Standard Tobacco Company of Pennsylvania War Horse Ready-Cut

 

Blend Notes: Last sold in the UK in the early 1980's,  is a robust "every-man's" pipe tobacco, consisting of earthy, hearty Burley, ripe red Virginias, a good share of smoky, spicy dark­ fired Kentucky and a bit of Perique for a hint of sweetness. It has a very light top-note that helps to smooth out the flavor. This is a bold smoke, best enjoyed after a nice meal with a nice libation.  The sample was Loose Cut, but plugs are being developed as well.

     Strength: Medium
        Flavor: None
         Taste: Medium
 Room Note: Pleasant

The tin note was of figs and spices. War Horse was ready to smoke right from the package no drying time needed. On the charring light the spices of the dark fired Kentucky was the predominate flavor. On the true light the nuttiness of the Burley was added to the flavor profile. Shortly after the true light the tangy sweetness of the Red Virginias joined in the mix. The Perique was a minor player, but was noticeable from time to time. As for the topping the sweetness is very subtle and hardly noticeable over the flavors of the tobaccos. War Horse burned well and cool. The blend burned to a fine gray ash leaving no dottle. This is a wonderful blend that every pipe smoker should try. I am looking forward to trying the plug version when it is released.

 

Standard Tobacco Company of Pennsylvania John Cotton’s Smyrna

Blend Notes: The richest and boldest in their range of Latakia based blends. There's a nice share of deep, smoky Cyprian Latakia here, along with earthy, aromatic Turkish Orientals and fully-matured Virginias. The room note is exotic, while the flavors exhibit savory and lightly spicy tones with some lightly floral elements. If you've been looking for a cool-smoking, full-flavored Latakia blend, this is it.

     Strength:Medium -Full
        Flavor: None
         Taste: Full
Room Note:Tolerable

The tin note was of the smoky Latakia.  John Cotton’s Smyrna was ready to smoke right from the package no drying time needed. On the charring light and the true light the Latakia was the major player. At a quarter of the way into the bowl spiciness of the Orientals joined the flavor profile.The sweet hay flavors of the Virginias was in the background throughout the bowl. The bottom half of the bowl a tanginess crept into the flavor profile. John Cotton’s Smyrna burned well and cool with few re-lights. All you Latakia lover this blend is a must try.
 

Standard Tobacco Company of Pennsylvania John Cotton’s No. 1 & 2 Medium

Blend Notes: A classic English-style blend that has Cyprian Latakia as the main player, but not so much that it overwhelms the exotic Orientals, of the sweet, tangy Virginias. This is a remarkably well-balanced blend in which every tobacco used plays in concert to create a flavorful mixture that will definitely take you back to when John Cotton's tobaccos were among the finest available.

     Strength: Medium
        Flavor: None
         Taste: Medium - Full
 Room Note: Tolerable

The tin note was earthy and smokey  from the Latakia. On the charring light the smokiness of the Latakia was the predominate flavor. On the true light the Latakia was joined by the spicy floral notes of the Orientals.  A little further into the bowl the sweetness of the Virginias came into the flavor profile. On the back half of the bowl a tanginess started to become apparent. John Cotton’s No. 1 & 2 burned cool and well with no relights needed. This is a Latakia forward blend, but the Latakia is not overpowering. I would highly recommend this blend to the Latakia lovers out there.


 

Standard Tobacco Company of Pennsylvania John Cotton's No 1 Mild

Blend Notes: An Orientals-forward blend with Latakia added as a condiment. While the Latakia is noticeable, the combination of bright and red Virginias and a variety of fragrant Orientals produces a harmonious whole with the different elements weaving their way in and out of the flavor profile. This can easily be enjoyed all day long

     Strength: Mild
        Flavor: None
         Taste: Medium
Room Note: Pleasant

The tin note was of peat and cedar from the Orientals. The blend was ready to smoke right from the package no drying needed. On the charring light and the true light the cedar from Orientals was the prominent flavor. Next the citrus and tanginess of the Virginias joined the flavor profile. The Latakia is a minor player in the flavor profile, but present throughout the bowl. John Cotton's No 1 Mild burned cool and well with no relights. This blend would be great for a first foray into Latakia blends. It would also make an excellent all day smoke.

Standard Tobacco Company of Pennsylvania Bengal Slices

The Celebrated Bengal Slices. A blend of legend and lore, Bengal Slices is a unique Latakia based crumble cake made with yellow and black Virginias, some of the most delectable Orientals available and a touch of unflavored black Cavendish. The tobaccos are heated and firmly pressed along with a subtle and exotic essence, creating a bright, complex flavor with an aroma that’s reminiscent of incense – a cool, bite-free cascade of tastes.

