Private Cellar: 2018 Cornell & Diehl Sea Dog

Sea Dog is an English mixture with an American Burley foundation. Dark Burley is joined by Bright Virginia, Black Cavendish, Turkish tobacco, and Cyprian Latakia, producing a blend with more moving parts than its straightforward name suggests. The Burley gives it earthy body, the Virginia contributes brightness, the Cavendish softens the texture, and the Turkish leaf and Latakia bring fragrance and smoke. Its 2018 date gives those components considerable time to settle together if the tin has stayed sealed.