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Post by Deleted on Sept 25, 2017 20:26:00 GMT -5
I was planning a thread like this for a while elsewhere - so PSF's loss is your gain! The idea was inspired by another member there who did a long VA/Per showdown, ranking each blend by number as he went. So I'll do that - but it would also be great for others to chime in with their own reviews. I haven't done a lot of tobacco reviews, so help me out here with some diverse opinions! I am of the opinion that these kinds of blends are the great unsung heroes of pipe smoking, as well as the bastard children. A lot of reviews say they're "a good entry level" or "starter blends" for those who are afraid of Latakia. Well, that's not me. In fact, I had to learn to love aros after beginning with Lat blends. And the only thing better than a fine aromatic or a fine English blend, is both at the same time! So here goes: Sutliff AcademyWhat Sutliff/TR says: "Bold and pleasing aromatic with spicy Latakia added for taste. Notes: Plato's academy was devoted to analyzing what could be known by the senses. The old philosopher surely would have been intrigued by the appearance, aroma, taste and feel of this pleasing aromatic spiked with Spicy Latakia. Sure to appeal to both Aromatic and English smokers." Contents Black Cavendish, Burley, Latakia.What I say: Unlit I can barely detect any latakia. It smells like a number of other Sutliff Black Cavendish-based aros, and looks like them, too. Lighting up, though, the Lat is at the forefront for the first few puffs - and it's a nice floral lat, too. Less smoky than most, allowing the natural Oriental leaf to show through. This is surprising because the vanilla smell dominates. The Burley soon makes itself known, and quickly starts burying the Lat. It settles down into a fairly run-of-the mill Burley/BC/vanilla aro, smooth and pleasant - with just a hint of that Lat-Or flavor. I'm a Burley-phobe, but don't find it intrusive here. Lights and burns easily, which I guess is partly due to the Burley. Verdict: At first I thought it was going to be a smooth, floral English-type blend with a vanilla room note so as not to offend others. But really it's a pleasant typically Sutliff aro with such a slight wisp of Latakia that it's really just a condiment that helps hold your interest a little. This is the last bowl I had, and though I enjoyed smoking it I doubt I'd order it again - it's just not unique or interesting enough, though I'd rather smoke it than 1Q. As for Plato, I have it on good authority that he smoked Amphora! And being that my appreciation for Academy is strictly platonic  .... 2.5 out of 5 stars. |
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Post by PhantomWolf on Sept 25, 2017 21:01:17 GMT -5
Nice. Give JustForHim.com- Shortcut to Mushrooms a try. I really like it myself, though I don't smoke it daily. Smooth vanilla Cavendish with enough Latakia hanging around in the background to make it a little interesting. It's good for when I want some latakia, but there are non-smokers in the room.
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Post by Deleted on Sept 25, 2017 21:08:18 GMT -5
Nice. Give JustForHim.com- Shortcut to Mushrooms a try. I really like it myself, though I don't smoke it daily. Smooth vanilla Cavendish with enough Latakia hanging around in the background to make it a little interesting. It's good for when I want some latakia, but there are non-smokers in the room. I've tried it - review coming soon! |
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Post by peteguy on Sept 25, 2017 21:25:24 GMT -5
Nice review Chico.
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orley
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Post by orley on Sept 25, 2017 21:37:51 GMT -5
Just for Him "Whiskey Biscuit Gravy"
Frog Morton "Cellar"
Missouri Meerschaum "American Patriot"
These are a few of my favorite crossover blends.
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zeavran1
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Post by zeavran1 on Sept 25, 2017 21:43:57 GMT -5
I like Two Friends English Chocolate.
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Post by Deleted on Sept 25, 2017 23:13:00 GMT -5
Sillem's Black Latakia and Ligon berry at least that's what I think the berry taste is.
