Summer of 2016 Blind Review Thread

[Tobias Lutz]

Here's where you put them, gentlemen. Have fun; a MASSIVE prize package awaits one lucky reviewer :)

[droy1958]

Here's my review....wahhhhhhh. Did I win? 😁

[cpmcdill]

Blend: #17
Pipe: Grabow Golden Duke rusticated pot
Packing method: Codger stuff
Appearance: Ribbon cut that seems like it was chopped down a little smaller. A small amount of yellow, some dark, and mostly medium brown tobacco.
Pouch Note: Smells sweet, and has some kind of topping though my nose cannot make out what it is. Seems very familiar though, like something I've had before. I'm guessing a mild cherry with maybe something else in the mix.

This blend is moist, so I set some out to dry a little before lighting up.

With a bit of drying, it lights up easily, on the first flame. The smoke is sweet and pleasant. The tobacco, which I'm guessing is burley and Virginia, is mildly pleasant. The aromatic topping does not come through in the smoke, except as that sweetness I mentioned.

By about halfway, it's gone out a couple times, but mostly because I either slowed down my cadence too much, or set the pipe down to type. I'm starting to get a bit of crackle in the pipe due to moisture. This pipe resists gurgling though, so I probably won't need to run a pipe cleaner through.

In the last quarter, the sweetness has tapered off, but I am getting a bit of a cherry aftertaste in my mouth. In the end it burned down to ash with a small amount of dottle.

As an aromatic, I thought this was pretty good. My wife enjoyed the room note and the pouch note. She likes an occasional pipe herself, so she might try this next.

[cpmcdill]

Blend: #16
Pipe: Comoy's bent bulldog
Packing method: Codger stuff/air pocket
Appearance: Ribbon cut with a lot of finer particles. Looks to be an equal mix of yellow, medium brown and dark brown/black tobacco.
Pouch Note: I get the impression of an English blend, with a note of Latakia.

Just right degree of dryness, took a light easily, and made a good first impression. A light-medium English blend, not a Lat-bomb. I've never been a good one to judge nic-strength of pipe tobaccos, as I also sometimes smoke strong cigars and use snuff tobacco made from Rustica. But I'd say this had a fair nic-hit.

This stayed lit from the get-go, until I set it down to write the first paragraph. The general feeling at the halfway point is that this is a good quality English blend, easy on the Lat and perhaps comparable to Squadron Leader. The pipe I chose to smoke this in plays well with English blends, so the experience has been good thus far.

Relit and smoked it down to the bottom. No big changes to the flavor. Usual ash with some dottle. Conclusion: I like this enough to enjoy finishing off the rest of the baggie. If it grows on me, I may get more once I know what it is.

[Branzig]

http://i1328.photobucket.com/albums/w530/branzig/IMG_20160625_190240_zpsj01k3ftn.jpg (http://s1328.photobucket.com/user/branzig/media/IMG_20160625_190240_zpsj01k3ftn.jpg.html)

Mystery Tobacco 7

Pipes: All cobs, mainly spooled Great Danes.

Tin Note: Light aromatic. Little bit of spice, vanilla, and molasses. Tiny bit of Virginia hay notes.

Tobacco is a light and dark mix of cut up ribbon pieces. The Virginia is visible in the mixture and perhaps some burley. Probably some cavendish. I let the tobacco sit out in the sun for about 5 minutes each time before smoking. The tobacco smoked all the way down to the bottom of the bowl no problem, and only needed a relight if I quit smoking for one reason or another. No aromatic goop, which is a plus.

From the initial light, I was able to pick up tiny bits of caramel and vanilla flavors. Very easy on the tongue, no bite whatsoever. The mouthfeel is light and wispy. Getting into the second half of the bowl, I finally am able to pick out some "tobacco" flavors other than bland, white burley. Virginia pokes its head in and out from time to time now. Still easy on the mouth. The last 3rd of the bowl was much of the same. Little hints of vanilla/molasses here and there. Tiny bit of caramel. Little bit of earthy sweet Virginia. No real nuttiness from the burleys. Overall, a straight forward and sweet aromatic.

I would describe this one as a "mindless" all day smoke for those who like aros. I don't use the term mindless as an insult. I am using it to describe complexity of the blend, because there is none. It's something you can smoke without having to think about it. It is a very straight forward, easy smoking, sweet aromatic. It doesn't bite, even if you try to steam train puff it, and it burns down very easily with no maintenance to the bottom of the bowl.

My only complaint was that it was too light for me in every aspect. Not enough nicotine, not enough flavor from the aro, not enough tobacco flavor. Not enough of anything really. I was able to make it a little more interesting though, by smoking it in one of my Lakeland snot infected pipes :p Instantly more interesting with a geranium and lavender topping on it :piper:

[cpmcdill]

Blend: #18
Pipe: Comoy's bent bulldog
Packing method: Codger stuff
Appearance: Ribbon cut. Dark yellow and brown with a lot of black tobacco.
Pouch Note: Smells like an English blend. Latakia is present, but not overwhelming.
Lighting method (why didn't I think of this before?): standard Zippo

At first light this blend seemed a bit unbalanced, but as it settled in, everything pulled together, and I got the sense of a pretty decent English blend. All of the component tobaccos found their place, and the smoking experience became rather pleasant. I was smoking this as I was reading something, and my cadence must have been just right, as I was surprised that I was nearing the end. I set it down with about 25% left.

After typing up that first paragraph, I relit for the final stretch. A very slight note of sweetness is present, as well as a balancing astringent note. The smokiness of the Latakia doesn't dominate, but is always present, like a chatty backseat passenger who keeps you awake during night drives. Present enough that it's a bit hard to tell if there's Burley or Oriental in the blend, though I do suspect that there may not be Perique, unless it's in very negligible amounts.

Right near the end of the bowl I had trouble keeping it lit. Probably a combination of moisture and accumulated ash. So I scraped out the rest and swabbed the pipe. I thought this was a decent English blend. Not quite as good as #16, but good enough to finish off this baggie at least. The initial sense of unbalance, though it subsided, might still have been there just beneath the surface, though not enough to turn me off to this particular mixture.

[cpmcdill]

http://i1328.photobucket.com/albums/w530/branzig/IMG_20160625_190240_zpsj01k3ftn.jpg (http://s1328.photobucket.com/user/branzig/media/IMG_20160625_190240_zpsj01k3ftn.jpg.html)


Branzig - What's the beer? I'm guessing from the glimpse of the label a nice hoppy brew? My most recent smoke was accompanied by a local beer from Flying Dog Brewery called "Raging Bitch" (8.3 ABV)...
Raging Bitch Belgian-Style IPA - Flying Dog BreweryFlying Dog Brewery (http://flyingdogbrewery.com/?beers=raging-bitch)

And yes, their labels are illustrated by the immortal Ralph Steadman. Amazing beers. Their "Double Dog" is as rich as a Porter but is a super hopped-up IPA with an 11.5 ABV. Brutal and brilliant.

[Branzig]

Branzig - What's the beer? I'm guessing from the glimpse of the label a nice hoppy brew? My most recent smoke was accompanied by a local beer from Flying Dog Brewery called "Raging Bitch" (8.3 ABV)...
Raging Bitch Belgian-Style IPA - Flying Dog BreweryFlying Dog Brewery (http://flyingdogbrewery.com/?beers=raging-bitch)

And yes, their labels are illustrated by the immortal Ralph Steadman. Amazing beers. Their "Double Dog" is as rich as a Porter but is a super hopped-up IPA with an 11.5 ABV. Brutal and brilliant.
It is a hoppy delight indeed, but lacking in the ABV as it is a session brew.

Ninkasi Easy Way IPA

If you haven't drank much from Ninkasi, you're missing out. They make some fine brews. Total Domination IPA, Tricerahops, and Dawn Of The Red are all great.

I've never drank your brew there. Looks tasty though! I may have to see if I can pick some up. Since I have Ralph Steadman art tattooed on part of my body, that is a pretty strong selling point as well [emoji106]

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

[c.ortiz108]

Mystery Sutliff Blend #13 :witch:

So, I’ve done a fair few cigar reviews but only one tobacco review – and that was just having fun at the expense of the vile and dreaded Mixture No. 79. So your mileage may really vary from this review. Unlike Branzig who sensibly gives a blend 3 bowls before reviewing, I’m going to insensibly dive right in with my totally first-impression review.

I’m pairing this with a slightly sweet iced coffee with cream, and smoking in a rusticated Parker apple dedicated to Black Cavendish aros.

Out of the bag it’s very sticky, and very fruity- vanilla smelling. Reminds me of a liqueur or brandy – some kind of sweet alcohol. Appearance is mostly black with some brown ribbon-cut. So wet and goopy there’s a residue inside the bag.

It lights and smokes easily, even though I only left it out a few minutes. It's very soft and fruity smoking, with a little creaminess. I’m thinking stewed fruits like plum or apricot. The topping is so heavy I feel like it’s permanently lodged in my nostrils and I can still smell it on my fingers from packing. A true gooper. The room note is also very sweet and not really tobacco-like at all. I can even taste the sweetness on my tongue, and it kind of reminds me of shisha tobacco which is not necessarily a bad thing.

There's an occasional little zing, like tartness from fruit. This is seriously fruity stuff. There’s some other flavor I can’t put my finger on. Maybe it’s supposed to be some kind of berry. Is Sutliff the ones who do the mango-raspberry blend? The tartness is gone 1/3 down the bowl and it’s now just sweet and kind of marshmallowy. The vanilla is still there, too. It’s not an unpleasant smoke, but it doesn’t taste very natural either. Kind of reminds me of the junky, colorful candy I’d get in the 7-11 when I was kid. Like Bottle Caps. No, wait! It’s Necco wafers! Is it possible that Sutliff made a Necco Wafer blend?

5776

Halfway there and I’m getting a little soapiness – more Mixture 79 than Lakeland. I’m guessing the tobacco itself is mostly Black Cavendish + a bit of burley, and a lot of burley-based aros tastes a little soapy to me.

