I really am. I don't know how to explain it, but something about the smokiness of the Latakia.....it's kind of relaxing to me. I need to choose a pipe, but I think tomorrow morning I'll try some of the 1888 with a cup of Hazelnut coffee.
The Old San Fransisco was good. As the bowl went on, the Latakia came a little more to the forefront. Love the pipe too, fits nicely in the hand and gives a good, long, cool smoke. About halfway through, my neighbor started playing his bagpipes, and by the end of the bowl, I was so relaxed I was dozing in my chair, lol. The bagpipe music got me thinking though. I do believe I will order a Scottish Mixture in my next order. Anyone have any suggestions?
Glad it was good! I have no experience with Scottish blends, but I understand that they contain Oriental other than Latakia.
Yep! Dunhill 965. You'll taste the latakia, but it is secondary to the orientals, and rounded out by unflavored cavendish and Virginia. It's a 4 star tobacco on tobacco reviews. http://www.tobaccoreviews.com/blend/458/dunhill-my-mixture-965
The definition of Scottish blends varies a bit, as does the definition of an English blend. But generally Scottish blends are dominated by orientals and Virginias, with cavendish and latakia in supporting roles.
So not too different from an English Mix. Just kinda swapping the roles of the Orientals and the Latakia per say?
Yeah, pretty much, but with cavendish usually added but not always. I doubt you see many English blends with cavendish.
Ahhhhh, yes, very true. So Scottish mixtures are probably a bit sweeter tasting with a lighter room note?
They're very slightly sweeter, but room note wouldn't be much different. Smoother would be how I would describe Dunhill 965, but still having a latakia type flavor. YMMV!
Sounds good to me. I'm gonna scope out P&C to find Dunhill 965. AND I'm finally hitting Happy Jacks this weekend (hopefully, lol). So I'll check to see if they have it as well. Thank you for the advice.
Lol, ok, looks like I now have two of them to check out. Thus far I have to say I do like the H&H tobaccos, so it's definitely worth a try. Sadly I doubt I'll find it at Happy Jacks. Buuuut theres always P&C. lol
Yeah, you aren't likely to find any H&H blends at a local store, since H&H is a brand owned by P&C, and a local store will see P&C as a direct competitor. Hopefully you can find Dunhill 965 at Happy Jacks. I like to support the local tobacconists when possible. It can pay dividends when you develop a relationship with them.
This evening had some Drew Estate Gatsby flake, courtesy of @Bama Samurai. Tried it in a no name straight Bulldog, purchased from The Tinder Box before it became The Briary. There is a very small putty fill that you have to look for, and I'm sure that's why it was sold as a second. It's been a great pipe. I was impressed with the Gatsby flake. It lit easily, and took maybe a couple of relights and burned down to a fine ash. The flavor was very pleasant, with a slight fruit flavor, but not like an aromatic. The Virginia cavendish combination works well in this blend. It changed a little about half way through with the virginias taking over, then the cavendish popped back in toward the end. A very easy, naturally sweet smoke that is a change from straight Virginia or VaPer blends. I could easily see keeping a tin of this around, good stuff in my opinion.
That was my thought. I'd kinda like to give business to the local tobacconist, or as local to me as possible, lol. And it always helps to make a friend. And after looking at Happy Jacks online, I notice that their Mclelland blends are cheaper than on P&C, so why not. It'll be more fun to actually handle the pipes I'm interested in too.
If they don't have 965, you can always ask what he has that would be similar. The local store owners are always helpful. If that's a total strikeout, if you haven't tried any of the Frog Morton series, they're all latakia blends. My favorites are the original, which is more of a traditional latakia blend but not in your face strong, and On The Town, which has more orientals but still has latakia.
Finally took the plunge guys! Some Orlik GS is the vintage Dr. Grabow El Dorado courtesy of @Bama Samurai . I can clearly see why this tobacco is a favorite of pipe smokers around the world; and I will be grabbing a few more tins (one will be cellard for a while). The Virginias are sweet and mellow, with just a very very faint spice from the Perique. I'm new to non aros and VaPers, but I'd have to say this is probably the pinnacle. I liked it even better that the Viprati. And again, another GREAT pipe. Sipped nice and slow for probably an hour and a half or so. Just a great smoke to end the day!
Awesome! Orlik GS is a treat every time! I buy it in 5-tin cello-wrapped packs. At $7/tin it is also one of the best values out there! For reference as you try more VaPer, Orlik GS has a minimal amount of perique (i think it's actually Green River treated KY Burley), and it adds the plum/raisin scent you may have noticed as you opened the tin. If you like Orlik GS, Stokkebye Luxury Navy Flake (bulk tobacco) will also be good for you. It's very similar to Orlik GS. VA and VaPer are my fave tobaccos.
It is really good. And that's actually a great description; almost like a spiced plum scent. But when smoked, the "spice" is hardly noticeable to me, and could even be easily missed it's so slight. But in my opinion, that makes it taste even better!
