Wilsons lists this as a “Perfumed” snuff on their store page and identifies it as “Scented” on their informational page. Citron Spice per Sheffield exchange, Citrus Spice according to Sharrow online. Ah, citron is considered the “oldest, purest of the Genus Citrus. forerunner or father to lemons oranges…” The peel (pericarp) of the fruit is used as a spice; …" digressing rapidly Moist, darkish brown and what I would consider a medium to fine grind. Not a floral by any means, there is a citrus fruit-like tang on first taking this snuff that evolves very quickly into something, well… spicy! Almost comes across as peppery before becoming more firmly established as a mild cinnamon or clove like essence. The citrus aspect is never entirely lost. While the pinch is fresh in the nose it continues to come back to the front, then give way again to the spice-like nature. The citrus tang is most present at the finish as well. Rather than a perfumed presentation the scent comes across in a muted or mild, more natural fashion. Instead of blasting the users senses, WoS Strasbourg gently fills the nose with a soft lingering fragrance that at once excites and calms.
It seems that the color and moisture of a given snuff will vary from batch to batch perhaps? I should certainly have distinguished the moisture of the tin I received as medium moist perhaps. In no way is this dry, but the moisture content is low enough that it does not, umm, “pack” in the manner of say a Brunswick or Best Dark? Isn’t the subjective nature of sensory perceptions between users delightful!
If you look on the WoS site in FAQ’s it says that colour of snuff can vary from batch to batch depending on the conditions the tobacco was grown in. Stefan
I have had a strange relationship with Strasbourg in that I cannot yet define what it reminds me of, I have read all of the reviews, and I get the Citron, maybe a little cinnamon, but I find this one bewitching in its allure. I sniff it at least once a day, trying to put my finger on what I like about it. And at least one day a week I find it not that special, then Bam, all I want is more. This snuff is very much still a mystery to me, one I still delight in, I find it very close to dry, but easy to take, as all citrus/lemon snuff has to be respected for the potential to really burn if over sniffed. One thing I found is that I have to moderate my sniffing of McCrystal’s Mild Lemon, which I love, because of what I think is an allergy reaction, but the Strasbourg has that citrus tang, but no side effects so far. I highly recommend a small tin for anyone’s collection. I have acquired a half pound for mine. Very beguiling snuff.
Love it , i am waiting for 1/2 drum from Wilsons.
The more I use it the more sure I am that it contains some violet like the Strasbourgs of old. Compare to McChrystal’s Violet and I think you will see what I mean. Citron is very distinctive too, from bergamot or lemon. I love this snuff. I have 2 unopened 25g tins in the cellar and a half drum on the way. Good review, OTD!
I ordered a 25g tin of this on the Wilsons web special should be here next week. I’ve not tried this before now but after reading your review OTD I’m very glad I added this one to the order.
Such an appropriate descriptor Whalen, “beguiling”. The wealth of this forum lies in the observations and experiences of all the members. Comments by other members over the past few months is what prompted me to give this one a try. So in turn, my thanks to all of you for the leads!
@OTD, you and Xander have a gift for reviews, I do not, I have the hardest time putting words to smells, I have tried reviewing snuff, but I suck at it. I believe I am unable to link what I smell with an appropriate descriptor, When I read reviews I go of course! But without other subject reviews I am clueless about describing what I am sensing, I get the smell, I just cannot link it to a object, such as lavender. I have an almost obscene collection of snuffs now, hundreds, and I know what I like, but lack the brain function that links it to an object. Ben that way for a year now. I am able to pick up the subtlest of differences amongst WOS SP’s, and if you where to ask me what snuff had a hint of rose, I could point it out without hesitation, but without hearing the word rose, I could not tell you what the subtle difference was. Weird brain chemistry I guess. Very frustrating for me.
Well thanks to a super fresh tub of WOS Strasbourg fresh from the mill, and about two hours of airing out, I can say for certain that the beguiling scent in the snuff is nutmeg! And just a touch of Rose, but along with the Citron it all gets transformed, just wonderful. I must say that a factory fresh tub is so silky moist and unforgettable in the richness of flavors. Had such a lovely time with this one!!! The fresh snuff is just supercharged in flavor and makes it so easy to pick them out. A real keeper. I was able to microplane a fresh nutmeg to compare.
Ran back the to the tin of Strasbourg… nutmeg eh… could very well be Whalen! After last night and again this morning at play with a variety of dark snuffs, the Strasbourg just now is very refreshing. Nutmeg…!
strasbourg is a bit to strong for me flavo(u)r wise i usually mix it with some tom buck
I always have a pound of this around. I used to always have a pound of Camphor and Mild around, too, until they changed it for the worse. Now, Strasbourg is my favorite snuff.
Why would they change Camphor & Mild? I’ve a half drum on the way. It better be the same as the tin I fell in love with.
The rumor is that it is touched up with menthol now, but it may be that the menthol is more noticeable when fresh and fades with a bit of age.
I have 1/2 lb of it, very fresh and no sign of menthol.
My 1/2 pound should be here in the next couple of days, so I’ll report back.
I echo ermtony, I too have a ½ lb drum definitely no menthol.
Ditto 1/2lb drum here no menthol. Stefan
I’ve been on Strasbourg with a new nose. I think Whalen is correct there is nutmeg & cinnamon it there, and some floral too.
I hope Whalen that you didn’t air that ½lb tub out!