MEP3

Reviews


G. L. Pease - Maltese Falcon 2oz
Sublime, flavorful, flawless.
As I'm smoking my way into (if not yet "through") GLP's English catalog, I'm really enjoying where I happen to be standing now; what a truly sweet treat the Maltese Falcon is! I usually glaze over the tin note a bit (bad habit?) on the blends that feature latakia. I notice a difference here that stood out. There's almost a current of desert baked goods taking up space where deeper smoke or creosote might normally reside. In the case of this blend, it seems to carry over to the smoking experience. When I had it in a smaller bulldog, it comported itself as a more medium blend, one that let the Orientals conduct a fair bit of the conversation. When loaded up in the trusty Peterson 315, the sweeter notes carried forward. I can't find a single rough edge, bitter or sour corner anywhere in the whole portion I've had. I'm also beginning to understand why GL Pease is held in the esteem and regard that he is. The accuracy of these works lends you the details (nuance) that you have to smoke for yourself to appreciate. There is your crux; this is truly (as others already mention) a must-smoke. It's well featured and flavored without being an oriental or latakia "bomb", yet the balance and current of sweetness would be pleasing to anyone. I hope if you're reading this, you'll consider cracking some open for yourself. Enjoy! :-)

Carter Hall - Carter Hall 14oz
Straightforward, not a bad thing.
Descriptors such as "stuff and puff", "codger", "OTC", and "plain" get leveled quite often at Carter Hall. That the mixture IS somewhat unextraordinary in many ways is neither bad nor accidental. Carter Hall is, in many ways, the Folgers Classic Roast of pipe tobacco blends. As long as the manufacturer continues to deliver the flavors and experiences that its consumers have come to expect for ages, they'll continue to buy and enjoy it. Are there more elevated and nuanced tobacco (or coffee) experiences to be had? You bet! That's not why people buy the yellow tub (or the red tub of coffee). Carter Hall IS the hat and pants (more descriptors so often leveled at it) that fit just right...so right, you couldn't be bothered to give a ten-a-penny darn what anyone thinks about how old or faded they may be. They're what you want to fall into when you get home, work outside, go fishing with, or sit on the porch and smoke. It's the unofficial fragrance of you and your old dog roughhousing in the yard. It's the taste of having survived another long day, or another great one. So, add a splash of cream and tear open a pack of sugar...you've got "Folgers in your cup," and your easy chair in sight. Asking "why would you" would honestly be going about this thought (we're thinking?) the wrong way. It's a "why not" smoke, truly.

Rossi - Mezzanotte (8644) (6mm)
A comfortable and versatile pipe at an incredible value.
I admit to looking for the Savinell model 644 at length before coming across the Rossi Mezz. As those are becoming even rarer still, here exists the consummate homely cousin, that one you didn't take to the homecoming dance (and came to regret it) ...the 8644. It smokes my favorite blends well, is comfortable to clench, and still pulls that wonderful bent brandy charm in any room. Wouldn't say it was ornate or feature-rich, save that it's a sitter pipe (well, "rocker" pipe...as it comes to a teetering yet stable halt on its well-shaped, somewhat flattened heel). You'll have to look pretty far for a better reason than I found not to make it a next pipe, if you like this shape and dimensions. The unexpected versatility, compactness, and relative thrift of this one mean it will find its way into your roll, pouch, or bag when those grails, art pieces, and treasures have to remain safely behind. You will eventually smoke this pipe (and others in its "class") more, as it will be one of the pipes you have with you. How's that for another splash of value?! Truly enjoying my Mezz.