     Strength: Medium
        Flavor: None
         Taste: Medium to Full
Room Note: Tolerable

The tin note was smokey and earthy from the Latakia. I was never lucky enough to smoke the original Bengal Slices, so I will not be able to attest as to weather or not it is a faithful reproduction. Bengal Slices like most of Russ Ouellette's blends was ready to smoke no drying necessary. On the charring light the smokiness of the Latakia was front and center. On the true light the spiciness of the Orientals joined the flavor profile. A quarter of the way into the bowl the tanginess of the Virginias came through. The sweetness of Cavendish was present through out the bowl. Bengal Slices burned cool and well once lit stayed lit to the bottom of the bowl. This is definitely Latakia forward blend, but the Latakia did overpower the flavor of other tobaccos. I can see this blend quickly becoming one of those hard to find blends. So when you find it stock up I know that I will.

Mac Baren HH Bold Kentucky

Tin Notes:
This is the strongest pipe tobacco among the blends in the Mac Baren range and is not recommended for inexperienced pipe smokers. HH Bold Kentucky contains a high amount of the finest Dark Fired Kentucky from the USA and Africa and is combined with bright Virginias to soften the taste just a bit. Still the taste is of earthiness and smoke plays the major part with just a slight nuance of sweetness as the underlying taste. The origin of the taste is in the leaf itself and thanks to the hot press the different tastes merry into one unique taste. Like all the other HH blends this blend has only an absolute minimum of casing and no top flavor at all.


     Strength: Strong
        Flavor: Medium
          Taste: Full
Room Note: Tolerable

The tin note was of the Dark Fired Kentucky a rich earthy tobacco aroma with touch of vinegar. The tobacco straight from the tin seemed a little damp and may need a little drying, but I could not wait for my first bowl. 30 minutes drying time made a difference in lighting the tobacco and the burn rate, but did not change the flavor profile. On the charring light the nuttiness of the Dark Fired Kentucky was the main flavor. On the true light the flavor of the Virginias came into the flavor profile. The sweetness of Virginias  was subtle and it does enhance the flavor of this blend. In all this blend is a smooth and creamy full flavored smoke, but not over powering. Bold Kentucky burned well leaving a light gray ash with no dottle. Mac Baren has hit this one out of the park. If you smoke full flavored blends this is a must try.

PCCA Hairy Larry from 1997

Tin Notes: Hairy Larry a stoved, full Latakia mixture. Rich tobacco for heavy relaxing. The finest Virginias and Cyprian and Syrian Latakia stoved together for added richness. Larry's favorite.

Strength: Medium
   Flavor: Medium
    Taste: Medium

The tin note was the rich smell of the Stoved Virginia. On the charring light and true light the Citrus and tangy flavor of the Virginians was the predominate flavor. I assume that over the years of aging the Cyprian and Syrian Latakia mellowed quite a bit. Not having the pleasure of smoking the blend back in 1997 I could say how much they did mellow, but now they were minor players in the flavor profile. Hairy Larry smoke well and down to a light gray ash with no dottle. I would highly recommend this blend, but I do not think that it can be easily found.

Sutliff Bulk 502 Medium English

Tin Notes:
A traditional mixture of Red Virginia, Turkish, Burley, Latakia, and Perique. Medium strength and perfect introduction to English-style pipe smoking

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


The tin note was of the sweet grass from the Red Virginia and the smokey Latakia. The blend did require some drying time, about 30 minutes. On the charring light the flavor was of sweet and tangy grass from the Red Virginia. On the true light the spiciness of the Orientals came into play. About a quarter of the way into the bowl the peppery flavor of the Perique joined the flavor profile. As far as the Latakia very much a condiment no need to fear the intensity. As stated in the above notes "a perfect introduction to English-style pipe smoking". Medium English burned cool and well. It could easily become your all day smoke.

Holiday Tins

Once again this year Sutliff has neat gift tins available for the Halberg & Cube tobacco blends. The nice box comes pre-wrapped for the your pipe smoker. All six blends are fine tobaccos. 

Search for locations to purchase Halberg & Cube Gift Tins

Mac Baren Modern Virginia Flake

Tin Notes:
Virginia, Modern Cavendish and Burley are manufactured separately, and finally the tobaccos are gently hand blended into the final blend. The Modern Virginia Loose Cut is manufactured from Virginias out of 2 continents. Bright yellow and a darker Virginia have been used combined with a Modern Cavendish, to secure a soft and smooth smoke with a touch of Burley. This blend provides you with the natural sweetness from the Virginia tobaccos combined with just a slight topping of sweet, ripe fruit. Furthermore your surroundings will appreciate the pleasant room note.

