I'm fairly new to pipe smoking and have tried to do my research. Capt Black was one of those recommended for new pipe smokers. I found it to be very nice, smooth with good flavor and aroma. It does tend to get wet after a little way down the bowl. You also must clean your pipe after EVERY smoke and even go through it with some solution every once in a while or else it will taste like,,,, Well, You Know. Not much to add to the very interesting reviews already posted. I will try it again, but not anytime soon. Like many others, my starter tobacco. Its a go to smoke when you cant find anything else. I always keep some of this around. My dad smoked Captain Black when I was a kid, and I guess part of the hook is the nostalgia of it. The European version is remixed, leaving some of the chemicals and additives (e.g. cumarin) out, which are prohibited by EU regulations. Differences are neglectable to the smoker, the sweetness has maybe a little more depth in the US version. The room note and handling however are highly affected. It does have its issues - it is usually too moist right out of the pouch. But I could see potential for it to happen if one were to chug. IM GLAD I DID. I think this tobacco gets a bad wrap! As far as heat, it does tend to get a little on the warm side, so be careful of that. Captain Black White is one of the very best. I would recommend it to any pipe smoker, with no reservations. Good to try getting into some aromatics. This was my first brand of tobacco. Opening the pouch reveals tobacco that is still nicely moist, a good smoking consistency. This attests to the longevity of the humectant used, since I doubt Lane ever designed this pouch with aging prospects in mind. It's a pretty good consistency, with a few stems and tougher pieces, and the smell is of classic vanilla aromatic.