Customer Reviews (45 Total)
A Blend To Celebrate
August 22, 2019
Product: Cornell & Diehl Blockade Runner 2oz
I never could figure out why a guy would leave the pleasure of women just to go out to sea to hang out with a bunch of dudes...that is...till I smoked a bowl full of Blockade Runner. Upon breaking the seal of this treasure chest of fine tobacco you ... Read More
notice right off the top, the aroma of the sweet rum. After a carful slicing of these beautiful brownie looking squares the slices rub out out to a fine leaf that packs perfectly every time. Right from the first puff I noticed the very sweet rum flavor and dark fruit. The sweet rum flavors are very consistent from the first light till the dottle. While smoking this fine blend I often times picture myself on the Advance while mopping the deck, turning around only to flip the captain the bird and taking another smoke break. After propping up an umbrella, pouring myself a glass of ice tea and while enjoying the cool sea breezes, I dream of packing another fine bowl of Blockade Runner. After blending Blockade Runner, Black Frigate and Good Morning I picture all of the employees of the Laudisi empire hoisting the tobacco blenders on their shoulders with great cheer - (reminessent of the Movie Christmas Story whenever Ralphie turned in his Christmas Theme and received his A+ + + + + and his peers all lifted Ralphie up on their shoulders in celebration). This blend deserves an A+ + + + and the blenders of these fine tobaccos to be hoisted up in celebration. Read Less
I would run a few blockades for this
February 24, 2020
Product: Cornell & Diehl Blockade Runner 8oz
This is probably one of my chosen few favorite tobacco's. It is slightly sweet, mellow, and consistent. This is the first tobacco I will be stocking up on to cellar. I can't state enough how amazing it is.
All day "ram" smoke blend
November 07, 2019
Product: Cornell & Diehl Blockade Runner 2oz
Yes, you can enjoy a rum aroma. (It's not “Rum” as alcohol. This is Pipe Tobacco.) There are lots of dark fruits and hay hints from Virginia, and it ’s full of wonderful “Rum” aromas. The blend body is consistent but still not a boring blend. Retro H... Read More
ale can experience a stronger “rum” aroma. Read Less
Product: Cornell & Diehl Blockade Runner 2oz
I try different Navy Cavendish styles and really enjoy Windjammer and Navigator from Pease. Blockade Runner didn't really do it for me. I'm generally not a big fan of crumble cakes, but this one breaks apart easily enough, and it may have been drier... Read More
than intended. But it does burn a bit hot which leads to biting, and the others I mentioned are "better behaved" in my pipes. Nice, but not a repeater for me. Read Less
What a disappointment.
October 19, 2018
Product: Cornell & Diehl Blockade Runner 2oz
I had high hopes for this that were dashed quickly. Straight out of the can it was dryer than any cake I have ever seen. The rum smell (tin note) that everyone talks about was much more of a harsh alcohol smell that burned the nostrils. Smoke was sim... Read More
ilar to a dry cigar. In fact, it was exactly like a dry cigar. This will be the first tin to ever hit my garbage can. Read Less
way over done
December 22, 2015
Product: Cornell & Diehl Blockade Runner 2oz
You might want to add a little tobacco to the rum
Good rum
October 17, 2015
Product: Cornell & Diehl Blockade Runner 2oz
Green and brash at first. It grows on you. Not my number one rum smoke but I always have some around. C&D tobacco is down to earth and honest. It's always top quality though could use some age. Blockade Runner has a strong wonderful rum sweetness. It... Read More
feels like you got in a time machine, hopped on a navy ship and stole their tobacco. Read Less
AVAST YE RUM RUNNERS!!!
June 27, 2022
Product: Cornell & Diehl Blockade Runner 2oz
Aye might be plunderin every last ounce of this rum soaked cargo! A truly delicious treat! Alright, I’d probably smoke yer filthy boot if ya soaked it in rum first! Haharrr! This really is a great blend though, I absolutely love it! It smells amazing... Read More
in the tin, like sweet dark rum! And it is an absolutely delicious smoke, smooth, cool, mellow, and the sweet flavors of the Virginia’s and rum are ridiculous! Sooo good! I might like Black Frigate just a tiny bit more because of the Smokey Latakia, but both of these are some of my favorites! Grab a tankard of grog and a bowl of Blockade Runner and set sail! Cheers! Read Less
A little rough around the edges
January 14, 2019
Product: Cornell & Diehl Blockade Runner 8oz
Alone, smoking Blockade Runner is not as smooth as some prefer. I highly recommend pairing this tobacco with Cornell&Diehl's Autumn Evening. This will give you a wonderful rum and maple flavor.
