stone
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Post by stone on Jun 3, 2019 7:25:53 GMT -5
I use Tobacco Reviews as a good guideline as I learn more and more about this art of pipe smoking and I have a question. When I was pretty serious into cigars, I noticed that the mentality of the more seasoned cigar smokers was "if it isn't a maduro wrapper, or powerful in general, then it's garbage" which made it impossible to obtain good information about a quality mild cigar. And quite frankly, it's foolish!
Is the art of reviewing pipe tobacco the same? As I learn to enjoy smoking more "tobacco" than "flavoring" I am starting to get it, but I still really enjoy some of the aromatics. I liken it to a good steak versus a good desert.
I notice that the reviews on Tobacco Reviews seem to favor the non-aromatics and I assume that is because the more accomplished pipe smokers tend to review what they smoke and I wonder if that doesn't leave the good aromatics unfairly reviewed?
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Post by McWiggins on Jun 3, 2019 8:46:55 GMT -5
Pipe smoking like cigar smoking has many who turn their noses up at certain blends. Aromatics and OTC's get the snob treatment and its sad.
In my opinion and small world, I ignore those kind of people and try what I want to try and like what I want to like. Sometimes I want something very sweet so I'll light up a bowl of Sutliff Creme Brulee. Other times I want a straight Virginia or a latakia blend.
Nothing wrong with liking a more "tobacco" flavored blend but no need to be a snob about it.
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stone
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Post by stone on Jun 3, 2019 8:52:31 GMT -5
Pipe smoking like cigar smoking has many who turn their noses up at certain blends. Aromatics and OTC's get the snob treatment and its sad. In my opinion and small world, I ignore those kind of people and try what I want to try and like what I want to like. Sometimes I want something very sweet so I'll light up a bowl of Sutliff Creme Brulee. Other times I want a straight Virginia or a latakia blend. Nothing wrong with liking a more "tobacco" flavored blend but no need to be a snob about it. I agree 100%. As a rookie, I have to rely on the reviews of other, more accomplished, smokers to decide where to spend my money. I guess I can always smoke the aromatics I have while I try new non-aromatics  |
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Post by McWiggins on Jun 3, 2019 8:59:32 GMT -5
Reviews can help but taste and chemistry is different for everyone.
The nice thing about bulk is you can buy an ounce of a lot of things and try it. Note what you like and when a sale hits, load up.
Tins, buy what you can buy and again, load up when a sale hits.
I still read reviews and I write semi reviews for our "Blend of the Month" section but over all, I try all I can and decide what I like for me. I have no shame in saying that along with more higher end blends in my cellar, I have many low end cheap blends too and enjoy them all.
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Post by pepesdad1 on Jun 3, 2019 9:14:37 GMT -5
Aromatics to get: Killington (4-Noggins, if they still blend it) Butternut Burley, Candy corn, Trout Stream, all can be got at P&C Blackberry brandy is good also...not sure where to get it, check with roadsdiverged.
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stone
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Post by stone on Jun 3, 2019 10:31:14 GMT -5
Aromatics to get: Killington (4-Noggins, if they still blend it) Butternut Burley, Candy corn, Trout Stream, all can be got at P&C Blackberry brandy is good also...not sure where to get it, check with roadsdiverged. Thanks! |
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Post by crapgame on Jun 3, 2019 10:32:59 GMT -5
sterling tobacco company golden and double eagle blends... Sir walter raligh aromatic sutliff vanilla latte H&H egg nog
blend it yourself jar of all things vanilla: take all of the vanilla aromatics that you have tried and found them lacking in some way and toss them into a bowl..mix well and jar it..every time you get a vinilla blend that is not quite a stand alone tobacco for your taste..add it to the jar..mix well..this is a forever evolving blend and you will be quite surprised as how well it works...
a great base line is mixing supervalue vanilla tobaccos with admirals choice.. some of the captian blacks that didnt appeal to you.. Then add some straight blending burley to lessen the syrupy goop..and add more as you find it...supervalue ameretto is in mine and it works out well in there too.
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Post by flatcappiper on Jun 3, 2019 10:39:16 GMT -5
I use Tobacco Reviews as a good guideline as I learn more and more about this art of pipe smoking and I have a question. When I was pretty serious into cigars, I noticed that the mentality of the more seasoned cigar smokers was "if it isn't a maduro wrapper, or powerful in general, then it's garbage" which made it impossible to obtain good information about a quality mild cigar. And quite frankly, it's foolish!
