J.B. Vinche Black Amber

Black Amber is a classically structured aromatic blend made up of Burley, Virginia, and black Cavendish leaves. A light hand-applied flavoring of red fruit, some vanilla, and a touch of mirabelle plum is layered over the leaf; on opening the tin, the aroma doesn't come through strongly, and this restraint continues into the first part of the smoke. The black Cavendish carries sweetness, the Burley provides body, and the Virginia gives a dry sweetness in the background. Unlike heavily syrupy aromatics, it follows a line where the flavoring doesn't override the tobacco; both flavor and nicotine intensity stay below moderate. The Vinche name goes back to the pipe shop Jean-Baptiste Vinche opened in Brussels in 1864; the brand first became known for meerschaum and later briar pipes, and has continued its tobacco line under this long-established name.