Samuel Gawith Brown No.4 Twist Tobacco

I can see why many people don't care for Samuel Gawith Brown No.4, it tastes like tobacco. A lot of us enjoy the effects we get from substances such as tobacco, coffee, tea, and alcohol, but the taste is often not to our liking, so we adulterate them with sugar and other flavorings or dilute them to the point of blandness. Not that there's anything wrong with that, but for those of you who enjoy your coffee black and your bourbon neat, Brown No.4 just may be your cup of tea. It is a simple, handmade twist of brown tobacco, with very little in the way of processing.
In the past, twists (a.k.a. rope, pigtail) were a very popular type of tobacco. Like plug, it can be either smoked or chewed, which made it especially popular with miners. There are many varieties, several of which have added flavorings.
Preparing a twist for smoking is a little more involved than with other types of tobacco. I usually cut off a couple of thin slices and rub them out. It packs well and burns well too. While many revile the strength of Brown No.4, the smoke itself is cool and mild. It leaves a sort of minty sensation on my tongue (not flavor, mind you, but sensation), which I have also experienced when smoking Five Brothers. I have not found it to be too strong, though I do treat it with respect. Recommendation: Highly Recommended.

Photo: Samuel Gawith & Company Ltd.