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George M C.
Reviews
Sutliff - 507C Virginia Slices
What Happened??
I just tried this one after cellaring for about a year, and I'm not sure what happened in that time, but it lost whatever little flavor it had to begin with. It wasn't very good when it was fresh, but a year later and it was absolutely unsmokable! I couldn't finish a single bowl! I'd already decided I'd never order this one again, but never did I dream that a tobacco would get worse after cellaring! I wonder if anyone else has ever had this experience with any tobacco? It's now only fit to serve as kindling in the fireplace. Weird!
Peter Stokkebye - PS41 Cube Cut
Pleasant surprise
I didn't think I was much of a burley fan, and I'm not sure just how much burley is in this blend, but I really like it. I like the cut-- it packed extremely easily and burned equally so. I didn't have any of the problems others have stated in keeping it lit. Burned right down with only a single relight. The topping, whatever it is, reminded me more than a little bit of their Luxury Twist Flake, my favorite smoke of all time, so I'm definitely giving this one 5 stars. There's nothing not to like about this blend at all!
Sutliff - 507C Virginia Slices
Not a particularly good flake
This is undoubtedly my least favorite flake I've tried, having very little flavor at all. Glad I only ordered half a pound! It's not terrible, it's just not good. To dispose of this half pound, I'll have to use it as a blending tobacco, mixing it with other things that have lots more flavor. This is one I'd recommend to pass on, and won't be buying again, that's for certain.
Comoy's - Cask No.7
Great coin tobacco
Roll up a couple of these coins and stuff them in any pipe and you've got a good smoke, great for relaxation, contemplation, meditation, etc. A bit more complex than a straight Va flake, but that's good at times. And it just gets better with age! Stock up by the pound.
Newminster - No.306 English Orient
Very smooth, not bad
Well, this isn't a very "Englishy" tobacco, straying pretty wide from the path of traditional Englishes, but that's not to say it's a bad thing. Seems to be one of those "kitchen sink" blends, with a little of everything thrown in. Everyone's biochemistry and physiology are like snowflakes I know, but my tastebuds don't find anything exceptionally remarkable in this smoke, save for perhaps its smoothness and easy "smokability"; nothing particularly stands out, either good or bad. This batch I'm smoking now has been sealed in a Mason jar for about 5 months. I'll probably smoke a little now and then, just for a change but it won't be a regular smoke, and when I finish all this batch (who knows when?), I doubt I'll order more, since there are too many really wonderful blends available that are much more suitable to my taste.
Tabac De La Semois - La Brumeuse 3.5oz
If you love burley...
If burleys are your bag then this could be the ultimate smoke for you. All the comments about complexities, earthiness, spiciness, etc. ring true. Unfortunately, burleys really aren't my thing, and I just can't take the nicotine content of this unique tobacco. I don't smoke to satisfy a nicotine craving any longer, but rather only because I want to, just for the flavor. Some days I don't smoke at all with no problem. So while this may be the perfect smoke for you burley fans, I'll stick mainly to Virginias!
Dunhill - Flake 50g
My first flake!
This is the tobacco that was my introduction to flakes, and it has grown until now it's my favorite form. Nothing wrong with this one, but I take half a star away because there are Virginia flakes out there just as good or better, for much less money, if you buy in bulk. But if it weren't for this intro, I probably wouldn't be enjoying my pipes nearly as much as I do now. Thanks, Dunhill!
Newminster - No.400 Superior Navy Flake
Addendum to my previous comments
This is not a bad tobacco by any stretch, but when compared with Stokkebye's Twist Flake, it just doesn't quite measure up; hence, the deduction of half a star. This one's flakes are the thickest I've ever encountered, and this, I think, make it more difficult to use the "fold & stuff" method, the cutting into cubes working best for me. I experimented with it, mixing it with just a bit of burley and really liked the added dimension of flavors. I intend to do some further experimenting with this flake, as the cubes I cut blend well with other tobaccos, but alone it's still a fine smoke.
Peter Stokkebye - PS402 Luxury Twist Flake
Addendum to my previous comments
This is still my favorite tobacco of all I've ever tried in my life. Heaven in a flake, if such be possible! Depending on the size of my pipe and how long I want to smoke, I roll up 1 or 2 of these flakes (rarely 3, unless I intend on sprouting roots where I sit), stuff them in, and settle back for the best smoke ever. Much better than tobaccos costing several times as much, guaranteed. Get plenty of this, for now and for the cellar -- you won't be sorry!
