Customer Reviews (24 Total)
My Blended Gift to C&D
August 05, 2016
Product: Cornell & Diehl Orion's Arrow Bulk
I previously submitted a review of this my one and only blend out of hundreds that has survived the test of time. A former smoker of Turkish cigarettes, but a pipe lover since I Was six. I love the spicinessvof perique, the strength of turkish flavor... Read More
s, and the sweetness offered by Virginia's. I always thought that blenders slighted perique lovers, so gave each of the four parts equal standing in the blend. C&D liked it, and called me in the late '90's asking what I had named my blend. Outside, on my farm in GA, stating at a cool autumn sky, I spied Orion, always a mystical constellation, with his arrow pointed at the panther, North. I answered my caller with the name of this blend. I still love it and treasure it as I cannot get Three Nuns in its original formulation. I invite you to query C&D about this if you Wish. Thank you for carrying it. Read Less
A Sleeper
November 16, 2017
Product: Cornell & Diehl Orion's Arrow Bulk
In muscle-car terms, Orion's Arrow is what one would call a "sleeper." There is a lot more under the hood than a look at the relatively bland exterior leads one to expect. The blend is an unprepossessing, medium brown, springy ribbon cut, exhibiting ... Read More
relatively little variation in color and texture. The pouch note is quite grassy, dominated by the flue-cured Virginias. The aroma is supported with a sour dried herb/leaves note from the Turkish and enriched by a very slight dried fruit tone, presumably from the perique. But, the proof is in the pipe, so pack it, light it up and ... bam! The blend just roars with power and the perique, reinforced by the Turkish spice, leaps to the forefront. There's a definite role-reversal here, now the virginias are trying with some success to sweeten what has become a very peppery smoke. If it bites the tongue a little bit, it's only because I'm drawing too eagerly to explore the nuances of this interesting smoke. Read Less
"Orions Arrow will show you the way"
October 15, 2015
Product: Cornell & Diehl Orion's Arrow Bulk
Just about chewable, strong thick smoke, smooth and not bitey, a retrohalers dream. I have tried most of C.D'S bulk blends, Old Joe Krantz, Billy Budd, Haunted Bookshop amongst my favourites and had never ordered Orions Arrow, I don't know why but no... Read More
w that I have it joins the above, I don't write reviews on tobacco lightly, they are written for fellow pipers and newbies to inform them of a special smoke, that is a joy to light up, savour and become one with others who value this wonderful experience, I don't want my bowl to finish when it's this nice, well there you have it, order this and welcome to my world, well that's what this pastime is all about, sharing knowledge and exposing fellow pipers to new joys, kind regrds, from Adelaide, Soth Australia. Read Less
You'll get no quarrel with me.
December 25, 2018
Product: Cornell & Diehl Orion's Arrow Bulk
I'm glad I happened across this blend (love the smokingpipes.com Tobacco Locator). I'm a fan of both VA/Perique blends and VA in general, but I also have a long standing love for Balkan blends and the intoxicating Orientals they contain. I often wond... Read More
ered if these loves would cross paths and that's when I discovered C&D's Orion's Arrow (what a cool name). This blend claims to have near equal parts of two Virginias, Perique and Turkish. WOW! First off, we know it's half VA, and you can't go wrong with that base, but that also means there's 25% Perique – no small amount, and then a quarter Turkish (which could be any number of Orientals, but I'm thinking Izmir most likely) to add a creamy aromatic quality. As soon as I read the description I knew this would either be awful or outstanding. It was outstanding. It is a medium to full strength blend leaning to full. I'd give it a 4 Strength and a 3 Room Note, taste is definitely a 4. It also has a good nicotine kick. Anyone picking this up expecting another all-day VA/Per, beware. This is potent stuff. Scott L.'s “sleeper” description is spot on. This holds it's arsenal secret until showtime. It's an unassuming ribbon cut, nice and perfect for loadin' and smokin'. The bag aroma is kind of fruity, with the Virginia grassiness being dominate, but the Turkish/Perique half of this blend steals the show with it's sour ripeness; very spicy and sharp. The way they all come together in the smoke is like grace under pressure. I'll admit, I tried to add a little Latakia to this thinking it could be a great Balkan blend but I was wrong. The amounts are all off for it to become a Balkan that way. Thankfully it is perfect the way it is. If you are a fan of Orientals and VA/Perique blends what are you waiting for? This blend is custom made just for you. Enjoy. Read Less
Guide the way!