Thinking of this blend in terms of shisha tobacco helps me to enjoy it a little more – imagining being at some outdoor Egyptian or Moroccan shisha bar late at night under the stars with warped Middle Eastern pop playing on an old cassette tape.

5777

Thinking about it in terms of Necco Wafers kind of diminishes my enjoyment.

It gets a little gurgly towards the end. Very low nicotine.

Bottom line: I recommend this if you like smooth, sweet, fruity, marshmallowy blends with not a lot of tobacco flavor or strength. It leaves a relatively clean palate so my wife won't be repulsed by me for very long. It’s inoffensive, but a little boring. I can’t really imagine ever craving it in particular, or choosing it over other aros I like much better.

I have zero confidence in my ability to identify flavors in pipe tobacco, so this might end up being pretty amusing when the identity is revealed…..

Thanks Tobias Lutz for the opportunity to try this, and for getting me back to reviewing!

[Tobias Lutz]

Alright guys...sorry I have been absent for a couple days. I bought a new laptop and have spent my free time since Friday configuring everything before I "broke it in". I'll respond to everyone's reviews with a quote and blend description from the manufacturer.

[Tobias Lutz]

Blend: #17
Pipe: Grabow Golden Duke rusticated pot
Packing method: Codger stuff
Appearance: Ribbon cut that seems like it was chopped down a little smaller. A small amount of yellow, some dark, and mostly medium brown tobacco.
Pouch Note: Smells sweet, and has some kind of topping though my nose cannot make out what it is. Seems very familiar though, like something I've had before. I'm guessing a mild cherry with maybe something else in the mix.

This blend is moist, so I set some out to dry a little before lighting up.

With a bit of drying, it lights up easily, on the first flame. The smoke is sweet and pleasant. The tobacco, which I'm guessing is burley and Virginia, is mildly pleasant. The aromatic topping does not come through in the smoke, except as that sweetness I mentioned.

By about halfway, it's gone out a couple times, but mostly because I either slowed down my cadence too much, or set the pipe down to type. I'm starting to get a bit of crackle in the pipe due to moisture. This pipe resists gurgling though, so I probably won't need to run a pipe cleaner through.

In the last quarter, the sweetness has tapered off, but I am getting a bit of a cherry aftertaste in my mouth. In the end it burned down to ash with a small amount of dottle.

As an aromatic, I thought this was pretty good. My wife enjoyed the room note and the pouch note. She likes an occasional pipe herself, so she might try this next.

You enjoyed a bowl of SPS South Seas:

Product Description

If you can’t get away to the Islands, bring the Islands to you with this Aromatic pipe tobacco from Sutliff Private Stock! South Seas is a mix of Burleys and Virginias flavored with coconut, mango and pineapple. The combination creates a slightly sour and mildly fruity smoke that will delight you even in the dead of winter.

Brand: Sutliff

Blended By: Carl McCallister

Model: Private Stock

Tobacco Type: Burley and Virginia

Cut: Coarse Cut

Blend Type: Aromatic

Strength: 1 of 5

Taste: Medium

Room Note: Pleasant

Flavoring: Mango, Pineapple and Coconut

Amount: 1.5 oz.

Country: USA

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Blend: #16
Pipe: Comoy's bent bulldog
Packing method: Codger stuff/air pocket
Appearance: Ribbon cut with a lot of finer particles. Looks to be an equal mix of yellow, medium brown and dark brown/black tobacco.
Pouch Note: I get the impression of an English blend, with a note of Latakia.

Just right degree of dryness, took a light easily, and made a good first impression. A light-medium English blend, not a Lat-bomb. I've never been a good one to judge nic-strength of pipe tobaccos, as I also sometimes smoke strong cigars and use snuff tobacco made from Rustica. But I'd say this had a fair nic-hit.

This stayed lit from the get-go, until I set it down to write the first paragraph. The general feeling at the halfway point is that this is a good quality English blend, easy on the Lat and perhaps comparable to Squadron Leader. The pipe I chose to smoke this in plays well with English blends, so the experience has been good thus far.

Relit and smoked it down to the bottom. No big changes to the flavor. Usual ash with some dottle. Conclusion: I like this enough to enjoy finishing off the rest of the baggie. If it grows on me, I may get more once I know what it is.

This was SPS Westminster:

Westminster is a rich, medium-bodied blend of excellent Cyprial Latakia, exotic Turkish Orientals and premium flue-cured Virginias. When you're looking for a dependable, smoky-sweet blend, you can't do better than Westminster.

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http://i1328.photobucket.com/albums/w530/branzig/IMG_20160625_190240_zpsj01k3ftn.jpg (http://s1328.photobucket.com/user/branzig/media/IMG_20160625_190240_zpsj01k3ftn.jpg.html)

Mystery Tobacco 7

Pipes: All cobs, mainly spooled Great Danes.

Tin Note: Light aromatic. Little bit of spice, vanilla, and molasses. Tiny bit of Virginia hay notes.

Tobacco is a light and dark mix of cut up ribbon pieces. The Virginia is visible in the mixture and perhaps some burley. Probably some cavendish. I let the tobacco sit out in the sun for about 5 minutes each time before smoking. The tobacco smoked all the way down to the bottom of the bowl no problem, and only needed a relight if I quit smoking for one reason or another. No aromatic goop, which is a plus.

From the initial light, I was able to pick up tiny bits of caramel and vanilla flavors. Very easy on the tongue, no bite whatsoever. The mouthfeel is light and wispy. Getting into the second half of the bowl, I finally am able to pick out some "tobacco" flavors other than bland, white burley. Virginia pokes its head in and out from time to time now. Still easy on the mouth. The last 3rd of the bowl was much of the same. Little hints of vanilla/molasses here and there. Tiny bit of caramel. Little bit of earthy sweet Virginia. No real nuttiness from the burleys. Overall, a straight forward and sweet aromatic.

I would describe this one as a "mindless" all day smoke for those who like aros. I don't use the term mindless as an insult. I am using it to describe complexity of the blend, because there is none. It's something you can smoke without having to think about it. It is a very straight forward, easy smoking, sweet aromatic. It doesn't bite, even if you try to steam train puff it, and it burns down very easily with no maintenance to the bottom of the bowl.

My only complaint was that it was too light for me in every aspect. Not enough nicotine, not enough flavor from the aro, not enough tobacco flavor. Not enough of anything really. I was able to make it a little more interesting though, by smoking it in one of my Lakeland snot infected pipes :p Instantly more interesting with a geranium and lavender topping on it :piper:

This was SPS Golden Age:

We can thank the Golden Age of Exploration for introducing the Old World to Perique. The Chickasaw and Choctaw Indians cured Perique in hollow tree stumps, hundreds of years before the arrival of the first Europeans. Perique lovers will marvel at Sutliff's distinctive mixture combined with Turkish, Burley, Black Cavendish and Virginia.

[Tobias Lutz]

Blend: #18
Pipe: Comoy's bent bulldog
Packing method: Codger stuff
Appearance: Ribbon cut. Dark yellow and brown with a lot of black tobacco.
Pouch Note: Smells like an English blend. Latakia is present, but not overwhelming.
Lighting method (why didn't I think of this before?): standard Zippo

At first light this blend seemed a bit unbalanced, but as it settled in, everything pulled together, and I got the sense of a pretty decent English blend. All of the component tobaccos found their place, and the smoking experience became rather pleasant. I was smoking this as I was reading something, and my cadence must have been just right, as I was surprised that I was nearing the end. I set it down with about 25% left.

After typing up that first paragraph, I relit for the final stretch. A very slight note of sweetness is present, as well as a balancing astringent note. The smokiness of the Latakia doesn't dominate, but is always present, like a chatty backseat passenger who keeps you awake during night drives. Present enough that it's a bit hard to tell if there's Burley or Oriental in the blend, though I do suspect that there may not be Perique, unless it's in very negligible amounts.

Right near the end of the bowl I had trouble keeping it lit. Probably a combination of moisture and accumulated ash. So I scraped out the rest and swabbed the pipe. I thought this was a decent English blend. Not quite as good as #16, but good enough to finish off this baggie at least. The initial sense of unbalance, though it subsided, might still have been there just beneath the surface, though not enough to turn me off to this particular mixture.

This is one of my favortite SPS blends: Bosphorus Cruise:

Bosphorus Cruise is a treat for the Latakia lover. Dark, smoky Cyprian Latakia is deftly blended with red Virginias, which add a toasty sweetness and Turkish Smyrna for a richly exotic note. Rich enough for an evening smoke, it's also light enough to enjoy anytime.

[Tobias Lutz]

Mystery Sutliff Blend #13 :witch:

So, I’ve done a fair few cigar reviews but only one tobacco review – and that was just having fun at the expense of the vile and dreaded Mixture No. 79. So your mileage may really vary from this review. Unlike Branzig who sensibly gives a blend 3 bowls before reviewing, I’m going to insensibly dive right in with my totally first-impression review.

I’m pairing this with a slightly sweet iced coffee with cream, and smoking in a rusticated Parker apple dedicated to Black Cavendish aros.

Out of the bag it’s very sticky, and very fruity- vanilla smelling. Reminds me of a liqueur or brandy – some kind of sweet alcohol. Appearance is mostly black with some brown ribbon-cut. So wet and goopy there’s a residue inside the bag.

It lights and smokes easily, even though I only left it out a few minutes. It's very soft and fruity smoking, with a little creaminess. I’m thinking stewed fruits like plum or apricot. The topping is so heavy I feel like it’s permanently lodged in my nostrils and I can still smell it on my fingers from packing. A true gooper. The room note is also very sweet and not really tobacco-like at all. I can even taste the sweetness on my tongue, and it kind of reminds me of shisha tobacco which is not necessarily a bad thing.

There's an occasional little zing, like tartness from fruit. This is seriously fruity stuff. There’s some other flavor I can’t put my finger on. Maybe it’s supposed to be some kind of berry. Is Sutliff the ones who do the mango-raspberry blend? The tartness is gone 1/3 down the bowl and it’s now just sweet and kind of marshmallowy. The vanilla is still there, too. It’s not an unpleasant smoke, but it doesn’t taste very natural either. Kind of reminds me of the junky, colorful candy I’d get in the 7-11 when I was kid. Like Bottle Caps. No, wait! It’s Necco wafers! Is it possible that Sutliff made a Necco Wafer blend?