Comoy's - Cask No.4
As Good As It Gets?
When a certain level of tobacco quality, human musical ability, etc. or any subjectively-judged characteristic is reached, the words "better" and "best" lose meaning, and all one can really say is "different". Until I'd tried Comoy's no.4, Peter Stokkebye's Luxury Twist Flake was as good a tobacco as I'd ever had the pleasure to enjoy, but it's no better than this Comoy's --- just different. In fact, I can't imagine smoking anything more enjoyable than this Comoy's or Stokkebye's flake tobaccos. I've yet to sample the no.7, but will get to it eventually. Could this be as good as smoking pleasure gets? I wouldn't be surprised.
McClelland - Craftsbury: Frog Morton's Cellar 50g
Overrated & overpriced
I've tried the complete Frog Morton lineup, after they were recommended to me by a local tobacconist, and while they're all not bad or offensive tobaccos, I can find absolutely nothing remarkable or special about any of them to recommend them. That is, unless mediocrity is your cup of tea. For the price spent on these, one can do MUCH better. I would never waste my time or my money on these again. I think perhaps they caught on and became popular as a fad, because some supposed "authority" said they were exceptional. I'm not a snob when it comes to taste in anything, and don't habitually consume things --- tobacco, wine, whisky, anything --- just because some "authorities" of taste have deemed them worthy. I eat, drink, & smoke what I like and I'm not apologetic for it; I don't eschew the common because it's common, and am not a fan of something simply because it may be more esoteric and preferred by "those in the know". Anyway, spend your money elsewhere and find remarkably good tobacco, unless Frog Morton is what you prefer. I just happen not to.
McClelland - Craftsbury: Frog Morton on the Town 50g
Overrated & overpriced
I've tried the complete Frog Morton lineup, after they were recommended to me by a local tobacconist, and while they're all not bad or offensive tobaccos, I can find absolutely nothing remarkable or special about any of them to recommend them. That is, unless mediocrity is your cup of tea. For the price spent on these, one can do MUCH better. I would never waste my time or my money on these again. I think perhaps they caught on and became popular as a fad, because some supposed "authority" said they were exceptional. I'm not a snob when it comes to taste in anything, and don't habitually consume things --- tobacco, wine, whisky, anything --- just because some "authorities" of taste have deemed them worthy. I eat, drink, & smoke what I like and I'm not apologetic for it; I don't eschew the common because it's common, and am not a fan of something simply because it may be more esoteric and preferred by "those in the know". Anyway, spend your money elsewhere and find remarkably good tobacco, unless Frog Morton is what you prefer. I just happen not to.
McClelland - Craftsbury: Frog Morton on the Bayou 50g
Overrated & overpriced
I've tried the complete Frog Morton lineup, after they were recommended to me by a local tobacconist, and while they're all not bad or offensive tobaccos, I can find absolutely nothing remarkable or special about any of them to recommend them. That is, unless mediocrity is your cup of tea. For the price spent on these, one can do MUCH better. I would never waste my time or my money on these again. I think perhaps they caught on and became popular as a fad, because some supposed "authority" said they were exceptional. I'm not a snob when it comes to taste in anything, and don't habitually consume things --- tobacco, wine, whisky, anything --- just because some "authorities" of taste have deemed them worthy. I eat, drink, & smoke what I like and I'm not apologetic for it; I don't eschew the common because it's common, and am not a fan of something simply because it may be more esoteric and preferred by "those in the know". Anyway, spend your money elsewhere and find remarkably good tobacco, unless Frog Morton is what you prefer. I just happen not to.
