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Seattle Pipe Club - Plum Pudding Special Reserve 4oz
The Holy Grail
I must admit I was sceptical, believing this tobacco is over hyped and overpriced, so I was avoiding it for quite a while. Finally, I decided to give it a try, so I just could get it off my head. I was thinking: "Come on, can it be any better than all the excellent English blends that I know, such as Gaslight, Arango, Super Balkan, Byzantium, etc.?", and getting ready to leave a negative review after I try. Well, I tried it. It is, actually, better. A whole new experience. I am not going to describe, since it's been all said in other reviews. Although, the price is justified, it's a unique masterpiece creation, and will be at the top of my favorites from now on. A bit of criticism, which doesn't affect the rating: it does crumble to fine dust if you are not careful, and even then. And also, the packaging is inferior. They just threw a brick of tobacco into the tin, no papar wrap even. The tobacco of this level should be treated and packed as a jewelry piece (look how Mac Baren packs theirs!)
Cornell & Diehl - From Beyond 2oz
Nothing really stands out.
I am on my fourth bowl , and still can really distinguish why this bland should be different or better than other blands... Yes, it's decent, savory, spicy, generally pleasant. But, to my taste, GLP's "Gaslight" is better by its flavor profile, and it's easily available. Arango's, on the other hand, is smoother and more refined (for lesser price). Some bitterness is present, and some huge chunks of uncut leaves found in the tin. Not a great finish, for a premium price. Not getting all the hype. I got three tins, and I will smoke them, but do I want to buy more? Don't see a good reason.
Tatuaje - P3 Short Robusto
Wow
Delightful aromatic smoke, with most prominent fragrances of leather, cocoa, and at times - vanilla. Enjoyed every puff tremendously, and burned my lips in the end. The low price tag is ridiculously inappropriate for the quality and expensive feel of the cigar. The first cigar - the construction and draw were perfect. The second - pretty tight draw, had to use a tool. So, some inconsistency is there. Still ok for the price.
G. L. Pease - Gaslight 2oz
Latakia bomb
Not a bad smoke, if you like Latakia, which feels dominant in here. The taste is heavy, smoky, dense... slightly bitter in the beginning, really rich and savory in the middle. Feels like too much. Not an everyday smoke. Cool and smooth, no bite, of course. A bit moist out of tin, still smokable without drying. Cutting the plug may appeal to some, I find it more an annoyance. It's like an evil twin brother of Quiet Nights. Not a bad smoke at all, when you want a break from your usual stuff. But the one tin I have will probably last for years.
Capstan - Ready Rubbed Blue 1.75oz
Another Virginia
No bite or heat if properly smoked, pleasant hay taste, clean and crisp. A lot of similar blends out there. Not getting the hype and premium price. Smoked it 3 years aged. Was underwhelmed in wide bowl, better - in MM narrow bowl, the best and actually pretty good - in an old long churchwarden. Probably that's how it is supposed to be smoked.
Solani - Aged Burley Flake - 656 50g
Outstanding
The most soothing and mellow blend I've tried up to date. On opening - well presented cut cake in pretty envelope with golden seal. The flakes are completely intact. The tin note - sweet, fruity, somewhat artificial and not impressive. I was rather skeptical. But on the first lot - omg. What a smoothness. And refinement. Not a hint of harshness and bitterness of the most of freshly made blends that dominate the market. What a nutty rich goodness. Comparing this blend to a typical, let's say, Sutliff blend is lake comparing French XO cognac to Russian vodka. Totally different league. Gives me an idea of what proper treatment and aging can do to tobacco. I do understand the hype, the scarceness and the difficulty to obtain this product. And I am happily joining the legion of seekers - will but it on any opportunity then arrives as much as I can
A&C Petersen - Escudo Navy Deluxe 50g
Not up to the hype
It's ok... But not getting the hype. Maybe because I smoked it fresh. Somewhat hot smoking and biting. I imagine, that cellaring for few years will probably make it a great smoke, but why to bother? So many great ready-to-go blends on the market at that price point.
Cornell & Diehl - Dreams of Kadath 2oz
Quite pleasant
Although somewhat ordinary smoke. Solid ripened Virginia with good bready taste, no bite, no bitterness. Tin note is fantastic. It's just that many blends are like that, and this one in not standing out. In the "old ones" series the mad fiddler is similar, but better and more interesting. Otherwise, good solid smoke.
Cornell & Diehl - Mad Fiddler Flake 2oz
Really good
Clean crisp taste of ripen mellow Virginia with some exotic twist. No bitterness, no bite. Pleasure to smoke. I open to try new blends, and tried over a hundred, this one is easily in the top ten.
Warped - Until the End 2oz
Decent, but better in a blend
From many other tobaccos that I tried, this one didn't draw my particular attention... But once I tried to mix it with another unremarkable tobacco - Rustica by Mac baren - and OMG! Perfect experience! Great smoke! Really - sweet, sour, peppery, savory - many layers of complexity! Much better than each component separately. Update: smoked it another time in half a year - it is actually very good. Tangy and mellow. Some aging makes wonders, I guess.