November 28, 2020
Product: Cornell & Diehl Orion's Arrow Bulk
First impressions: A well crafted blend! It has a solid body with a wonderful taste. Exstreemly satisfying full bodied smoke. Lots of sweetness, zest, grass and hay notes from the virgina mix in perfection with the nutty, woody, earthy, and peppery ... Read More
notes of the Oriental and Perique. Pops of tart and sour flit by. The Perique is matched perfectly with the VA. I believe OA just knocked a blend or two out of my rotation. Love it! Read Less
The hunt for a unique VaPer is over.
August 16, 2020
Product: Cornell & Diehl Orion's Arrow Bulk
Fresh the blend is good but can be a little harsh or have a sharpness. If you give it about 5-6 months the spicy, floral, earthy and rich smoke smooths out with a nice anytime smoke feel! I'm surprised that more YTPC people have missed this one!
Great blend at bulk prices.
August 05, 2020
Product: Cornell & Diehl Orion's Arrow Bulk
I have been smoking this blend for quit a few years. It, along with Old Joe Krantz, is smoked daily.
Before I started smoking Orion`s, I never really gave Orientals much thought. That has changed. The tartness of this leaf plays well with the other ... Read More
components.
Orion`s is quite spicy, with the amount of Perique and pretty sweet with the two Virginas.
When fresh, the Oriental leaf is in the fore front for me. Sweet Virginia taking the lead mid bowl. Perique adding its nasel sting all the way through. I don`t have any issue with tongue bite and do not detect any casing or topping.
Now, move ahead three years. That amount of age brings the Red Virginia to the front. While smoking this blend today, with the age: was reminded of an old favorite St. James Flake of McClellands. That flake didn't have the Turkish leaf, I know. Yet, there it was; thinking of McClellands distinctive Red Virginia.
I smoke so much of this that I would go through my normal one pound order before it could get more than three or four months of age on it. So, in 2017, I ordered multiple pounds and glad I did. With three years of age, at less than forty dollars a pound, this blend can compete with any "premium" tinned blend. Read Less
Very special
March 13, 2020
Product: Cornell & Diehl Orion's Arrow Bulk
A little sweet, a little spicy, a little strong, a little different...most of the other reviews touch on theses bits and I'll agree with all of them. It's assertive but not overwhelming. I keep thinking, as I smoke it, that this is what a good pipe t... Read More
obacco should be like. I bought it as my curiosity was piqued by the reviews. Probably not a good choice for newcomers as it's pretty stout but it's also indicative of fine blending technique and good choices for the components...sorta like a good band, everyone playing together and making it sound good. After one bowl in a favorite Peterson 105, I'm hooked...shoulda bought more the first time but I definitely will the second time. Read Less
Sublime,
September 11, 2023
Product: Cornell & Diehl Orion's Arrow Bulk
A bright mixture with dark flecks here and there that I’m quite sure is perique. Smelling the mixture in the bag; bright Virginia fermented with a sweet but sour smell from the Turkish.
Smooth as silk smoke with a sweet but sour taste, also buttere... Read More
d toast in the flavor.
This is one special blend that I could smoke all day. It’s like the best Turkish cig you’ve ever had. The aroma is pleasant and not acrid.
The balance is perfect. Another exquisite blend from C&D! Read Less
Good, quite strong
August 18, 2021
Product: Cornell & Diehl Orion's Arrow Bulk
Good blend, Turkish is not overwhelming or sour but it is there, has a pretty good nic kick on empty stomach, smoothe flavor
Product: Cornell & Diehl Orion's Arrow Bulk
I love this bend. The Turkish really shines, with the Virginias and Perique making up a flawless rhythm section. It combines like a Miles Davis album to create a unique, deep, contemplative bowl. The smoke has a tasty spiciness and a chewy texture. T... Read More
he retrohale is wonderful. If you’re into VaPers, this is certainly tasty enough to be an all-day. Best yet, wallet-friendly bulk pricing! Read Less
A Star
September 08, 2017
Product: Cornell & Diehl Orion's Arrow Bulk
I tried this for some variety, and the title says it all. This is a great smoke, spicy, no bite, great cut. Came a little moist, but air is everywhere. This mix, for me, balances Turkish and Perique brilliantly. Nice strength. After smoking this for ... Read More
a while, it is one of the best oriental mixes I've ever had. Read Less
Product: Cornell & Diehl Orion's Arrow Bulk
Purchased this one based on the high review rating and then I'm a big fan of VA/per blends. But the only word I can use to describe this is Bland. You can definitely taste the perique but that's the only flavor it's got and it's kind of watered down
A nice change of pace
November 15, 2022
Product: Cornell & Diehl Orion's Arrow Bulk
I just finished my first bowl. This is not what I would typically smoke everyday, but it does have a unique quality that makes it enjoyable. It will be a nice change of pace smoke from my regular Vapers. It's a light and unoffending smoke light on p... Read More
erique (for me) a bit spicy, and sweet that I think will hit a little bit of the spot for any pipe smoker. Read Less
Turkish Delight
April 30, 2022
Product: Cornell & Diehl Orion's Arrow Bulk
I'm mainly a VaPer, Virginia, and English smoker, but I do crave some Turkish once in a while. It's lighter-bodied but very full flavored, and has a great aroma some describe as vaguely "floral." It doesn't smell like that to me: more like ... Read More
a sharp sweetness, but I enjoy it as a change of pace.