5776

Halfway there and I’m getting a little soapiness – more Mixture 79 than Lakeland. I’m guessing the tobacco itself is mostly Black Cavendish + a bit of burley, and a lot of burley-based aros tastes a little soapy to me.

Thinking of this blend in terms of shisha tobacco helps me to enjoy it a little more – imagining being at some outdoor Egyptian or Moroccan shisha bar late at night under the stars with warped Middle Eastern pop playing on an old cassette tape.

5777

Thinking about it in terms of Necco Wafers kind of diminishes my enjoyment.

It gets a little gurgly towards the end. Very low nicotine.

Bottom line: I recommend this if you like smooth, sweet, fruity, marshmallowy blends with not a lot of tobacco flavor or strength. It leaves a relatively clean palate so my wife won't be repulsed by me for very long. It’s inoffensive, but a little boring. I can’t really imagine ever craving it in particular, or choosing it over other aros I like much better.

I have zero confidence in my ability to identify flavors in pipe tobacco, so this might end up being pretty amusing when the identity is revealed…..

Thanks Tobias Lutz for the opportunity to try this, and for getting me back to reviewing!

https://img.buzzfeed.com/buzzfeed-static/static/enhanced/web04/2012/10/26/16/enhanced-buzz-14534-1351284800-16.jpg

You smoked a bowl of SPS Molto Dolce (One of their most heavily promoted blends):

Molto Dolce is a runaway hit for Sutliff Private Stock. Excellent sweet Virginias, mellow Burleys and superior black Cavendish are married with essences of vanilla, caramel and honey for smooth flavor and an outstanding room note.

[c.ortiz108]

https://img.buzzfeed.com/buzzfeed-static/static/enhanced/web04/2012/10/26/16/enhanced-buzz-14534-1351284800-16.jpg

You smoked a bowl of SPS Molto Dolce (One of their most heavily promoted blends):

Molto Dolce is a runaway hit for Sutliff Private Stock. Excellent sweet Virginias, mellow Burleys and superior black Cavendish are married with essences of vanilla, caramel and honey for smooth flavor and an outstanding room note.

Seriously!? I've really been wanting to try Molto Dolce! I'll give it another chance and try to let all the positive reviews sway my opinion. I can't believe there's no fruit flavor!

[Tobias Lutz]

Seriously!? I've really been wanting to try Molto Dolce! I'll give it another chance and try to let all the positive reviews sway my opinion. I can't believe there's no fruit flavor!

I strongly suggest drying it out a bit. I find most Cavendish based aros smoke best when they are almost crispy. Some people find smoking it too dry makes them susceptible to tongue bite, but I've not encountered this problem.

[Branzig]

This was SPS Golden Age:

We can thank the Golden Age of Exploration for introducing the Old World to Perique. The Chickasaw and Choctaw Indians cured Perique in hollow tree stumps, hundreds of years before the arrival of the first Europeans. Perique lovers will marvel at Sutliff's distinctive mixture combined with Turkish, Burley, Black Cavendish and Virginia.

Well that explains the spice that kept poking through and the caramel/hay. But what shocks me is the fact that this isn't topped with sumtin! I swear it has a little something added too it...but then again I'm usually wrong about most things! Mine as well be off on this too. [emoji1]

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

[c.ortiz108]

Mystery Tobacco #23

Smoked in an old Comoy’s Academy Award dedicated to Latakia blends.

This is an odd-looking blend of mostly very light tobacco cut in short, wide, ribbony squares, which I guess is a VA, plus some dark brown and black strands which seem to be Latakia and other Orientals judging by the smell. It’s really dry and if I didn’t know the source I’d wonder if it had been left lying around in an open tin too long.

Latakia blends are my favorite. I’m a sucker for them so I’m already thinking this could be good…. But the dryness and random cut make me a little skeptical.

I’m already halfway down the bowl and trying to find something to say. It burns fast because of the dryness, but for some reason needs quite a few relights. The Virginia is a little harsh, bitey, and cigarette-like. It kind of tastes as cheap as it looks. There’s a little interest coming from Orientals, I think - some lemon and earthy flavors. But if there was such a thing as a Latakia OTC this would be it. Just a generic English blend. Like fast food.

Not that it’s bad at all – after all it has Latakia and Orientals! It’s smokable and may be good for someone who smokes multiple bowls a day and wants something English, cheap, and unchallenging (like Adele…. sorry!). I’d smoke it if I ran out of my other English/Balkan/Scottish blends (which tend towards McClelland, SG, Dunhill and McConnells'), or if it were the last one left after a tobaccapocalypse, but don’t think I’d reach for it otherwise.

Now watch, Tobias is going to tell me it was some H&H masterwork with a wonderful reputation.... At least I know it's not Penzance!

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I strongly suggest drying it out a bit. I find most Cavendish based aros smoke best when they are almost crispy. Some people find smoking it too dry makes them susceptible to tongue bite, but I've not encountered this problem.

I'll do that! I was impressed that it burned so well being so wet, but will definitely dry it next time.

[Tobias Lutz]

Mystery Tobacco #23

Smoked in an old Comoy’s Academy Award dedicated to Latakia blends.

This is an odd-looking blend of mostly very light tobacco cut in short, wide, ribbony squares, which I guess is a VA, plus some dark brown and black strands which seem to be Latakia and other Orientals judging by the smell. It’s really dry and if I didn’t know the source I’d wonder if it had been left lying around in an open tin too long.

Latakia blends are my favorite. I’m a sucker for them so I’m already thinking this could be good…. But the dryness and random cut make me a little skeptical.

I’m already halfway down the bowl and trying to find something to say. It burns fast because of the dryness, but for some reason needs quite a few relights. The Virginia is a little harsh, bitey, and cigarette-like. It kind of tastes as cheap as it looks. There’s a little interest coming from Orientals, I think - some lemon and earthy flavors. But if there was such a thing as a Latakia OTC this would be it. Just a generic English blend. Like fast food.

Not that it’s bad at all – after all it has Latakia and Orientals! It’s smokable and may be good for someone who smokes multiple bowls a day and wants something English, cheap, and unchallenging (like Adele…. sorry!). I’d smoke it if I ran out of my other English/Balkan/Scottish blends (which tend towards McClelland, SG, Dunhill and McConnells'), or if it were the last one left after a tobaccapocalypse, but don’t think I’d reach for it otherwise.

Now watch, Tobias is going to tell me it was some H&H masterwork with a wonderful reputation.... At least I know it's not Penzance!

Numbers 19-24 are the Hearth and Home samples; everyone received one. What you smoked was H&H Distinguished Penguin:

The name existed before the blend. One of our employees suggested that we make a tobacco called “Distinguished Penguin”, so we took the challenge. As you might expect, this is a light/dark mixture (technically, it’s considered a Scottish blend) of Carolina and Virginia flake-cut, with Stoved Virginia, a light amount of Latakia, and a bit of unflavored toasted black Cavendish - a mild and slightly sweet smoke with character.

[c.ortiz108]

Numbers 19-24 are the Hearth and Home samples; everyone received one. What you smoked was H&H Distinguished Penguin:

The name existed before the blend. One of our employees suggested that we make a tobacco called “Distinguished Penguin”, so we took the challenge. As you might expect, this is a light/dark mixture (technically, it’s considered a Scottish blend) of Carolina and Virginia flake-cut, with Stoved Virginia, a light amount of Latakia, and a bit of unflavored toasted black Cavendish - a mild and slightly sweet smoke with character.

There's a lesson to be learned here about naming a blend before it exists....

Thanks again for all this, Tobias - it's really fun and cheering up my post-Brexit weekend!

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By the way, anyone know what Carolina actually is? A kind of Burley or ?

[cpmcdill]

You enjoyed a bowl of SPS South Seas:

Product Description

If you can’t get away to the Islands, bring the Islands to you with this Aromatic pipe tobacco from Sutliff Private Stock! South Seas is a mix of Burleys and Virginias flavored with coconut, mango and pineapple. The combination creates a slightly sour and mildly fruity smoke that will delight you even in the dead of winter.
.

Funny how much the beverage that accompanies a pipe can alter the flavor. I had a very hoppy beer that had a lot of subtle fruit flavor esters in it, which masked the tropical notes of the tobacco, leaving me with a tartness that I mistook for cherry. Going back and sniffing the bag, I think I can now identify at least the pineapple.

[c.ortiz108]

Mystery Blend #15

Looks like all black Cavendish, cut a bit haphazardly. Smells a bit sweet out of the bag but nothing overpowering. Can’t tell what the flavoring is, but seems fruity.

There’s a very pronounced sour, citrus flavor which is surprisingly nice. The smoke itself is really warm in the mouth which is unusual to me. Not in a bitey sort of way, more like a soft, warm, tart lemon meringue. That said, it crackles as it burns and makes the pipe pretty hot even though I’m smoking slow.

It’s a very mild smoke and has me searching for flavor. That’s not a bad thing because it’s making me pay attention. I suspect there’s more to this blend than meets the eye. There’s a vanilla nuttiness 1/3 down the bowl. The sour lemony thing is gone.

It changes a bit halfway down, and gets more flavorful. I can taste the tobacco more, but I have no idea what else I’m tasting. It’s a darker flavor than before. There’s a pleasant richness to it, and a creamy mouthfeel. I’m starting to wonder if it has some Orientals in it. Maybe some chocolate, caramel, and/or coffee? I have no idea! The topping is comparatively light next to the Molto Dolce I tried the other day.

I’m totally mystified by this blend, but I like it and will look forward to seeing if I have the same experience in a different pipe. Burns pretty quickly and easily, so it’s a fairly short smoke.

[BryGuySC]

Okay! I've got my initial impressions down. I may come back and elaborate, but these are my vague and unhelpful first thoughts.

Thank you for giving us this opportunity, Tobias!

