matt
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Post by matt on Dec 24, 2018 14:33:06 GMT -5
I know, I know...there are other smokes out there that are better than Penzance. But I really do like Penzance. I think it is delicious and unique. However, I refuse to go out of my in search of it, or to pay the premium prices for it.
With that said, I bought a couple of easier to find tins of Margate. I’ve heard many refer to it as the same exact blend, but in a shag cut rather than Flake. Just curious if this is fact. They do seem very similar. I haven’t had Penzance in about a year, so it’s difficult for me to compare. What are your thoughts?
What smoke to you prefer over Penzance? For me, I haven’t found a Balkan/English (however you catagorize them) quite as enjoyable as a well-aged tin of Star Of The East Flake. I scored two 8yo tins of SOTE a while back, and they were the most delightful Latakia smokes I think I’ve ever had.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Dec 24, 2018 14:57:26 GMT -5
I was really never crazy over Penzance, many other tobacco’s out there I much prefer. Even Captain Black Grape.......lol
My favorite Esoterica tobacco is definitely aged Stonehaven 👍👍👍👍
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Post by pepesdad1 on Dec 24, 2018 15:05:17 GMT -5
I don't think there is any comparison...I like Penzance but it is not something I'd spend crazy money on....same for Margate.
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Post by Dramatwist on Dec 24, 2018 16:36:32 GMT -5
...try Arango Balkan Supreme... scratches the same itch for me...
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Post by pepesdad1 on Dec 24, 2018 16:45:34 GMT -5
...try Arango Balkan Supreme... scratches the same itch for me... Now that is one fine tobacco...smoke it once or twice and you get the itch for more. |
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Post by kbareit on Dec 24, 2018 17:12:13 GMT -5
...try Arango Balkan Supreme... scratches the same itch for me... Now that is one fine tobacco...smoke it once or twice and you get the itch for more. Thanks guy's, another one to add to the list. It would be nice to have a list of the extinct blends and what is available now that comes close to them. I see so many blends talked about that are no longer around that sound good but are tough to get without breaking the bank. |
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Dec 24, 2018 17:48:47 GMT -5
I think Margate is much more Oriental-forward than Penzance, and less Latakia. And less of Germain's signature licorice topping, too. I speculate that the topping might add to the legendary "creaminess" in Penzance. Both great blends! And so is Pembroke, which is Margate with cognac topping.
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Post by roadsdiverged on Dec 24, 2018 17:50:18 GMT -5
I 2nd Balkan Supreme.
I like Penzance, but I wouldnt pay the crazy prices for it. I pick up Margate whenever I get the notifications for it too.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Dec 24, 2018 18:05:28 GMT -5
I, too love Penzance. I also really enjoy Arango's Balkan Supreme, Hearth and Home's Blackhouse, McConnell's Original Oriental and Wilke #10. The Balkan Supreme is definitely the easiest to find. Wilke #10 is not being blended anymore and the McConnell's tends to be out of stock much of the time. I like all of these about the same, with maybe a very slight preference for the Wilke's. Blackhouse or Balkan Supreme should be your easiest ones to get hold of. BS is great! Everyone needs more BS.
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Post by monbla256 on Dec 24, 2018 21:15:30 GMT -5
...try Arango Balkan Supreme... scratches the same itch for me... Now that is one fine tobacco...smoke it once or twice and you get the itch for more.  |
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Post by Deleted on Dec 24, 2018 21:19:48 GMT -5
I’ll take Hearth & Home BlackHouse as my favorite Balkan blend right now👌👍👍. However, Arango Balkan Supreme is pretty darn good.
