Drucquer & Sons King’s Fool

Essential Information

Tobacco Specifications

• Tobacco Name: King’s Fool
• Manufacturer: Drucquer & Sons (Blended by Cornell & Diehl)
• Blend Type: English (Complex)
• Cut: Flake
• Contents: Black Cavendish, Burley, Latakia (light), Perique, Virginia

The Experience

First Impressions

Unsealing the tin of King’s Fool is like opening a treasure chest of aroma. The tin note speaks to the blend’s complexity: an interplay of sweet and smoky, warm and earthy. The Virginias immediately reveal their presence with a bright, tangy sweetness layered with hints of citrus and stewed fruits. This is quickly grounded by the earthy nuttiness of Burley and the deep, wine-like undertones of Perique, which offer a slight peppery zip.

The Latakia remains subtle yet critical to the composition. It contributes a soft, campfire smokiness that lingers in the background, elevating the entire bouquet without overpowering the other components. There’s also a creamy, mellow quality that hints at the Black Cavendish, smoothing the edges of the stronger tobaccos.

The flake cut is exquisite: thin, neatly pressed sheets that showcase a mosaic of golden, red, and dark hues. The flakes are slightly pliable, easy to rub out or fold, depending on your preferred preparation. It’s clear this blend was crafted with care, each component pressed together to harmonize the complex flavors.

The Smoke

Packing and Lighting

As a flake cut, King’s Fool allows for versatility in preparation. Folding and stuffing a flake gives a slower-burning, more contemplative experience, while rubbing it out provides an easier light and immediate access to the blend’s full flavor. Regardless of the method, the flakes handle beautifully, packing evenly and leaving plenty of room for airflow.

Lighting is effortless. A charring light, followed by a tamp and true light, sets the blend smoldering consistently. Even when folded, the flakes take flame easily and produce a steady, creamy plume of smoke.

Initial Flavor

The initial flavor of King’s Fool reveals a finely tuned symphony of components. The Virginias open the bowl with their signature sweet-tangy brightness, balanced by the Burley’s nutty, earthy undertone. The Latakia, while subtle, adds a layer of light smokiness, like the faint scent of smoldering embers on a cool evening.

Peppery spice from the Perique begins to flicker in the background, creating a lively interplay with the Virginias’ natural sweetness. There’s also a faint creaminess, likely from the Black Cavendish, that rounds out the sharper flavors and adds body to the smoke.

Mid-Bowl

Midway through the bowl, King’s Fool unfolds its deeper complexities. The Virginias’ sweetness caramelizes, evoking notes of baked bread, honey, and stewed fruits—plum and fig come to mind. The Burley contributes a rich, oaty warmth that grounds the blend, while the Perique grows more pronounced, offering subtle notes of black pepper and dried berries.

The Latakia remains subdued but essential, lending a delicate smokiness that never feels heavy-handed. Together with the Perique, it creates a slightly incense-like quality, adding layers of richness and intrigue to each puff.

The Black Cavendish continues to smooth the blend, enhancing the creamy texture of the smoke. This balance of sweet, spicy, and smoky flavors keeps the experience dynamic and deeply engaging without ever becoming overwhelming.

Finish

As the bowl nears its end, the flavors deepen further. The Virginias take on a darker, toastier profile, with hints of molasses and wood. The Perique’s spicy edge remains, though slightly muted, while the Latakia takes on a richer, earthier character. The Burley’s nuttiness and the Black Cavendish’s creamy sweetness linger in the background, tying the blend together in its final moments.

The blend burns cool and clean to a fine, white ash, leaving you with a sense of satisfaction and a craving for the next bowl.

Room Note

The room note of King’s Fool is balanced and inoffensive. The Latakia provides a soft smokiness, while the Virginias and Black Cavendish contribute a bready, slightly sweet aroma. It’s pleasant without being overwhelming, making it suitable for social settings.

Strength

With a medium nicotine strength and body, King’s Fool is approachable yet satisfying. It’s an excellent choice for an evening smoke or a contemplative midday break.

Final Thoughts

Overall Assessment

Drucquer & Sons King’s Fool is a masterfully balanced complex English blend, showcasing a harmonious interplay of sweet, smoky, spicy, and nutty flavors. The light touch of Latakia is expertly integrated, allowing the Virginias, Burley, Perique, and Black Cavendish to shine in equal measure. This is a blend that evolves as you smoke, revealing new dimensions and keeping you engaged from the first light to the last puff.

What sets King’s Fool apart is its restraint. Unlike heavy Latakia-driven English blends, it focuses on subtlety and nuance, making it an excellent choice for both seasoned smokers and those new to English blends. It’s versatile enough to enjoy at any time of day and offers a deeply rewarding experience for those who take the time to savor its complexities.

Pairings

• Beverages: Pair this blend with an oolong tea, a dark roast coffee, or a mild Highland single malt Scotch like Glenmorangie Original.
• Pipes: A wide-chambered briar pipe enhances the blend’s complexity, while a churchwarden provides a cooler, more relaxed smoke.

Similar Blends

If you enjoy King’s Fool, consider exploring:

• GL Pease Chelsea Morning: A nuanced English blend with balanced sweetness and spice.
• Rattray’s Red Rapparee: A fruity, spicy English blend with a hint of smokiness.
• Samuel Gawith Squadron Leader: A classic medium English blend with similar complexity.

Recommendations

• Rating: 4.5/5
• Who Should Try It: Smokers seeking a complex English blend with layers of flavor and restrained Latakia. Perfect for those who appreciate nuance over boldness.
• Who Should Avoid It: Fans of heavy Latakia blends or smokers looking for an uncomplicated, one-dimensional experience.
• Additional Notes: This blend is an excellent candidate for aging. Over time, the Virginias will likely sweeten further, and the overall flavor profile will meld into an even richer, smoother experience.

Drucquer & Sons King’s Fool is a blend to be savored slowly, appreciated for its craftsmanship, and revisited often. It stands as a testament to the artistry of English blending, offering a smoke that is both satisfying and thought-provoking.