4
Light to black pieces. Pretty even mix.
Faintly English, but I get more orientals than Latakia. There is a buttery spice there.
This reminds me a little of Dunhill Early Morning Pipe, but more subdued. Not huge volumes of smoke from this one.
I want to freight train this smoke to pull more flavor from it, but force myself to settle back and enjoy it for what it is.
I dumped the ash, stirred the tobacco, tamped and relit. This helped it wake up a bit. The buttery oriental jumped back to the front.
No burn on the retrohale.
A slight sweetness is coming out, like I normally find in Virginias.
All in all, an enjoyable smoke.
Don't pack this one too tight.

5
Very chopped ribbon, including a lot of little pieces. Light to black pieces, so I expect Virginia, burley, and Cavendish.
Bag note: sweet. Maybe a hint of fruit and vanilla
Smoke: starts off with a smoky note, which I did not expect. Not sweet or fruity.
Add the bowl settles in, a thicker mouthfeel develops, and bounces back and forth between very mild English and very mild aromatic. Maybe a kind of berry? I'm not great at this.
The fruit gets stronger for the second half of the bowl. I still can't place it. Not peach, apricot. I don't think it is cherry or raspberry.
Overall, a very pleasant, soft smoke.
Doesn't bite. Stays lit. Hint of fruit sweetness and smoke.
I would recommend this to a new smoker.


6
Mix of Cavendish and burley?
Bag note: cherry?
Smokes easily.
I taste burley. I don't pick up any Virginia.
Fruit, cherry I think. But it is mild.
Some vanilla.
Halfway through the bowl, the fruit pulls back and the vanilla comes out more. Then it dies back again.
As I let the pipe go out, I think I get a faint hint of pineapple.
After relight, it is hot and a little dry.
As it settles back down, a little cherry comes back.
Not much in the retrohale. A hint of the fruit.
I get a very mild amount of numbness in my mouth.
A little sweetness picks back up. The flavors are very timid.
Overall, this is a mild smoke. The flavors are subtle.
A good easy going smoke with flavors that are not overbearing.


20
All shades from light yellow to black, not a lot of black.
A smooth smoke of the English variety.
Pulling on the pipe draws in a smoke with the sensation of sipping on water that is just barely over body temp. No big hit of flavor on the tip of the tongue. The flavor more settles on the sides.
This strikes me as more of a Balkan Sobranie English than a Dunhill English.
This coats my mouth with a soapy feel, but not flavor.
Produces nice smoke with a pleasant English room scent. I really enjoy the scent of the exhaled smoke that is wafting about.
Retrohale has a mild effervescence, but no bite to it.
I like #4 better. Subtle butter > lively soap.

[Tobias Lutz]

Mystery Blend #15

Looks like all black Cavendish, cut a bit haphazardly. Smells a bit sweet out of the bag but nothing overpowering. Can’t tell what the flavoring is, but seems fruity.

There’s a very pronounced sour, citrus flavor which is surprisingly nice. The smoke itself is really warm in the mouth which is unusual to me. Not in a bitey sort of way, more like a soft, warm, tart lemon meringue. That said, it crackles as it burns and makes the pipe pretty hot even though I’m smoking slow.

It’s a very mild smoke and has me searching for flavor. That’s not a bad thing because it’s making me pay attention. I suspect there’s more to this blend than meets the eye. There’s a vanilla nuttiness 1/3 down the bowl. The sour lemony thing is gone.

It changes a bit halfway down, and gets more flavorful. I can taste the tobacco more, but I have no idea what else I’m tasting. It’s a darker flavor than before. There’s a pleasant richness to it, and a creamy mouthfeel. I’m starting to wonder if it has some Orientals in it. Maybe some chocolate, caramel, and/or coffee? I have no idea! The topping is comparatively light next to the Molto Dolce I tried the other day.

I’m totally mystified by this blend, but I like it and will look forward to seeing if I have the same experience in a different pipe. Burns pretty quickly and easily, so it’s a fairly short smoke.

That one is SPS Navigator:

Modern technology has made navigation more predictable and less of an adventure; however, it wasn't always that way. The navigator's skill was once measured by simple devices, charts and dead reckoning. This soothing, sweet Aromatic lends itself to relaxation, allowing the imagination to soar. So chart your course for an adventure in smoking pleasure with this superior mixture of all Dark Tobaccos.

[Tobias Lutz]

Okay! I've got my initial impressions down. I may come back and elaborate, but these are my vague and unhelpful first thoughts.

Thank you for giving us this opportunity, Tobias!

4
Light to black pieces. Pretty even mix.
Faintly English, but I get more orientals than Latakia. There is a buttery spice there.
This reminds me a little of Dunhill Early Morning Pipe, but more subdued. Not huge volumes of smoke from this one.
I want to freight train this smoke to pull more flavor from it, but force myself to settle back and enjoy it for what it is.
I dumped the ash, stirred the tobacco, tamped and relit. This helped it wake up a bit. The buttery oriental jumped back to the front.
No burn on the retrohale.
A slight sweetness is coming out, like I normally find in Virginias.
All in all, an enjoyable smoke.
Don't pack this one too tight.

5
Very chopped ribbon, including a lot of little pieces. Light to black pieces, so I expect Virginia, burley, and Cavendish.
Bag note: sweet. Maybe a hint of fruit and vanilla
Smoke: starts off with a smoky note, which I did not expect. Not sweet or fruity.
Add the bowl settles in, a thicker mouthfeel develops, and bounces back and forth between very mild English and very mild aromatic. Maybe a kind of berry? I'm not great at this.
The fruit gets stronger for the second half of the bowl. I still can't place it. Not peach, apricot. I don't think it is cherry or raspberry.
Overall, a very pleasant, soft smoke.
Doesn't bite. Stays lit. Hint of fruit sweetness and smoke.
I would recommend this to a new smoker.


6
Mix of Cavendish and burley?
Bag note: cherry?
Smokes easily.
I taste burley. I don't pick up any Virginia.
Fruit, cherry I think. But it is mild.
Some vanilla.
Halfway through the bowl, the fruit pulls back and the vanilla comes out more. Then it dies back again.
As I let the pipe go out, I think I get a faint hint of pineapple.
After relight, it is hot and a little dry.
As it settles back down, a little cherry comes back.
Not much in the retrohale. A hint of the fruit.
I get a very mild amount of numbness in my mouth.
A little sweetness picks back up. The flavors are very timid.
Overall, this is a mild smoke. The flavors are subtle.
A good easy going smoke with flavors that are not overbearing.


20
All shades from light yellow to black, not a lot of black.
A smooth smoke of the English variety.
Pulling on the pipe draws in a smoke with the sensation of sipping on water that is just barely over body temp. No big hit of flavor on the tip of the tongue. The flavor more settles on the sides.
This strikes me as more of a Balkan Sobranie English than a Dunhill English.
This coats my mouth with a soapy feel, but not flavor.
Produces nice smoke with a pleasant English room scent. I really enjoy the scent of the exhaled smoke that is wafting about.
Retrohale has a mild effervescence, but no bite to it.
I like #4 better. Subtle butter > lively soap.

4. SPS Sunrise (the poor man's EMP):

Sunrise Smoke is a light but lush mixture of Virginias ribbon, pressed black ribbon, Turkish Smyrna and a subtle measure of rich Cyprian Latakia. People who want a lighter Latakia blend will fall in love with Sunrise Smoke.

5. SPS R Blend:
R Blend is Sutliff's tribute to the late, lamented Revelation. A classic mixture of cube-cut Burley, red ribbon-cut Virginia, flake-cut lemon Virginia, Latakia and Perique, R Blend is finished with a mellow combination of fruit essences to round out its old-time feel.

6. SPS Spinnaker:
Spinnaker takes one of the most popular flavors of aromatics and puts an elegant twist on it. Mellow white Burley is used for its ability to take on flavors, while black Cavendish is added for underlying sweetness and a cool burn. The blend is finished with a cherry note, but not the sharp, cloying type - rather, it uses a deep, dark, extra ripe cherry flavor.

20: H&H Victorian Stroll:
Victorian Stroll is a mixture of bright Carolina, red and stoved Virginias, a dash of Turkish and two types of Latakia, this represents a fresh approach to the lighter English blend. Smooth and clean-tasting, this can be a great morning smoke, or for any time of day.

[BryGuySC]

4. SPS Sunrise (the poor man's EMP):

Sunrise Smoke is a light but lush mixture of Virginias ribbon, pressed black ribbon, Turkish Smyrna and a subtle measure of rich Cyprian Latakia. People who want a lighter Latakia blend will fall in love with Sunrise Smoke.

5. SPS R Blend:
R Blend is Sutliff's tribute to the late, lamented Revelation. A classic mixture of cube-cut Burley, red ribbon-cut Virginia, flake-cut lemon Virginia, Latakia and Perique, R Blend is finished with a mellow combination of fruit essences to round out its old-time feel.

6. SPS Spinnaker:
Spinnaker takes one of the most popular flavors of aromatics and puts an elegant twist on it. Mellow white Burley is used for its ability to take on flavors, while black Cavendish is added for underlying sweetness and a cool burn. The blend is finished with a cherry note, but not the sharp, cloying type - rather, it uses a deep, dark, extra ripe cherry flavor.

20: H&H Victorian Stroll:
Victorian Stroll is a mixture of bright Carolina, red and stoved Virginias, a dash of Turkish and two types of Latakia, this represents a fresh approach to the lighter English blend. Smooth and clean-tasting, this can be a great morning smoke, or for any time of day.

Wow. I'm pretty pleased with what I picked up from these!

Thanks, Tobias!

http://blog.red5.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/I-FEEL-HAPPY-OF-MYSELF.jpg

[c.ortiz108]

That one is SPS Navigator:

Modern technology has made navigation more predictable and less of an adventure; however, it wasn't always that way. The navigator's skill was once measured by simple devices, charts and dead reckoning. This soothing, sweet Aromatic lends itself to relaxation, allowing the imagination to soar. So chart your course for an adventure in smoking pleasure with this superior mixture of all Dark Tobaccos.

Interesting... I looked it up and it's supposed to be a VA black Cavendish with maduro cigar leaf and vanilla. No wonder I couldn't figure it out. No one mentions anything tart or lemony, though. I'll try it in a cob next time.

