The King Street Emporium

Windjammer

Virginia Perique

A windjammer is a large sailing cargo vessel, the kind that spent weeks or months at sea before steam made them obsolete. The navy flake tradition that Windjammer draws from has a similar age to it, pressed Virginia and Perique cakes finished with rum being among the oldest forms of prepared pipe tobacco, carried in the pockets of sailors and dockworkers through the nineteenth century. Gregory Pease's version builds on ripe Virginias and a generous measure of Perique, with Burley added for body and nuttiness and unflavored toasted black Cavendish serving as a binding element that helps the flavors adhere across the bowl. Dark rum ties the components together and adds a layer of sweetness without pulling the blend into aromatic territory. The whole mixture is pressed into a cake and cut into flakes. It is a full palate blend that rewards slow smoking and ages exceptionally well. Medium to full strength.