Blending Experiment

[GWBowman]

Smoked a couple of bowls of B, one in a Grand Duke and one in a Irish Second. The jar note I got was sweet tobacco, raisin and a little spice. The tobacco burned well but has already been said, it was airy with little to no taste. Probably load some C tomorrow night.

[Lostmason]

Smoked a bowl of Autumn Breakfast in a meerschaum today,seems the stoved virginia and the smyrna are coming out more.The burley has decidedly step to the background and the nut flavors are very faint.Still a phenominal smoking expierience for me,I'm still trying to find my niche in the differing blends and mixtures.This mixture ,with a little age on it, has taken on a bit more complexity and robustness. A more bodied smoke that is ,for me, more exciting.Anywho,I'm off to light a bowl of sample "D" now in my OLD-VIC .

Matt

[NeverBend]

Hi Matt (@Lostmason),

What does "Ikke snakk med mindre du kan forbedre stillheten." - Spansk ordtak mean?

I've tried Swedish, Danish, Norwegian and Finnish translators and they partially translate (if at all) and are contradictory?

Which version of Autumn Breakfast do your comments refer to?

Thanks,

Pete

[Lostmason]

Hi Matt (@Lostmason),

What does "Ikke snakk med mindre du kan forbedre stillheten." - Spansk ordtak mean?

I've tried Swedish, Danish, Norwegian and Finnish translators and they partially translate (if at all) and are contradictory?

Which version of Autumn Breakfast do your comments refer to?

Thanks,

Pete

"Do not speak unless you can improve the silence." - Spanish proverb

My comments are on the mix you made for me, the mix with your interpretation is a bit different in that I can taste the spice more so I've
got it in a jar to age for a bit.

On sample "D", I'll have to agree with Chris's description, although I didn't have any problems with keeping it lit. It had a spicier feel,made my tongue
numb,and the bitter was present. But considering I smoked it while soaking and bad knee, it was very relaxing and just what the doctor ordered.
Thank you, I know this is kind of mixing forums as well as mixing threads but, Even if nicotene is a stimulant,the very act of smoking a pipe is
relaxing and medicinal.

[Lostmason]

Pete (@Neverbend)

When I mention "spice" I am talking more of the feel than the taste.In sample"D" it is like white pepper,a pleasant burning that excites the palate.
The bitter is a subtle undertone that adds depth to the experience.I didn't pick up on a flowery or citrus taste,but a fruit flavor was just at the back.
Kind of like a shadow that you keep chasing.

This is why I feel undeserving, I'm not well endowed with the ability to define what I taste,but can easily identify how I feel. This sample is one
that takes my mind off the world and my own issues by capturing my attention like a good book.It is relaxing and enjoyable,the flavors are such
that they don't overpower or overwhelm, they soothe and comfort.The room note is pleasant and reminds me of fun times at a cigar/pipe lounge.
So with all that said I'll go pack a bowl of sample "B",and chase a few more shadows.

[NeverBend]

Pete (@Neverbend)

When I mention "spice" I am talking more of the feel than the taste.In sample"D" it is like white pepper,a pleasant burning that excites the palate.
The bitter is a subtle undertone that adds depth to the experience.I didn't pick up on a flowery or citrus taste,but a fruit flavor was just at the back.
Kind of like a shadow that you keep chasing.

This is why I feel undeserving, I'm not well endowed with the ability to define what I taste,but can easily identify how I feel. This sample is one
that takes my mind off the world and my own issues by capturing my attention like a good book.It is relaxing and enjoyable,the flavors are such
that they don't overpower or overwhelm, they soothe and comfort.The room note is pleasant and reminds me of fun times at a cigar/pipe lounge.
So with all that said I'll go pack a bowl of sample "B",and chase a few more shadows.

If you are undeserving then who is deserving? Are your taste buds inferior? Just as with food, you know what you like and even if you have difficulty in describing specific tastes, you know the flavors and how you react to them.

