Customer Reviews (16 Total)
Bengal Slices without the pretense
May 29, 2018
Product: Hearth & Home Fusilier's Ration 1.75oz
I love Bengal Slices, but this seems to be the less refined, less cultured brother of Bengal Slices. There is less of an orientals taste present, which I feel brings out a little more of the Latakia taste. It looses a little (just a little) smoothnes... Read More
s in the exchange, but it is subtle. If you are looking for a replacement for Bengal Slices, this might be a little off-mark, but in its own right, based of its own merits, I feel this is a nice well-blended smoke. The mixture of orientals, latakia, virginias, and cavendish are nice. As I mentioned before, there is a difference in the presence of orientals, but I feel it is a nice change and not one that diminishes things. Read Less
Well Done
November 14, 2018
Product: Hearth & Home Fusilier's Ration 1.75oz
Russ Ouellette really knows his stuff. Bengal Slices was a blend that he really enjoyed back in the day. So much so, that he decided to create a homage blend as a tribute to that very memorable tobacco. He called it Fusilier’s Ration, a name I found ... Read More
intriguing and was drawn to right away. I never smoked the original, so I can’t say how close it is to the Bengal Slices of that time. However, I can’t imagine Russ putting out something that wasn’t as close to perfect as he could get. What I can say is that what he created is very similar to my favorite tobacco, Plum Pudding. It’s a bit sweeter, and a touch brighter than Plum Pudding. Additionally, it has a very interesting, subtle top note that is not in any way overbearing and blends nicely with the tobaccos to provide a pleasant incense like aroma. That said, I would not consider this blend an aromatic. It crumbles very nicely, has a brownie like feel, lights readily, and stays lit. A very smooth, cool smoke with the essence of leather and anise. It’s well balanced, slightly sweet, dark with a touch of brightness, has a nice finish, and a creamy mouthfeel. A very enjoyable blend from a great blender. Read Less
Good Stuff
April 29, 2018
Product: Hearth & Home Fusilier's Ration 1.75oz
I love the cakes. Smokes incredibly well. No moisture, no bite. Very smooth and sweet- not overly sophisticated. I would say this could be a great way for a newer smokers to become familiar with both latakia and cake-style tobacco.
A tad too s... Read More
weet for me, but a quality product. I can't dock stars based on personal preference. Read Less
Old-fashioned top note
April 27, 2018
Product: Hearth & Home Fusilier's Ration 1.75oz
Old-fashioned top note : Tonquin Bean (?) A little bit milder than Bengal Slices (for me anyway) but very good crumble cake latakia mixture. Easy to pack and to light. Recommended.
2nd only to Special Reserve
April 14, 2021
Product: Hearth & Home Fusilier's Ration 1.75oz
Loose-pressed, this deep, dark, rich, sweet, and thick flavored blend has a medium nicotine kick. Cool-smoking with a thick, mouth-filling smoke combined with that sweet topping is absolutely marvelous! The latakia is mellowed, the VA is fermented s... Read More
weet, the Orientals aren't spicy but rather decidedly herbal and woody, and the cavendish provides a sweet, smooth and round mouth feel. The aromatic element is what sets this apart. It's such an amazing composition of natural-tasting topping components that are completely harmonious with the natural tobacco flavor. While the toppings take this to the next level, without them it would be an extremely well-done and expertly-composed blend, regardless. I taste anise, vanilla, prune, plum or brandy? I have no idea... I'm thinking brandy as I pick up an oak nuance and fermented fruit rather than a linear plum. There a chewing tobacco flavor here that tells me anise is part of the toppings, and there is a vanilla note or it could be clove. Hard to tell as vanilla and anise, when combined, have a clove flavor. I also detect a slight perfume note. Not like G&H geranium oil, but there's definitely a slight floral nuance... could be the Smyrna? In my 26 years of piping, this is my #2, second only to the Special Reserve and Maltese Falcon. FR Special Reserve has better, well-aged VA, and that quality comes through loud and clear. The Special Reserve tastes exactly like my 8 year old Penzance due to the higher quality VA, but the topping places it squarely in the #1 spot for me, tied with Maltese Falcon. Oh man... if Smoking Pipes carried the Special Reserve, it'd be constantly sold out. Read Less
just plain ole good stuff
March 15, 2021
Product: Hearth & Home Fusilier's Ration 1.75oz
I thought there wasn't much difference when I first tried the Bengal slices alongside Fusiliers Ration and thought they were similar but with a marked difference but I could not tell per se. When you get right down to it is they are unique to themsel... Read More
ves. Read Less
Wonderful smoke
September 06, 2020
Product: Hearth & Home Fusilier's Ration 1.75oz
This is a unique blend that delivers allot of satisfaction on all levels. It has a very nice taste and aroma. One of my favorites and will be buying again
Winter rations.
