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Post by That Falls Guy on Aug 3, 2018 12:34:53 GMT -5
I've never reviewed a tobacco before, but thanks to the generosity of a fellow member on another forum, I was given a generous sample of Shortcut to Mushrooms, so I was able to try several bowls, and figured I'd share my thoughts here, so here we go...
While supposedly there are no mushrooms in STM, .the flavor would definitely remind you of fresh mushrooms being slowly caramelized in simmering butter. With one exception(noted below), the balance of flavors in this blend are quite amazing. It has a nice robust smoky taste, a notable degree of earthiness. and just the right touch of sweetness with a nice light vanilla. Throughout the course of the smoke, at times I seemed to detect ever so slight tinges of honey, coffee and cherry. Not in every puff, just here and there. It burns well, but does develop some harshness beyond the first half of the bowl.
Some have compared Shortcut To Mushrooms to Frog Morton, but I did not find this to be true. If there is any resemblance at all, you might say that STM is perhaps a much milder version of FM. I do believe, however, that for those who might want to take things one step at a time, STM would make a perfect introduction into other stronger English blends.
There is some nicotine, but not heavy at all. (I’m not a fan of heavy nicotine types). Nicotine content is just enough to keep the blend at proper strength so as maintain its body and not become weak.
The only criticism that I have is a small one, and that is that was a bit too much Latakia in it, which somewhat threw off the balance of the entire blend.
Overall, though, it’ s a smooth, creamy, well bodied mix. A very pleasant smoke which I would definitely recommend that others give a try.
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Post by Cramptholomew on Aug 3, 2018 13:11:13 GMT -5
Great review, Roy. I like this blend a lot. I agree there is a lot of Lat in it, but for someone who's fairly Lat averse, such as myself, it didn't bother me at all. It was mild, to me. That's just a "subjective taste" issue though. It would definitely be a good gateway into English blends for anyone wanting to go in that direction.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 3, 2018 13:34:50 GMT -5
Roy, great review, it’s a blend I’ve smoked prior and may try once again....it’s out of stock right now!! I read a few years ago that there are mushrooms dried and ground in this blend. So, before I post this thread I did some research....found this tidbit on tobacco reviews...
“ This is the fourth blend in the Middle Earth Pipeweed Series! Rich, dark Latakia is blended with mushrooms straight from Farmer Maggot's field to produce a truly unique smooth, creamy, earthy smoke with a hint of sweetness “.
No way did this blend remind me of any Frog Morton blends that I’ve smoked in the past or present time. Not even close, but everyone might pick up different notes in the background 👍
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Post by Darin on Aug 3, 2018 14:01:04 GMT -5
“ This is the fourth blend in the Middle Earth Pipeweed Series! Rich, dark Latakia is blended with mushrooms straight from Farmer Maggot's field to produce a truly unique smooth, creamy, earthy smoke with a hint of sweetness “. There's no mushrooms and no "Farmer Maggot" ... just a LOTR advertising gimmick.  |
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Post by Deleted on Aug 3, 2018 14:07:22 GMT -5
If I recall correctly, at one point they had a disclaimer on their site, that it does not contain mushrooms.
A good informative, real world user review Falls.
JFH has another similar blend: Ruins of Issengard, with a lighter Latakia presence. I have tried it and it was an easy going, enjoyable smoke.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 3, 2018 14:08:39 GMT -5
“ This is the fourth blend in the Middle Earth Pipeweed Series! Rich, dark Latakia is blended with mushrooms straight from Farmer Maggot's field to produce a truly unique smooth, creamy, earthy smoke with a hint of sweetness “. There's no mushrooms and no "Farmer Maggot" ... just a LOTR advertising gimmick. I thought about the advertising gimmick but a few years back when I spoke with a gentleman from Just For Him, he also told me about the dried mushrooms in the blend. I didn’t by the “ Farmer Maggot “ name either. Just wondering why I was told about the dried mushrooms over the phone, kind of odd...wouldn’t you say?!?!?! |
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Post by orley on Aug 3, 2018 14:49:25 GMT -5
I've smoked this and other blends from JFH, and have enjoyed quite a few. I don't think it's a substitute for the Frog Morton blends, but is a similar type of blend, kind of a Latakia/Aro crossover blend. I like their Whiskey Biscuit Gravy too, although it tastes nothing like whiskey, biscuits, or gravy. In fact it quite similar to Shortcut to Mushrooms, maybe a little less Latakia and just a touch sweeter. The Country Squire in Jackson, MS has a blend they call Hunting Creek that is similar too that has been one of my favorites.
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Post by Legend Lover on Aug 3, 2018 15:08:48 GMT -5
Nice review. This is a blend about which I've heard good things. I may never get to try it, but it sounds like a hybrid of an aromatic and an English blend - en English aromatic, if you will. I'm intrigued.
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Post by That Falls Guy on Aug 3, 2018 15:27:51 GMT -5
If you've ever had Molto Dolce, imagine it being less sweet, and with some Latakia added. That's not a perfect example, but should give you an idea of what STM is like.
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Post by pepesdad1 on Aug 3, 2018 16:07:24 GMT -5
Outstanding blend. Tried some and bought a pound.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 3, 2018 16:20:13 GMT -5
If you've ever had Molto Dolce, imagine it being less sweet, and with some Latakia added. That's not a perfect example, but should give you an idea of what STM is like. Roy, I have about 10 .oz of Molto Dolce jarred, it was extremely moist and sticky when purchased over 3 years ago, I was able to purchase in bulk. From what I remember from my last experience with Short Cut to Mushrooms you made a pretty good comparison. But I know I did smell and taste the dried mushrooms in STM, do you? |
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Post by Darin on Aug 3, 2018 16:23:02 GMT -5
I just got off the phone with JFH ... the Cavendish in the mix is "Truffle" flavored ... no real mushrooms.
