied ginger. It reminds me of the savory-sweet paradox you get in a well-aged balsamic reduction.
The Black Cavendish kicks in here. It’s not sugary, but it anchors the chaos with a soft base. Imagine burnt marshmallow crust on a bourbon crème brûlée. Beneath that? The Dark-Fired Kentucky pulses in and out—dry mesquite smoke, charred peach skin, and the faintest suggestion of blood orange peel.
The temperature stays surprisingly cool, even with frequent draws. The ash forms a mottled grey disc, firm and self-supporting.
Finish
The final third demands respect. The flavor narrows, focusing into a treacle-dense blend of spice, wood, and residual fruit. It’s like the remnants of a bourbon-soaked raisin tart left out overnight beside a campfire. A pleasant bitterness surfaces, tannic and leathery, before giving way to something primal—dark molasses over smoldering tobacco leaves.
The nicotine surge here is unmistakable. It creeps behind the eyes and grips the chest. Those unaccustomed to stout blends will feel their head tilt and heart thump. Best smoked slowly, with intention.
Room Note
Not for the faint of heart. It lingers in fabric like smoked plums soaked in rum, trailing tendrils of spiced incense and sweet vinegar. My partner described it as “gothic fruitcake in an old wood cabin.” Not exactly friendly, but compelling in a brooding way.
Strength
This is a powerhouse. The combination of St. James Parish Perique and rum fermentation gives it a feral strength—not just in nicotine, but in flavor density. It sits in the very strong category and deserves cautious respect.
Final Thoughts
Overall Assessment
The Beast is less a tobacco and more a rite of passage. It doesn’t whisper its qualities—it growls them, hurling a gauntlet at the smoker: can you handle me?
What makes it exceptional isn’t just its potency, but the surprising harmony within the chaos. The balance struck between volatile Perique, sugary Virginias, and sultry rum is admirable. Jeremy Reeves has achieved what few dare attempt: crafting a monster with elegance.
The 2023 iteration, with its single-origin St. James Parish Perique, feels like a vintage wine from a haunted vineyard—rare, unnerving, and unforgettable.
Pairings
- Beverages: Rye whiskey, dark espresso, or amaro
- Food: Spiced meats, black forest cake, or aged blue cheese
- Activities: Best enjoyed at dusk, outdoors, in solitude or in deep conversation
Similar Blends
- G.L. Pease Haddo’s Delight – More accessible, but spiritually similar
- Cornell & Diehl Exclusive – Almost as strong, less complexity
- Mac Baren HH Acadian Perique – Balanced Perique experience without the violence
Recommendations
Rating
3.5 out of 5 stars
Who Should Try It
- Perique fiends seeking maximum intensity
- Adventurous smokers craving a challenge
- Collectors and fans of Small Batch editions
- Fans of the occult or Aleister Crowley lore—this one’s practically ceremonial
Who Should Avoid It
- Beginners or those sensitive to nicotine
- Aromatic lovers seeking room-friendly smokes
- Anyone who smokes casually or in public settings (you will be asked about it)
Additional Notes
Age will likely smooth out some of its sharper corners, so consider cellaring. For those lucky enough to have multiple tins, stash one deep and revisit in five years—it may become something transcendent.
