Among Cornell & Diehl’s most sought-after and singular Small Batch blends, The Beast returns Tuesday, March 21 — now featuring 51% Perique from C&D’s exclusive farm in St. James Parish, Louisiana.
Small Batch The Beast is one of the only mixtures on the market to highlight the unique, umami characteristics of Perique when used in large portions; indeed genuine St. James Perique comprises more than half of the blend. Together with Cornell & Diehl’s proprietary Red Virginia Cavendish, unsweetened Black Cavendish, and a whisper of Dark-Fired Kentucky, the entire mixture is soaked in spiced rum for seven days, yielding a smoke that’s rich, robust, yet exceedingly complex — supported by notes of sweet tang, mesquite wood, stone fruits, and piquant spice.