Customer Reviews (25 Total)
Exceptional
December 14, 2017
Product: Tabac De La Semois Le Petit Robin 100g
Everything you have read about this tobacco is true; it will surely redefine excellence within your realm of personal tobaccos. It’s perfectly settled in its gold brick, ready to be smoked, but I still opt to dry it for about 10 minutes. The wrapping... Read More
on the outside itself instills a bit of European nostalgia. It’s the finest cut shag I’ve ever encountered. I pack it tightly. It’s earthy, but the aftertaste is what makes it delicious in a tobacco sense. I would peg the strength of the tobacco at four dots vs. three. Likewise with the taste. No mistaking it. Perhaps the finest secret blend I’ve ever smoked! Read Less
A class of its own!
April 21, 2017
Product: Tabac De La Semois Le Petit Robin 100g
Now here is a blend that caught me unawares. Having smoked close to forty blends over the past decade, I was not expecting something to redefine what a pipe tobacco can be. Yet that is precisely my impression of Le Petit Robin.
As others have noted,... Read More
the cut itself is almost a category of its own. It is extremely thin and fuzzy in a very pleasant, bohemian way. I tend to pack Le Petit Robin quite light, and consequently, the burn rate is pretty much doubled compared to my regular Virginia-Perique and Latakia blends. Strangely enough, I cannot say I detected any negatives from this, despite having a palate prone to bite. The bowl ends faster and that is all. It burns very dry and clean, and I admit sinning against one of my ground rules by refilling the same bowl immediately once or twice. That this brought no noticeable ill effects to taste or moisture only proves how well behaved the little Robin is.
The taste is even further apart from anything I have tried before or since. I find it hard to pin down the flavor but what it reminds me of the most is malty bread. The smoke is rich and creamy with hints of sweetness throughout. Overall, the flavour is not something I have ever found myself craving. But that is probably down to the fact that it is really quite unlike anything else and is thus an acquired taste in the true sense of the term.
I can easily see this as an everyday smoke for someone who likes its unique taste profile. Whether you do or not can only be ascertained by filling a bowl - which is something everyone should do at least twice or thrice. If only to take a path less traveled. It will be an adventure worth the detour. Read Less
Exceptional
April 08, 2017
Product: Tabac De La Semois Le Petit Robin 100g
I love burleys, and this, while not a burley in the truest sense of the word, is absolutely exquisite. Light and refreshing, but still very satisfying. It's a very fine shag cut, so you have to pack it very tight otherwise it shrinks to nothing when ... Read More
you put a flame to it; think cotton candy when you put it on your tongue. Flavor is not exactly burley-ish. It seems like burley is in the background to something else that I can't put my finger on. I love this stuff though, and I'll always keep it around. Read Less
Love the Shag
March 09, 2018
Product: Tabac De La Semois Le Petit Robin 100g
I love the shag cut! It looks like kiseru style of tabacco smoked in Japan. The taste and aroma is very similar to La Brumeuse, yet somehow different. I can't quite put my finger on it. But it's excellent, nonetheless! And it is stronger than La Brum... Read More
euse. Tabac Manil makes some of the best tabacco around. Everyone must try a Semois blend at least once. C'est trés Bon! Read Less
Unique is the Word
April 15, 2021
Product: Tabac De La Semois Le Petit Robin 100g
Others have addressed the cut, so I won't belabor how fine it is. Suffice it to say, it is very finely cut. More so than even I had expected. Like a fine moss, or a dust bunny.
And dry, very dry, like a fine tinder for starting a campfire. But I th... Read More
ink it would lose something if it was re-hydrated. Resist the urge to humidify.
It is spicy, grassy, and has a wonderful flavor that I have not tasted in any other tobacco. Packed tightly it still burns in about half the time of other blends in my bowl, but not hot if "sipped."
Fragrant, floral, all of the stuff others have said.
I think you'll like it, or reject it, but I cannot see being ambivalent. Put me in the "like very much" category.
At the size, and the resulting cost (it's not like you can just pick up an ounce to try), I was reluctant to take the plunge on an unknown, but I am very glad that I did. Now it makes me want to get and try the other cuts of pure Semois while I can. GO FOR IT. If it turns out that you don't find it a favorite you can always gift it to your friend who will! Read Less
Outstanding...