Orion's Arrow scratches that itch, and I like to have some on hand once in a while. It's a blessing that OA is available in bulk, too, which makes it cost-effective. Treat your palate. Read Less
4 Equal Parts of Wonderful
March 13, 2022
Product: Cornell & Diehl Orion's Arrow Bulk
I first tried this blend as a compromise- I wanted a bulk option that might be similar to my favorite tinned tobacco by C&D. Hate paying the extra cost for a can. This was not that blend, but maybe better. I adore Turkish tobacco, and it adds ... Read More
some real charm and interest to a very even and consistent tobacco here. A VaPer with an extra touch of character Read Less
Very good
August 22, 2021
Product: Cornell & Diehl Orion's Arrow Bulk
If you ever smoked Turkish and domestic blend cigarettes, this is king in that category, and yet nothing like a cigarette (except the smell to those around you). Good nic hit, excellent flavor. A little dry, but smokes well like that. A rich sweetne... Read More
ss comes through about halfway through the bowl. This has become my first bowl of the morning smoke. Very satisfying 5 star. Read Less
With this much spice, you'll be eating bland food for balance
February 02, 2021
Product: Cornell & Diehl Orion's Arrow Bulk
For those that like this kind of thing, Nirvana awaits. For me, I need more body and a more nuanced flavor profile.
Get Shot Through By Orion’s Arrow; You’ll Enjoy It!
October 01, 2020
Product: Cornell & Diehl Orion's Arrow Bulk
The slightly sweet bag-note gives way to a most pleasant smoke of this well-balanced medley of red and bright Virginias, peppery Louisiana perique and subtle, sour Turkish. Puff slowly to fully appreciate; press the accelerator too hard and it might ... Read More
bite (ever so little). Just enjoy at a relaxed pace and contemplate—this blend should be celebrated in the stars with its own constellation! A bag I will surely restock and return to. Next time I will try to let it age in the cellar, rather than exhausting it so swiftly. 4.5 stars. Read Less
Are there any other VaPer lovers who didn't like this mixture?
August 17, 2020
Product: Cornell & Diehl Orion's Arrow Bulk
I love mixtures of Virginia and Perique, smoked with Oriental and I cannot express my delight with this mixture. Blenders claim it is 25% Light Virginia, 25% Red Virginia, 25% Perique and 25% Oriental. I did not feel the sweetness of Virginia, Orient... Read More
al prevailed too much, and it seemed to me that with a high percentage of Perique, I practically did not feel its "spice". Read Less
Product: Cornell & Diehl Orion's Arrow Bulk
Here is a CD blend you can sink your teeth in. Pretty stout for an all day smoke and it will dirty your pipe so have some pipe cleaners handy. Leaves a lot of residue. Nicotine is high. .
Not bad but...
April 03, 2018
Product: Cornell & Diehl Orion's Arrow Bulk
Orion's Arrow does not taste bad but is a little Oriental forward for my taste. I will revisit the blend after a little aging.
Great Orrions Arrow
November 03, 2016
Product: Cornell & Diehl Orion's Arrow Bulk
A former smoker of Turkish cigarettes, but a pipe lover since I Was six. I love the spicinessvof perique, the strength of turkish... flavors, and the sweetness offered by Virginia's. I always thought that blenders slighted perique lovers, so gave ea... Read More
ch of the four parts equal standing in the blend.I love this blend. I bought it as I was curious about the Orientals but it has made me fall in love with Perique. It is spicy, sweet, citrusy with a great mouth feel. It currently sits as my top blend and led me to try other Perique blends from.Just about chewable, strong thick smoke, smooth and not bite. Read Less
Product: Cornell & Diehl Orion's Arrow Bulk
I love this blend. I bought it as I was curious about the Orientals but it has made me fall in love with Perique. It is spicy, sweet, citrusy with a great mouth feel. It currently sits as my top blend and led me to try other Perique blends from C&... Read More
;D which I also ended up loving. Read Less