Public Profile

Lighters - Xikar Pipeline Soft-Flame Lighter Black and Rose Plated
Disappointed
Having used Xikar jet cigar lighters for a number of years, the Xikar brand and warranty are what led me to purchase this. At approximately $30 less than a Kiribi Kubuto, this would seem to be a good value for the price. It doesn't have quite the heft of the afore mentioned lighter. The internals from what I can see through the bottom filing hole appear to be made out of molded plastic. The adjustment for flame height rotates 180 degrees, so adjustments are a small turn to get a higher flame. The tamper is a nice touch. The spark wheel extends slightly beyond the edge of the body, which would seem to lead to easier ignition. It doesn't seem to have quite the fuel capacity as the Kabuto. The main issue I've had with this particular lighter is the operation of the spark wheel. It is sometimes sticky and difficult to spin. And on certain occasions the valve for the flame jet seems to stick, not allowing the butane to flow. The screw on cap for the flint regularly comes loose, and the post which attaches the whole assembly to the body of the lighter after a month of use can wiggle back and forth, which is probably the source of the stubborn spark wheel. Bottom line, next time around I would spend the extra cash to get something that's not so problematic.

Old Dominion - Virginia Planter
Simplicity...
I've own several of these and I've had them for a number of years. They smoke fabulously. They break in quickly, and the draw is just perfect. As far as the stems go, over time they do become somewhat loose. I remedied that by applying beeswax to the end and melting it over a heat gun and pushed it into the stummel while still melted and giving a few twists. Holds the stem in place nicely.

Low Country - Natural Virginia
Excellent value for the price
Quality leaf and a reasonably good flavor. It’s not a “must have” in the sense of some of the Virginia’s available today, but just a very good basic Virginia, and for the price it can’t be beat. Works well on its own or as a mixer. I treated some with apple cider vinegar and stoved it at 220 for 2:20, and set it in my cellar for a year. Fabulous stuff.

Warped - The Haunting 2oz
Fabulous!
I could smell the Virginia upon opening it. Removing it from the tin I was able to notice the Criollo. It’s a little on the dry side out of the tin, but not overly dry. On the initial lighting the Criollo comes through with strong leather, spice, and charred wood, with sweetness of the Virginia on the aftertaste. As the bowl progresses the flavors begin to balance, and the flavor becomes full and rich. The strength is just past the middle mark. This should age well, mellowing and marrying these tobaccos, and I would expect that this would take on rich sweet and somewhat floral character. A fabulous blend.

Cornell & Diehl - Bow-Legged Bear 8oz
Fabulous!
A brilliant blend of tobaccos, the synergy of which makes for an out this world combination! Lots of chewy thick smoke that loads the palate. Cellars very well.

Erik Stokkebye 4th Generation - 1855 1.4oz
If you have nothing else to smoke...
This came on the scene several years back with a lot of hype. It's at best an OK Virginia. There are a lot better out there for the money. The line seems to have failed, as there are a lot of vendors discounting the 1855 products. Basically just a middle of the road Va blend...

Cornell & Diehl - Pirate Kake 16oz
High Marks!
Although there is reportedly 70%+ Latakia in this blend, it is smooth and satisfying with addition of other tobaccos. Very pleasant smoke...

Peter Stokkebye - PS80 Norwegian Blend
Outstanding blend...
Quite simple and pleasant. I usually have a couple lbs of this stuff cellared.

Cornell & Diehl - Black Cavendish
Excellent blending tobacco
My go to Cavendish for blending...

Sutliff - Crumble Kake Red Virginia 1.5oz
Pricey, but good.
Quality Red Virginias, a little baking spice, and when not dried too much there's an apple cider vinegar flavor to it. Very pleasing.

Sutliff - 208 Apple
Pleasant
The apple flavor is mostly in the background, and more of a red apple variety. Nutmeg, Cinnamon, Caramel flavors and a nice mellow sweetness, produces a nice volume of smoke. Nice room note. It is what it is, and for the price I find to be a rewarding, pleasant experience, when I'm in the mood for such a tobacco. Price is very good.

Peter Stokkebye - PS17 English Luxury
One of my favorites
I like the flavor, nice, mellow, burns well. Good price point too. Got several lbs stashed.

BriarWorks - Pete's Beard's Blend 2oz
Very good
I smoked this about 45 minutes after a bowl of Lane Crown Achievement. Similar notes, but a little more subdued. I did notice a sweet, nutmeg-ginger note on the front end.