Rattray’s Union Jack – Product Review

Union Jack is one of Rattray’s more aromatic offerings. The aromatic journey begins with the aroma from the unlit blend. The addition of Amaretto is unquestionable. The presentation of it’s quite coarse, there are a few twiggy pieces, albeit, nothing which needs to be discarded. Like most blends the moistness of a fresh tin can be a little precarious, but no fresh tin arrives with a moisture ‘guarantee’!

The smoke, as I anticipated, carries a crystal-clear Amaretto taste; nutty and sweet, with the piquancy of the alcohol. Of the tobaccos the Burley has the most magnitude, the natural nutty character intertwining perfectly with the almonds in the Amaretto. The Virginia acts as the base/platform for the Burley, and the black Cavendish lends a touch of softness; just a ‘touch’, it isn’t a heavy, sticky, mess. The smoke, although it’s obviously flavoured, refrains from biting like a lot of aromatics do. It burns at an average speed, has a medium temperature smoke, and only requires sporadic maintenance. The nicotine in Union Jack sits below medium, and the room-note, although rather aromatic, is lovely!

Very nutty: nutty Burley boosted with a good slosh of nutty Amaretto!

If you’re a lover of nuts, this should gain your applause!

Like the sound of Rattray’s Union Jack? Buy it here!