Timmothy F.
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G. L. Pease - Metropolis 2oz
goddamn greg
actually said that aloud when started my first bowl of this. been smoking it all weekend and it is right up my alley, as i'm a big fan of red VA and DFK blends. starts off with that deep red VA brown sugar sweetness poking through a smooth, mellow earthy smoke. perique comes through in the retrohale and towards the bottom of the bowl with supporting spice. overall smooth and soft as cashmere; even the flake feels soft and fluffy. smoked out of a 1932 dunhill patent billiard, as it seemed appropriate for the blend inspiration. another one that i plan to cellar, but will have a hard time keeping my hands off.

Cornell & Diehl - Eight State Burley 2oz
Rich and earthy
I was lucky enough to grab some tins from this run, and honestly? Can't stop smoking it. Tin note of fig newtons, similar to to Miskatonic Mixture, but more pronounced (since there is no Perique here, I'm guessing it's the Katerini? idk). Makes me think of fresh black mulch. Easy to smoke, smooth, a little sweet, a little dark cocoa...but overall is that deep earthy flavor. Going to try to cellar some, but whether I can refrain from tearing through this is a very open question. The only downside is that it's a small batch, so I can't get any more.

Rattray's - Old Gowrie 50g
Beautifully balanced
Old Gowrie has quietly become one of my favorite blends, if not my actual favorite. It is warm, toasty, nutty and sweet. Almost like a roasted chestnut. There is just enough oomph from the burley (for me), without pushing into that light-headed state. It absolutely benefits from some aging; I can taste the difference between the tins from 2024 and 2025. But even young, it's still delicious. The only issue is availability, which unfortunately tends to plague all Rattray's blends. Stock up when you see it (or, preferrably, don't buy this so there is plenty for me.).

Tampers & Tools - Three Pipes Magnetic Brass Tamper (Competition Edition)
My new favorite tamper
First off, I'm a sucker for copper, so this has me on the aesthetics. It has a good heft in hand, but the spring on the tamper foot keeps you from applying too much pressure. Dottle pick does it's job, and is long enough for most shanks. The magnets holding the pick in place are powerful enough that you can pick it up by the pick and it stays together. Plus, you can spin the top and it makes a satisfying clicky sounds. All in all an excellent tool. Not sure what makes this a "competition edition" compared to the standard, but not sure that it matters.

Cornell & Diehl - Miskatonic Mixture 2oz
Molasses Spice Cookies in a bowl
One of my favorite Christmas cookies. If you've had them, you know: chewy, with a slight crisp crust, dusted with sugar and redolent with nutmeg, clove, and allspice. This is a molasses cookie turned into tobacco. Rich, earthy, sweet and spicy. This stuff is what pulled me away a diet of only english blends. I find it smokes best in a wider bowl that lets it strech out.

Kramer's - Extra Smooth 50g
A little too smooth.
Really, really wanted to like this. The first couple of bowls were just...nothing; no flavor or anything. Smoked them in a dublin; last bowl I tried was in my old GBD Constitution lovat and finally started to get the cavendish flavor I was hoping for, but that could also just have been lingering ghosts of 7 Seas in the bowl (whatever, I'll take it). Strangely bitey too. I'm not settled and will keep trying. But I was hoping for something very mellow and easy; so far not getting it from this.

Kramer's - Father Dempsey 50g
A better fit for younger me
This is exactly what it says on the tin: a solid, smoky English. 10 years ago, I would have been gushing over it. These days, I like a little less Latakia generally. When I do want a bit more, I'm more likely to reach for Westminster over this one.

Kramer's - Blend for Cary Grant 50g
English Blend with just a little extra
I've been hesitant in trying aromatics; too many overwhelm the tobacco with the topping. But this was an easy toe dip, as I very much enjoy Kramer's English Blend. The addition of some Irish Mist definitely is an enhancement. It melds seamlessly into the blend, adding just a little extra note to an already delightful smoke.

Kramer's - English Blend 50g
Excellent mild English
I was looking for something to cover the spot Rattray's Professional Mixture holds in my rotation during one of those occasional Rattray's availability droughts. This fit the bill admirably: little sweet, touch of spice, little smoky and overall mild. It's not fussy, smokes well and tastes great. Inspired me to sample the rest of Kramer's offerings, though this (and Blend for Cary Grant) remains my favorite of their offerings.

Rattray's - Professional Mixture 100g
Mellow and balanced all day smoke
Professional Mixture hits my sweet spot: a little sweet, a little spice, a little smokey. All in all, well balanced and perfect for my preference for big pipes. It sits right between Jock's Mixture and Red Rapparee as far as the orientals go: not as sweet as Jock's, not as spicy as Red Rapparee. The tobacco equivalent of a good pint of bitters.

Lighters - Rattray's Pipe Lighter - Bel Black/Chrome
Nice aesthetic, lights reliably, needs frequent refills
Overall, I really like this lighter. Lights smoothly and reliably. Changing flints is simple and easy. Looks great. Lid open/close is crisp and satisfying. The only downside is I am constantly refilling it; doesn't last more than 3 days on average. Unsure if mine is just leaky or it just has a small tank. About 6 months in my pockets and the paint is slightly dinged, but no more than expected.

Lighters - IM Corona Laurel Chrome Plate Dragon
Beautiful, but fickle
Firstly, this lighter is beautiful. Aesthetically, it is everything I wanted. The size, weight and feel are spot on. Unfortunately, it does not spark a flame consistently (yes, I am using Corona flints and ultra-refined butane). As far as I can figure, the issue is with the spark wheel. It creates a divot in the flint, and just doesn't spark right without constant fiddling. Sometimes it will light on first attempt for a day or three in a row, if the flint is positioned just right. Mostly though, it is a mystery as to whether I'll get a light or not. As much as I want to live it, I find myself using other lighters instead. The elegance of design ultimately fails to counter the fiddly engineering.

Favorite Products

Blog's Commented on

Cornell & Diehl's From Beyond Returns
  • ► i enjoyed the prior iteration of From Beyond enough to snag a few tins when it came around again. the 2025 iteration, just...wow. this hits right for everything i want in a tobacco. smoky, a little sweet, complex flavors that deepen as you go through the bowl. immediately picked up some more and actually going to try to age a few tins (if i can keep my hands off them long enough).
Life After McClelland
  • ► i have diverse tastes, and nearly always try something new when i place a tobacco order. still haven't found a replacement for my favorites from mclelland though. if anyone has suggestions for prozies of frog moton's cellar and grey havens, i'm all ears. i've been smoking speakeasy and regents flake lately; enjoy them both.
The Resin Project: The New Bakelite
  • ► i have a yeti pipe with one of these stems and honestly? it's fantastic. it's gorgeous and comfortable. i wish them success with this product because i want more of these stems out there.
Top 11 Best-Selling English Blends
  • ► westminster has been a staple in my rotation for years, and while i wander, i always come back to it. quiet nights is probably my favorite blend. and EMP is great, but has been supplanted by Chelsea Morning as my waking smoke.