January 04, 2021
Product: Tabac De La Semois Le Petit Robin 100g
A shag cut with long filaments of angel hair. Yes, exceptional in presentation. All leaf, not a stem in the bag. Flavorful blend with a bit of sweet oriental. Balanced, masterfully done. It does burn fast, this is a sipper blend but still no bite if ... Read More
you smoke like a Neanderthal as I tend to do. This is the lightest of Vincent's blends, but not light in flavor. I'm impressed and that doesn't happen very often. At a little over 100USD a pound, I'd say after a couple of bowls, it's worth every penny. Read Less
Confesión
December 26, 2019
Product: Tabac De La Semois Le Petit Robin 100g
Lo compre hace un año y se lo pase a un amigo, este tabaco venia con insectos (plaga), nunca lo pudimos fumar, pero nunca dije nada porque smokinpipes, siempre ha sido bueno conmigo, pero esa vez mi tabaco estaba contaminado, me encantaría probarlo a... Read More
lgún día Read Less
Incredible!
October 15, 2019
Product: Tabac De La Semois Le Petit Robin 100g
I recently received my Smokingpipes order which included a brick of Le Petit Robin. Like most other reviewers, I couldn’t believe all the various aromas wafting from my pipe while smoking this fine blend and yet, while unable to identify them all, on... Read More
e nuance suddenly struck me - CEDAR! Yes, that’s right; like a fine cedar aroma and taste from an aged Havana cigar, Le Petit Robin exudes an occasional smell of sweet, delicious cedar, which I love. Don’t get me wrong, this Semois blend doesn’t taste like a cigar (to me, anyways) - I’ll smoke a cigar if I want that kind of taste profile. Rather, Le Petit Robin contains a myriad of tastes and aromas including herbs, moss, earth, grass, floral spices, a bit of sweetness and malt. But for me, the biggest win and something I’ve been looking for in a pipe tobacco, is that wonderful smell of cedar. I would recommend you put this in your pipe and smoke it. Read Less
Unique Flavor & Aroma w/Good Burn Rate
May 25, 2019
Product: Tabac De La Semois Le Petit Robin 100g
This is an extremely fine cut shag blend that is fairly dry due to the packaging. My first sniff noted a slight tea aroma which I noticed in another blend I once sampled... I believe it was Pete's Sherlock Holmes. The charring light produced a burst ... Read More
of flavor that improved considerably after about 1/3 had burned off & provided more flavor & a better taste without any harshness. I loved this Belgian Burley flavor combined with the VA from the very first puff but the third ingredient or ingredients seem destined to remain a mystery but I think it's an Oriental variety. Whatever, the varietals play well together. I've never seen or tasted anything like it before. Very unique indeed & fairly strong.
There's a lot of tobacco packaged in this brick-shaped, gold foil, wrapped container. It didn't feel like it weighed 3 1/2 ounces when I received it but I didn't put it on a scale. It comes in a very dry state so I hydrated it within a zip-lock bag with a pouch humidifier for a couple of weeks. Afterwards, I could feel that it had gained a little weight. It is not packaged to retain moisture & the folded ends are not sealed. It will inevitably contain a moisture content of its environment. It must be packed tight & drawn lightly to get the best flavor & won't bite if puffing cadence is properly controlled. It has a tingly sensation on the palate & leaves a pleasant aftertaste. I liked this well enough to reopen the package & load up again. I'll be keeping this in my rotation as long as it's available & ordered another brick & will be filling up my Mason jars after a proper moisture content is achieved. From my experience with cigars, cigarette & pipe tobacco, they all seem to smoke best with the proper moisture content & from my experience, Le Petite Robin is no different.
If you're looking for a quick tobacco preparation with an easy load and good flavor & a decent burning rate, you might consider giving this one a try. Much better than expected. Read Less
Very satisfying
May 04, 2019
Product: Tabac De La Semois Le Petit Robin 100g
I agree with everyone's comment's about this fabulous tobacco. It is a nice shag cut, burns clean, and Very satisfying, I agree this is an absolute must try. And I am pretty sure only smokingpipes.com is the only tobacco store to carry this blend I ... Read More
think. Read Less
Wonderfully Strange
November 29, 2018
Product: Tabac De La Semois Le Petit Robin 100g
Almost a silk cut, this is a truly a unique smoking experience. Love it or not, you should give this a try.