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Post by Deleted on Sept 26, 2017 0:11:09 GMT -5
Sillem's Black Latakia and Ligon berry at least that's what I think the berry taste is. That one's on my wish list. Seems to be only available in large size tins, and even then is kind of hard to find. |
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Post by Deleted on Sept 26, 2017 15:34:14 GMT -5
You can add Ruins of Isengard to this list if shopping at JFH. Very good, latakia subtle, all around pleasing blend.
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Post by Deleted on Sept 26, 2017 19:31:28 GMT -5
Frogs are the best IMHO.
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Post by sparks on Sept 26, 2017 20:38:00 GMT -5
Nice review of the Sutliff Academy, Chico.
Shortcut to Mushrooms is my favorite in this category. I do want to try Sillems Black as well.
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Post by Artistik on Sept 27, 2017 6:42:25 GMT -5
Boswell's Bear Blend. Fruity with a touch of woodsy latakia. Excellent.
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Post by Deleted on Sept 27, 2017 14:44:18 GMT -5
Boswell's Bear Blend. Fruity with a touch of woodsy latakia. Excellent. That one's coming up, too! |
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Post by papipeguy on Sept 27, 2017 17:07:56 GMT -5
I have Sillem's Black here and I can't get the latakia from it at all. Guess I'll revisit it tonight.
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Post by sparks on Sept 28, 2017 14:52:47 GMT -5
I have Sillem's Black here and I can't get the latakia from it at all. Guess I'll revisit it tonight. , You were regularly smoking 6 Camachos a day and 4-6 bowls of tobacco. I'm not surprised that you couldn't taste the Latakia |
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Post by trailboss on Oct 2, 2017 0:04:31 GMT -5
Nice. Give JustForHim.com- Shortcut to Mushrooms a try. I really like it myself, though I don't smoke it daily. Smooth vanilla Cavendish with enough Latakia hanging around in the background to make it a little interesting. It's good for when I want some latakia, but there are non-smokers in the room. Former Arizona pipe club member Mike, recently did a youtube review...I mean talk.  |
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chasingembers
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Favorite Pipe: My Growing J. Everett Collection, Fifteen Day Bruce Weaver Set, Meerschaums, Oguz Simsek Skulls
Favorite Tobacco: Black Frigate,Solani Silver Flake, Yenidje Highlander, Angler's Dream, Watch City Slices, Salty Dogs, Mephisto, Ennerdale Flake, Rich Dark Honeydew, 1792 Flake
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Post by chasingembers on Oct 2, 2017 0:44:14 GMT -5
Mac Baren's The Solent Mixture is a favorite of mine.
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Post by Deleted on Oct 2, 2017 16:47:12 GMT -5
Okay, here goes the second review:
Moonshine Pipe Co. XXX Blend
What P&C/TR says: XXX is a Latakia-based blend that is mixed with Turkish Smyma, high quality Virginia leaf, and a touch of Burley. To finish off the exotic mix of tobaccos a light top note of Kentucky Bourbon is added for room note. XXX is a fantastic English-style blend that will impress you from first light to final puff. Notes: Moonshine Pipe Co. has paired up with Pipes and Cigars to bring you an unusual blend that fits the unusual flair that Jonathan Lavezzo puts into his pipes. Contents: Contents Burley, Latakia, Oriental/Turkish, Virginia. Flavoring Alcohol / Liquor.
What I say:
The smell out of the jar is all sweet, smoky Latakia-bourbon goodness. This is one of those blends that reminds me of whatever it was my dad smoked, so I'm biased towards it to begin with. Unfortunately, the topping is so lightly applied that the aromatic qualities do not translate well into the smoking experience. The bourbon caramel-sweetness only occasionally makes its presence known, and for the most part this is a decent, perfectly smokeable English blend. The latakia is most prominent, with the olive oil-like Smyrna coming in next. The VA seems to be there to hold it all together, and the Burley gives it a little oomph, though is unobtrusive. Lights and smokes well, and is pretty mild nic-wise. Smooth, with no bite or harshness, a little waxy on the palate.
