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Post by Cramptholomew on Apr 14, 2019 19:37:53 GMT -5
Anyone wanna trade me something or two they like, that's off the beaten path, and I'll do the same? I don't have any old stuff, so it would have to be something currently available.
Or, we could do a blind sample exchange. Say, two blind samples, and you have to guess what the heck it is. I'm not terribly well versed, so this option could be fun.
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Post by Legend Lover on Apr 15, 2019 5:15:43 GMT -5
Sounds like fun. A UK retailer does that as a purchase option.
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atison
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Post by atison on Apr 15, 2019 7:52:50 GMT -5
I like the idea. Even on the chance you get something you already smoke it would be interesting to see if people identify it.
Count me in.
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Post by Cramptholomew on Apr 15, 2019 9:02:07 GMT -5
I like the idea. Even on the chance you get something you already smoke it would be interesting to see if people identify it. Count me in. Cool, dude! I'll send you two samples, and you can send me two, and we'll post the results, and guesses here. Let me know when your ready. I'll PM you with address info. |
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atison
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Post by atison on Apr 15, 2019 11:27:17 GMT -5
So 2 blind samples (marked so the sender can reveal their identity). Sample size of at least a couple bowls worth (~.5oz sound about right).
Question, what is the best way to ship? I mean courier and package type not how to seal up the tobacco (figure double ziploc and/or vacuum seal if you have it).
This is going to be fun.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 15, 2019 12:29:26 GMT -5
I've done this on another forum - it can be a humiliating but highly entertaining experience! Have fun, and remember - we'll all be watching....  |
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Post by Cramptholomew on Apr 15, 2019 12:52:01 GMT -5
So 2 blind samples (marked so the sender can reveal their identity). Sample size of at least a couple bowls worth (~.5oz sound about right). Question, what is the best way to ship? I mean courier and package type not how to seal up the tobacco (figure double ziploc and/or vacuum seal if you have it). This is going to be fun. Yeah, just number samples, and keep record of which is which. I'll post, "#1 seems familiar, (description of blend), could it be..." - and you'll verify how badly I failed. I just bagged it up, throw it in a USPS padded envelope, and send it off. |
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atison
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Post by atison on Apr 15, 2019 12:58:54 GMT -5
Also, should we rub out certain flake blends before sending? For instance, luxury bullseye is very recognizable as is. And by the way, my samples will not contain bullseye flake or its more seasoned varietal Flake Medallions ;-).
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Post by Cramptholomew on Apr 15, 2019 13:03:04 GMT -5
I'd say square flakes, not necessarily, but coins, yes. I'll leave it up to your discretion.
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atison
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Post by atison on Apr 15, 2019 13:45:54 GMT -5
So 2 blind samples (marked so the sender can reveal their identity). Sample size of at least a couple bowls worth (~.5oz sound about right). Question, what is the best way to ship? I mean courier and package type not how to seal up the tobacco (figure double ziploc and/or vacuum seal if you have it). This is going to be fun. I don't have aspirations of getting even remotely close to naming a blend as I have tried <5% of the blends out there. My goal is to give a review that is untainted with brand and labeling and then guess at what type of blend it is. I am aiming low. |
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Post by Cramptholomew on Apr 15, 2019 14:19:38 GMT -5
So 2 blind samples (marked so the sender can reveal their identity). Sample size of at least a couple bowls worth (~.5oz sound about right). Question, what is the best way to ship? I mean courier and package type not how to seal up the tobacco (figure double ziploc and/or vacuum seal if you have it). This is going to be fun. I don't have aspirations of getting even remotely close to naming a blend as I have tried <5% of the blends out there. My goal is to give a review that is untainted with brand and labeling and then guess at what type of blend it is. I am aiming low. same boat, buddy! |
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Post by sperrytops on Apr 15, 2019 14:36:14 GMT -5
Looking forward to seeing the results of this.
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Post by Legend Lover on Apr 16, 2019 13:16:34 GMT -5
Looking forward to seeing the outcome of this. Great idea.
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Post by Cramptholomew on Apr 17, 2019 17:58:13 GMT -5
Andy's samples to me are in the mail, and mine will go out to him tomorrow. I say we take turns doing sample A or 1, then proceed on to the next. There is at least two bowls worth in each bag. We should have our first results next week.
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atison
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Post by atison on Apr 18, 2019 8:27:05 GMT -5
Sounds like a plan. I will reserve my full findings until I have had 2 bowls of a sample.