Product: Tabac De La Semois Le Petit Robin 100g
The extremely fine shag cut is very conducive to an excellent burn with little to no relights. The taste is quite grassy with undertones of that nutty, sweet and earthy Semois flavor. Not too strong but full flavor. Makes for a good quick and deli... Read More
cious smoke. The flavors mentioned above are discernible however, for me, required concentration and appreciation as the tasting notes are quite subtle. Read Less
Product: Tabac De La Semois Le Petit Robin 100g
烟气柔和，且香甜
Took some time
March 26, 2022
Product: Tabac De La Semois Le Petit Robin 100g
Honestly it just didn’t work for me at first. It’s something I came back to a couple of times a year and now that I “get it“ I can’t get enough of it. Definitely something that grows on you and don’t be surprised if you don’t enjoy your first puff or... Read More
first bowl but give it a chance. It is different and unusual and delicious. Read Less
A Unique Luxury
March 13, 2022
Product: Tabac De La Semois Le Petit Robin 100g
This stuff is fantastic, but it takes adjusting your usual approach to appreciate and enjoy. Presented neatly in its cube, it is meant to be very dry. Pack it tightly, smoke it slowly, and you'll be treated to an extremely mild and enjoyable blend.... Read More
Read Less
A Class of One
January 24, 2022
Product: Tabac De La Semois Le Petit Robin 100g
This is just to concur with all the praise of this rich and nuanced tobacco. I agree in particular with Mart V's writeup, especially his observation of "malty bread" at the core. Earthy, floral, subtly sweet. Really like nothing else, an elegant tour... Read More
de force. Read Less
Intriguing
January 08, 2022
Product: Tabac De La Semois Le Petit Robin 100g
A lovely and unusual thing indeed. The cut is extremely fine, more so even than most cigarette tobacco. It burns clean and remarkably cool, needing hardly any intervention from tamp or cleaner. The top of the bowl is dry and almost Kentucky-like, ... Read More
but if smoked gently, many new aromas of earth, and fruit, and spice reveal themselves over the course of the smoke.
Or, to put it another way, it’s like Five Brothers, but if all five brothers went out and had amazing solo careers, and then joined back up for the reunion tour to end all reunion tours. Read Less
A fine Burley
July 23, 2021
Product: Tabac De La Semois Le Petit Robin 100g
The flavor and retrohale of this blend are excellent. It's fine shag cut is perfectly suited for a slow even burn to allow those aspects to be fully enjoyed. As with all Tabac Manil blends, it's dry, but doesn't burn too fast or hot, as long as you p... Read More
ace yourself. The tin note is lots of hay. The room note has an airiness to it. Almost as if I were smoking it on a patio. The burleys used here have much of the traditional grainy/ nutty flavors often found in burleys, however, there is a pepperiness, no doubt from whatever mystery leaf Mr. Manil has used here for the forward element of this blend, which is quite reminiscent of the essence of perique in a VaPer, for example. Whatever it is, it works for me. A fine Burley indeed. Read Less
Really good tobacco!
March 03, 2021
Product: Tabac De La Semois Le Petit Robin 100g
This is my first tobacco from Tabac Manil and I'm glad I gave it a try. This is a very toned down Burley, meaning it's not harsh or bitey like Burley can tend to be. It didn't come as dry as everyone makes it out to be, it's the cut that makes it see... Read More
m dry. but you do get quite a lot for your money and it's well worth it. Not much on the tin note, but the room note is that of leather, tea, a bit of floral and some type of spice like clove, a bit of chocolate at times and cedar. The flavor is full on tobacco, a little nutty and slightly bittersweet. I would like to make a polite correction to Paul C's review, the cut is actually Kizami. Kiseru is the type of pipe used to smoke Kizami in. It's really, really fine cut, almost like a cotton ball when you pull it out of the package. Pack firm and lite it up. It took me a couple of bowls to get it right, too loose and it literally goes up in smoke, too tight and the draw is restricted. Take your time, test the draw and enjoy this smoth bite free tobacco, you'll love it! Read Less
A Smoke As Fast And Beautiful As A Little Robin
February 14, 2021
Product: Tabac De La Semois Le Petit Robin 100g
Le Petit Robin, or of course, The Little Robin. This was the third Vincent Manil blend I ever had the pleasure of sampling, and Lord am I glad I did. And I am grateful for not just Manil himself but also the New York Times writer who brought his popu... Read More
larity to American pipesters, for without that piece some years back, many on my shores wouldn’t know of Sammy Hagar’s doppelgänger and his often hard-to-find blends showcasing the Belgian varietal burley leaf, Semois.
