al-Waha Jasmine review

[Lugia]

Reviewed: al-Waha Jasmine. 50g box.First Impressions: 7/10 Very rich, heavy jasmine scent from this, cut with a layer of licorice. Tobacco itself is the usual al-Waha shreds...thick, several stemmy chunks, nothing too spectacular but at the same time very much in character for the brand.Smoke: 8/10 Once it gets going, it's good...fairly heavy, good weight, nice expansion in the lungs. Not up to the sort of 'fumigation' that you see with a few other al-Wahas, but at the same time it's not a lightweight, either.Buzz: 8/10 I'm demoting this a notch because it's somewhat too buzzy for my tastes. However, those who like a good wallop in the head and body are apt to like this. Very 'body'...had me sort of having the stomach 'butterflies'. Definitely the most present characteristic of this ma'assel.Smoking Time: 10/10 Very nice, once it gets going. I was well into the second coal when the buzz became just a little too uncomfortable for me, and there was still plenty left to go out of the 25g I loaded.Taste: 10/10 Flavorful, clear, hefty jasmine tastes with an undertone something like sweet basil. This could be the licorice talking here, but it's not overpoweringly licorice-y. Definitely a winner in the same way that al-Waha's rose works out well in the floral characteristics. Nice aftertastes as well...the flavor keeps right on going.Aroma: 10/10 Strong, and very floral. Aroma hangs in the air nicely, very nice aroma on the nose. Basil aroma isn't present here, just a nicely-weighted jasmine.Summation: 8/10 It's a satisfier. However, it's no lightweight. Those who like a more traditional smoke should check this. But it's not necessarily one for those who like the fruitier, more candy-like ma'assels and certainly not one for those who prefer things on the light side. One to be done in moderation, really, but when you want a real boot to the head, it's one to consider. If you like the old-school, 'headache-y' ma'assels such as Nakhla, etc, check this.Machine: 21" Hookah Bros. Egyptian with 25g Egyptian-style bowl, 72" cobra hose.