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Post by stone on Apr 18, 2019 9:12:58 GMT -5
As long as my answer of "pipe tobacco" is allowed.  |
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atison
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Post by atison on Apr 20, 2019 14:32:05 GMT -5
Package received and I am giddy with excitement. I will carve out some quiet time to give the first one a go and report back.
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Post by Dramatwist on Apr 20, 2019 14:53:53 GMT -5
...this should be entertaining...
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Post by Scott W on Apr 20, 2019 18:34:47 GMT -5
Looking forward to this fellas
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atison
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Post by atison on Apr 23, 2019 9:39:09 GMT -5
Ok, here goes (in a nervous tone). Sample #1: note: I have had 2 bowls of this but my reference is all to the first. The second bowl on my commute this morning was consistent with the first. Took Monday off as my kids were out of school and it was forecast to be the quintessential spring day (clear skies, cool in the morning and highs around 75 with no humidity). Decided to go out on the back porch with my coffee and give the first sample its due process. Perfect setting of relaxation with my dog by my side for support. Only distraction was my damn cat who kept trying to get at a nest of baby birds in one of the evergreens. Side note: did you know that cats have the ability to sense earthquakes well in advance of them happening only they don't let us know because they are all aholes. First off on the review is the appearance. This sample is a gorgeous dark flake tobacco. Deep, rich brown tones with a few intermittent specks of golden sprinkled in. Bag note wasn't overly strong but you could tell this was a full bodied blend from the earthy light aroma. The flakes were not overly moist but did bend when flexed versus breaking apart. I wanted to makes sure I wasn't having constant relights which might affect my enjoyment so I gave them a short pulse in the microwave on a paper towel (<10 sec) and the aroma coming out was incredible. Went with a fold, couple twists and stuff method in my cob followed by rubbing out any loose pieces and putting them on top. Lit right up and relights mere minimal. photos.app.goo.gl/dE5wuMQNsj2Q78pB8Out of the gate was a bit of a surprise. I was expecting smokey almost latakia type flavors even though I knew this didn't have any. The almost black appearance to some layers in the flake made me think this. However, up front I was getting chocolate, nutty nougat type flavors. Not candy bar per se but cocoa nibs and nuts without any sweetness and a creamy overtone. It was deep and inviting and I knew I was going to enjoy it (if the initial sight of this flake didn't already tell me that). Leather was present but not that new boot type of leather. More of the leather catchers mitt that has been hiding on the floor of the back of the shed for years. Deep leather with an earthyness to it. The initial flavor profile continued for about 20 minutes and things got interesting. One of my favorite things in a cigar is what I call barnyardyness (I am not claiming to have coined that phrase). Best way to describe it is the culmination of dirt, leather, hay, wood, flora and fauna (both of body and of excrement). A good maduro cigar can smell downright rank pre light of this but in such a good way. And when you get one like that you know your in for a treat. This blend stepped into that territory as it exploaded in rich leather, dark musty hay, deep wood (think hickory/mesquite not cedar) and slight raisin. The chocolate and nuts were still present but they stepped way in the background. This continued through most of the remainder of the bowl with occasional ramp ups of an earthy floral component similar to maduro wrappers as well. Think incense type notes that I can never put my finger on. This is a fantastic blend that has me very intrigued and will definitely get my hands on more. With that said, it is not a "morning with a cup of coffee" type blend for me. More of an after dinner or sitting around the fire blend. It is full bodied and on the stronger side of vitamin N (again for me). I am not going to try and guess the blend (sorry to disappoint you all). But I am guessing it is a virginia based blend that either comes with some age already on it or was aged at least some by cramptholomew as it is well rounded. Might be some burley for the nuttyness but only as a condiment. Maybe some flue cured or kentucky fired (never had anything kentucky fired so shot in the dark). No latakia, perique, english or turkish in it. No considerable topping. So there it is. Awesome start to this and spot on to what I was hoping to get out of it (exposure to new blends and possible new ingredients to a blend). |
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Post by Cramptholomew on Apr 23, 2019 13:13:23 GMT -5
atison, this was none other than Samuel Gawith 1792 Flake. Your assessment is pretty much spot on. The burley qualities you found would be the Kentucky. The hay and vegetal notes would be the Virginias. It has slight toppings of tonquin bean, and whiskey, but *I*, myself, don't think they're heavily applied. It's just a good, stong, well rounded, wonderful blend. The only age to it was done at the factory, as this came from a 250g box I purchased last month. I will get to smoking your "Blend A", tonight!