November 24, 2018
Product: Hearth & Home Fusilier's Ration 1.75oz
My first experience with Fusilier's Ration followed my already ensconced love of Bengal Slices. I'm unclear as to which of these blends came first for Russ Ouellette, but both deserve to be tried. Bengal Slices is much better IMO (see my review), but... Read More
I want to focus on Fusilier's. My first impression of Fusilier's was judged unfairly based on my experience with Bengal. It wasn't until much later that I grew to like Fusilier's on its own merit. Initially, I wanted Fusilier's to be just like Bengal based on what I'd read. Russ meant Fusilier's Ration to be an homage to Bengal Slices, which he had helped re-introduce to market. In truth, they are both similar in flavor and cut, but there is a distinct difference between the two tobaccos. I don't think anyone who tries both would say they are the same repackaged tobacco. Fusilier's Ration is less refined and more... well, a “ration” as apposed to a proper meal. The smokey English-esk flavors are there, the ease of crumble cake preparation too, and like Bengal Slices there is a distinct taste of licorice though not nearly as pronounced as it is in Bengal Slices. A side note: I read somewhere that the anise flavor is a natural occurrence when Latakia (made from Smyrna) is mixed with more unsmoked Smyrna and may not be a topping or casing at all? Anyway, it's there but in far less potency. Perhaps that's the main difference, Fusilier's is like a muted cousin of Bengal Slices; you can see the family resemblance, but one is clearly in the shadow of the other. I recently went in halfsies with my friend on the Special Reserve version of Fusilier's Ration and while it seemed more refined, it too takes a silver to Bengal's gold (IMO). So what are the benefits to Fusilier's? Because of Bengal's popularity, Fusilier's is often easier to procure. Also, it's usually cheaper as well (not counting the Special Reserve). Think of a more all-day version of your favorite type of tobacco...if you like Bengal Slices uniqueness, but only partake on rare occasion, then Fusilier's Ration is the perfect way to treat yourself between those indulgences. Both are in my Wintertime rotation. And, I'm sure there are those that find Bengal Slices too strong that prefer Fusilier's Ration because of its matte characteristics. Enjoy. Read Less
a landmark tobacco on all levels
October 15, 2018
Product: Hearth & Home Fusilier's Ration 1.75oz
Top note; hay bales, vanilla, chocolate brownie hues. Tonka bean topping?
Middle notes; mahogany, peat, subtle licorice under tones.
The burn is exceptional-compare in quality to 3Ps. From start to finish a linear bliss, with no dramatic change as w... Read More
e pass the half way mark.
Visually, construction, cut and aroma is only superseded when you crumble the slice, let it rest and you could just stare and smell without charring.
Exhale; a rich, smooth smoke that burns to a very fine white ash. No bite, smooth on the palate.
Thanks Russ for educating me. Read Less
very nice!
