Rattray's Hal o the Wynd

All right, I've been smoking this for a couple of weeks now and I think I've got a handle on this blend.

Tobacco Name: Rattray's Hal o the Wynd

Blend: Virginia/Perique/Kentucky (I still consider this a Vaper even though it has some Kentucky. I don't know if that is technically correct or not)

Cut: Broken Flake

Age: New (It comes in 3.5 oz tins so I jarred half of it up to age)

Smoked in: I've smoked several bowls of this in my unfinished Savinelli apple shaped pipe and I've tried it in several different cobs.

As mentioned above this tobacco only comes in a 3.5 oz (100 gram) tin. It is a broken flake and in my opinion needs to be rubbed out just a little more. Your millage may vary. It does come a bit moist, at least my tin did. You can smoke it right out of the tin, but it does benefit from a half hour or so out in the air.

My favorite tobaccos are VA and Vaper blends and I had heard DanTheSmokingMan on Youtube sing this one's praises. He mentioned that he liked it more than Elizabethan Mixture so I had to try it out. It did not disappoint.

The perique and Kentucky are not overpowering as the Virginias are the main star. Very smooth tasting. It is a slightly sweet full flavored Virginia blend. The perique is noticeable more on the retrohale as you get a little bit of spice there. I found the Kentucky to be a minor player but adds a nice balance. I wouldn't want any more than there is in it, as I am only a fan of burleys in a supporting role.

You get the expected citrus and hay flavors that you expect in a VA but they are subtle. The sweetness seems to build as the bowl progresses, which I love. At times I picked up on a slight raisin or plum flavor, which I assume is from the perique.

I'd say it is a full flavor blend and the strength (nicotine) I would give a medium. It's there, but I've smoked it in the morning with coffee and haven't had any trouble.

Bottom line, I enjoy this blend very much. It has quickly became one of my favorite Vapers. I don't know that it has unseated St. James Flake (nahh) but it is right up there. Good stuff.

http://i902.photobucket.com/albums/a...pshqnftmqf.jpg

I believe the "official" label is Vaperky!

The first time that I tried this one, I just plain didn't like it. I was annoyed at not liking a "Scottish" blenders goods. Yeah - I know it isn't made in the homeland anymore. So as is my wont, I ran a trade and review thread and tried as many Rattray's blends as I could find.

Now I love them, although I prefer Old Gowrie and Marlin Flake over HotW. I know I am in the minority there, but there you have it.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Desertlifter

Now I love them, although I prefer Old Gowrie and Marlin Flake over HotW. I know I am in the minority there, but there you have it.

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Yeah, the next order I make I think I'm gonna try some Old Gowrie. I've heard Marlin Flake is good, but it has added flavoring if I'm not mistaken and I generally don't care for that. There are very few blends with added flavoring that I enjoy.

But OG is on my list.

Great review!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Desertlifter

The first time that I tried this one, I just plain didn't like it. I was annoyed at not liking a "Scottish" blenders goods. Yeah - I know it isn't made in the homeland anymore. So as is my wont, I ran a trade and review thread and tried as many Rattray's blends as I could find.

Now I love them, although I prefer Old Gowrie and Marlin Flake over HotW. I know I am in the minority there, but there you have it.

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Quick update.
I ordered some Marlin Flake and my fears about the flavoring were unfounded.

Man, it is great stuff. Love it and I imagine it would be even better with some age on it.

Excellent review on what has long been my favorite blend. This is also one tobacco that ages beautifully, so if you can set aside a tin or two, do so. From my experience, three years seems to be the magic age, but I once had a tin with ten years of age on it and it was almost better than sex.

I remember this review and have been meaning to get some since. Finally got around to it, picked up an ounce bulk the other day, trying it now.

Very nice. I'm not as good at picking out the flavor components as @Cool Breeze is, but yes, it's a nice VaPer flavor, & mild/medium vitamin N.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Bruck

I remember this review and have been meaning to get some since. Finally got around to it, picked up an ounce bulk the other day, trying it now.

Very nice.

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Glad you liked it as well.
I was trying to decide what to smoke when I read this.

Hal o the Wynd it is. :pipe:

Had another bowl this afternoon at a microbrewery in the Blue Ridge mountains.