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Post by sperrytops on Apr 23, 2019 21:53:49 GMT -5
Ok, here goes (in a nervous tone). Sample #1: note: I have had 2 bowls of this but my reference is all to the first. The second bowl on my commute this morning was consistent with the first. Took Monday off as my kids were out of school and it was forecast to be the quintessential spring day (clear skies, cool in the morning and highs around 75 with no humidity). Decided to go out on the back porch with my coffee and give the first sample its due process. Perfect setting of relaxation with my dog by my side for support. Only distraction was my damn cat who kept trying to get at a nest of baby birds in one of the evergreens. Side note: did you know that cats have the ability to sense earthquakes well in advance of them happening only they don't let us know because they are all aholes. First off on the review is the appearance. This sample is a gorgeous dark flake tobacco. Deep, rich brown tones with a few intermittent specks of golden sprinkled in. Bag note wasn't overly strong but you could tell this was a full bodied blend from the earthy light aroma. The flakes were not overly moist but did bend when flexed versus breaking apart. I wanted to makes sure I wasn't having constant relights which might affect my enjoyment so I gave them a short pulse in the microwave on a paper towel (<10 sec) and the aroma coming out was incredible. Went with a fold, couple twists and stuff method in my cob followed by rubbing out any loose pieces and putting them on top. Lit right up and relights mere minimal. photos.app.goo.gl/dE5wuMQNsj2Q78pB8Out of the gate was a bit of a surprise. I was expecting smokey almost latakia type flavors even though I knew this didn't have any. The almost black appearance to some layers in the flake made me think this. However, up front I was getting chocolate, nutty nougat type flavors. Not candy bar per se but cocoa nibs and nuts without any sweetness and a creamy overtone. It was deep and inviting and I knew I was going to enjoy it (if the initial sight of this flake didn't already tell me that). Leather was present but not that new boot type of leather. More of the leather catchers mitt that has been hiding on the floor of the back of the shed for years. Deep leather with an earthyness to it. The initial flavor profile continued for about 20 minutes and things got interesting. One of my favorite things in a cigar is what I call barnyardyness (I am not claiming to have coined that phrase). Best way to describe it is the culmination of dirt, leather, hay, wood, flora and fauna (both of body and of excrement). A good maduro cigar can smell downright rank pre light of this but in such a good way. And when you get one like that you know your in for a treat. This blend stepped into that territory as it exploaded in rich leather, dark musty hay, deep wood (think hickory/mesquite not cedar) and slight raisin. The chocolate and nuts were still present but they stepped way in the background. This continued through most of the remainder of the bowl with occasional ramp ups of an earthy floral component similar to maduro wrappers as well. Think incense type notes that I can never put my finger on. This is a fantastic blend that has me very intrigued and will definitely get my hands on more. With that said, it is not a "morning with a cup of coffee" type blend for me. More of an after dinner or sitting around the fire blend. It is full bodied and on the stronger side of vitamin N (again for me). I am not going to try and guess the blend (sorry to disappoint you all). But I am guessing it is a virginia based blend that either comes with some age already on it or was aged at least some by cramptholomew as it is well rounded. Might be some burley for the nuttyness but only as a condiment. Maybe some flue cured or kentucky fired (never had anything kentucky fired so shot in the dark). No latakia, perique, english or turkish in it. No considerable topping. So there it is. Awesome start to this and spot on to what I was hoping to get out of it (exposure to new blends and possible new ingredients to a blend). What a great review. Thank you. |
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Post by Cramptholomew on Apr 24, 2019 21:01:24 GMT -5
atison, I'm smoking a bowl of "A". Pouch note: Definitely Virginia based. Slightly topped with something, but fairly lightly. Reminiscent of floral citrus, and definitely some prune notes. Appearance: It's mostly light and yellow ribbons, with few darker ribbons mixed in. Maybe just a hint of Perique and burley? Smoking notes: It's a light blend, flavor wise. The topping is more pronounced during the first third of the bowl. I definitely got a slight floral flavor, with some stone fruit. Halfway down, it starts getting a little more burnt sugar flavor. Possibly some golden Cavendish in here? There's something familiar about it, but I'll reserve my guess until after bowl #2.
