Haebar VaPer Real-Time Review

@Haebar started pressing flakes/kakes recently; you can read up on it in the do-it-yourself subforum:

http://www.cigarbum.com/forum/the-do...ead-181-2.html

He generously sent me a sample, depicted here:

http://i.imgur.com/SBINNKi.jpg

I just fired up a bowl this evening under the orange and blue glow of the propane heat lamp.

Contents: about 20% Perique and 80% various Virginias including red and lemon.

Appearance: see above - a 1/2" thick kake of ribbon cut; looks like an energy bar :)

Tin note: the Perique dominates.

First light: took a little effort to get it lit, but once it was going, didn't need any relights. First flavor was the fruity Perique with the hay-like VA in the background.

Mid bowl: burning well, steady smoke, not too hot - I'm using a thin-walled briar and the bowl never got too hot to touch. I'm pretty sure there were no toppings in his components, nor did he add any, so the sweetness is native to the tobacco. the Perique and VAs blend nicely to produce a subtle carmely-fruity flavor.

Later in the bowl: flavor is holding steady, no excess moisture, moderate but noticeable vitamin N, no tongue or palate bite, still burning after about 45 minutes (pipe is a billiard nosewarmer with a pretty good-sized bowl). Meanwhile, the propane can is nearly depleted so it's just glowing blue and it's getting a little chilly.

Overall, a very pleasant smoking experience. I'd say it's as good as any commercial VaPer I've had.

Incidentally, it makes a fine RYO ciggie tobacco as well.