Product: Cornell & Diehl Blockade Runner 2oz
I'm a light smoker. I'll smoke once a week or less. When I read the reviews of these tobaccos I often can't relate. I don't pick up on the nuances that these other pipe lovers pick up on. That being said, I can tell you that Blockade Runner is t... Read More
he best pipe tobacco I have ever smoked. Really good. Perfect. Wow. Thank You C&D! Read Less
Definite keeper
July 08, 2022
Product: Cornell & Diehl Blockade Runner 2oz
This was one of my earliest trues with a rum soaked Va, and only took about half a bowl before I started looking for my wallet to order more. It’s subtle, creamy, smooth and soothing in all aspects. Very little, if any, bite. And I’m a freight-train ... Read More
style smoker sometimes. There was a mellow tangy earthiness to the whole experience and I’ve been enthusiastically working my way through my first plug all week. No question about it, this is a cellar staple. Easily 4.5 out of 5 ‘Beards’ in overall approval! Read Less
There's something, but not a lot.
March 30, 2022
Product: Cornell & Diehl Blockade Runner 2oz
I picked this up after having Black Frigate. I didn't really enjoy it, but that may change with age. The initial tin note gives off a scent of rum soaked raisins. The smoke is cool and mellow but the nose on it in my opinion is less pleasing than ... Read More
the choice of Black Frigate. My mind may change after a year or so, but for now this isn't one that I'd keep close. Read Less
Chemical aftertaste
February 02, 2021
Product: Cornell & Diehl Blockade Runner 2oz
This blend had a strange artificial chemical aftertaste that was completely off-putting.
Excellent tobacco
January 09, 2021
Product: Cornell & Diehl Blockade Runner 8oz
Always in my cellar
AnotherC&D winner!
November 19, 2020
Product: Cornell & Diehl Blockade Runner 2oz
This is one of the first C&D blends that I ordered over a year ago,tin is from 2018..jarred away..at first this was too overwhelming..but that was because I couldn't appreciate a great VA blend like this..the rum flavor is heavy in the tin..but b... Read More
oy oh boy after this aged,I find it to be a best of the best VA blends I smoke..just break off a chunk from the loose cake..bready,tart,sweet,with the rum slightly in the back...excellent smoke..a few rough VA edges,but very enjoyable with a medium nic blast like my other favorite C&D blends..great choice for VA fans.. Read Less
Lives up to the hype
November 04, 2020
Product: Cornell & Diehl Blockade Runner 2oz
From opening the tin, to the room note to the smoking, I'm going to keep this one around. Yes, I would go back to sea for this blend.
Great stuff
August 18, 2020
Product: Cornell & Diehl Blockade Runner 2oz
The tin note smells like opening a new bottle of merlot. You can taste the booze in the smoke, and it's FANTASTIC. The cake breaks apart fairly easily. Just pinch a piece off, let it dry, then sail away..
Very Good
January 09, 2019
Product: Cornell & Diehl Blockade Runner 2oz
I love this stuff. It tends to attract people to the garage when I smoke it and its currently my favorite.
Ages well
November 30, 2018
Product: Cornell & Diehl Blockade Runner 2oz
So I am not a big Virginia smoker but I cellared a can of this for more than 10 years and the result was amazing. Great on its own or to sweeten any English blends or Balkan blends that need more dimension. About one pinch of this to two pinches of t... Read More
he other has turned some other blends into perfection for me. I’m using up the last bit all on its own and it is one of the finest smokes I have ever had. Read Less
Beautiful Smoke
July 20, 2018
Product: Cornell & Diehl Blockade Runner 8oz
Received mine today,and smoking some in a Charatan Executive.This goes great with a strong beer.Buy it and smoke it.One of the best Virginia types in a long time,five stars.
Product: Cornell & Diehl Blockade Runner 8oz
This has quickly turned into my second favorite tobacco from C&D. If you are looking for a great tasting wonderful burning tobacco you need to try this one.
A great smoke
December 18, 2017
Product: Cornell & Diehl Blockade Runner 2oz
The rum hits you as soon as you pop the tin. Once you pack your pipe the tobacco you get a thick, relaxing smoke.