That musty barnyard hay scent mixed with a floral tea-like quality dominates the box note and is present in each puff. It really is the most floral and herbal tea-like of Tabac Manil’s creations. And it does come packaged in the form of a paper brick, and it does smell like a bit like musty barnyard hay, just nowhere near as much as you’ll find in Tabac Manil’s blends La Brumeuse and Reserve Du Patron. Pack this finely cut shag on the tight side, and you might want to tamp frequently. This shag burns swiftly. Far faster than the other Tabac Manil blends I mentioned—as fast as a little robin in flight.
The blend is medium-bodied, with a medium nic-hit, as opposed to all other Tabac Manil blends, including La Volute. Intuition tells me most pipers will at least somewhat fancy this blend. But I sense most pipe tobacco connoisseurs will enjoy it and at least value their first smoking session of LPR. The experience is unmatched: puffing a hard-to-obtain blend from an uncommon burley leaf, farmed, harvested, dried and prepared all by one person. Now what Manil blends that Semois with, apparently some unknown Oriental blend—that is the mystery with LPR.
If you’re a burley aficionado and if this passes your test, you might want to save this blend for a Friday or Saturday night, or a weekend, or when your spirits are feeling low. I break out my four Tabac Manil blends only when I want my smoking session to be a special one. I used to do the same with Cornell & Diehl’s short-lived knockout, Sun Bear, before it became unobtainable. 5.0 stars. Read Less
Uniquely Terrific
July 26, 2020
Product: Tabac De La Semois Le Petit Robin 100g
I received 2 bricks of the Le Petit Robin and as stated in all reviews extremely dry, but do NOT rehydrate! Smoked my first bowl out a clay williamsburg pipe and WOW, fantastic! It’s earthy with a floral and
very small taste of
sweetness periodical... Read More
ly! I’ve smoked several
bowls a day since and bought 2 more bricks
and put in a large mason jar! As stated in almost all reviews I packed it in the bowl as firm as it could be, that part is essential! Absolutely wonderful experience
smoking this, have since bought several bricks of Reserve Du Patron with review to follow!!! Goes great with black coffee.. Read Less
Uniquely Terrific
July 26, 2020
Product: Tabac De La Semois Le Petit Robin 100g
I received 2 bricks of the Le Petit Robin and as stated in all reviews extremely dry, but do NOT rehydrate! Smoked my first bowl out a clay williamsburg pipe and WOW, fantastic! It’s earthy with a floral and
very small taste of
sweetness periodical... Read More
ly! I’ve smoked several
bowls a day since and bought 2 more bricks
and put in a large mason jar! As stated in almost all reviews I packed it in the bowl as firm as it could be, that part is essential! Absolutely wonderful experience
smoking this, have since bought several bricks of Reserve Du Patron with review to follow!!! Goes great with black coffee.. Read Less
Uniquely Terrific
July 26, 2020
Product: Tabac De La Semois Le Petit Robin 100g
I received 2 bricks of the Le Petit Robin and as stated in all reviews extremely dry, but do NOT rehydrate! Smoked my first bowl out a clay williamsburg pipe and WOW, fantastic! It’s earthy with a floral and
very small taste of
sweetness periodical... Read More
ly! I’ve smoked several
bowls a day since and bought 2 more bricks
and put in a large mason jar! As stated in almost all reviews I packed it in the bowl as firm as it could be, that part is essential! Absolutely wonderful experience
smoking this, have since bought several bricks of Reserve Du Patron with review to follow!!! Goes great with black coffee.. Read Less
Uniquely Terrific
July 26, 2020
Product: Tabac De La Semois Le Petit Robin 100g
I received 2 bricks of the Le Petit Robin and as stated in all reviews extremely dry, but do NOT rehydrate! Smoked my first bowl out a clay williamsburg pipe and WOW, fantastic! It’s earthy with a floral and
very small taste of
sweetness periodical... Read More
ly! I’ve smoked several
bowls a day since and bought 2 more bricks
and put in a large mason jar! As stated in almost all reviews I packed it in the bowl as firm as it could be, that part is essential! Absolutely wonderful experience
smoking this, have since bought several bricks of Reserve Du Patron with review to follow!!! Goes great with black coffee.. Read Less
Confesión
December 26, 2019
Product: Tabac De La Semois Le Petit Robin 100g
Lo compre hace un año y se lo pase a un amigo, este tabaco venia con insectos (plaga), nunca lo pudimos fumar, pero nunca dije nada porque smokinpipes, siempre ha sido bueno conmigo, pero esa vez mi tabaco estaba contaminado, me encantaría probarlo a... Read More
lgún día Read Less
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