Rattray Red Rapparee (British Collection)

Red Rapparee is a broken-flake English blend in Rattray's British Collection line. Red Virginia leaf is spiced with a generous amount of Oriental tobacco, while Latakia is used only at a touch level; the blend also contains black Cavendish. Red Virginia's sugary sweetness is balanced by the Oriental leaf's sweet-firm spice; this spice leaves a trace reminiscent of cinnamon and orange peel, occasionally recalling black pepper. Latakia plays a supporting role in the flavor, adding coolness to the smoke. Nicotine is medium, and toward the end of the bowl the Oriental leaf becomes active and gives a firm finish. The Rattray name draws on the Scottish pipe-tobacco tradition; the brand's tobaccos are produced today in Germany.