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

The tin note was of ripe apricots. On the charring light a citrus flavor and a grassy flavor from the Bright and Darker Virginias was detected. On the true light the flavor was of apricots. About a quarter of the way through the bowl a slight nuttiness from the Burley joined the flavor profile. Also the apricot flavor did fade but was still represented. Modern Virginia Flake burned well with only any few relights. This is a great tasting Aromatic that does not overpower the tobacco's natural flavor. As far as the difference between the Loose Cut and Flake versions of this blend I believe that the fruit flavor was less prominent in the flake version.

Mac Baren Modern Virginia Loose Cut

Tin Notes:
Virginia, Modern Cavendish and Burley are manufactured separately, and finally the tobaccos are gently hand blended into the final blend. The Modern Virginia Loose Cut is manufactured from Virginias out of 2 continents. Bright yellow and a darker Virginia have been used combined with a Modern Cavendish, to secure a soft and smooth smoke with a touch of Burley. This blend provides you with the natural sweetness from the Virginia tobaccos combined with just a slight topping of sweet, ripe fruit. Furthermore your surroundings will appreciate the pleasant room note.

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

The tin note was of ripe apricots. On the charring light the flavor was of apricots. On the true light a citrus flavor and a grassy flavor from the Bright and Darker Virginias was detected. About a quarter of the way through the bowl a slight nuttiness from the Burley joined the flavor profile. Also the apricot flavor did fade a little but was still well represented. Modern Virginia Loose Cut burned well with only any few relights. This is a great tasting Aromatic that does not overpower the tobacco's natural flavor.

Sutliff 1849

Tin Notes:
Henry Sutliff opened the first of his shops back in 1849 in San Francisco on Kearny Street. This fine mixture of Sweet Virginia and Spicy Perique is in commemoration of the founding of America’s oldest pipe tobacco company.

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

The tin note was of figs or raisins. The tobacco was ready to smoke right from the tin, no drying time needed. On the charring light and the true light the a tangy citrus flavor from the Flu Cured Virginia was the predominate flavor. Shortly afterwards a sweet hay flavor from the Red Virginia was added to the flavor profile. A quarter of the way into the bowl the spice of the Perique was noticeable in the background. 1849 burned well with little dottle and no relights. I do recommend to pack Sutliff 1849 a little loose. This blend would be a good all day smoke for VaPer lovers and good anytime smoke for everyone else.

Sutliff PS Old San Francisco

Tin Notes:
The California Gold Rush quickly transformed San Francisco from a small town to a booming metropolitan center of 25,000 by December 1849. Enterprising businessmen were quick to capitalize on the newly generated wealth. It was during this economic boom when Henry Sutliff opened the first of his shops. Sutliff quality tobaccos remain among the best with this complex English Mixture comprised of Virginia, Perique, Dark Fired Burley and Latakia.

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

The tin note was the rich aroma of the Dark Fired Burley and Virginia. The tobacco was ready to smoke directly from the tin, no drying time was needed. On the charring light the smokey flavor of the Latakia was the predominate flavor, On the true light the coca and nutty flavor of the Dark Fired Burley became the predominate flavor and the Latakia faded to more of a condiment. A quarter of the into the bowl the sweet hay flavor of the Virginia joined the flavor profile. The spice of the Perique floated in and out of the of the flavor during the entire bowl, Old San Francisco burned cool and well. Another fine English blend from our friends at Sutliff.

Sutliff PS Lord of the Manor

Tin Notes:

The term Lord of the Manor dates backs to medieval English feudalism. In more modern terminology it is used for land registry. It is indeed quirky how terminology changes over time. A case in point, all blends made under British Tobacco Purity Laws were known as English Blends, whether or not they contained any Latakia. You can rest assured that this English Mixture has an abundance of Latakia along with Burley, Virginia, Perique and Smyrna.

       Strength: Medium
          Flavor: None detected
            Taste: Medium
  Room Note: Tolerable

The tin note was of the smokey Latakia. The tobacco was ready to smoke right out of the tin, no drying time needed. On the charring light the Latakia made its presents know. On the true light the spices of the Smyrna and Perique came into play. About a quarter of the way into the bowl a tangy citrus flavor from the Virginia joined the flavor profile along with a faint nuttiness from the Burley. Lord of the Manor burned cool and well leaving a gray ash with no dottle. Be warned this is definitely a Latakia forward blend. That being said it is a great English that I would recommend.