McClelland - Craftsbury: Frog Morton Across the Pond 50g
Overrated & overpriced
I've tried the complete Frog Morton lineup, after they were recommended to me by a local tobacconist, and while they're all not bad or offensive tobaccos, I can find absolutely nothing remarkable or special about any of them to recommend them. That is, unless mediocrity is your cup of tea. For the price spent on these, one can do MUCH better. I would never waste my time or my money on these again. I think perhaps they caught on and became popular as a fad, because some supposed "authority" said they were exceptional. I'm not a snob when it comes to taste in anything, and don't habitually consume things --- tobacco, wine, whisky, anything --- just because some "authorities" of taste have deemed them worthy. I eat, drink, & smoke what I like and I'm not apologetic for it; I don't eschew the common because it's common, and am not a fan of something simply because it may be more esoteric and preferred by "those in the know". Anyway, spend your money elsewhere and find remarkably good tobacco, unless Frog Morton is what you prefer. I just happen not to.
McClelland - Craftsbury: Frog Morton 100g
Overrated & overpriced
I've tried the complete Frog Morton lineup, after they were recommended to me by a local tobacconist, and while they're all not bad or offensive tobaccos, I can find absolutely nothing remarkable or special about any of them to recommend them. That is, unless mediocrity is your cup of tea. For the price spent on these, one can do MUCH better. I would never waste my time or my money on these again. I think perhaps they caught on and became popular as a fad, because some supposed "authority" said they were exceptional. I'm not a snob when it comes to taste in anything, and don't habitually consume things --- tobacco, wine, whisky, anything --- just because some "authorities" of taste have deemed them worthy. I eat, drink, & smoke what I like and I'm not apologetic for it; I don't eschew the common because it's common, and am not a fan of something simply because it may be more esoteric and preferred by "those in the know". Anyway, spend your money elsewhere and find remarkably good tobacco, unless Frog Morton is what you prefer. I just happen not to.
McClelland - Craftsbury: Deep Hollow 100g
My Intro to Virginias...
This is the tobacco that really sparked my interest in exploring more Va, but in flake form. This one is very mild, pleasant...extremely enjoyable, but for me, as I found later, the Va flakes are much more intense flavor-wise, tangier, more satisfying, so for the same money, I'd say you can get a much better tobacco in a pure Va flake than this offering from McClelland.
Newminster - No.403 Superior Round Slices
Smoke for the Addict
I smoke to savor the taste of the tobacco and not so much for the effect of the nicotine, and this one's nicotine-to-taste ratio is just too high for my enjoyment. I have been a nicotine addict in years past, when all I was looking for in a smoke was my fix of nicotine, but those days are long gone. I never have nicotine cravings now, and there are days when I don't smoke at all, and many when I smoke just one bowl and that's it. If you're looking for a big hit of nicotine in a not unpleasant tasting tobacco, then this is for you.
Grand Croupier - Boneyard
Good smoke, great price
I decided to take a chance and ordered a pound. I mean, I've thrown much more money away in my life than the paltry price of a pound of this tobacco, so in my opinion, I had but a trifling amount to lose. But I didn't lose! I admit, I fully expected this smoke to be horrible, being as it's a collection of the butt ends of many different kinds. It wasn't horrible at all; in fact, it was quite good. I love Latakia blends, and this one had enough to be quite noticeable, but not overwhelming. If I knew anything at all about blending my own tobacco and did so, I wouldn't be ashamed to tell anyone that this was my own creation. My pound wasn't dust at all, as stated by someone else, but mainly just a cut of small pieces, the correct name of which I don't know. It's better than any "drugstore" brand I've ever smoked, and better than more than a few popular tinned tobaccos costing many times as much. In short, I like it; I consider my gamble well-paid off --- this was a big winner!
McClelland - 900 - Refined Tennessee Ribbon
Good for a change of pace...
I'm not usually a big fan of burley, but this one is pleasant enough on occasion, just for a change. Variety is the spice, to be sure, and this smoked in a corncob shakes up my usual smoking routine just right. Not bad at all.
McClelland - 2030 - No. 1 Grade Balkan
Very nice indeed
A really nice blend from McClelland that I can enjoy from the first bowl in the morning --- I like to start the day off with some Latakia --- to the last one in the evening. Always a good smoke.
Newminster - No.52 Ultimate English
Great first-morning bowl
I really like this as my first bowl of the morning. Or as a fine all day smoke, as well. Great taste, all around great smoke.
Peter Stokkebye - PS403 Luxury Bullseye Flake
Wonderful!
A really interesting, satisfying smoke. You can't go wrong with this one. Truly excellent!