Undeserving = Inexperience in describing flavors. Put me in this category too and don't underestimate that we each react (taste) differently so we negotiate descriptions of flavor. Jim (@JimInks) has learned how to consistently describe specific flavors.

Palate = Ability to quickly discern and differentiate flavors. Yes, palate is a skill that's learned and refined and I prefer my definition to attempting to understand (or look at) this:

Your comments about Mixture "D" are consistent with what I've tasted. White Pepper is a good metaphor for the spice. The Virginia (Red especially) is lurking and not answering the door .

[GWBowman]

A few days ago I had a bowl of blend C in a small meer. All I can remember about the jar note and taste is Latakia. It wasn't overwhelming, but I don't recall anything else about it. Revisited it tonight. The jar note is smoky Latakia and a tangy tobacco smell. I'm smoking it in a MM Cob Legend. Of course the Latakia is still there, but has calmed down some. I'm also getting a Virginia combo of sweet and tangy with hints of hay. Part of the way in I'm getting a little spice, mostly on the retrohale. I guessing a little Perique. While I may be completely wrong about the ingredients, I am sure that I like this.

The last shipment was very personalized. There were four blends. One of them was the one Pete made based on our correspondence. Two were named after me, G and Einstein #2. I apologize. Just couldn't help myself. Of course, I jest.

Really looking forward to these.

[Alligator Gar]

I think C is ready for the world. I'd like about 200 grams of this stuffed in Mason jars. I smoked some Seminole Red and Outdoor Incense after wrapping them tight and putting them down for a three week nap and both were improved. OI wasn't as intense, which is good, as it was a flavor bomb, and Red was creamier and sweeter, less bright than I originally remember it.

[NeverBend]

I think C is ready for the world. I'd like about 200 grams of this stuffed in Mason jars. I smoked some Seminole Red and Outdoor Incense after wrapping them tight and putting them down for a three week nap and both were improved. OI wasn't as intense, which is good, as it was a flavor bomb, and Red was creamier and sweeter, less bright than I originally remember it.

The Red Virginia from C&D is a good component with a broad ribbon cut but it takes it's time to marry. The Smyrna also takes time to establish it's 'cream'. These two components behave very well together and you'll know that they're integrated when you taste a lurking 'red sweetness' that's subtly sweet with deeper nuance than brighter Virginia and a (mild) spiced cream.

To clarify my flavor comments, (in general), bright Virginia have more acid that gives tang, a citrus note and distinct sweetness (sugary). Red Virginia have a deeper, richer but less sugary sweetness and some fruit. Smyrna won't be a dairy cream, more like spiced turnips with butter (I'll probably make that for Thanksgiving ).

[Lostmason]

I smoked a short bowl of sample "B" and noticed what I can only describe as a smoked fig taste.It was an underlying taste, not predominate or
overpowering.Still picked up some of the spice or pepper feel but it was very mild.

Pete @NeverBend

The main reasons for my feelings of inferiority are as stated I don't have the background that Jim does, and get frustrated
by not being able to pick out all the nuances of the blend. I'm not that articulate at describing what I can taste and quite
often just give up and enjoy the smoke without trying to seperate the flavors. I've enjoyed several different mixtures lately
and can honestly say that I like the aro's and burley blends the best, on those I can pick up on the cream and nut flavors.
That was what was so intense with the Einstien mixture you sent,a distinct creaminess and mellow vanilla that came thru.
Don't misunderstand my comments as being dispariging, just the level of my gratitude that you would place value on what
feedback I can provide.I feel extremely lucky to have come into contact with you,Jim,Tab,Tobias,and Bruck, The wealth of
knowledge that you all have shared here has given me a renewed love for my pipes and a hobby that my wife and I both
enjoy. Right now I have a small science experiment going and if it works out I'll share it with you for comments and advice.
If it turns sour, I will hide it under a rock and never talk about it,,,