Is the art of reviewing pipe tobacco the same? As I learn to enjoy smoking more "tobacco" than "flavoring" I am starting to get it, but I still really enjoy some of the aromatics. I liken it to a good steak versus a good desert.
I notice that the reviews on Tobacco Reviews seem to favor the non-aromatics and I assume that is because the more accomplished pipe smokers tend to review what they smoke and I wonder if that doesn't leave the good aromatics unfairly reviewed?
I’m starting to explore the “crossover” blends. These are Blend that are just lightly aromatic to get the best of both worlds. A good example is Amphora Full Aroma. Give it a try. I also dedicate a whole series on my YouTube channel to reviewing mostly aromatics and some crossovers. The link to my channel is on my introduction post but you can just search for Flat Cap Piper on YouTube and my channel will come up. Hope that helps . |
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Post by Legend Lover on Jun 3, 2019 12:32:18 GMT -5
I get what you're saying and would agree somewhat. Many of the reviews for aromatics are tainted with reviews given by people who don't like aromatics. It gives a false average. I would float your questions about certain blends here as well.
At least, that way, you can have a bit of back and forth, plus you know the people here.
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stone
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Post by stone on Jun 3, 2019 12:35:56 GMT -5
I get what you're saying and would agree somewhat. Many of the reviews for aromatics are tainted with reviews given by people who don't like aromatics. It gives a false average. I would float your questions about certain blends here as well. At least, that way, you can have a bit of back and forth, plus you know the people here. I am picking up a lot by just reading what the good folks here have to say. And when someone posts a thread about a nice sale on a certain tin or bulk, I assume it's not garbage |
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Post by Legend Lover on Jun 3, 2019 12:39:06 GMT -5
I get what you're saying and would agree somewhat. Many of the reviews for aromatics are tainted with reviews given by people who don't like aromatics. It gives a false average. I would float your questions about certain blends here as well. At least, that way, you can have a bit of back and forth, plus you know the people here. I am picking up a lot by just reading what the good folks here have to say. And when someone posts a thread about a nice sale on a certain tin or bulk, I assume it's not garbage That's generally the road I take too. |
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Post by sperrytops on Jun 3, 2019 12:57:01 GMT -5
I'll smoke both non Aro's and Aro's. While my favorites remain the Latakia blends or dark fired, there is just that moment when an Aro is called for. I like Macbaren's Vanilla Flake, Reiner's (most of theirs, which are lightly flavored), and the seasonal's from Straus Tobacconist: Sleepy Hollow and Wenceslaus. Don't try to enjoy what others tell you you should enjoy, enjoy what you like and what appeals to you.
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stone
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Post by stone on Jun 3, 2019 13:11:16 GMT -5
I'll smoke both non Aro's and Aro's. While my favorites remain the Latakia blends or dark fired, there is just that moment when an Aro is called for. I like Macbaren's Vanilla Flake, Reiner's (most of theirs, which are lightly flavored), and the seasonal's from Straus Tobacconist: Sleepy Hollow and Wenceslaus. Don't try to enjoy what others tell you you should enjoy, enjoy what you like and what appeals to you. Well, I haven't had anything I hated yet I tried Pelican Butera when I first started and knew immediately that it needed to be put away until I developed a taste. |
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Post by papipeguy on Jun 3, 2019 13:42:33 GMT -5
I smoke a few aros. My top choice is Rattray Bagpiper's Dream. Varied cut, very high quality leaf and a topping that is to die for- cognac. If I want a dessert smoke I go to C&D King Cake. I also like C&D Gentleman Caller. A bit of deer tongue appeals to me.
The majority of pipe smokers smoke aromatics so that should tell us something about the genre's popularity.
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Post by Cramptholomew on Jun 4, 2019 9:27:23 GMT -5
I've gotten away from most aromatics, but I do smoke them occasionally, and have zero negativity towards them.
C&D Autumn Evening,
Sutliff Molto Dolce (the KING of in-your-face aromatics)
Trout Stream
Any of the Cult blends
Lane BCA
Lane RLP-6
For stuff that's a bit less topped, I go for crossovers like Sutliff Aromatic English, Just for Him's Bombadil and Whiskey Biscuit Gravy, Lane HGL, Sutliff Old Professor, Edward G. Robinson Blend, Distinguished Gentleman, to name a few. I also like several deertongue blends.