[cpmcdill]

My 4th and final review for this blind review challenge:

Blend: #24
Pipe: Various
Packing method: Codger stuff
Appearance: Coarse cut, mostly yellow with lesser amounts of brown and dark tobacco.
Pouch Note: A distinctly tobacco note with no discernable toppings or Latakia.
Lighting method: Standard Zippo

Had to give this one a few smokes, in different pipes, as it piqued my interest with a bunch of nuance, while still hitting the spot like a bold English (despite the lack of Latakia). First time I tried it in a Comoys bulldog (enjoyed it), the second time in a Grabow pot (enjoyed it and picked out some sweet notes, though that could be ghosting from a pipe I smoke a lot of aros in).

Third experience is with a Missouri Meerschaum Twain corncob pipe with a Forever churchwarden stem. The bowl on this pipe is as wide as the Grabow pot, but deeper and tapers more toward the bottom.

As with the prior couple tries, it took a little effort to get it lit, probably due to the coarse cut. But once lit it retained an ember pretty well most of the time. Something about this blend is really hitting the spot. Usually burley-centric blends need some Latakia to really get my interest. There's Virginia in this, a smidgen of Perique maybe, and more? (oriental or some other tobacco I can't make out). But the effect of this blend tells me it's a masterful and balanced combination. It's not something I've had before, but it's got my attention and I'll consider loading up on some more very soon. Especially considering that most Hearth & Home blends are post-2007, so if that new regulation gets enforced, so many of these terrific tobaccos could be lost.

So, back to the cobwarden: The effect is a sweet and toasty blend with a lot of nuance and a pretty decent nicotine content. Has the body of a robust English blend, but a different flavor. I'm quite sure that Burley is the star, but the backup tobaccos harmonize so well that no contributor is expendible or easily replaced. I think this would be a terrific "nightcap" tobacco for people who want to move beyond aros or straight burleys but find Latakia doesn't ring their bell.

It's a good, relatively dry blend that smokes well down to ash, and doesn't get bitter or cigarette-y. Delivers well in the flavor and nicotine department, and does not seem to bite.

[Tobias Lutz]

My 4th and final review for this blind review challenge:

Blend: #24
Pipe: Various
Packing method: Codger stuff
Appearance: Coarse cut, mostly yellow with lesser amounts of brown and dark tobacco.
Pouch Note: A distinctly tobacco note with no discernable toppings or Latakia.
Lighting method: Standard Zippo

Had to give this one a few smokes, in different pipes, as it piqued my interest with a bunch of nuance, while still hitting the spot like a bold English (despite the lack of Latakia). First time I tried it in a Comoys bulldog (enjoyed it), the second time in a Grabow pot (enjoyed it and picked out some sweet notes, though that could be ghosting from a pipe I smoke a lot of aros in).

Third experience is with a Missouri Meerschaum Twain corncob pipe with a Forever churchwarden stem. The bowl on this pipe is as wide as the Grabow pot, but deeper and tapers more toward the bottom.

As with the prior couple tries, it took a little effort to get it lit, probably due to the coarse cut. But once lit it retained an ember pretty well most of the time. Something about this blend is really hitting the spot. Usually burley-centric blends need some Latakia to really get my interest. There's Virginia in this, a smidgen of Perique maybe, and more? (oriental or some other tobacco I can't make out). But the effect of this blend tells me it's a masterful and balanced combination. It's not something I've had before, but it's got my attention and I'll consider loading up on some more very soon. Especially considering that most Hearth & Home blends are post-2007, so if that new regulation gets enforced, so many of these terrific tobaccos could be lost.

So, back to the cobwarden: The effect is a sweet and toasty blend with a lot of nuance and a pretty decent nicotine content. Has the body of a robust English blend, but a different flavor. I'm quite sure that Burley is the star, but the backup tobaccos harmonize so well that no contributor is expendible or easily replaced. I think this would be a terrific "nightcap" tobacco for people who want to move beyond aros or straight burleys but find Latakia doesn't ring their bell.

It's a good, relatively dry blend that smokes well down to ash, and doesn't get bitter or cigarette-y. Delivers well in the flavor and nicotine department, and does not seem to bite.

You just burned a bowl of H&H Frenchy's Sunzabitches:

Frenchy's Sunzabitches is a robust blend of sweet Virginias, bold, dark Burley, lots of tangy Perique and a bit of unflavored black Cavendish. To add to the complexity and to give the blend a pleasant room note, a splash of Bourbon is added. This long-time favorite among Hearth & Home customers is hearty enough to be the perfect after dinner blend.

[Lostmason]

You just burned a bowl of H&H Frenchy's Sunzabitches:

Frenchy's Sunzabitches is a robust blend of sweet Virginias, bold, dark Burley, lots of tangy Perique and a bit of unflavored black Cavendish. To add to the complexity and to give the blend a pleasant room note, a splash of Bourbon is added. This long-time favorite among Hearth & Home customers is hearty enough to be the perfect after dinner blend.

This is easily one of my favorite blends.Full flavor from top to bottom.

[cpmcdill]

You just burned a bowl of H&H Frenchy's Sunzabitches:

Frenchy's Sunzabitches is a robust blend of sweet Virginias, bold, dark Burley, lots of tangy Perique and a bit of unflavored black Cavendish. To add to the complexity and to give the blend a pleasant room note, a splash of Bourbon is added. This long-time favorite among Hearth & Home customers is hearty enough to be the perfect after dinner blend.

Ha! Unlike with the previous blends, which I paired with beers, I paired this one with bourbon, as it seemed somehow apt. However, I seriously did not detect even a molecule of bourbon in the pouch note or flavor. It seemed like straight tobaccos to me, over three evenings of smoking it. Maybe the bourbon was that faintly sweet note (or was it cavendish?). It does seem like I picked up on the Burley/Virginia/Perique aspects... but who knows. Every tobacco blend hits the palates of different people in unique ways. This has been a fun blind review challenge, and I thank Mr. Tobias Lutz for the opportunity to discover some new blends I may further pursue in the near future.

[Haebar]

Blend #1

This was fairly moist, I let it dry for 24 hours before smoking it. It seems to be an English blend with Virginia, Orientals, and Latakia. The intensity of the smoke body is somewhere between mild and medium, depending on how you smoke. There is some complexity with it being an English, and an adequate balance of flavors. If any one component is too weak in the balance, that would be the Virginias; the Orientals seem to dominate the flavor. The latakia is there with it's characteristic note. This is not particularly strong in terms of nicotine, mild to medium.

http://i1377.photobucket.com/albums/ah50/haebar/Cigarbum%20photos%20001_zpsyziyol67.jpg

[c.ortiz108]

Mystery Blend #14


Fourth and final tobacco to review. Smoked in a cob.

Out of the bag it smells like Burley and sour apple Jolly Rancher candy.

Full disclosure: I’m a Burley-phobe. Unless it’s buried in a blend in small quantities, I just don’t like the flavor. It doesn’t taste nutty to me, just a little sickly. Besides that, Danish style Burley aros all taste the same to me, regardless of topping.

This one is no different. I couldn’t tell it apart from Sugar Barrel or Sunset Breeze or SWR Aromatic. I have some kind of defect when it comes to this strain of tobacco, I guess.

Having said that, I’m enjoying it okay. It smokes smooth and sweet in the cob, and is an easy-going smoke on a warm summer evening. Some toasty marshmallow flavors, and maybe I am tasting some nuttiness after all. No sour apple, which is probably a good thing. I’ve found some Burley blends can bite but this one doesn’t. No cigarette taste, which I appreciate. But half a bowl is enough for me.

It’s nice to revisit styles once in a while to see if my tastes have changed, but in the end I find they haven’t really. Sorry for the lame review but I feel like I’m a poor judge of this kind of blend and would rather not mislead anybody.

[Branzig]

http://i1328.photobucket.com/albums/w530/branzig/20160627_203246_zpsaobaq84v.jpg (http://s1328.photobucket.com/user/branzig/media/20160627_203246_zpsaobaq84v.jpg.html)

Mystery Blend 21

Pipes: Cobs, Custombilts, and a Peterson.

Tin Note: Sweet, earthy Va. Nice hay and vanilla scents.

Tobacco is a nice mixture of light and dark, fine cut. Virginia is evident. As is what I assume to be Cavendish. I tried this tobacco at varying moisture contents and found that a quick 10 minutes or so in the sun did it the most justice. Smoking it straight from the bag was more of a challenge keeping lit, but did make for a more pronounced flavor profile. The tobacco, when dried, smoked down to a fine white ash and left no goop behind.

From the initial light I was able to pick up some nice, sweet Virginia flavor profiles. Nice hints of fig and dates. I found myself having no trouble getting into a rhythm with this tobacco and enjoying every little sip. The deeper into the bowl you get, the sweeter this tobacco seemed to become. Earth tones did pop up from time to time, think "barnyard." If you are a cigar smoker, you will know what I am talking about there...I have smoked a lot of sweet Va blends before, so it wouldn't surprise me if this blend wasn't topped. But at the same time, it is so sweet I just don't know!

I found this blend to be very smooth, and easy on the palate. No tongue bite for me whatsoever. It did smoke best in a cob, I have to admit. Something about this blend just sung through in a deep bowled cob, though I haven't been brave enough to try it in a General yet. Oddly enough, it smoked worst in one of my stout Custombilts...which is odd because everything smokes well in a Custombilt :piper:

After 5 or so bowls of this tobacco, I am sold. The leaf is quality and the flavor profile is wonderful. I can't wait to find out what I have been smoking! Some cellar-ing may be in order :thumb:

Some added Cuatombilt porn, just because. Everyone likes looking at a Custonbilt :lol:

http://i1328.photobucket.com/albums/w530/branzig/20160629_212115_zpsenykpkfl.jpg (http://s1328.photobucket.com/user/branzig/media/20160629_212115_zpsenykpkfl.jpg.html)

[Tobias Lutz]

Blend #1

This was fairly moist, I let it dry for 24 hours before smoking it. It seems to be an English blend with Virginia, Orientals, and Latakia. The intensity of the smoke body is somewhere between mild and medium, depending on how you smoke. There is some complexity with it being an English, and an adequate balance of flavors. If any one component is too weak in the balance, that would be the Virginias; the Orientals seem to dominate the flavor. The latakia is there with it's characteristic note. This is not particularly strong in terms of nicotine, mild to medium.

http://i1377.photobucket.com/albums/ah50/haebar/Cigarbum%20photos%20001_zpsyziyol67.jpg

You smoked a bowl of Private Stock Blend No.5

Blend 5 is perfect for anyone looking for an all-day type of Latakia blend. A good share of the black Cyprian leaf is combined with fully tumbled pressed Virginias and just a bit of mellow white Burley to adds richer body.