G. L. Pease - Spark Plug 2oz
Off to the races!
I feel like those without the knife, some know-how, and time to prepare a plug for smoking would be best served sticking with the more basic formats. It's simply not fair to lower your rating due to poor preparation. This blend really seems to shine, as a few others have mentioned: sliced to your desired thickness, cubed well, and rubbed/packed to your final density preference. I truly "dig" cutting the plug, even though I've got much less experience than most others in my local club and hang. All that said, learn to smoke a plug...some of the blends offered as such are not to be missed in your lifetime-this is certainly one of them! I was greeted with the lovely, balanced latakia that most of us (some of us that deeply covet the stuff) look for in an English or Balkan. It didn't take long at all before I knew this tobacco was truly going to sing in the somewhat shallower, more beamy chambers such as bulldogs, Dublin's, certain diplomats, and the like. Put to a vintage near-inch pipe, or even something like a contemporary 316...it will smoke itself in such broad bowls. The incense and saddle leather are pure magic, and play against and contrast with the mildly, almost semi-sweet note that pops up on occasion, but does not distract from the ride. I was reminded of motorcycle journeys and plane engines over tarmac, as you can giddily experience the thrumming of motors and the smell of burning engine oil as the flavors and scents twist around you. I'll be igniting this spark plug again and again, as it's a ride both thrilling and beautiful!

Cornell & Diehl - Old Joe Krantz 2oz
An incredible and delectable burley treat.
Wonderful mouthfuls of delight await your gentle flames' impending caress. These chocolate-background, white-text-labeled mixtures have achieved a true nirvana of blending goodness. Instead of thinking of this merely as an offshoot of Haunted Bookshop (though perhaps still a relative!), it must be considered as its very own thing. There's a cleaner (less "dusty") mouthfeel and a different painting of light than what comes through the bookstore's window. Sweetness and purity are waiting for you here- even before you arrive! Included (of course) is the burley's wonderful richness and sturdy base of goodness. Reminding one sometimes of an oatmeal cream, and other times of a stout mocha, the red Virginias, playing betwixt the perfect amounts of burley and perique, provide that enchanting sweetness you'll pursue with glee, like kaleidoscope chameleons darting in and out of the stones and shadows near a jungle glade. If you've chosen to smoke Joe, you've certainly made an excellent choice. Cheers!

Mac Baren - Navy Flake 3.5oz
The flavors are there, but it falls flat and performs poorly.
The flake seems both too moist in the chamber (requiring drying while smoking) and dry and brittle when rubbed out. Requires frequent relights despite dryness and proper preparation. Also seems to be excessively bitey for a blend tempered with Cavendish and Burley. I have a hard time getting along with this one. Makes me miss the coolness and ease of a finer mixture or flake with similar ingredients, so I tend to avoid it if alternatives are available.

My Father - The Judge Grand Robusto BP
You'll wish he was your father too!
Having only tried this smoke recently, I wish I had found it sooner. There's an almost floral palette in the background, with frequent notes of cedarwood. It's not easy to find this combination outside of particular blends of pipe tobacco. Absolutely delicious to have for celebrations or anytime. I will be ordering a box very soon!

Peterson - Nightcap 50g
A Classic Full English Delight
From the opening light, you will thrill in the rich flavors and fairly forward smokiness. The smooth mouthfeel others note is accurate and puts you in mind of whisky or similar spirits. Depending on your choice of packing and pipe, smoother, sweeter nuances soon dance along your palate... fig, cocoa, and shortbread cookie, among others. The balance between the different leaves denotes an experience and expertise that many blends leave you wanting for. There's no downside, only delights here. Perhaps not a morning smoke, nor is it suitable for the neophyte. If you're an established fan of latakia and oriental mixtures, this really deserves a place within easy and frequent reach. It's earned its reputation!

Cornell & Diehl - Haunted Bookshop Cake 2oz
Even more haunted, but no need to be afraid!
This legendary blend has come to represent a paragon of Nicotiana. At first, and to the uninitiated, it parallels something to behold that those without patience might become polarized by. Upon thorough consideration, it can only be appreciated to the point of the reverence that it enjoys today. Much in the ways one has to contemplate creation itself, it has to be assumed that those continuing to blend this masterpiece--put their whole heart into the devotion that the process undoubtedly requires. Keep your yellows, your walnuts, your fruits, and your birthdays...THIS is the cake that I'm interested in!

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