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Reviews
Gawith Hoggarth & Co. - Balkan Mixture 50g
Inconsistently Good
This was a very interesting experience. First opening the tin, it's very smokey as you would expect from an English. Then you light it and realize that it's sweet. Noticeably sweet. I wasn't sure if it was a casing or not, but it was probably the sweetest English I've ever smoked. Then I smoked my next bowl and the sweetness was gone. And then it came back as it pleased. I made sure I had a good mix of colors in my bowl. I didn't get the usual leather or wood or any other flavors I get from Latakia but it was still overall a good smoke almost every time. Definitely one of the more interesting English blends I've tried.
Cornell & Diehl - Red Stag 2oz
A Beginner's Blend
First off, there's really no "Beginner" or "Seasoned Veteran" blends because anyone can smoke anything. That being said, there are blends that are easier to smoke for someone with less experience due to mechanics, flavors, etc. This would be one of those. For an English blend, the Latakia was very very mild and not even the most obvious thing from the tin note. So, if anyone is looking to try and English blend and they're concerned about too much Latakia ("Lat Bomb") this might be a pick. However, it's also so mild I don't think it does Latakia any justice for someone wanting to try it. The cut is a very uniform ribbon and was perfect if not a touch on the dry side for moisture content. For myself, the flavors weren't there and I won't be finishing the tin.
Peterson - Elizabethan Mixture 50g
Never Disappoints
This was one of the first blends I ever smoked back when it was still Dunhill and I still smoke it to this day. It's very good for mechanics, both smoking and lighting. Flavors are right where you'd expect a Va/Per to be without any particularly stronger direction in subtleties. At first light after a while of not smoking I think "What happened" and then I remember as I go down the bowl how much the flavor develops. And keeps developing. And before it ever gets to be too much I'm at the end of my bowl wanting to restart that journey again.
Captain Earle's - Diamond Head 2oz
Good Flavors, Excellent Mechanics.
Overall, this is a good English and is worth trying at least once. Initially opening the tin and the first light I was a little disappointed at how subtle the smell was. Based on previous reviews I was thinking I would get a lot more or a smokey smack in the face. I kept smoking though and I was not disappointed. Going down the bowl I've gotten notes of salted caramel and a savory nuttiness that gives way to a leathery, woody character if you're really picking apart the flavors. Other times I've been a little more distracted from the smoke and just had the satisfaction of smoking a good English. This is something I might consider smoking year-round and not just in the colder seasons like I usually do with English blends. Maybe my favorite aspect of this blend is the smoking mechanic. I've never had a bowl of this which didn't smoke right down to the heel in a fine grey powdery ash. (The first time I smoked this I wasn't paying attention and actually sucked ash straight through - very unpleasant but not the tobacco's fault) A few things that keep this from getting a full five stars from me are the lighter nature of the body of the smoke and there's a chemical-like acrid taste that's fairly noticeable that other people have also pointed out. I would recommend having a drink with this one too, because it leaves the mouth a little dry.
Stands & Pouches - Neal Yarm 5 Pipe Stand - Tilt Head Mahogany
Quality
I've been wanting a pipe stand for years so I could see at least the pipes I use more often and not have to dig through their boxes. I'm really glad I finally purchased this one. The wood is solid as is the whole construction and it fits all the pipes I've put in there fairly well. There are a few different shapes of them. I would certainly consider getting another of these, or a larger count.
Tampers & Tools - Czech Pipe Tool
Legitimate and Effective
For this price, this is all you need. It's quality, has everything you need and is not expensive at all. Perfect for buying a couple of and scattering around to make sure you always have something to tamp with no matter where you find yourself smoking a pipe.