Summer of 2016 Blind Review Thread

[cpmcdill]

Blend: #16
Pipe: Comoy's bent bulldog
Packing method: Codger stuff/air pocket
Appearance: Ribbon cut with a lot of finer particles. Looks to be an equal mix of yellow, medium brown and dark brown/black tobacco.
Pouch Note: I get the impression of an English blend, with a note of Latakia.

Just right degree of dryness, took a light easily, and made a good first impression. A light-medium English blend, not a Lat-bomb. I've never been a good one to judge nic-strength of pipe tobaccos, as I also sometimes smoke strong cigars and use snuff tobacco made from Rustica. But I'd say this had a fair nic-hit.

This stayed lit from the get-go, until I set it down to write the first paragraph. The general feeling at the halfway point is that this is a good quality English blend, easy on the Lat and perhaps comparable to Squadron Leader. The pipe I chose to smoke this in plays well with English blends, so the experience has been good thus far.

Relit and smoked it down to the bottom. No big changes to the flavor. Usual ash with some dottle. Conclusion: I like this enough to enjoy finishing off the rest of the baggie. If it grows on me, I may get more once I know what it is.

[Branzig]

Mystery Tobacco 7

Pipes: All cobs, mainly spooled Great Danes.

Tin Note: Light aromatic. Little bit of spice, vanilla, and molasses. Tiny bit of Virginia hay notes.

Tobacco is a light and dark mix of cut up ribbon pieces. The Virginia is visible in the mixture and perhaps some burley. Probably some cavendish. I let the tobacco sit out in the sun for about 5 minutes each time before smoking. The tobacco smoked all the way down to the bottom of the bowl no problem, and only needed a relight if I quit smoking for one reason or another. No aromatic goop, which is a plus.

From the initial light, I was able to pick up tiny bits of caramel and vanilla flavors. Very easy on the tongue, no bite whatsoever. The mouthfeel is light and wispy. Getting into the second half of the bowl, I finally am able to pick out some "tobacco" flavors other than bland, white burley. Virginia pokes its head in and out from time to time now. Still easy on the mouth. The last 3rd of the bowl was much of the same. Little hints of vanilla/molasses here and there. Tiny bit of caramel. Little bit of earthy sweet Virginia. No real nuttiness from the burleys. Overall, a straight forward and sweet aromatic.

I would describe this one as a "mindless" all day smoke for those who like aros. I don't use the term mindless as an insult. I am using it to describe complexity of the blend, because there is none. It's something you can smoke without having to think about it. It is a very straight forward, easy smoking, sweet aromatic. It doesn't bite, even if you try to steam train puff it, and it burns down very easily with no maintenance to the bottom of the bowl.

My only complaint was that it was too light for me in every aspect. Not enough nicotine, not enough flavor from the aro, not enough tobacco flavor. Not enough of anything really. I was able to make it a little more interesting though, by smoking it in one of my Lakeland snot infected pipes Instantly more interesting with a geranium and lavender topping on it

[cpmcdill]

@Branzig - What's the beer? I'm guessing from the glimpse of the label a nice hoppy brew? My most recent smoke was accompanied by a local beer from Flying Dog Brewery called "Raging Bitch" (8.3 ABV)...
Raging Bitch Belgian-Style IPA - Flying Dog BreweryFlying Dog Brewery

And yes, their labels are illustrated by the immortal Ralph Steadman. Amazing beers. Their "Double Dog" is as rich as a Porter but is a super hopped-up IPA with an 11.5 ABV. Brutal and brilliant.

[Branzig]

@Branzig - What's the beer? I'm guessing from the glimpse of the label a nice hoppy brew? My most recent smoke was accompanied by a local beer from Flying Dog Brewery called "Raging Bitch" (8.3 ABV)...
Raging Bitch Belgian-Style IPA - Flying Dog BreweryFlying Dog Brewery

And yes, their labels are illustrated by the immortal Ralph Steadman. Amazing beers. Their "Double Dog" is as rich as a Porter but is a super hopped-up IPA with an 11.5 ABV. Brutal and brilliant.

It is a hoppy delight indeed, but lacking in the ABV as it is a session brew.

Ninkasi Easy Way IPA

If you haven't drank much from Ninkasi, you're missing out. They make some fine brews. Total Domination IPA, Tricerahops, and Dawn Of The Red are all great.

I've never drank your brew there. Looks tasty though! I may have to see if I can pick some up. Since I have Ralph Steadman art tattooed on part of my body, that is a pretty strong selling point as well

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