[Tobias Lutz]

Mystery Blend #14


Fourth and final tobacco to review. Smoked in a cob.

Out of the bag it smells like Burley and sour apple Jolly Rancher candy.

Full disclosure: I’m a Burley-phobe. Unless it’s buried in a blend in small quantities, I just don’t like the flavor. It doesn’t taste nutty to me, just a little sickly. Besides that, Danish style Burley aros all taste the same to me, regardless of topping.

This one is no different. I couldn’t tell it apart from Sugar Barrel or Sunset Breeze or SWR Aromatic. I have some kind of defect when it comes to this strain of tobacco, I guess.

Having said that, I’m enjoying it okay. It smokes smooth and sweet in the cob, and is an easy-going smoke on a warm summer evening. Some toasty marshmallow flavors, and maybe I am tasting some nuttiness after all. No sour apple, which is probably a good thing. I’ve found some Burley blends can bite but this one doesn’t. No cigarette taste, which I appreciate. But half a bowl is enough for me.

It’s nice to revisit styles once in a while to see if my tastes have changed, but in the end I find they haven’t really. Sorry for the lame review but I feel like I’m a poor judge of this kind of blend and would rather not mislead anybody.

You smoked (note I didn't say enjoyed) a bowl of SPS Moulin Rouge

Moulin Rouge brings the enjoyment of French dessert to your pipe. This combination of Virginias and black Cavendish is melded with sweet fruit essences to deliver a wonderful taste with a room note that everyone will love.

[Tobias Lutz]

http://i1328.photobucket.com/albums/w530/branzig/20160627_203246_zpsaobaq84v.jpg (http://s1328.photobucket.com/user/branzig/media/20160627_203246_zpsaobaq84v.jpg.html)

Mystery Blend 21

Pipes: Cobs, Custombilts, and a Peterson.

Tin Note: Sweet, earthy Va. Nice hay and vanilla scents.

Tobacco is a nice mixture of light and dark, fine cut. Virginia is evident. As is what I assume to be Cavendish. I tried this tobacco at varying moisture contents and found that a quick 10 minutes or so in the sun did it the most justice. Smoking it straight from the bag was more of a challenge keeping lit, but did make for a more pronounced flavor profile. The tobacco, when dried, smoked down to a fine white ash and left no goop behind.

From the initial light I was able to pick up some nice, sweet Virginia flavor profiles. Nice hints of fig and dates. I found myself having no trouble getting into a rhythm with this tobacco and enjoying every little sip. The deeper into the bowl you get, the sweeter this tobacco seemed to become. Earth tones did pop up from time to time, think "barnyard." If you are a cigar smoker, you will know what I am talking about there...I have smoked a lot of sweet Va blends before, so it wouldn't surprise me if this blend wasn't topped. But at the same time, it is so sweet I just don't know!

I found this blend to be very smooth, and easy on the palate. No tongue bite for me whatsoever. It did smoke best in a cob, I have to admit. Something about this blend just sung through in a deep bowled cob, though I haven't been brave enough to try it in a General yet. Oddly enough, it smoked worst in one of my stout Custombilts...which is odd because everything smokes well in a Custombilt :piper:

After 5 or so bowls of this tobacco, I am sold. The leaf is quality and the flavor profile is wonderful. I can't wait to find out what I have been smoking! Some cellar-ing may be in order :thumb:

Some added Cuatombilt porn, just because. Everyone likes looking at a Custonbilt :lol:

http://i1328.photobucket.com/albums/w530/branzig/20160629_212115_zpsenykpkfl.jpg (http://s1328.photobucket.com/user/branzig/media/20160629_212115_zpsenykpkfl.jpg.html)

This was H&H Egg Nog

Egg Nog was the first true aromatic in the Hearth and Home series. Although the aroma is complex, pleasant and mildly sweet, the spice flavorings come through more prominently in the smoking. Featuring the flavors of vanilla, rum, cinnamon and nutmeg, Egg Nog is a bite-free blend that will please anyone in the room.

[Branzig]

This was H&H Egg Nog

Egg Nog was the first true aromatic in the Hearth and Home series. Although the aroma is complex, pleasant and mildly sweet, the spice flavorings come through more prominently in the smoking. Featuring the flavors of vanilla, rum, cinnamon and nutmeg, Egg Nog is a bite-free blend that will please anyone in the room.
Ha! I almost put Egg Nog down as a guess! I just had a sneaky suspicion of what this blend was, turns out I was right!

Thanks Tobias for sharing these samples. It's a blast to try them and to see how not knowing what's in a package totally messes with your mind!

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

[c.ortiz108]

You smoked (note I didn't say enjoyed) a bowl of SPS Moulin Rouge

Moulin Rouge brings the enjoyment of French dessert to your pipe. This combination of Virginias and black Cavendish is melded with sweet fruit essences to deliver a wonderful taste with a room note that everyone will love.

Ha ha! Hilarious that it isn't even a Burley blend at all! It's supposed to have cherry which I didn't taste, and reviews compare it to Molto Dolce which I don't see at all. Shows how much I know..... :idunno: :mope: Maybe my regular coffee pairing is killing my taste buds.

I agree with Branzig - this has been a mind-messing exercise (and a little humbling for me). Looking forward to smoking all these again now that I know what they are. In order of preference so far: Navigator, Molto Dolce, Distinguished Penguin, Moulin Rouge. It'll be interesting to see how my opinions evolve.

[Haebar]

You smoked a bowl of Private Stock Blend No.5

Blend 5 is perfect for anyone looking for an all-day type of Latakia blend. A good share of the black Cyprian leaf is combined with fully tumbled pressed Virginias and just a bit of mellow white Burley to adds richer body.

Well I blew that one mistaking burley for orientals.

[Haebar]

Blend #2

The jar smell is pleasant and conservative. It smells like plums, vanilla, new shoe leather and Play-doh. It appears to be a black Cavendish and smokes like it too. It was slightly moist from the bag; I smoked the first bowl of it right out of the bag. I'm smoking the second bowl now after letting some of it sit out in a bowl overnight. I think it tastes better right out of the bag. It's not a very intense aromatic; the flavor is very subtle vanilla and something else fruity. Can't discern what the fruity flavor is; those esters all taste the same to me sometimes. It reminds me of Lane BCA, but with less vanilla flavor. It burns well enough, doesn't snap or crackle and while it did take one pipe cleaner, it is fairly dry smoking. I'm guessing this is SPS Loire Valley.

[Tobias Lutz]

Blend #2

The jar smell is pleasant and conservative. It smells like plums, vanilla, new shoe leather and Play-doh. It appears to be a black Cavendish and smokes like it too. It was slightly moist from the bag; I smoked the first bowl of it right out of the bag. I'm smoking the second bowl now after letting some of it sit out in a bowl overnight. I think it tastes better right out of the bag. It's not a very intense aromatic; the flavor is very subtle vanilla and something else fruity. Can't discern what the fruity flavor is; those esters all taste the same to me sometimes. It reminds me of Lane BCA, but with less vanilla flavor. It burns well enough, doesn't snap or crackle and while it did take one pipe cleaner, it is fairly dry smoking. I'm guessing this is SPS Loire Valley.

SPS Tabac Noir

Dark, flavorful and exotic.

Brand Sutliff Tobacco Company
Blended By Carl McCallister
Manufactured By Sutliff Tobacco Company
Blend Type Cavendish Based
Contents Black Cavendish
Flavoring None
Cut Coarse Cut
Packaging 1.5 oz tin
Country US
Production No longer in production

[Haebar]

Blend #3

This smokes a lot like Captain Black original only a little muted. There is a fair amount of Cavendish, both black and regular. The small amount of black Cavendish added is just enough to soften it around the edges. Burley adds a substantial body and a moderate kick. There is a tad bit of Virginia to sweeten and broaden the taste spectrum. I'm tasting both vanilla and cocoa, although not sure if the cocoa note is the native burley note or if it is something added. This is very enjoyable; smokes relatively cool and dry for an aromatic.

http://i1377.photobucket.com/albums/ah50/haebar/Cigarbum%20photos%20001_zpsem61og1a.jpg

[Tobias Lutz]

Blend #3

This smokes a lot like Captain Black original only a little muted. There is a fair amount of Cavendish, both black and regular. The small amount of black Cavendish added is just enough to soften it around the edges. Burley adds a substantial body and a moderate kick. There is a tad bit of Virginia to sweeten and broaden the taste spectrum. I'm tasting both vanilla and cocoa, although not sure if the cocoa note is the native burley note or if it is something added. This is very enjoyable; smokes relatively cool and dry for an aromatic.

http://i1377.photobucket.com/albums/ah50/haebar/Cigarbum%20photos%20001_zpsem61og1a.jpg

This was a bowl of SPS Top Shelf

Bourbon whiskey has been a longtime popular addition to pipe tobacco and Top Shelf offers a smooth blend of bright Virginias, soft white Burley and silky black Cavendish with an excellent Bourbon note for fine aroma and flavor.

[Haebar]

Blend #19

This is ribbon-cut with some irregular pieces here and there. It was moderately moist when received so I left some out in a bowl overnight. My first taste is of Virginias as dominant with some black Cavendish. It seems to have some type of liquor flavor. This is a very tasty blend with good body and spicy notes now and then. That's what makes me wonder if it might have some Perique.