Sutliff PS Loire Valley

Tin Notes:

The Loire Valley has been referred to as the Garden of France primarily because of its’ temperate climate with an abundance of vineyards and fruit orchards.This Fruity Aromatic Blend is sure to please with its’ Raspberry and Mango notes applied to a Black Cavendish Base.

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

The tin note is of Raspberries. It reminded me of the Raspberry jellies that I use to get at the penny candy store, The blend did not require any drying time.The charring light and the true light was the rich flavor of Raspberries. After about a third of a way through the bowl the Mango flavor started to creep into the flavor profile. Towards the last third of the bowl the Raspberry and Mango seemed to trade places as far as the dominate flavor. Lorie Valley burned cool with no bite. If you like Halberg Green then this blend is a must try.

Sutliff PS Honey & Chocolate

Tin Notes:
Some things just naturally go together, as Honey and Chocolate. This  delicious Aromatic’s strength is that it actually tastes like its’ name. Neither the Honey nor the Chocolate dominates, but each complements the other rather well. When applied to a base of Burley, Virginia and Black Cavendish, you can’t go wrong with this one.

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

The tin note reminded me of a Tootsie roll. The moisture level of the tobacco was fine right out of the tin, no drying time need. On the charring light the flavor of chocolate was the prominent flavor. On the true light the smooth sweetness of the honey came through. About a third of the way into the bowl a slight nuttiness became noticeable. Honey & Chocolate burned cool and without bite. If you are a chocolate lover then Honey & Chocolate is a must try.

Sutliff PS Breckinridge

Tin Notes:
Roughly half the tobacco farms in the United States are in Kentucky. This superb Non-Aromatic mixture of Kentucky Plug Cut Burley is fittingly named after John Breckinridge, a planter and U.S. Attorney General under Thomas Jefferson.

     Strength: Medium
        Flavor: None
          Taste: Mild to Medium
Room Note: Pleasant

The tin note was an earthy and leathery aroma from the Burley. The tobacco's moisture level was good right out of the tin. On the charring light and true light the earthy and leather flavors came to the front. About a third of the way into the bowl a nuttiness joined the flavor profile. Breckinridge burned cool and without any relights. The blend burned down to light gray ashes with no dottle. I can see Breckinridge easily becoming a all day blend.

Sutliff PS Taste of Autumn

Tin Notes:

Autumn invokes a sense of pleasure with splendid colors, brisk clean air and abundant harvests. The Rich Spicy Flavors of autumn highlight this tasty Virginia and Burley based Aromatic

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

The tin note was of a warm spiced wine. The pumpkin flavor that others have mentioned did not come through for me. On the charring light the flavor was of wine. On the true light the cinnamon and nutmeg flavors came through. After a few more puffs and the nutty flavor from the Burley joined the flavor profile. About the half way point a faint sweet grassy flavor was noticeable but stayed in the background. Taste of Autumn was difficult to light but once it caught it burned well with little dottle. The aroma definitely brings up images of fall. The leaves turning colors; sitting by the fire and walks through the woods.

Sutliff PS Court of St. James

Tin Notes:
The English revere tradition perhaps more than any other nationality. But leave it to the English to put their unique twist upon things. The Court of St. James’s is determined by the residence of the monarch. This straightforward mixture of Rich Virginias and Spicy Perique Tobaccos is anything but your traditional English Blend.

       Strength: Medium
         Flavor: None detected
          Taste: Medium to Full
Room Note: Tolerable

The tin note was earthy and smokey. No additional drying was needed. I know that Latakia is not listed as one of the tobaccos in the blend but it is in there, but not enough for it to be called a Latakia forward blend. On the charring light and true light the smokiness of the Latakia was prominent. After a several more puffs the peppery spices of the Perique kicked in. About a quarter of the way into the bowl the sweat grassy flavor of the Virginias came to the front. The flavor of Latakia move to more of a condiment as the bowl went on. Court of St. James burned well without any relights or bite. It is a great English blend that is well worth trying.

Sutliff PS Taste of Spring

Tin Notes:

It is near magic when the first warm days of spring bring to life winter’s hibernating buds. The bleak harshness of a seemingly endless winter has been replaced with a revival of life. This Aromatic Mixture of Sweet Fragrant Virginia and Burley is perfect for celebrating the arrival of spring.


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

The tin note was of honey and the aroma of the Burley. The tobacco's moisture was fine right out of the tin, no drying was needed. On the charring light the flavor was of the honey. On the true light a mild nuttiness was added by the Burley. At a quarter of the way through the bowl a light sweet grassy flavor was added into the flavor profile by the Virginias. Taste of Spring burned cool with no relights or bite. This blend may very well by your next all day smoke.