Wednesday, March 26, 2014

The Smoker Civil War


Tin Notes:
This is a distinctive and easy smoking aromatic blend with truly remarkable flavor and aroma. Civil War is a mixture of Cavendish cut light tobaccos and a steamed black Cavendish with hints of warm, smooth vanilla, a sweet nuttiness and a rich mix of flavors that not only satisfy the smoker, but leaves an amazing room note.

     Strength: Mild to Medium
        Flavor: Mild to Medium
         Taste: Medium
 Room Note: Pleasant

The tin note was of maple with a hint of vanilla. The blend was moist in the tin and needed a little drying time. On the charring light the predominate flavor was of sweet maple. On the true light the vanilla from the Cavendish became noticeable. A quarter of the way into the bowl a faint nuttiness joined the flavor profile. Civil War burned cool and with few relights. I would recommend this blend to Aromatic smokers.

Monday, March 24, 2014

Sutliff - Edward G. Robinson

Tin Notes:
A mild aromatic with a light Burley nuttiness and flavored Black Cavendish taste. Fruity plum notes are given a slight flavor push from a hint of Latakia, and a very pleasing top note of liquor.

    Strength: Mild to Medium
       Flavor: Mild to Medium
        Taste: Mild to Medium
Room Note: Pleasant

The tin note was of plums and the smokiness from the Latakia. On the charring light the wine was the primary flavor. On the true light the mild nuttiness of the Burley was also evident. The plum flavor and the sweetness form the Cavendish was added shortly after the true light. About a quarter of the way into the bowl the Latakia flavor came into the background. Edward G. Robinson burned to a light gray ash at the bottom of the bowl without dottle. E.G.R. also burned cool and with out relights. I would recommend this blend to both Aromatic and Non-Aromatic smokers. The Latakia is well in the background so it should not be an issue to most pipers. I will be stocking this in my cellar.

Friday, March 21, 2014

Dutch Masters Whiskey

Pouch Notes:
The superb and exotic blend of smooth Burley, tangy Virginias, and exotic Oriental tobaccos forms the base for our premier Dutch Masters pipe tobacco line. Uniquely blended with genuine Kentucky Bourbon..

    Strength: Mild
       Flavor: Medium
        Taste: Medium
Room Note: Pleasant

The pouch note was of Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey. On the charring light the flavor was of the Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey. On the true light the flavor from the tangy Virginias was added to the flavor profile. As I smoked further down in the bowl a faint nuttiness started to come through from the Burley. Dutch Masters Whiskey burned well with no relights. There was no tongue bite. This is one of the better Over the Counter blends that I have smoked and would recommend it to anyone.

Monday, March 10, 2014

Hearth & Home Signature Marble Kake

Tin Notes:
We have wanted to produce our own Virginia-based flake or Krumble Kake, and the result is Marble Kake. A firmly-pressed blend of Bright and Red Virginias, it comes as a solid piece which can be broken or sliced and rubbed-out, and the flavor changes depending upon how you prepare it. One of our knowledgeable Virginia fans has compared it to Hamborger Veermaster as a smooth, but tasty Virginia blend.

     Strength: Medium
        Flavor: Mild
         Taste: Medium
Room Note: Pleasant

The tin note was a combination of natural tobaccos. The red Virginia and golden Virginia aromas meld together into a wonderful scent. When I first opened tin the moisture level was fine. So I loaded up a bowl and went to town. There was an extreme tartness bordering on bitterness. So jarred it up and let it sit for a week. This made a tremendous difference. The jar note was now of a more mature Virginia. I know that a week is not that much time, but it did make a big difference. On the charring light and the true light there was now mild tangy citrus flavor. about a quarter of the way into the bowl a sweet grassy flavor was added to the profile. Marble Kake burned well with no re-lights. I recommend Marble Kake with the caveat on letting it rest in a mason jar for a little while.