[Branzig]

http://i1328.photobucket.com/albums/w530/branzig/20160702_193723_zpspbsxxkyp.jpg (http://s1328.photobucket.com/user/branzig/media/20160702_193723_zpspbsxxkyp.jpg.html)

Mystery Tobacco 9

Pipes: Cobs and a Wally Frank

Tin Note: Sweet, vanilla. Little nutty and earthy as well.

Tobacco is a dark brown to black mix; ribbon cut. I am guessing mainly burley and cavendish with a bit of Virginia thrown in. Tobacco packed easy and lit just fine once dried out a bit. As is typical of these blends, the more you allowed it to dry out, the more flavor was lost. Tobacco required a few relights, but burnt down to a nice ash with little dottle left over.

Flavor wise, I picked up a lot of sweet notes overall. Vanilla and rich, almost butter quality hints. At times I thought a small liquor quality was there as well, but that may of been my mind messing with me. Here and there, a little licorice note would poke its head up. The licorice note added a nice change of pace to the sweetness overall. A little bit of earth hinted once in a while as well, but only when I would really torch it. Blend bit me a little bit, but only when I was really puffing at it. This particular blend prefers to be sipped, and sipping produced the most flavors as well.

Overall a decent, sweet blend that would make another easy all-day smoke. Nothing to complex, but just enough there to keep you interested.

[Tobias Lutz]

Blend #19

This is ribbon-cut with some irregular pieces here and there. It was moderately moist when received so I left some out in a bowl overnight. My first taste is of Virginias as dominant with some black Cavendish. It seems to have some type of liquor flavor. This is a very tasty blend with good body and spicy notes now and then. That's what makes me wonder if it might have some Perique.

This was a bowl of Hearth and Home Grandma's Kitchen

Grandma's Kitchen is a blend for those who want real tobacco flavor and a smooth aroma. Nutty sweet Burleys are combined with the mild spice of red Virginia, two natural toasted black Cavendishes, and a bit of a vanilla-based steamed black Cavendish. This mild, cool blend delivers real tobacco flavor with a hint of sweetness, and a pleasant, unobtrusive aroma.

- - - Updated - - -


http://i1328.photobucket.com/albums/w530/branzig/20160702_193723_zpspbsxxkyp.jpg (http://s1328.photobucket.com/user/branzig/media/20160702_193723_zpspbsxxkyp.jpg.html)

Mystery Tobacco 9

Pipes: Cobs and a Wally Frank

Tin Note: Sweet, vanilla. Little nutty and earthy as well.

Tobacco is a dark brown to black mix; ribbon cut. I am guessing mainly burley and cavendish with a bit of Virginia thrown in. Tobacco packed easy and lit just fine once dried out a bit. As is typical of these blends, the more you allowed it to dry out, the more flavor was lost. Tobacco required a few relights, but burnt down to a nice ash with little dottle left over.

Flavor wise, I picked up a lot of sweet notes overall. Vanilla and rich, almost butter quality hints. At times I thought a small liquor quality was there as well, but that may of been my mind messing with me. Here and there, a little licorice note would poke its head up. The licorice note added a nice change of pace to the sweetness overall. A little bit of earth hinted once in a while as well, but only when I would really torch it. Blend bit me a little bit, but only when I was really puffing at it. This particular blend prefers to be sipped, and sipping produced the most flavors as well.

Overall a decent, sweet blend that would make another easy all-day smoke. Nothing to complex, but just enough there to keep you interested.

You smoked some SPS Blue Danube:

Blue Danube is a wonderful combination of a bright gold Cavendish, white Burley and sweet Virginia finished with sweet notes of rum and vanilla for great taste and pleasant room note.

[Branzig]

You smoked some SPS Blue Danube:

Blue Danube is a wonderful combination of a bright gold Cavendish, white Burley and sweet Virginia finished with sweet notes of rum and vanilla for great taste and pleasant room note.

Hey! Look at that! My taste buds were pretty on for this one!

Maybe I should go get a lottery ticket or something [emoji13]


Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

[Desertlifter]

So....number 11. I've smoked a few bowls so far in both a Stanwell diplomat and my beloved Tsuge pot. The tobacco presents with notes of hay and a notable sweetness in the bag. I had to air it out because it picked up a lot of smell from the other bags.

Anyway, the fi St bowl was great. No bite even when pressed hard, and a touch of sweetness and nuttiness that reminded me of a VaBur - imagine a MVF and white burley blend. I don't get DFK or cavendish from this at all. It doesn't really taste like VaBurs that I've tried before though - neither nutty nor treacly.

Had a bowl last night in my Tsuge sitting in front of the White House as I'm in DC on business. Whatever it is, but his is a medium bodied blend that is light on the vitamin N, which do any really speak much to burley, but that is what I get. In the end, I would absolutely have this again. It is an easy burning blend that isn't overly complex - perfect for a morning bowl.

[Tobias Lutz]

So....number 11. I've smoked a few bowls so far in both a Stanwell diplomat and my beloved Tsuge pot. The tobacco presents with notes of hay and a notable sweetness in the bag. I had to air it out because it picked up a lot of smell from the other bags.

Anyway, the fi St bowl was great. No bite even when pressed hard, and a touch of sweetness and nuttiness that reminded me of a VaBur - imagine a MVF and white burley blend. I don't get DFK or cavendish from this at all. It doesn't really taste like VaBurs that I've tried before though - neither nutty nor treacly.

Had a bowl last night in my Tsuge sitting in front of the White House as I'm in DC on business. Whatever it is, but his is a medium bodied blend that is light on the vitamin N, which do any really speak much to burley, but that is what I get. In the end, I would absolutely have this again. It is an easy burning blend that isn't overly complex - perfect for a morning bowl.

You smoked some SPS French Quarter


French Quarter is another of Sutliff's wonderful recreations of missing blends, this time recalling House of Windsor's Bourbon Street. Burley, Virginia and black Cavendish form the base, and a singular top flavor is added for an old-fashioned flavor and room-pleasing aroma.

[Tobias Lutz]

Well...since we have all but 4 of our 24 reviews posted, I figured I would go ahead and draw for the prize package. Here are the numbers I used in the Random Number Generator:

1. Haebar
2. BryGuySC
3. Branzig
4. Desertlifter
5. c.ortiz108
6. cpmcdill

And the winner is...................................

#6

Christopher, you have a package on its way to you (9405803699300272821211) . Enjoy my friend, and thanks to everyone who participated.

[Branzig]

Thanks for putting this on Tobias!

And congrats Chris! Can't wait to see what goodies you have coming!!!

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

[c.ortiz108]

Wait, I wanted to be #6!!! Only joking - we were all winners in this contest for sure. :friendly_wink: Thanks, Tobias, it's been a lot fun. And congrats Christopher!

[cpmcdill]

Well...since we have all but 4 of our 24 reviews posted, I figured I would go ahead and draw for the prize package. Here are the numbers I used in the Random Number Generator:
1. Haebar
2. BryGuySC
3. Branzig
4. Desertlifter
5. c.ortiz108
6. cpmcdill
And the winner is...................................
#6
Christopher, you have a package on its way to you (9405803699300272821211) . Enjoy my friend, and thanks to everyone who participated.

Whoa! :yes!::thud: It's Christmas in July! :santagrin:

Thank you Tobias Lutz for this fun opportunity :pipe:, and thank you random number generator for looking favorably my way. :triumphant:

[Desertlifter]

Congrats! I will finish mine this week. I've been delayed a bit with work issues.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using Tapatalk

[Tobias Lutz]

Thanks for putting this on Tobias!

And congrats Chris! Can't wait to see what goodies you have coming!!!

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

This package is definitely of a glorious nature. I'm not going to spoil the surprise, but there is a decent amount from Obama's first administration :)

[BryGuySC]

Thanks again, Tobias! This was much fun!

Congratulations, Chris! Can't wait to see your winnings!

[Branzig]

Mystery Tobacco 8

Pipes: A Stanwell and a couple cobs

Tin Notes: Berrys and a hint of liquor.

This tobacco is dark brown to black all the way across the board. Definitely a Cavendish mix. Needed some drying time before it would take to a flame. Was a little more picky than my other samples and needs some fa-nangling to keep lit. Burnt down to a sticky ash with minor amounts of goop.

Flavor was a mix of berries and a little bit of liquor back notes. Not much else. If pushed hard it would bite and taste of hot steam. I really didn't pick up many tobacco notes on this one. When sipped, it was a pleasant little smoke though. Nice berry hits, and I love berries of any kind, so that's alright by me. Could make a nice change of pace smoke, if aros are something you like to dabble in.

Thanks again Mr. Lutz for this awesome blind review. Lots of fun, makes me remember I need to be less of a stranger 'round these parts :pipe:

[Tobias Lutz]

Mystery Tobacco 8

Pipes: A Stanwell and a couple cobs

Tin Notes: Berrys and a hint of liquor.

This tobacco is dark brown to black all the way across the board. Definitely a Cavendish mix. Needed some drying time before it would take to a flame. Was a little more picky than my other samples and needs some fa-nangling to keep lit. Burnt down to a sticky ash with minor amounts of goop.

Flavor was a mix of berries and a little bit of liquor back notes. Not much else. If pushed hard it would bite and taste of hot steam. I really didn't pick up many tobacco notes on this one. When sipped, it was a pleasant little smoke though. Nice berry hits, and I love berries of any kind, so that's alright by me. Could make a nice change of pace smoke, if aros are something you like to dabble in.

Thanks again Mr. Lutz for this awesome blind review. Lots of fun, makes me remember I need to be less of a stranger 'round these parts :pipe:

You finished up with a bowl of SPS Country Estate

An estate typifies elegance, vastness and wealth. Similarly, Sutliff's Country Estate, a fine blend of four Black fire-cured tobaccos and Sweet Virginia portrays quality, depth, and rich flavor.

[cpmcdill]

The package has arrived, and what a delightful sight and smell it is! There are very few of these that I've had before, so I'm thrilled to have a chance to fire these up. Hardly know where to start. :D

As some of you have expressed curiosity about what the prize package contains, here you go. There are 16 baggies with 1 or 2 ounces each of some top shelf blends, and they were loaded into a pair of neat cotton bags stamped with some kind of alchemical or heraldic symbol. The whole bundle is giving off a terrific aroma. My postman probably wonders why my mail smells so nice sometimes.