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Post by bonanzadriver on Dec 25, 2018 1:31:02 GMT -5
I know, I know...there are other smokes out there that are better than Penzance. But I really do like Penzance. I think it is delicious and unique. However, I refuse to go out of my in search of it, or to pay the premium prices for it. With that said, I bought a couple of easier to find tins of Margate. I’ve heard many refer to it as the same exact blend, but in a shag cut rather than Flake. Just curious if this is fact. They do seem very similar. I haven’t had Penzance in about a year, so it’s difficult for me to compare. What are your thoughts? What smoke to you prefer over Penzance? For me, I haven’t found a Balkan/English (however you catagorize them) quite as enjoyable as a well-aged tin of Star Of The East Flake. I scored two 8yo tins of SOTE a while back, and they were the most delightful Latakia smokes I think I’ve ever had. I don't guess I follow the "I won't go out of my way" position. I am admittedly a fan of many blends, but definitely put PZ in the top 5 blends that I prefer. Over the last couple of years I've been able to acquire several lbs of PZ, along with many other Esoterica blends. I didn't pay crazy prices. Actually, I picked up all of the tins and bags @ normal retail prices. Admittedly it did take a little bit of effort, but well worth the time I invested in searching and making relationships that have enabled me to pick up not only PZ but Stonehaven and other Esoterica blends. To each their own I guess.... |
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sablebrush52
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Post by sablebrush52 on Dec 25, 2018 5:25:11 GMT -5
I know, I know...there are other smokes out there that are better than Penzance. But I really do like Penzance. I think it is delicious and unique. However, I refuse to go out of my in search of it, or to pay the premium prices for it. With that said, I bought a couple of easier to find tins of Margate. I’ve heard many refer to it as the same exact blend, but in a shag cut rather than Flake. Just curious if this is fact. They do seem very similar. I haven’t had Penzance in about a year, so it’s difficult for me to compare. What are your thoughts? What smoke to you prefer over Penzance? For me, I haven’t found a Balkan/English (however you catagorize them) quite as enjoyable as a well-aged tin of Star Of The East Flake. I scored two 8yo tins of SOTE a while back, and they were the most delightful Latakia smokes I think I’ve ever had. Margate is not the same blend as Penzance. All of these blends were in Germain's catalog of blends that they had created for private labels. When Steve Richman decided to create the Esoterica line, he ended up choosing Germain's and they sent him samples of their various private label blends. Steve enlisted the help of some very trusted palates, among them Greg Pease, to aid in selecting the blends he would use, then he asked Germain's for some fine tuning before moving forward. BTW, Penzanace is not the same blend as Krumble Kake. It has more Latakia in it. |
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Dec 25, 2018 7:31:31 GMT -5
What smoke to you prefer over Penzance? For me, I haven’t found a Balkan/English (however you catagorize them) quite as enjoyable as a well-aged tin of Star Of The East Flake. I scored two 8yo tins of SOTE a while back, and they were the most delightful Latakia smokes I think I’ve ever had Esoterica And So to Bed is one of theirs which seldom receives as much love but might be best depending on preference. The only other Lat/English I tend to reach for anymore is G.L. Pease Quiet Nights. It's available, affordable and has been a standard for me. |
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matt
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Post by matt on Dec 25, 2018 8:56:46 GMT -5
I know, I know...there are other smokes out there that are better than Penzance. But I really do like Penzance. I think it is delicious and unique. However, I refuse to go out of my in search of it, or to pay the premium prices for it. With that said, I bought a couple of easier to find tins of Margate. I’ve heard many refer to it as the same exact blend, but in a shag cut rather than Flake. Just curious if this is fact. They do seem very similar. I haven’t had Penzance in about a year, so it’s difficult for me to compare. What are your thoughts? What smoke to you prefer over Penzance? For me, I haven’t found a Balkan/English (however you catagorize them) quite as enjoyable as a well-aged tin of Star Of The East Flake. I scored two 8yo tins of SOTE a while back, and they were the most delightful Latakia smokes I think I’ve ever had. I don't guess I follow the "I won't go out of my way" position. I am admittedly a fan of many blends, but definitely put PZ in the top 5 blends that I prefer. Over the last couple of years I've been able to acquire several lbs of PZ, along with many other Esoterica blends. I didn't pay crazy prices. Actually, I picked up all of the tins and bags @ normal retail prices. Admittedly it did take a little bit of effort, but well worth the time I invested in searching and making relationships that have enabled me to pick up not only PZ but Stonehaven and other Esoterica blends. To each their own I guess.... I really like Penzance too! If I had some, I’d likely be smoking exclusively until it’s gone. As much as I like it, I personally can’t pay the crazy prices for it. The couple of times I gotten my hands on it was pure luck and I got them for regular retail prices. If I obtain it for retail prices with a little less effort, I would. I was simply asking for a comparison between PZ and Margate. Is there another similar smoke you like as much as PZ? |
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Mac
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Post by Mac on Dec 25, 2018 10:59:11 GMT -5
...try Arango Balkan Supreme... scratches the same itch for me... Now that is one fine tobacco...smoke it once or twice and you get the itch for more. Oh, yeah; it's fine! But for me, Margate is a touch better on ignition. |
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Post by bonanzadriver on Dec 25, 2018 11:40:16 GMT -5