McClelland - 221-B Series: Arcadia 50g
Completion of a set of disappointments
This was the 3rd and last of the 221-B series I had yet to try, having been disappointed, to say the least, with the other two. The aroma upon opening the tin was very subdued, yet pleasant. It lit and smoked fine, but just didn't give me the enjoyment so glowingly promised on the label. I love some of McClelland's other English mixtures, but it seems to me that they've used the Sherlock Holmes mystique as pure marketing hype, as this whole series of tobaccos just don't live up to the expectations of a long-time pipe smoker and Conan Doyle fan. They're extremely blasé with nothing noteworthy at all to recommend them, as I'm sad to say, with a heavy heart, and I shan't be purchasing another tin, however low the price.
Newminster - No.400 Superior Navy Flake
Good smoking enjoyment
This is only the 3rd flake tobacco I've sampled here in the latter days of my adventure in pipe smoking, which spans some 40-odd years, the others being Peter Stokkebye's Luxury Twist and Dunhill's. My unrefined taste buds have thoroughly enjoyed them all and I can't for the life of me really comment as to the particular characteristics of each one and how they differ from one another. But they're all great! The least expensive one I've enjoyed just as much as the most expensive. You can't go wrong with this flake or either of the others. I soon will embark upon an exploration of the world of VaPer flakes, and hope that the experiences found there will be as fine as the ones I've had with these 3 aforementioned flakes.
Peter Stokkebye - PS402 Luxury Twist Flake
Best so far...
This is the best smoke I've found yet in this latest renaissance of my pastime of pipe-smoking, the pastime itself beginning some 40-odd years ago. Until the past year, I'd never smoked a flake tobacco, Dunhill's being my initiation into this wonderful world. I still have many I want to try, the world of VaPer flakes lying yet for me to explore. But so far, this is undoubtedly the finest smoke on hand in my cellar.
Newminster - No. 1 All Natural
Always a nice smoke
I don't read or put much stock in these reviews, as they're so subjective. One person says too wet, the next says too dry, one, no bite, the next, awfully biting. But I do write a few reviews, for those that enjoy reading them, and because I've always enjoyed putting my thoughts on paper. Or what serves as paper these days. So anyway, this is a very pleasant tobacco for those that enjoy a natural tobacco experience. I particularly like the broken flake cut, as it packs and burns very well. I get no bite at all, yet plenty of good flavor. Maybe this is what some of those "pouch" OTC tobaccos, like Sail Natural and Troost, should aspire to? This is nothing fancy or unusually outstanding, but always a very nice, dependable smoke, and I heartily recommend it to any smoker, be they beginner or old salt.
Newminster - No.80 Norway Pipe Cut
Good beginner smoke...
The smell was pleasant; nothing but good,mild tobacco aroma. It packed, lit, burned, and smoked beautifully. And it was mild. Very very mild. For my taste, almost too mild. A cigarette smoker would have no problem rolling and smoking this one. But I wish I'd had this back in the day when I first started smoking a pipe seriously, instead of those awful, sweet, tongue-burning aromatics I inevitably chose. This would be a wonderful tobacco for a beginning pipe smoker or someone wanting to expand their horizons beyond the aromatics and try some plain tobacco.
McClelland - 221-B Series: Honeydew 50g
A puzzle for Sherlock...
Upon opening the tin, the ambrosial aroma and the visual effect of those nice, fat flakes were heaven to behold. However, after packing a test clay with the first bowl, all I was rewarded with was a case of tongue burn from smoking too fast, trying to extract something...ANYTHING in the way of flavor from it. Smoked at a more usual, leisurely pace as one would savor a truly good tobacco afforded me nothing. Zilch. I ended up dumping this first bowl (it was useless to continue) and then smoking it by combining one flake of this with 2 flakes of Peter Stokkebye's Luxury Twist Flake, thereby winding up with a pretty nice smoke. I can't see the point of ever buying this one again. What a puzzling disappointment! Perhaps Sherlock could solve this one as he did so many other things.
McClelland - 2025 - English Cavendish
Great smoke!
I'm generally partial to English mixtures & Virginia flakes, but this one is as enjoyable a smoke as I've ever encountered. It's got a certain "tang" that really hits the spot, and each finished bowl cries out for another one. This is one to buy by the pound!