Verdict: I think this would disappoint a lot of straight-up English purists because of the topping, and would put off aro smokers because of the heavy-ish Lat presence. Instead of harmonizing the aromatic and Latakia qualities, it's more like somebody took a Stokkebye English blend and lightly misted it with some watered-down bourbon. Some might enjoy it for an all-day or mindless light English but with a bit of depth, though it's not really memorable or interesting enough for a treat. Kind of the opposite of the Sutliff Academy which was mostly aro and hardly any Lat, but inched out of first place simply because I found the Academy more enjoyable.
1. Sutliff Academy
2. Moonshine Pipe Co. XXX Blend
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orley
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Post by orley on Oct 2, 2017 18:09:45 GMT -5
Lots of good recommendations and comments in this discussion. But it brings up a point to me that I've been wondering about for a couple of years. JFH Shortcut to Mushrooms get a very large amount of discussion and notice. But hardly anybody talks about Whiskey Biscuit Gravy! They are quite similar, but for me (just my opinion) WBG is a richer fuller tasting blend. Maybe it's because SCTM is part of the Middle Earth Pipeweed series, I'm sure there is some draw because of the popularity of the Lord of the Rings connection. I do have both blends in my cellar, but both me and my wife reach for the WBG more than any other similar blend. I realize that tastes vary from person to person, but if you order some SCTM, I can only say you should definitely try some WBG at the same time. Read about them in tobacco reviews.com and see if you can make any sense of what is said there.
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Post by Deleted on Mar 14, 2018 19:38:35 GMT -5
Well, with the disappearance of the Frogs I thought it was a good time to resurrect this thread....
McClelland Frog Morton (original)
What TR says: "An exceptionally dark, rich and full Latakia Mixture designed for those who desire really satisfying Latakia flavor but want a pipe tobacco soft enough to smoke anytime. It took Frog Morton four years to perfect this unique blend designed for smoking in quiet serenity. It is his proudest achievement. Contents: Latakia, Virginia. Flavoring: none."
What I say:
The TR statement of "Flavoring: none" is clearly incorrect. At minimum there's a pronounced vanilla smell as soon as you open the jar, and maybe some caramel, too. It's not overpowering, but definitely there. This is a very dark blend - almost all black. It's mostly stoved and sweetened VA (rather than Burley/Green River Cavendish) and Latakia, with some strands of brown leaf. Lighting up, the Latakia is initially the most pronounced, but the VAs are not far behind. The general sense, though, is of a perfectly balanced blend of components, and that's the way it stays throughout the bowl. It smokes cool, smooth, and sweet - though not sickly sweet or cloying. The topping is subtle but tasty during smoking, and seems to hold the tobaccos together and help them meld. It does fade a bit halfway down the bowl, and the smoke becomes less sweet. It's not a complex blend, though the unusual interplay of the sweet VA and the herbal, smoky Latakia keeps drawing my interest back. Lights well, easy to smoke, low in nicotine, and no chance of bite. The only smokers I can imagine really not liking it would be confirmed Lato-phobes, or those averse to any kind of flavoring in their tobacco.
Verdict: The original FM seems to get short shrift due to the success of the other iterations, especially Cellar. I would not say this is "the original and still the best" - but it is great stuff in its own right. It's a rich, satisfying, very pleasant smoke, and my only negative comment is really an unfair one: it's the weakest in the series to my tastes, and when I'm in the mood for this kind of thing I'm more likely to reach for Cellar, One the Town, or Across the Pond.