Arturo Fuente - Gran Reserva Flor Fina 8-5-8 Natural
Ok taste, bad construction
Due to the short filler, probably, and two left hands of the cigar wrapperer, it's almost impossible to draw. What a pity, since the taste is not bad. For that price - there are better cigars.
Mac Baren - HH Rustica Flake 3.5oz
Great presentation and tin note.
Neat presentation of uniform flakes in gold foil, as Mac baren does. The Tim note is of sour apples. The taste is milder than expected, pleasant, not remarkable. The nic hit is overwhelming. Really, I couldn't finish one small bowl before my head went to spin. May be a good thing for some. But if this is the thing you need to smoke to get the hit - maybe it's time to quite. For me, I opt out for less potent smoke
Peter Stokkebye - PS403 Luxury Bullseye Flake
Just wow!
Looks like I found the ideal viper that I will smoke from now on. Perfect balance and flavor. Sweet and savory. Nothing to add, nothing to remove. Nic hit is just right. Stands up to all the rave reviews. So happy that I found it. There is like a hundred of cans and pouches of tobaccos in my cellar that I tried and wasn't excited. They will lay there forever, because I just found that one.
Sutliff - Pipe Force Episode IV 1.75oz
Stop spamming
Are you ok, pips? Writing garbage even before you tried it? Yes, that's how Sutliff makes their money. Yes, another limited edition every month. Yes, you don't have to buy it if you don't want to. But who knows, maybe it's good? Try it first, then speak up?
Sutliff - Crumble Cake Barrel Aged Series No.6 Phantom Privateer 50g
Meh
Got a few since it's limited edition, and first time ever think I got too many. Probably won't smoke them. The first several puffs - very hot and peppery, like a hot steam. Well, maybe I should have dried it a bit. But still, Virginia at it's worst, plus too much perique. Hotter than "the Beast". And - the bite. By middle of the bowl - some savory note, but still - nothing special. I guess, fits the tin art - rough, rude, and brutal. Not a lot of nic. I assume, cellaring for good few years will make it more tolerable, but obviously it will never become a thing. P.S. the first try was a small sample in a tiny pipe. I guess I just got a chunk of perique that time. Second time - full size bowl - not as bad. Typical navy blend alike windjammer. Not worth the $16 price, but we'll, smokable.
Davidoff - Flake Medallions 50g
It's good
I always buy limited editions and small batches tobaccos. But the problem arrives in case i like them. Yes, it's a great blend, perfectly presented in the tin, ideal moisture out of the box, complex and satisfying flavor profile (no casing, it's a natural flavor - but it's delicious). No bite, either. It's is already out of stock, and who knows when and if it will be back. Well, at least i got four cans, will last for a while.
Mac Baren - Stockton 100g
Incredible
Up to now i tried maybe a hundred of different blends, some of them i loved, and some - just meh. But never happened to me that i fell in love and enjoyed profoundly the very first bowl of a new tobacco. This blend did it. Extraordinary.
Warped - Saint Espresso 2oz
Good for aromatic
I was somewhat disappointed with tin note, it smelled really artificial, like some cheap Keurig flavored coffee pod. The smoking experience is better. Well balanced and delightful. The moisture level out of tin is great. No need to dry it up, as most aromatics. Interesting taste changes from middle of the bowl down. Very savory. Will buy next year another one.
A&C Petersen - Escudo Navy Deluxe 50g
It's ok i guess
At that point i am pretty sure different people's taste buds are not the same, when it comes to tobacco. Some people taste things that others can't. I am normally VaPer hater, since i always get all the heat and bite, and none of the taste. But reading all the rave reviews, and seeing limited availability, i gave it a chance. And we'll, not bad, actually pretty good. Spicy, yes, but tolerable. And there is some savory note into it. I will certainly smoke it again. But all the reviews, the hype, the price? To me, I've had better smokes. I will cellar the rest, will see how it comes around.
Arturo Fuente - Curly Head
Fine for the money
Entry level cigar for beginners. Well constructed, draws easily, good size, mild nic hit. The taste and aroma are very basic. Somewhat boring to smoke it. I bought two, and i doubt i will ever smoke the second one. Can't really complain because the price is so low. But, in the same price range - Exquisitos Maduro of the same brand - SO mich better.
Cornell & Diehl - The Beast 2oz
Milder than expected
Wow, i actually did enjoy it. I have never been a fan of hot burning tongue-biting VaPers, and bought it just because of the hype, and because it's limited. Opened the tin and appreciated mesmerizing aroma of dry fruits, silage, and some other heavy herbal poisonous overtones. With some apprehension I loaded my pipe with that stuff, anticipating my tongue to be burnt to ashes in few moments. Nothing even close to that even happened. The smoke was reasonably light and pleasant. Well, some peppery tang is certainly there. But enjoyable. Nothing extreme or crazy, as the description and some review would suggest. Besides, there is mildly sweet savory taste with some nuttiness. Quite interesting, nothing to get excited. Will smoke it again and probably finish the tin one day. Won't order again, since there are a lot more enjoyable blends that are always in stock.