Orlik Dark Strong Kentucky 2014
Esoterica And So to Bed
Milan Tobacconists Black Forest
McClelland Dark Star 2011
McClelland Christmas Cheer 2011
McClelland Christmas Cheer 2013
SG Bob's Chocolate Flake 2011
SG Chocolate Flake 2012
SG Firedance Flake 2014
SG Top Black Cherry 2012
SG Navy Flake 2012
SG Rum Flake 2010
Russ Ouelette's Fusilier's Ration 2014
Rattray's Charles Mixture 2014
Rattray's Bagpiper's Dream 2014
Carter Hall

Thanks again to Tobias Lutz. I'm pretty overwhelmed by this! :pipe:

5836

[c.ortiz108]

The package has arrived, and what a delightful sight and smell it is! There are very few of these that I've had before, so I'm thrilled to have a chance to fire these up. Hardly know where to start. :D

As some of you have expressed curiosity about what the prize package contains, here you go. There are 16 baggies with 1 or 2 ounces each of some top shelf blends, and they were loaded into a pair of neat cotton bags stamped with some kind of alchemical or heraldic symbol. The whole bundle is giving off a terrific aroma. My postman probably wonders why my mail smells so nice sometimes.

Orlik Dark Strong Kentucky 2014
Esoterica And So to Bed
Milan Tobacconists Black Forest
McClelland Dark Star 2011
McClelland Christmas Cheer 2011
McClelland Christmas Cheer 2013
SG Bob's Chocolate Flake 2011
SG Chocolate Flake 2012
SG Firedance Flake 2014
SG Top Black Cherry 2012
SG Navy Flake 2012
SG Rum Flake 2010
Russ Ouelette's Fusilier's Ration 2014
Rattray's Charles Mixture 2014
Rattray's Bagpiper's Dream 2014
Carter Hall

Thanks again to Tobias Lutz. I'm pretty overwhelmed by this! :pipe:

5836

WoW! :jaw: Nicely done, Tobias! :hail: And not a dud blend in the lot (well, except maybe for the CH... :wink:). What's the story with the mysterious cotton bags?

[Branzig]

Exceptional selection there!!! Wowzers!!!!

Congrats Chris!

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

[Haebar]

Congratulations! What a fine gift.

[Tobias Lutz]

WoW! :jaw: Nicely done, Tobias! :hail: And not a dud blend in the lot (well, except maybe for the CH... :wink:). What's the story with the mysterious cotton bags?

Those are from a gentleman out on your side of the country. I bought three custom leather bike saddles from him and those are what they arrived in. He does absolutely beautiful work!

Obsidian Monarch (http://www.obsidianmonarch.com/)

- - - Updated - - -


The package has arrived, and what a delightful sight and smell it is! There are very few of these that I've had before, so I'm thrilled to have a chance to fire these up. Hardly know where to start. :D

As some of you have expressed curiosity about what the prize package contains, here you go. There are 16 baggies with 1 or 2 ounces each of some top shelf blends, and they were loaded into a pair of neat cotton bags stamped with some kind of alchemical or heraldic symbol. The whole bundle is giving off a terrific aroma. My postman probably wonders why my mail smells so nice sometimes.

Orlik Dark Strong Kentucky 2014
Esoterica And So to Bed
Milan Tobacconists Black Forest
McClelland Dark Star 2011
McClelland Christmas Cheer 2011
McClelland Christmas Cheer 2013
SG Bob's Chocolate Flake 2011
SG Chocolate Flake 2012
SG Firedance Flake 2014
SG Top Black Cherry 2012
SG Navy Flake 2012
SG Rum Flake 2010
Russ Ouelette's Fusilier's Ration 2014
Rattray's Charles Mixture 2014
Rattray's Bagpiper's Dream 2014
Carter Hall

Thanks again to Tobias Lutz. I'm pretty overwhelmed by this! :pipe:

5836

Enjoy my friend- I had a lot of fun going through the cellar and pulling all those together!

[Cardinal]

Not sure if I approve of the Razorback head on the sword, but otherwise what an awesome prize. Nicely done, sir.

[cpmcdill]

Those are from a gentleman out on your side of the country. I bought three custom leather bike saddles from him and those are what they arrived in. He does absolutely beautiful work!

Nice! I'll check them out. Always appreciate the artisans keeping the craft of leatherworking alive.


Enjoy my friend- I had a lot of fun going through the cellar and pulling all those together!

Already started. I picked the Firedance Flake as my first, as I've long had a curiosity about that one. I enjoyed the flavor, and my wife totally approved of the room note. Just bought some cases of half-pint mason jars to store these blends in, as well as the blends from the blind review challenge and the Milan blends. I think it amounts to 25 little jars to fill up and label. :glee: Yes indeed, excited and overwhelmed. So much fresh variety added to my cellar.

[Desertlifter]

It's not over till it is over, so after an unplanned hiatus due to travel and its concomitant upper respiratory illness, I am finally (mostly) back in fighting form.

Today I had a bowl of Number 10 in a cob. 10 smelled like maple or vanilla in the bag, more to the maple than the latter. There is cavendish in this one for sure. It was very moist and could have used some drying time, but lit well enough. I have found that aros don't take to drying like other blends.

Anyway, Ten lit very easily and stayed so through the bowl with occasional tamping. No relights here. It showed no bite, even when pressed. Burn-wise it did very well. But flavor? I definitely get the cavendish in this blend, and the topping sees more maple than vanilla, but both seem muted there. Sometimes I get maple from vanilla forward blends, and this could be one. What was missing was tobacco notes. Good aros taste like baccy blends with the aromatic complementing them. Peterson and Dan Tobacco do this very well, IMO. This was not of that ilk. It was the "flavor and steam" family of aros for sure. Like hookah tobacco in my pipe. Not unpleasant, but not my cup of tea. Or bowl of leaf, as it were.

In the end, this wouldn't be a bad gateway blend for a new Piper not already steeped in cigars. It needs more body for this demented lover of Tambolaka and rope tobaccos though. Even though I really appreciate a good aro, this needs more punch for me.

[Desertlifter]

Took an aro break this morning and pulled #22 from the pile.* I get some hay and the slightest bit of fig from the bag on this one.* It has been a cob kind of week, so this one went into an aro-free cob that has adequate break-in to lose the extra sweetness you get from new ones.* While I do like “new cob flavor,” (unlike Mr. Twain) it does skew the review.
The tobacco lit and burned easily with one re-light.* I get a touch of sweetness and just a bit of pepper on the retrohale from this.* There was no bite at all, even when pressed.* There is a slight sweetness to the blend, and it is very light in body.* It really reminds me of a mild VaPer more than anything else, said Perique being of the spicy variety rather than the citrus that you get from that glorious leaf.

Overall, this is a pretty good grab and go kind of blend.* While it lacks depth and complexity, that very nature is perfect for a morning commute.* I was entertained enough by the ducks and geese winging across the freeway (see you in the fall, fellas!) and the pelicans setting in for the day – sipping this from my cob and listening to NPR fit the bill just fine.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using Tapatalk

[Tobias Lutz]

It's not over till it is over, so after an unplanned hiatus due to travel and its concomitant upper respiratory illness, I am finally (mostly) back in fighting form.

Today I had a bowl of Number 10 in a cob. 10 smelled like maple or vanilla in the bag, more to the maple than the latter. There is cavendish in this one for sure. It was very moist and could have used some drying time, but lit well enough. I have found that aros don't take to drying like other blends.

Anyway, Ten lit very easily and stayed so through the bowl with occasional tamping. No relights here. It showed no bite, even when pressed. Burn-wise it did very well. But flavor? I definitely get the cavendish in this blend, and the topping sees more maple than vanilla, but both seem muted there. Sometimes I get maple from vanilla forward blends, and this could be one. What was missing was tobacco notes. Good aros taste like baccy blends with the aromatic complementing them. Peterson and Dan Tobacco do this very well, IMO. This was not of that ilk. It was the "flavor and steam" family of aros for sure. Like hookah tobacco in my pipe. Not unpleasant, but not my cup of tea. Or bowl of leaf, as it were.

In the end, this wouldn't be a bad gateway blend for a new Piper not already steeped in cigars. It needs more body for this demented lover of Tambolaka and rope tobaccos though. Even though I really appreciate a good aro, this needs more punch for me.

This was a bowl of SPS Barbados Plantation

Barbados Plantation is a smooth aromatic blend made of sweet, bright Virginias, earthy white Burleys and Sutliff's signature black Cavendish. It's finished with the enticing flavor of tangy Barbados rum. The flavor is nicely sweet and the aroma in truly amazing.

[Tobias Lutz]

Took an aro break this morning and pulled #22 from the pile.* I get some hay and the slightest bit of fig from the bag on this one.* It has been a cob kind of week, so this one went into an aro-free cob that has adequate break-in to lose the extra sweetness you get from new ones.* While I do like “new cob flavor,” (unlike Mr. Twain) it does skew the review.
The tobacco lit and burned easily with one re-light.* I get a touch of sweetness and just a bit of pepper on the retrohale from this.* There was no bite at all, even when pressed.* There is a slight sweetness to the blend, and it is very light in body.* It really reminds me of a mild VaPer more than anything else, said Perique being of the spicy variety rather than the citrus that you get from that glorious leaf.

Overall, this is a pretty good grab and go kind of blend.* While it lacks depth and complexity, that very nature is perfect for a morning commute.* I was entertained enough by the ducks and geese winging across the freeway (see you in the fall, fellas!) and the pelicans setting in for the day – sipping this from my cob and listening to NPR fit the bill just fine.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using Tapatalk

This was your H&H blend- Old Companion

Old Companion is a blend to bring back great memories. A traditional American mixture of pressed Burley and steam-toasted red Virginia which has a nutty/toasty flavor and a nice cool burn. Reminiscent of many of the old foil-pouch blends that Grandpa and his friends used to smoke. This is one for the whole day, everyday.

[cpmcdill]

Still enjoying my new tobaccos, both the original review blends and the "lottery winnings" -- thanks again, Tobias!