1. Frog Morton (original)
2. Sutliff Academy
3. Moonshine Pipe Co. XXX Blend
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Post by zambini on Mar 14, 2018 20:10:42 GMT -5
Match Holiday Mixture - What SP says: A recreation of the similarly named Larus & Brothers OTC mixture, this blend starts with a base of cube cut Burley, Virginias, and Perique and is then given a marshmallow creaminess with the inclusion of black Cavendish and Latakia. What I said: A pleasent tobacco with little nicotine and a flavoring, to my mind, of chocolate. It won't overheat or cause harshness, the different tobacco types are well blended and apart from the burley you can't tell the others apart. Having said that, the cut is not a ribbon cut but more of a mix of several cuts including cubed, ribbon, and broken bits which make keeping a pipe lit difficult. Not easy to use in a small bowl. P.S. It has grown on me but it is sweet sweet sweet sweet and can leave a goopy residue on occasion. |
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Post by Deleted on Mar 14, 2018 20:30:28 GMT -5
Match Holiday Mixture - What SP says: A recreation of the similarly named Larus & Brothers OTC mixture, this blend starts with a base of cube cut Burley, Virginias, and Perique and is then given a marshmallow creaminess with the inclusion of black Cavendish and Latakia. What I said: A pleasent tobacco with little nicotine and a flavoring, to my mind, of chocolate. It won't overheat or cause harshness, the different tobacco types are well blended and apart from the burley you can't tell the others apart. Having said that, the cut is not a ribbon cut but more of a mix of several cuts including cubed, ribbon, and broken bits which make keeping a pipe lit difficult. Not easy to use in a small bowl. P.S. It has grown on me but it is sweet sweet sweet sweet and can leave a goopy residue on occasion. I guess I'm going to have to crack open my Mylar. I didn't really get any sweetness. If you're right, I'll sell off my Captain Black Grape to get some more |
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Post by zambini on Mar 14, 2018 21:19:23 GMT -5
Match Holiday Mixture - What SP says: A recreation of the similarly named Larus & Brothers OTC mixture, this blend starts with a base of cube cut Burley, Virginias, and Perique and is then given a marshmallow creaminess with the inclusion of black Cavendish and Latakia. What I said: A pleasent tobacco with little nicotine and a flavoring, to my mind, of chocolate. It won't overheat or cause harshness, the different tobacco types are well blended and apart from the burley you can't tell the others apart. Having said that, the cut is not a ribbon cut but more of a mix of several cuts including cubed, ribbon, and broken bits which make keeping a pipe lit difficult. Not easy to use in a small bowl. P.S. It has grown on me but it is sweet sweet sweet sweet and can leave a goopy residue on occasion. I guess I'm going to have to crack open my Mylar. I didn't really get any sweetness. If you're right, I'll sell off my Captain Black Grape to get some more I've got to tell you, I followed your advice on Match Holiday and Match Ready Rubbed I'll even follow your suggestion on Distinguished Gentleman, but there is very little chance that I'll be trying Captain Black Grape any time soon. Hehe. Match Holiday may just be so sweet to my mind because it's the only non-oriental forward blend I smoke regularly. |
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Post by Deleted on Mar 14, 2018 22:03:18 GMT -5
Match Holiday Mixture - What SP says: A recreation of the similarly named Larus & Brothers OTC mixture, this blend starts with a base of cube cut Burley, Virginias, and Perique and is then given a marshmallow creaminess with the inclusion of black Cavendish and Latakia. What I said: A pleasent tobacco with little nicotine and a flavoring, to my mind, of chocolate. It won't overheat or cause harshness, the different tobacco types are well blended and apart from the burley you can't tell the others apart. Having said that, the cut is not a ribbon cut but more of a mix of several cuts including cubed, ribbon, and broken bits which make keeping a pipe lit difficult. Not easy to use in a small bowl. P.S. It has grown on me but it is sweet sweet sweet sweet and can leave a goopy residue on occasion. a good and accurate take. I find it a bit fussy on burn rate too (and Revelation). As far as sweetness, not nearly to the extent you experience, but then again, my aromatic bar is a tad higher than yours.  |
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steveinny
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Post by steveinny on May 12, 2018 1:56:10 GMT -5
Nice review of the Sutliff Academy, Chico. Shortcut to Mushrooms is my favorite in this category. I do want to try Sillems Black as well. Doing a thread search I came upon the "Shortcut to Mushrooms" recommendation and was curious if it actually contains mushrooms as an ingredient and if so, does it affect the taste much. I've tried the Frogmorton offerings, Sutliff Aromatic English and Kramers Carey Grant but "Shortcut" has intrigued me & seems to be very popular. Hopefully the Lord of the Rings connection isn't the only reason it sells so well. |
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Post by briarpipenyc on May 12, 2018 6:52:10 GMT -5
Lately I've enjoyed smoking Lane Ltd. "HGL". I've read that it's the equivalent of "Captain Black"-original.... with a small addition of Latakia. Whatever... I'll leave the technical stuff to the expert tasters. I just like it. I'm not a very big Latakia fan, but a little addition of this condimental tobacco in some blends, adds some extra taste and interest.