Oh man I love this
March 05, 2017
Product: Cornell & Diehl Blockade Runner 2oz
Wow, is all I can say when I popped open the tin I was assailed by the great tin note smelled so good I wanted to eat some. Pretty much ready to smoke though a little drying time may be advisable. Good rich full bodied taste but not at all harsh. I r... Read More
ecommend a light gravity fill as my first bowl packed down tight and was hard to draw. A really nice end of the day smoke perfect for a rainy evening on the porch with your dog. Nice. Read Less
Aged 9 years
September 05, 2016
Product: Cornell & Diehl Blockade Runner 2oz
I'm smoking a 9 year old aged tin and it is fantastic. Smooth liquor taste; burning well and did not have to light the pipe more than twice. I do not know what it is like purchased new. However, aged 9 years it still felt fresh- and like another revi... Read More
ewer said below it does in fact have a nautical feel to it. Will buy and age more. Read Less
good tobacco.
September 15, 2022
Product: Cornell & Diehl Blockade Runner 2oz
Very good tobacco. One of my favorites
Rum an spicy
September 12, 2022
Product: Cornell & Diehl Blockade Runner 8oz
I opened the can crumbled the cake stuffed a large briar an got the large rum dumpster fire burnt nasty I just Snorted raw alcohol through a straw up my nose not good. So I left the can open overnight an came back to it the next day, this time whit a... Read More
smaller cob better. This definitely needs to breathe now it’s A smooth rum that kicks a bit whit a fine spiced rum finish and I think fruit tone. Read Less
Rum an spicy
September 12, 2022
Product: Cornell & Diehl Blockade Runner 8oz
I opened the can crumbled the cake stuffed a large briar an got the large rum dumpster fire burnt nasty I just Snorted raw alcohol through a straw up my nose not good. So I left the can open overnight an came back to it the next day, this time whit a... Read More
smaller cob better. This definitely needs to breathe now it’s A smooth rum that kicks a bit whit a fine spiced rum finish and I think fruit tone. Read Less
Not what was expected
September 09, 2022
Product: Cornell & Diehl Blockade Runner 2oz
I opened the tin an was hit by rum, that I was expecting. I love C & D but blends they seem to be on the wet side which is good for aging but sure annoying when you want to try this now. This blend was not wet, perfect moisture when the tin was opene... Read More
d with about 6 months of age. Instead of what i thought may be a wet blend heavy in rum turned out to be a very mellow sweet bready blend with perfect moisture and just the slightest hint of rum. I love strong flavors and would enjoy a heavy rummy blend but the Virginias really shine in this blend with just a bit of sweet rum coming in here and there. I will be getting 8 oz tins for the cellar this will be a great blend with a few years on it. I have to say this is a welcome surprise and will likely be in my Virginia rotation for a long time. Also the tin of Black Frigate is now looking mighty tempting and may now be opened sooner than later. Read Less
Great Virginia rum
August 26, 2022
Product: Cornell & Diehl Blockade Runner 2oz
A terrific Virginia cake, heavy on the rum. A must try.
Sweet berries
July 31, 2022
Product: Cornell & Diehl Blockade Runner 2oz
Red and gold spongey tobacco unfolds and packs effortlessly. The tin note is sugary sweet berries. The smoke is sweet, at times heavy, Virginia. The lingering aroma is rich and pleasing. C&D makes these rum soaked blends well.
Product: Cornell & Diehl Blockade Runner 2oz
Definitely smells and tastes like rum. The tobacco looks like very high quality cakes. I'm not the biggest fan of the taste, sorta like light cigarettes and rum. My girlfriend was not a fan of the room note. Maybe best for some seeking light smoking ... Read More
tobacco that tastes like rum! Read Less
Dry cake with odd flavor
June 29, 2022
Product: Cornell & Diehl Blockade Runner 2oz
Had a few bowls of this over the past week. Very dry for a cake and a very odd flavor and room oder. Almost chemical in taste. It may need to be rehydrated some. Can was well sealed but tobacco almost turns to saw dust when you break a piece of the c... Read More
ake off. Not a fan of this one. Read Less
Damn the torpedos
October 07, 2021
Product: Cornell & Diehl Blockade Runner 8oz
I've only tried 6 different boozy Virginia's and this is my fave. Ordered the big one and I'm going through it waaay to fast. It's easy to smoke a lot. It does get hot, and it bites a little when it's hot. Not the best for when I'm smoking quicker th... Read More
an I should. Read Less
Yet again, they over topped it.