Edit: Also the Lakelands and british style aromatics. All good.
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Post by kbareit on Jun 4, 2019 9:50:27 GMT -5
I smoke an aromatic at least once a day. My favorites are Candy Corn, Butternut Burley, Buttered Rum and Lane LL-7. I smoke some others but those 4 I really enjoy.
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Post by Deleted on Jun 4, 2019 18:02:36 GMT -5
I've smoked a pipe since '97 and mostly a lat-head. Last year was a big change. Enjoyed Va, Va/Per and of all things aromatics. I tend to migrate to small blender aromatics because they are spectacular.
The Country Squire
- Old Toby
- Second Breakfast
- Figgy Pudding (Holiday only release)
- Rivendell
- Green Dragon
(mix 50/50 Rivendell and Green Dragon and make Weather Top)
J.M. Boswell's
- Dan's Blend
- Boswell's Best
- No Bite Delight
P&C Scotty's Blends
- Trout Stream
- Bass Pond
- Butternut Burley
Those my friend changed my mind about aromatics.
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Post by crapgame on Jun 4, 2019 19:30:54 GMT -5
I smoke a few aros. My top choice is Rattray Bagpiper's Dream. Varied cut, very high quality leaf and a topping that is to die for- cognac. If I want a dessert smoke I go to C&D King Cake. I also like C&D Gentleman Caller. A bit of deer tongue appeals to me. The majority of pipe smokers smoke aromatics so that should tell us something about the genre's popularity. Sterling Golden Eagle!!! And Double Eagle!! |
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elric
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Post by elric on Jun 5, 2019 21:13:59 GMT -5
Why oh why would anyone do a review on types of blends that they don't typically like?
Some on tobaccoreviews (which is a great resource) start their review with "I don't like aromatics" & then bag out the blend.
I'm not fond of sweet aromatics nor strong blends so I would never do a review on them because I'm prejudiced from the get go.
One learns to trust certain reviewers who give fair & accurate assessments. (Our JimInks is one)
Although I'm not fond of overly sweet aromatics myself, I certainly appreciate the smell when others smoke them.
Each to their own & all that. Smoke what you enjoy.
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captblack
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Favorite Pipe: Peterson, Tsuge, Savinelli
Favorite Tobacco: Aromatics and English Blends
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Post by captblack on Jun 6, 2019 10:26:08 GMT -5
I've smoked a pipe since '97 and mostly a lat-head. Last year was a big change. Enjoyed Va, Va/Per and of all things aromatics. I tend to migrate to small blender aromatics because they are spectacular. The Country Squire - Old Toby - Second Breakfast - Figgy Pudding (Holiday only release) - Rivendell - Green Dragon (mix 50/50 Rivendell and Green Dragon and make Weather Top) YES PLEASE to all of the above from the Country Squire. I love their aromatics. If you like a stronger hybrid aromatic, try the Northwoods Trek. I agree on smaller blender aromatics, they are generally excellent and I enjoy many of them. That said, I also enjoy some tinned varieties such as MacBaren Vanilla Flake, Germains Plumcake, Cult BRM, Devils Holiday, etc. There is a time and a place for any tobacco. |
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Post by Deleted on Jun 8, 2019 14:48:24 GMT -5
When reading reviews at TR and elsewhere it helps to remember that some pipers can only review from a negative perspective and are out to impress their perceived 'better's'.
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Post by Legend Lover on Jun 9, 2019 12:24:53 GMT -5
When reading reviews at TR and elsewhere it helps to remember that some pipers can only review from a negative perspective and are out to impress their perceived 'better's'. That's a really good point. |
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Post by Cramptholomew on Jun 9, 2019 15:26:19 GMT -5
When reading reviews at TR and elsewhere it helps to remember that some pipers can only review from a negative perspective and are out to impress their perceived 'better's'. totally true. I know some guys that won't smoke anything without a perceived pedigree. It's frustrating. Whatevs, more for me and everyone else who isn't a status ho. |
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stone
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Post by stone on Jun 9, 2019 15:28:04 GMT -5
When reading reviews at TR and elsewhere it helps to remember that some pipers can only review from a negative perspective and are out to impress their perceived 'better's'. Yep. It's nice to know there are some people whose reviews you can understand are rock-solid! |
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