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atison
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Post by atison on Apr 25, 2019 9:29:49 GMT -5
#2 Blind tasting:
Big disclaimer as I head into this one. I do not have a large number of blends under my belt. There are even whole categories of pipe tobacco I have yet to try (lakeland and plug to name just a few). With that said, it is easiest (for me) to not only give what I taste, but how it compares to others I have tasted. So don't hammer me on this one.
So, I have now had 2 bowls of the second sample that Cramptholomew graciously sent me. Appearance and bag note wise, it appears to be kind of a shag/ribbon cut of varying colors from golden hay to jet black. Bag note has an english base to it with latakia hints.
Easy load and light on this one and relights for it are among the least of any blend I have ever had. A real joy of a process to smoke with ample smoke production.
Out of the gate it sings of a quality english with an oriental backbone that brings exotic wood flavors along with what appears to be virginias (maybe golden) providing a background of hay/cedar/leather but also with a slight nuttyness and enough of a smokey essence to know latakia is there without turning away anyone who isn't a latakia fan. I didn't pick up Turkish (for my novice pallet) but I am not definitively saying it couldn't be in there. Another element however in the first half of the bowl is a very noticeable sweetness. It isn't as creamy as say Davidoff Royalty and I don't think it is just the virginia's sweetness but I also don't think it is a topping so maybe a presence of cavendish.
Fantastic smoke that deepened at the halfway point with most of the heavier sweetness subsiding and more of the exotic elements picking up. If you could combine the vegetal smells of being in a damp lush forest in the spring before any flowers have bloomed (so no nectar sweet smells) but all the fresh new greenery is out and the woody, dried decaying foliage of fall into one flavor profile it would be close to what I get in this blend.
To me it reminds me of a few blends. First would be Davidoff Royalty with the layer of sweetness that smooths it out wonderfully, but I know its not Royalty because I didn't get the creaminess that is Royalties biggest differentiator. Second would be PS English/Oriental Supreme for the quality of the blend both in burn characteristic and the rich depth of the English, but I know its not that because I didn't get any of the turkish notes. Lastly, and this is what my gut is telling me, is John Cotton. I have only had John Cotton #1 but this tastes very similar to that only dialed up a notch or two. I have never tried JC #2 but I hear it is like #1 but stronger and that is what I immediately thought with this blend.
Another long shot guess would be PS English Luxury (which I have not had before) for that familiarity to English/Oriental Supreme but minus the turkish.
Whatever this blend winds up being I am definitely putting it in on my next order. It was outstanding on my morning commutes with a cup of coffee and the nice cool morning spring air.
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Post by Cramptholomew on Apr 25, 2019 10:30:02 GMT -5
atison: THIS is none other than John Bull, available for under $4 a pouch. It's quality stuff! And, very affordable. I smoked some on Tuesday night, and loved it. It was maybe my third bowl of it, but I'll be smoking it more often. Not overpowering, and it behaves very well.
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atison
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Post by atison on Apr 25, 2019 10:38:15 GMT -5
atison : THIS is none other than John Bull, available for under $4 a pouch. It's quality stuff! And, very affordable. I smoked some on Tuesday night, and loved it. It was maybe my third bowl of it, but I'll be smoking it more often. Not overpowering, and it behaves very well. NO FREAKING WAY!!! Oh my, what a surprise. That just upped this one in my mind due to the value to quality ratio. I seriously put this right up there with PS Eng/ori Supreme it was that good. Bought to go searching for a few pouches now. |
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Post by Deleted on Apr 25, 2019 15:47:53 GMT -5
WOW........John Bull is a tobacco I’ve yet to try. Because of what I read I need to purchase a pouch when I place an order again. Just what I need, another tobacco I really enjoy. WVSmokeshop has it as well👌👍👍
This is an extremely interesting thread to read, thanks to ALL that’s participating. Some excellent writing!!!
PS
Josh........once you smoke a bowl or two please post your opinion.......thanks much.
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Post by roadsdiverged on Apr 25, 2019 15:52:26 GMT -5
If its comparable to PS EoS, its game for me. I have a pouch that I havent opened yet, but now I might. EoS is my 2nd favorite english.
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Post by McWiggins on Apr 25, 2019 18:28:13 GMT -5
That John Bull is a real winner and quite a surprise. Pouch tobacco has a way of leaving average thoughts in one's head but John Bull is not average.
With that said, its not alone in being a surprise in a pouch but that family is also not very big either.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 25, 2019 22:49:47 GMT -5
Hats off to this great experiment just goes to show what you never know till you try it.
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