July 10, 2021
Product: Cornell & Diehl Blockade Runner 2oz
What is there fascination with over topping these blends in rum. It's almost like they found a way of solidifying rum without freezing it.
Only when I opened the tin I realized that this is my tobacco
June 06, 2021
Product: Cornell & Diehl Blockade Runner 2oz
Only when I opened the tin I realized that this is my tobacco. Great smell of Virginia and Rum. The tobacco blend is blended from Virginia Gold and Red. A weekly impregnation with rum followed by drying and squeezing did the trick. The cake is great.... Read More
Every pipe smoked with this tobacco is a delight. Definitely on the list of the best tobaccos for me! Read Less
Product: Cornell & Diehl Blockade Runner 2oz
The stuff is pretty good, not much else to say about it. If you like VA’s and rum give it a try.
Product: Cornell & Diehl Blockade Runner 2oz
I had the luck of finding some C&D tins dates to 2013 a few years ago. Sunday Picnic and Blockade Runner among them. Blockade Runner was incredible upon first opening the tin after five years of aging. The rum smell was potent, and present in ... Read More
every puff. The rum is dominant even, but not completely overshadowing the Virginias, which add there delicious flavor. I then jarred the majority of my cake and set it aside for another 1.5 years. Now the rum is still noticeable in the jar, but much less so in the smoke, particularly as you get deeper into the bowl. The Virginias have more room to shine, and this is where it loses a point from me. It's not that the Virginia flavor isn't good, but it's not as sweet or flavorful as I expected for 6 years of age. It might be that I'm used to the incredible flavors of aged va/per blends, but to me this one falls a little short because of this. It excels at what it's description says, and for that it earns it's 3.5 stars solidly. A tasty and very satisfying smoke for any time of day. Since I mentioned Sunday Picnic earlier, I can't recommend it highly enough, especially if you can get an aged tin. It is one of my top 5 favorites when aged. I swear I saw a rainbow of color when I first popped my aged tin of SP. Some yellow, tints of green and red and aroma that's to die for. Heaven... Read Less
Needs a little age
September 26, 2019
Product: Cornell & Diehl Blockade Runner 2oz
The more i smoke this the more i like it. crumbles easy, packs and lights well. The tin note at first was a really strong fermented wine smell that's gotten more subtle over time, i also have a tin for the cellar buts its going to be hard to wait a f... Read More
ew years to open again. Read Less
Maybe It's Me.
June 26, 2019
Product: Cornell & Diehl Blockade Runner 2oz
I was super excited to try this. I really like Virginias. The nautical thing is appealing to me. I popped the tin, and it smelled like Red Man chewing tobacco. Another plus. The cake rubbed out with little to no effort. It packed easy. It took... Read More
the flame well. And then I just couldn't get into the taste. I may sit on this for a little while and come back to it. Hopefully some age will do this well. It wasn't bad, but it wasn't what I had hoped for. Read Less
Back in time!
January 05, 2019
Product: Cornell & Diehl Blockade Runner 2oz
I was unimpressed with the blend when I first tried it. I was rushing around and it got harsh really fast. But like the time period the blend was crafted to be from requires a slower cadence. Keep this blend cool in your pipe and it really shines! Th... Read More
is is definitely a blend that is for sitting and relaxing with a slow pipe, like sitting on the fantail deck of a old side wheeler! My second impression of this blend is I love it! It just can’t be rushed! Read Less
Very nice cake.
April 02, 2017
Product: Cornell & Diehl Blockade Runner 2oz
My second crumble cake, and it's very good, though I enjoy the Black Frigate a little more.
First piece of Cake
September 23, 2016
Product: Cornell & Diehl Blockade Runner 2oz
My first cake tobacco I ever tried.
It is a little more work to pack the bowl but worth every second.
This is a Full body but not harsh Rum blend. That can become an all day smoke.
Best used in small bowls.
I am not a Rum blend smoker but this is exc... Read More
elllant Blend. I will always keep some on hand. Read Less
I like it!
August 26, 2013
Product: Cornell & Diehl Blockade Runner 2oz
A little bit of work, crumbling it up and packing your bowl, but it has a nautical feel and taste. Flavorful, but not trying to be too much.
Very good
October 26, 2012
Product: Cornell & Diehl Blockade Runner 2oz
My first true navy. I think it's strong, different, full of flavor and personality. Burns well, too.
Product: Cornell & Diehl Blockade Runner 2oz
A very fine navy Cavendish. Not my favorite but still good.