I don't guess I follow the "I won't go out of my way" position. I am admittedly a fan of many blends, but definitely put PZ in the top 5 blends that I prefer. Over the last couple of years I've been able to acquire several lbs of PZ, along with many other Esoterica blends. I didn't pay crazy prices. Actually, I picked up all of the tins and bags @ normal retail prices. Admittedly it did take a little bit of effort, but well worth the time I invested in searching and making relationships that have enabled me to pick up not only PZ but Stonehaven and other Esoterica blends. To each their own I guess.... I really like Penzance too! If I had some, I’d likely be smoking exclusively until it’s gone. As much as I like it, I personally can’t pay the crazy prices for it. The couple of times I gotten my hands on it was pure luck and I got them for regular retail prices. If I obtain it for retail prices with a little less effort, I would. I was simply asking for a comparison between PZ and Margate. Is there another similar smoke you like as much as PZ? Gotcha. Thanks for clarifying. Matt, I have a few things working in my favor for my Esoterica acquisitions... 1. I spent a little time on the internet and found several B&M's in the Carolinas and started dialing around and seeing if anyone had and PZ, Stoney or other Eso blends... This has worked out really well over the last couple of years. 2. I travel pretty much every week, between Maine & Florida. I spend a little time each weekend and scope out prospective B&M's in the areas I'm traveling and stop by and see what they have. Sometimes it's a win, others it's a bust. 3. I've been fortunate enough to have made some really good friends here on the patch and a couple of other sites, we often trade or sell to one another. Sure, it's a little bit of effort, but I gotta tell ya, as I sit here typing this, while enjoying some 10 YO PZ in my 62 Dunill Bent Bully, it all seems worth it. Merry Christmas dino |
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Post by Legend Lover on Dec 25, 2018 12:18:55 GMT -5
I really like Penzance too! If I had some, I’d likely be smoking exclusively until it’s gone. As much as I like it, I personally can’t pay the crazy prices for it. The couple of times I gotten my hands on it was pure luck and I got them for regular retail prices. If I obtain it for retail prices with a little less effort, I would. I was simply asking for a comparison between PZ and Margate. Is there another similar smoke you like as much as PZ? Gotcha. Thanks for clarifying. Matt, I have a few things working in my favor for my Esoterica acquisitions... 1. I spent a little time on the internet and found several B&M's in the Carolinas and started dialing around and seeing if anyone had and PZ, Stoney or other Eso blends... This has worked out really well over the last couple of years. 2. I travel pretty much every week, between Maine & Florida. I spend a little time each weekend and scope out prospective B&M's in the areas I'm traveling and stop by and see what they have. Sometimes it's a win, others it's a bust. 3. I've been fortunate enough to have made some really good friends here on the patch and a couple of other sites, we often trade or sell to one another. Sure, it's a little bit of effort, but I gotta tell ya, as I sit here typing this, while enjoying some 10 YO PZ in my 62 Dunill Bent Bully, it all seems worth it. Merry Christmas dino some practical advice there, Dino. |
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Post by Scott W on Dec 25, 2018 12:48:07 GMT -5
I have about a pound each of PZ and Margate and they certainly my done taste like the same blend.
I will take some of these suggestions too as I’d like to find a reasonable PZ substitute
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matt
Junior Member
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Post by matt on Dec 25, 2018 13:09:53 GMT -5
I really like Penzance too! If I had some, I’d likely be smoking exclusively until it’s gone. As much as I like it, I personally can’t pay the crazy prices for it. The couple of times I gotten my hands on it was pure luck and I got them for regular retail prices. If I obtain it for retail prices with a little less effort, I would. I was simply asking for a comparison between PZ and Margate. Is there another similar smoke you like as much as PZ? Gotcha. Thanks for clarifying. Matt, I have a few things working in my favor for my Esoterica acquisitions... 1. I spent a little time on the internet and found several B&M's in the Carolinas and started dialing around and seeing if anyone had and PZ, Stoney or other Eso blends... This has worked out really well over the last couple of years. 2. I travel pretty much every week, between Maine & Florida. I spend a little time each weekend and scope out prospective B&M's in the areas I'm traveling and stop by and see what they have. Sometimes it's a win, others it's a bust. 3. I've been fortunate enough to have made some really good friends here on the patch and a couple of other sites, we often trade or sell to one another. Sure, it's a little bit of effort, but I gotta tell ya, as I sit here typing this, while enjoying some 10 YO PZ in my 62 Dunill Bent Bully, it all seems worth it. Merry Christmas dino Ughh...I’m drooling..... |
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Post by Dramatwist on Dec 25, 2018 14:28:22 GMT -5
Now that is one fine tobacco...smoke it once or twice and you get the itch for more. ...I think most of us would agree about Balkan Sobranie 759... |
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Post by daveinlax on Dec 25, 2018 16:08:28 GMT -5
You could give Exotique a try. It's close to or the same as Margate. I'm not a big fan of either. I don't know if it's the shag cut or what but I get an ashy taste about halfway though the bowl.  |
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Post by smellthehatfirst on Dec 25, 2018 22:37:13 GMT -5
You could give Exotique a try. It's close to or the same as Margate. I'm not a big fan of either. I don't know if it's the shag cut or what but I get an ashy taste about halfway though the bowl. It is also similarly difficult to purchase! |
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Dec 25, 2018 23:32:42 GMT -5
You could give Exotique a try. It's close to or the same as Margate. I'm not a big fan of either. I don't know if it's the shag cut or what but I get an ashy taste about halfway though the bowl. It is also similarly difficult to purchase! Smokers Haven has it in stock for a while now.....good luck👍👍 |
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Post by smellthehatfirst on Dec 26, 2018 22:11:26 GMT -5
My point was merely that Exotique is made by the same manufacturer as Margate.
Smoker’s Haven runs out so regularly that they solicit pre-orders!
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