Sutliff - VIP Match
Unremarkable
Someday i will probably finish these trial 2 oz that i got, but won't be ordering anymore. It's not a bad smoke, but really, there is nothing to draw attention or remember.
Sutliff - SPS-21 Black Vanilla
Tasty
Very savory and delightfully tasty, not a typical aromatic. The room note is superb.
Cornell & Diehl - Mad Fiddler Flake 2oz
Very interesting
From many blends that i tried - i don't even remember many of them, but this draw my attention on the first smoke, from cracking the tin till bottom of the bowl. The smell of farm silage and dried fruits - very pleasant, the really reach and complex taste that intensifies as i keep on puffing. Strong, statement tobacco, a great experience. So glad i found it. My new favorite.
Arturo Fuente - Exquisitos Maduro
The size...
Tiny toy cigars in microscopic size, read the dimensions and realize before you buy, because i didn't. Burns a bit rough and uneven. The taste is ok, though, and overall quite satisfying.
Sutliff - Crumble Kake Barrel Aged Series No.5 Rustica Limited Edition 50g
Amazing stuff
I am almost sorry it's so high on nicotine, i would like to smoke a bigger bowl and enjoy it for longer. It has that very special savory note that i have been looking for. It's a pity it is a limited edition, means won't be available soon.
Gawith Hoggarth & Co. - Dark Flake Aromatic
Incredibly strong
So, if you smoke it pure, you probably reached the point when you should be institutionalized. Otherwise, pleasant taste and aroma. Just treat it with due respect
Sutliff - Duke Albert
Delightful
Incredible room note, savory mouth feel. Like Virginia, but somewhat sweeter. Really nice blend. My goal is to try every tobacco blend in the world, so probably won't buy again, but enjoyed this one a lot.
Cornell & Diehl - Habana Daydream
Not a typical English
Loved it. Won't make an everyday smoke, but just for a change - it makes a great smoke. It's like a combination of Balkan Sobranie with a Cuban cigar. Very savory and pleasant. And a very complex smoke.
Sutliff - TS-12 Dark Fire Cured
Sort of simple
Soft, smooth, and nutty taste... Nic is ok. Probably will make a great component in a mix. It's somewhat boring to smoke it as is, though, not a lot of nuances in there
Gawith Hoggarth & Co. - Dark Bird's Eye
A way too strong
I know it's not a fair way to review, but this is just my humble opinion. As an one-pipe-a-day smoker, i did not enjoy this one. Two puffs and my head is spinning, my heart is pounding, the idea of keep puffing is unthinkable, so we are pretty much done. The rest of tobacco in the pipe is waisted. Update: there is a special smoky savory delightful note that I missed first few bowls, but learned to appreciate later on. Not every day smoke, but I will be coming back to it.
Sutliff - Rum & Maple
Ideal aromatic
Sometimes you HAVE to smoke an aromatic, not to piss off surrounding people. But if you want to enjoy the smoke, too, go with this one. It smells great, it's really tasty on your tongue, and nic level is reasonably high. No tongue bite, either. A perfect aromatic, if you have to.
Cornell & Diehl - Super Balkan 2oz
More spicy and heavy than an average Balkan
As it's been said, this is more muscular clone of Arango. Quite spicy, pleasant bite, wonderful smell and taste in the mouth. Nic is not as strong as the description suggests - maybe 3 or 4, but not 5. Not going to smoke it every day, but it's certainly a great mix
Cornell & Diehl - Byzantium
Boring
Although indeed very smooth and absolutely no tongue bite, it was somewhat bland and boring experience smoking it. Like, if would eat a steak without salt and pepper. A bit of tang is definitely missing. This mix might be ok for Virginia haters, but there are definitely better Balkan mixes on the market
Sutliff - Balkan S Original Mix Match
All times favorite
In my opinion, the best remake of the original, and the best smoke ever and ever and ever. Tastier than well renown Arango Balkan, with slightly stronger taste and nic hit. The fact it is so inexpensive adds to it, but honestly, i would still buy it for triple price from what it costs now. I like to try numerous new blends, sometimes great and mostly disappointing, but when i just want a comforting pleasant smoke - i come back to this one.
Arango - Balkan Supreme
Perfectly rounded
Pleasant smoke, perfectly balanced, if you just want to have a good ordinary smoke. So many English mixes, and this is another one, not distinguishable from the others, not the best probably. But might be pretty close. I like Balkan Sobranie remake by Sutliff for it's more pronounced taste, but this one is next to it.
Newminster - No. 400 Superior Navy Flake
Somebody said it's creamy!?
One of these that i smoked one time and never came back again. Burns hot and bites the tongue a lot. Maybe ok for seasoned pipe smokers with numb tongues, so they can taste at least something. I am used to Balkan mixes and smoke less than pipe a day, so this mix feels like sulfuric acid on the tongue for me.
Sutliff - 507C Virginia Slices
What is the fuss about?
Nah... hot burning, tongue biting stuff. One hot mess to smoke. I better stick to my Balkan mixes. There is some bready aroma in the mix, but the tongue torture will not let you enjoy that.
