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All New Pipes
David M.
Reviews
Cornell & Diehl - Joie de Vivre 2oz
Aging Glory
The date indicated on the bottom of the tin is 2017. It's now 2023. Upon cracking it open, I was hit with a loamy, musty smell, along with spicy aromatic overtones. It's NOT an aromatic though, but rather a well-balanced English with a bit of added unflavored Cavendish. The smoke is just so tasty and refined. No doubt, aging has made a difference. The Latakia is unmistakable, but very well-behaved. And there's just enough sweetness, but not too much. I'm guessing that this blend would be welcomed by both English fans and non-English smokers.
McConnell - Regent Street 50g
My Two Cents Worth
Not much I can add that other reviewers have not already touched on. I WILL say this is quality stuff though, I have been impressed thus far with everything from McConnell. This blend utilizes perique lightly. The Virginias lack sweetness, but in a good way. No astringent or harsh flavors. Just well-blended rich tobacco flavors.
Tampers & Tools - 8deco Legend Tamper Bordeaux with Swirl
Precision Tool
Face it, it's often a crap shoot ordering pipe tools online. But this elegant-looking tool has a precision feel, does its job well, and has an affordable price point. Also, the spoon seems useful and sufficiently sturdy for the job.
Cleaners & Cleaning Supplies - Blitz Pipe Cleaners (80 pack)
Exciting Pipe Cleaners?
No, not exciting. But are pipe cleaners supposed to be? These are just the right diameter for my pipes, and no struggle to use. Mildly bristled (LOL), so they don't tear up my fingers!
Savinelli - Juno 2oz
Virginia Richness
I like VA tobaccos a lot. However, I don't normally smoke straight VA, as I prefer it blended with perique or orientals. Juno actually IS a blend, but entirely of VA tobacco. It's strong enough to satisfy, smooth, and oh so rich. No hint of a bite, and pipe stayed relatively cool for a VA. This one is a keeper!
Cornell & Diehl - Light of the Universe: Or Olam 2oz
Sweet VaPerOr!
Normally, I smoke two bowls a day. But, being that this is election day, I figured it was time to crack open my first tin of this VaPer goodness. It's the second one of the Hebraica series that I have tried. Big billows of smoke, smooth & rich flavor. It's actually a VaPerOr. Burns surprisingly fast, but manages not to get too hot. Recommended!
Cornell & Diehl - Comfort 2oz
Easy Puffer
Just smoked through my first tin of Comfort. What a congenial blend! Very pleasant and doesn't give me any grief (unlike SO much else this year)!
McConnell - Barking Road 50g
New Favorite? Maybe
I just ordered a couple more tins of this magic potion recently. Very impressed! (Of course, comparisons can be drawn to University Flake, of which I'm also a fan. However, Barking Road is very different from UV, even though it contains similar component tobaccos.) Just as an aside, I've started rethinking whether flakes are the preferred cut for my taste. With regard to Barking Road, the ribbon cut works welI. No issues with fast burning nor "hot pipe syndrome"! High recommendation, and no worries about the plum topping, as it is very subtle.
Grand Croupier - Double Down
Exceeded Expectations
This is an "all-sorts" blend, comprised of C&D VA/BUR tailings. So there are flakes, ribbons and various bits & pieces. I give this stuff 4 stars, based on the batch I received. Top-shelf tobacco all the way, but quite strong for MY tastes, given that I don't smoke burley blends all that often. Rich and creamy smoke that's exactly the right moisture content. Lights easily, and stays lit. I'm glad I took a chance by ordering this bargain tobacco.
Cornell & Diehl - Red Carpet 2oz
Between fair and good
The tobacco components seem to be top quality. And I enjoy red Virginias. However, it didn't cut the mustard for me. It could be that it just contains too much Perique for my taste, but I found it overly harsh, especially on relight. Nicotine content was also beyond my comfort range.
Cornell & Diehl - Speakeasy Navy Blend 2oz
Surprised!
Well, I've tried a few Navy flakes that I liked (McClelland comes to mind). But THIS was a pleasant surprise. Speakeasy gives a nod to tradition, but then takes it to a creative place that really works. Masterfully blended, the Kentucky wasn't overpowering, and C&D showed restraint with the rum. Tasty stuff!
Planta - Full English
Pleasantly Surprised
To be honest, I haven't smoked English blends regularly in close to 20 years. Normally, I smoke Virginia/Perique blends, sometimes with the addition of turkish or burley. So while I was waiting for this Full English blend to arrive in the mail, I was braced for the worst. Luckily, I was NOT disappointed. Planta uses first-rate tobaccos, expertly blended, with a rich sumptious quality. Burns very cool and even. However, you get the nuances of the smoke when you sip at a relaxed pace. The Syrian latakia is excellent, and the Java leaf is present just in the right amount, without overpowering. Definitely a keeper!
Nicotine And Pipe Tobacco Blending- ► Nice article, Chuck. Very informative too. I tried that 1792 stuff years ago, and hated it. Strong nasty flavor and nicotine level that took the varnish off my hull!I tried C&D Burley Flake #4 recently, and the taste was awesome, but it had too much N also... not in same league as 1792 though!