David C.

Reviews


Peterson - Irish Flake 50g
Special DF flake
It's a moot point now if this is as good ODF or BK. This has a very slight topping that I like and wish it was more pronounced actually though I used to like Condor. Must be smoked slowly, can't emphasize that enough. 2 bad they don't come out with a "green" version like Condor with extra topping but you can't have everything (which is quickly changing to "anything").

Peterson - Balkan Mixture 50g
Nice and easy, Balkan-like
They had to change the name from Balkan Delight because it contained the word "light". It's not a true Balkan, lacking any oriental tobacco. But that doesn't mean it's bad, it's actually very good. Not a flavor bomb or a Lat bomb, it's an extremely smooth blend, lots of smokey notes, very mellow VA base with definite perique spice not everyone will appreciate. I've grown to like it quite a bit for its smooth, refined English-like qualities. Arrives a little dry and like most, gets better with age.

Kramer's - Father Dempsey
Smooth, creamy, middle of the road with a spice component.
This is pretty nice, not too strong, creamy, def. "English" but not super leathery or latakia laden. I detect some spice like cinnamon or allspice, that I associate with a kind of Turkish, but a tad different. Has an Altadis kind of undertaste compared to stronger, straighter blends like N/C or a number of C&D blends so I'll stick to those.

Odyssey - Habano Toro (20 Pack)
Great medium budget cigar
These are right down the middle of strength and taste. They taste like an Oliva, which is good. You can spend more and get less. The last third isn't great and the burn isn't always perfect, but at the price, it's hard to complain.

Mac Baren - 7 Seas Regular
Great as a mixer too
I mainly smoke natural/English. However I use this to mix with LC V and B and that makes a reasonable, very easy on the palate, semi-aromatic with some kick. I've never actually smoked MB 7seas straight. Best thing abt this is mildness, bite free sweetness and aroma without ghosting my pipes for use with English style blends (I do water it down with LC strong va/burley 50/50 at least). My wife likes the room note of Royal better, which has less black cav and isn't as sweet but equally good, maybe better. Regular does have some detectable berry/cherry notes I'd rather not have but I can't fault it for that. Non-goopy, non-cloying, great for a beginner or a mindless smoke.

Low Country - Natural Virginia & Burley
Poor Man's Royal Yacht
You don't get the VA interplay, not the subtle topping, not the Dunhill finish. You don't that luxury feeling. You get the ride. Smooth and rich but needs to be kept moist.

Captain Earle's - Private Stock 8oz
Perfect
This is very well blended, perhaps to the point where the complexities are subdued. Then so is all harshness without sacrificing body. The perfect all day English

Captain Earle's - Honor Blend 8oz
Very nice VA blend
I don't get a nic kick or any off tastes. It's a very smooth, nice VA blend where the Turkish and Perique stay discretly in the background. The blend is slightly sweet to me, but then I smoke Royal Yacht.

Gawith Hoggarth & Co. - Kendal Gold Whisky
Delish
Wonderful for any use, maybe a little strong for ryo newbies. Very restrained whisky. I assumme the other two are just as good.

Cornell & Diehl - Tuggle Hall
Excellent English Blend
I've been smoking this for years. FULL of flavor. Medium Latakia, medium nic. Nothing heavy handed or out of place. Suprising balance and a must try English.

Erik Stokkebye 4th Generation - 1882 Founders Blend 3.5oz
Overlooked Excellence
I've been smoking English blends for over 20 years, and this is one of the best. Probably overlooked as not being "serious" because it's nestled in with a handful of aromatics from Erik Stokkebye and because, well, there are about 500 other English blends out there and I haven't had them all, but I'd put this in the top ten currently available.

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