EN
JA
ZH
All New Pipes
Grant A.
Badges
Reviews
Cornell & Diehl - Steamworks 2oz
This....
I first encountered "Steamworks" while exploring the C&D portfolio. From the reviews (the ones that matter haha), I realized this was a blend I wished to try . . . then I encountered those painful words "sold out". Alas, it was a year since the release that I found it, but I kept it tucked away. And then, 2026 arrives, and I see a "short" where Jeremy Reeves shares exciting news "Steamworks is returning". I placed my order, and today I'm enjoying my first bowl. I'll update this review to be more helpful soon but for now, each moment with this blend I find myself nodding and just simply saying "This ..." And moral of the story - I wished I'd ordered more ....
Cornell & Diehl - Firebird Flake 2oz
Ethereal. Mythical. Ever re-creating
Patiently I watched the sun set - noting the passing of the days until a box with a SC return address arrived - them it happened Fire Bird landed at my snow-covered dwelling place. As I considered the aroma upon opening "ethereal" came to mind. Nothing harsh. Nothing outpacing anything else. Elusive, teasing. It's one of those "I almost had it" experiences as the various aromas tease the sense. The moisture level was less than expected, and I found it ready for the flame. The flakes themselves are some the most beautifully presented and formed that I've encountered in C&D flake cuts. The initial lighting whisked me away to an evening campfire. The most amazing notes of oak and a hardwood campfire presented themselves. The burn is slow. The smoke silky, thick and copious. Like the Phoenix depicted on the tin art, this blend continuously re-creates itself throughout the bowl. This blend deserves to be enjoyed slowly. The reward is great. .. and I write this review while enjoying my first experience with the blend. I'm eager to see how this blend re-creates each bowl and each moment.
Drucquer & Sons - The Merry Monk 100g
Merry Indeed!
I haven't written a review after only 1 bowl (actually in the midst of the first bowl as I write) of a "new-to-me" blend, but I had to write this first-impression review. First, the canister art (I know - don't judge a blend by the artwork) but this is well done. It harkens back to past eras - and harkens well indeed. I love the little "story" on the tin art too! The tin note is best described as nostalgia in a can. I'm trying this in the midst of Christmas-tide. Think the perfect Christmas cake with a good plum wine nearby with a lovely fire in the fireplace. As one reviewer notes it says everything from Happy Christmas to Merry Yuletide all at once. Preparing the flakes was a joy - nice thick flakes that are ready to be formed as you wish. Once packed, it took the flame beautifully and hasn't required many re-lights. Copious billows of lazy smoke arrive, and you are ready to slow down and enjoy the tales of the Merry Monk. This particular tin had almost a year of age. This is quickly moving into my top 3 blends. And outstanding English in a very crowded room of English blends: I'm a loyal member of the "Brothers of the Pipe" for sure (see tin art).
Peterson - De Luxe Navy Rolls 50g
Sit back and just be
This was my first non- ribbon-cut tobacco, and I was hooked from opening the tin. Preparing to coins quickly rose to top (almost) of the experiences of this tobacco (the top being the actual sitting down and enjoying the results of careful preparation). The tin notes harken to days gone by and experiences to be remembered. Easy to light and not requiring many re-lights, this tobacco allows you to enjoy a setting sun (or a rising one if you are so inclined). Prepare a bowl of this today and just simply enjoy . . . being.
Samuel Gawith - Perfection Mixture 50g
Decent enough
First, the tin art is subtle and inviting. Upon opening the tin, the nose is greeted with a solid smokey aroma that gives way to sweet hints of leather. The ribbon cut packs well (though I prefer working with flake or rubbed flake). This particular tin is rather moist and considerable drying time is needed. If not dried prior to smoking numerous re-lights necessary for the first 1/3 bowl. Flavor is a solid English with an elusive hint of vanilla. Will keep in rotation - but in the later 1/2 of my rotation.