"HGL"....
It's mild, tasty, and aromatic. The Latakia is there, but it's not overpowering, not leathery, nor too smokey. Very easy to smoke, it has a great aroma, and can be smoked all day without any problems.
BTW, John Patton's "Dark and Stormy" is another great blend, but when smoking this mixture you'll notice a little more Latakia....but still very pleasant, mild, and not harsh/rough. However, I'm not sure I'd smoke it all day.
Frank
NYC
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Post by papipeguy on May 12, 2018 8:07:38 GMT -5
E. Hoffman's Distinguished Gentleman is another pleasant crossover.
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Post by Deleted on May 12, 2018 12:25:47 GMT -5
Nice review of the Sutliff Academy, Chico. Shortcut to Mushrooms is my favorite in this category. I do want to try Sillems Black as well. Doing a thread search I came upon the "Shortcut to Mushrooms" recommendation and was curious if it actually contains mushrooms as an ingredient and if so, does it affect the taste much. I've tried the Frogmorton offerings, Sutliff Aromatic English and Kramers Carey Grant but "Shortcut" has intrigued me & seems to be very popular. Hopefully the Lord of the Rings connection isn't the only reason it sells so well. No, it doesn't have any mushroom flavor (even if some of the reviews on TR say it does - power of suggestion methinks!). It's a good blend, but not as good as Frogs in my opinion. I'll try to review it soon. I've been neglecting this thread for a while, between two colds in a row, dental procedure, travel, work etc.... Need to get back to it. I hate it when life gets in the way of smoking. 😀 |
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Post by Deleted on May 12, 2018 13:14:24 GMT -5
The mushroom flavor is an illusionary comparison/analogy. If there were actual mushrooms, it would taste horrible. Much like smoking oven dried banana skin pulp, for those old enough to remember that cultural phenomenon.
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Post by PhantomWolf on May 12, 2018 13:52:20 GMT -5
Nice review of the Sutliff Academy, Chico. Shortcut to Mushrooms is my favorite in this category. I do want to try Sillems Black as well. Doing a thread search I came upon the "Shortcut to Mushrooms" recommendation and was curious if it actually contains mushrooms as an ingredient and if so, does it affect the taste much. I've tried the Frogmorton offerings, Sutliff Aromatic English and Kramers Carey Grant but "Shortcut" has intrigued me & seems to be very popular. Hopefully the Lord of the Rings connection isn't the only reason it sells so well. I saw a youtube vid where a guy said he could taste 'the' mushrooms which I took as he thought it literally contained mushrooms and I had to laugh. It's named after a chapter from Lord of the Rings. The tin note however is very reminiscent of that earthy, sweet, nutty goodness of eating fresh foraged mushrooms. It really does taste like the forest and it really is a perfect name for the blend when you picture the scene from the story while smoking it. It's probably in my top five all-time favourite smokes.  |
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.... 2.5 out of 5 stars.