January 25, 2023
Product: Hearth & Home Fusilier's Ration 1.75oz
Tin note of smoky, vanilla, and anise. Tobacco is dark brown and black Krumble Kake with flecks of light brown. Moisture content is good, some may want to dry it a bit. Breaks and rubs out with little effort. Burns slow with a few relights. The stren... Read More
gth is mild to medium and nic is mild. Flavoring is mild to medium, with notes of vanilla and anise, but both quickly relegate to the background. Taste is medium to full and mostly consistent, with complex notes of floral, smoky, herbal incense, wood, earth, leather, spicy, tangy citrus, dry, sour, orange peel/zest, bread, acidic, spices, musty vegetation, bitter, a sugar and lemon grass background note, and a peppery retro. Latakia is leading with Oriental/Turkish, Virginia and Black Cavendish supporting. Flavoring shows strong support in the beginning but then falls by the wayside in the first 1/4. Room note is pleasant to tolerable, and aftertaste is great. Read Less
Bengal brownies
November 24, 2022
Product: Hearth & Home Fusilier's Ration 1.75oz
Another blend that has been done a disservice by comparison. While this does bare a closer resemblance to its inspiration it really delivers its own unique smoke. The topping is that of anise/licorice and is very pleasant and not over powering. It co... Read More
mpliments the ingredients well. Tin note is amazing. Room note is amazing. The smoke is incredible. For me however the crumble is too fine and is difficult to pack light enough for the right draw. I will give it the benefit of the doubt because it is so wonderful otherwise and say it could be my batch. I’d get another tin and see if it fares better. Read Less
Smoking Potion #9
October 11, 2021
Product: Hearth & Home Fusilier's Ration 1.75oz
It’s easy to see why this Mixture honors Bengal Slices, which seems to be high on everyone’s list. As much as I like the Slices, however, I have found that the Fusilier’s Ration has really grown on me, to the point that I think I prefer it to the Ben... Read More
gal Slices. The tobaccos are essentially the same, but the flavors are not. I find the Ration a bit milder than the Slices, and I really like the way that the tastes are released in the Fusilier’s Ration, with its Anise and hint of leather. Happily, I do not have to choose between the two mixtures. But if I did, I think I would be seduced by the gypsy potion and take my pleasure with the warmth of her smoke. Read Less
Silky and smoky
May 21, 2020
Product: Hearth & Home Fusilier's Ration 1.75oz
So today my new pipe was delivered. Savinelli Porto Cervo 122. First blend I tried from it was Plum Pudding. Immediately after that bowl I packed Fusilier’s Ration. It’s official — I prefer this over Plum Pudding. The latakia is there but not as forw... Read More
ard as Plum Pudding. The cavendish adds a silky and sweet body. I love Plum Pudding, and will keep a tin of this on-hand as well. Read Less
A worthy blend for anyone’s collection.
February 20, 2020
Product: Hearth & Home Fusilier's Ration 1.75oz
This is a very intriguing tobacco. I’m letting it age in the cellar as this is one blend that I plan to enjoy for years to come.
So good..
August 09, 2019
Product: Hearth & Home Fusilier's Ration 1.75oz
My dad smoked Bengal Slices in the 80s.. I bought him a tin of the remake and when I finally got around to asking him his thoughts his response was something like "Everything must've tasted better when I was young.." or something like that. Having t... Read More
ried a pinch myself, I just remember it being strong! So that's more or less what I was expecting when I sampled Fusilier's Ration. What struck me immediately about this cake is it's relative mildness.. The strong balkans or english luxury blends are usually too much for me save for the odd, wild night here and there. But this is perfectly balanced. I would smoke it all the time if I could. The orientals play perfectly with the va.. The cavendish gives the smoke serious body. The topping is light and could be anything- plum, tonquin, anise butterscotch, whiskey or rum.. none would surprise me. It's just a little voice in the chorus anyway. As the bowl dies, the latakia gets more prominent. It's just so good. I just wish i could get it in bigger cakes.. Read Less
Product: Hearth & Home Fusilier's Ration 1.75oz
spicy and "spicy" a bit bitter sweet with a hint of red and black pepper and some kind of liquor like a cognac that leaves me craving more!
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