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Post by That Falls Guy on Aug 3, 2018 16:23:21 GMT -5
If you've ever had Molto Dolce, imagine it being less sweet, and with some Latakia added. That's not a perfect example, but should give you an idea of what STM is like. Roy, I have about 10 .oz of Molto Dolce jarred, it was extremely moist and sticky when purchased over 3 years ago, I was able to purchase in bulk. From what I remember from my last experience with Short Cut to Mushrooms you made a pretty good comparison. But I know I did smell and taste the dried mushrooms in STM, do you? I don't believe that there are any actual mushrooms in it Ted. Just a mix of flavors to make it seem that way. Much in the same way that other blends have an 'earthy' quality. |
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Post by Cramptholomew on Aug 3, 2018 16:54:07 GMT -5
How do you all suppose STM would cellar? I really like it, and may be inclined to buy a goodly amount.
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Post by That Falls Guy on Aug 3, 2018 17:05:01 GMT -5
How do you all suppose STM would cellar? I really like it, and may be inclined to buy a goodly amount. I would think that it should age pretty well given the latakia content. Those type blends tend to age well. If I were you, I'd just go with a pound or less to start and see what happens before buying a goodly amount. |
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Post by Deleted on Aug 3, 2018 17:08:15 GMT -5
How do you all suppose STM would cellar? I really like it, and may be inclined to buy a goodly amount. Right now it’s out of stock, I was actually going to go over my budget and order 8 .oz. |
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Post by roadsdiverged on Aug 3, 2018 17:11:03 GMT -5
I was going to do the same. Maybe they'll make more
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Post by Cramptholomew on Aug 3, 2018 17:11:36 GMT -5
How do you all suppose STM would cellar? I really like it, and may be inclined to buy a goodly amount. I would think that it should age pretty well given the latakia content. Those type blends tend to age well. If I were you, I'd just go with a pound or less to start and see what happens before buying a goodly amount. Haha! I was thinking a pound IS a goodly amount! |
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Post by Deleted on Aug 3, 2018 17:13:48 GMT -5
I just got off the phone with JFH ... the Cavendish in the mix is "Truffle" flavored ... no real mushrooms. Ahhh, that makes total sense.....the earthiness of the Truffle flavor👍👍 I think the last guy I spoke to on the phone from JFH was yanking my chain! At least you got an answer that makes complete sense. |
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Post by Deleted on Aug 3, 2018 17:25:31 GMT -5
McClelland had this approach too with some Aro blends. Walnut Liqueur, Baklava and Colombian Mocha all have an earthy somewhat truffle like back note to them.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 3, 2018 19:16:54 GMT -5
Do you guys mean the kind of truffles pigs dig up, or the chocolate ones?
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Post by Baboo on Aug 3, 2018 19:41:01 GMT -5
How do you all suppose STM would cellar? I really like it, and may be inclined to buy a goodly amount. My 1 lb.+ of STM is jar-aged about 4 years now. It has become so much more of a wonderful smoke, although it always was even when fresh. Definitely from the fantasy realm of LOTR! Must be smoked to be believed is all the more I can say. |
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Post by Darin on Aug 3, 2018 19:42:19 GMT -5
Do you guys mean the kind of truffles pigs dig up, or the chocolate ones? The mushroom kind ... OINK!  |
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Post by Pistol Pete 1911 on Aug 3, 2018 19:46:05 GMT -5
Do you guys mean the kind of truffles pigs dig up, or the chocolate ones? The one the pigs find and the tobacco is just flavored it's not an actual truffle |
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Post by Deleted on Aug 4, 2018 13:35:55 GMT -5
I need to try it again. I liked it fine the couple of times I smoked it, but did think it was very Frog-like and didn't get any mushroom/truffle notes.
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Post by pepesdad1 on Aug 4, 2018 14:17:30 GMT -5
Smokes good fresh and with 4-5 years on it it is just as good if not better.
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Post by Darin on Aug 4, 2018 15:48:43 GMT -5
... didn't think it was very Frog-like and didn't get any mushroom/truffle notes. Same here ... it was more like Vanilla Custard flavored Latakia to me. |
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Post by Deleted on Aug 4, 2018 16:08:48 GMT -5
How do you all suppose STM would cellar? I really like it, and may be inclined to buy a goodly amount. My 1 lb.+ of STM is jar-aged about 4 years now. It has become so much more of a wonderful smoke, although it always was even when fresh. Definitely from the fantasy realm of LOTR! Must be smoked to be believed is all the more I can say. That’s right, rub it in now that it’s not in stock...lol. Here comes another excuse.....the components to make this blend are no longer available. Let’s hope not!!! |
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Post by Baboo on Aug 4, 2018 16:17:11 GMT -5
My 1 lb.+ of STM is jar-aged about 4 years now. It has become so much more of a wonderful smoke, although it always was even when fresh. Definitely from the fantasy realm of LOTR! Must be smoked to be believed is all the more I can say. That’s right, rub it in now that it’s not in stock...lol. Here comes another excuse.....the components to make this blend are no longer available. Let’s hope not!!! This has always been a very popular blend that runs out of stock until replenished regularly. Out of all my tobaccos, STM is just about the easiest most satisfying smoke that can have me wax poetic... don't get me started ;-) |
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Post by Deleted on Aug 4, 2018 16:22:59 GMT -5
I will just have to make a phone call Monday to check when a new shipment is expected.
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