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Welcome to Codger Country, the series where we'll be smoking every Codger blend — commonly found over-the-counter tobacco blends — we can find and ranking them in an effort to find the "definitive" Codger blend. From Carter Hall to Borkum Riff, we're giving them all a fair shake. Today, we're setting out on the open sea once again with Sail Yellow, or Sail Regular, which if the old tagline is to be believed is "sweet as a nut."
I was a fan of Sail Green (Aromatic) when I tried it earlier this year, and I have high hopes for Yellow. Sail Yellow totes itself as a well-balanced blend of Burley and Virginia tobaccos with accents of Oriental and Brazilian tobaccos. Let's find out if Yellow is my fellow.
Initial Impressions
Open up the pouch, take a sniff, and it's sweet smelling, with plenty of grass and citrus. Feels very Cavendish forward. Like Sail Green, it's not overly moist, and pretty good in between wet and dry. I gave it some time to breathe before I packed my pipe. Unlike Green, this is a broken flake, so I rubbed it between my palms to get it a little looser. Packs easily, and takes to light after a few tries.
First few puffs, and it's tart. That citrus is coming through head on with that grassy hay on the backend. On the retrohale, you get more of a buttery element. That sweetness comes forward and it affords a more earthy note. Room note is remarkably pleasant, as I often find to be the case when Virginias are involved. The Orientals come through more as we work our way down the bowl.
By mid bowl, elements of stewed pit fruit appear, and that citrus note accents this really well. That sweetness persists throughout. On the retrohale, there's this spiced pepper that comes forward. This is a blend that I like to linger in between puffs; it's incredibly satisfying. I find if I puff this too fast, it not only burns out but smells like a Camel cigarette.
As the bowl finishes out, the mid notes persist till the end. It leaves nice clean ash. I enjoy the lingering room note. After smoking a pouch of the stuff, I find I really liked this with an English Breakfast tea, or even Irish. The nicotine hit is medium and left me moderately buzzed as a mid-day pick me up.
Is Sail Yellow Worth It?
After experiencing Sail Green, my hopes were high for Yellow and thankfully I think it delivers. It's a satisfying Virginia and I've already picked up a few more pouches. I think this is a Codger that can cellar well, but as with all pouches, if you are going for the long term, I'd make that early move to a mason jar.
Sail Yellow is only available in 1.5oz pouches for a price comparable to most codgers. I think this is a great all-day smoke, especially for those dreaming of warmer weather. Leave a comment below telling me your thoughts on Sail Yellow or what codger I should try next, and join me next time as we continue our journey in Codger Country together.
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Comments
Sail Yellow has been a fav of mine for many, many years, I think since back in the 1970s.
As an aspiring codger, I must tell you this was the very first tobacco I smoked - sometime in the Spring of 1971. All I can remember now is a bare penumbra of a shadow, but your in-depth description has me wanting to "return to those thrilling days of yesteryear," and try another pack. Thanks, Rose.
In the 1960s, didn't wasn't there a Sail blend that came in a pale, cream colored pouch?
I STARTED SMOKING SAIL YELLOW IN THE LATE 60'S. I BELIEVE THE CREAM COLORED POUCH WAS CALLED 'NATURAL'. HOWEVER, I DO REMEMBER SEEING THAT COLOR POUCH. I DON'T THINK IT WAS VERY POPULAR. I WAS INTRODUCED TO SAIL FROM A STORE OWNER. SMOKED IT FOR QUITE A WHILE UNTIL MOVING ON TO OTHER BLENDS.
Rose, as a relatively new piper, I have been genuinely enjoying your "Codger Country" series. As soon as I read the latest entry, I find myself impatiently waiting for the next one. I read these installments and compare your tasting notes to the blends I have tried. You are adding to my "need to try" list!
When you said store it in a mason jar, did you mean just slip the whole pouch in? Even if it's never been opened?