Public Profile

Cornell & Diehl - Belmont Station
Belmont Station
Picked up a pound of this one during C&D's bulk sale, and the description got me. A bit damp out of the bag, but no stickiness, so I'm guessing more water than PG humectant. The tobacco presents itself in black and gold ribbons interspersed by varying shades of brown. The nose picks up rum for sure, and for some reason, a hint of cherry, but the vanilla is hard to find. Very reminiscent of Daughter's & Ryan's London Dock. Though the moisture is perfect from the bag, I prefer drier tobacco, so 20 minutes on a paper towel before loading. Belmont Station likes a light packing and soft touch with a tamper, but takes fire easily, and burns cool and dry. Though an aromatic, the tobacco isn't totally masked by the Cavendish and other toppings. The vanilla presents itself more in the smoke than in the bag, and a rum sweetness lingers on the tongue. A bit of hay in the nose on the retrohale with a bit of spice in the background that I'm guessing is the Dark Fired Kentucky. A nice slow burn to the bottom of a pre '70s Savinelli 9004, as it's inaugural smoke since restoration, with two relights, and little dottle or moisture. Leaves a great room note, and could easily be an all day smoke. I give this 4 out of 5 stars for what it is, but raise it to 5 as a less expensive alternative to the above mentioned London Dock. Fans of Autumn Evening may enjoy this one, as it is yet another drier aromatic offering from Cornell and Diehl.

Rattray's - Exotic Passion 100g
Great Aromatic
Very natural orange flavoring with no bite. Perfect moisture out of the tin, and burns down with little moisture. The flavoring only dominates the tobacco flavor slightly, and blends well with it. Slight floral notes, and pairs very well with a cup of Earl Grey. N8 likes it, I'm telling! :) .....chasingembers

Balkan Sobranie - Balkan Sobranie 50g
Ahab Got His Whale!
Smoked Balkan Sasieni....loved it. Smoked Balkan Supreme....love yet again. Finally got to smoke my fabled white whale, Balkan Sobranie....TRANSCENDENCE!!! It's similar to Sasieni, just the balance of the blend is more harmonious. Are there better blends? Probably. Is this a masterpiece Absolutely. All Balkan fans should give this one a try. Happy Smokin'.

F & K - Bat with a Hat 1.5oz
Surprised
Did not know that this one was an aromatic. Not a bad one though. Tin notes of chocolate and caramel carry through when smoking and the room note is quite pleasant. With a little drying, this one burns down to a fine white ash with little bite and few relights with proper use of a tamper. Happy Smoking All.

Cornell & Diehl - Mixture Monster (Lycan) 2oz
Trick or Treat?
Tin note presents a chocolate liquer aroma with sweet undertones. Perfect moisture straight from the tin, and takes a flame well. Has a chocolate caramel taste with a sweet aftertaste reminiscent of dried apples (not a bad thing). Easy to keep lit with proper tamping and burns down to a fine gray white ash. Samhein would be pleased. Happy Halloween!

Cornell & Diehl - Black Frigate 2oz
NOT FOR THE FAINT OF HEART... HA!!!
This stuff is wonderful! Just the right amount of sweet from the rum that I have read that C&D soak the tobacco in for seven days, a wonderful turkish nuttiness sweeps in and out of the smoke, and the Cyprian latakia is in condiment amounts to frame the blend without overpowering it.

A & C Petersen - Escudo Navy Deluxe 50g
My First Va Per
Normally a virginia/latakia smoker, wanted to give something new a try and saw that Escudo was on the top of the sales list. Gave it a try, and it is incredible. Upon opening the tin, I was greeted with a sweet, almost apricot smell, and the smoke tastes wonderful. Never tried a VaPer blend before, and think this one may make me explore the other options. Very highly recommended.

Lighters - IM Corona Old Boy Pewter with Pipe Shapes
Never Thought I Needed It
Always been a Bic and matches kind of pipe lighter, but gave this little guy a shot. As far as pipe lighters go, these are not terribly expensive, and to tell the truth, the pipe designs are what sold it. The lighter is visually appealing, the pipe shapes are calming as a worry rock when rubbing your thumb across them, and it is a very durable and dependable lighter that comes with a built in tamper and dottle scoop. Highly recommended.

Peterson - Irish Cask 50g
Uncomplicated and Enjoyable
A sweet nuttiness, and subtle vanilla hints with the perique pepperiness sneaking in only long enough to let you know it is there. Sip this one, however, or it will give you a bite.

Mac Baren - HH Mature Virginia 100g
Very Enjoyable
No complaints here. Simple, sweet, and mild. A really nice all day smoke.

Mac Baren - Latakia Blend 3.5oz
Latakia?
Although an unfortunately named blend, the latakia is only barely detectable in the periphery, this is a really enjoyable smoke. Delicate, sweet, and at times a bit of nuttiness can be tasted. I keep this one in my regular rotation.

Mac Baren - HH Old Dark Fired 3.5oz
Wow
My favorite Mac blend, and quite possibly my favorite tobacco!

Mac Baren - HH Vintage Syrian 3.5oz
Tongue Bite?
Have tried Mac Baren's Latakia Blend, as well as Balkan Sasieni, and have to say the Vintage Syrian is my favorite. As far as the infamous "Mac-bite", never experienced it with any of their blends I have tried. As far as I am concerned, Vintage Syrian is my favorite tobacco, only being second to their HH Old Dark Fired. Mac tobaccos have to be sipped to be enjoyed so maybe the bite comes excessive puffing.

Sutliff - J12 - Chocolate Truffle
Love This!
Tastes like smoking a warm hot chocolate. Really nice for a late night smoke before bed, or when enjoying a good book.

Sutliff - D61-Vanilla Royale
Lacking
Not exactly what I was looking for. A bit bland and smokes toward the hot side.

Stands & Pouches - Economy Folding Pipe Stand
Super Space Saver
I love having these little guys with me when I am at work. I can set it up on my desk and let my pipe recline until break time. Then I just fold the stand up and easily pocket it to reduce workspace clutter.