BILL MERRIL

Reviews


Lighters - Kiribi Pipe Lighter - Kenshi Mizo Silver
A Handsome Light
I've had this lighter for a couple months, so I can't speak to its longevity, but so far it's a decent daily lighter. The pros: it is a decent build, a nice size and weight, it lights on every spark, and looks so damn good. The cons: the flame can be inconsistent at random times (Colibri fuel issue?), and the 2.8g tank needs refilling more frequently than my other butanes, I have had to retighten the flint wheel screw and cap hinge at times as things loosened. The neither here nor there: it is about the same length as a zippo (bigger by a cm or so), it is not as weighty and solid as an Old Boy, the fuel adjustment screw sits flush on mine and the lighter stands flat. All in all a nice lighter, but I would say it ought to be in the $50-$60 range.

Cornell & Diehl - Bow-Legged Bear 2oz
One of the best from C&D
This is an excellent blend. When fresh it jumps from one leaf to another, when aged the leaves sing harmoniously together, either way is enjoyable to me. The burley is superb and though it is the lightest portion in the mix, to me, it is what pulls this blend together. You get nuttiness from the burley, bread and citrus from the Virginias, some exotic spices from the orientals, and raisin/pepper from the perique, all underscored by a light smokiness from the Turkish latakia, and it’s simply wonderful. Creamy, smoky, nutty, reminiscent of an oatmeal cookie at times. No bite, good nicotine content, calm consistent burn and easy handling. The only other of a similar ilk I have found is Drucquer & Sons King’s Fool. Like I said, one of, if not THE, best C&D has to offer.

Low Country - Santee 2oz
Mild aromatic
The topping is hardly noticeable and the tobacco is kinda average. This one just didn't do anything for me. It's smokeable, for sure, but nothing really stands out about the flavours or the smoke. Basically, this is as centre of the road as tobacco gets and that road is in the dead centre of Saskatchewan.

Cornell & Diehl - Sun Bear Navy Cask 2oz
A Good Year
This is the best Sun Bear yet. The honey seems more pronounced and upfront this year, and the vanilla undertones are delicious. This 2023 crop of Canadian Virginia leaf is malty, rich, and gentle on the palate, just the way I like it, thanks Canada! I have no other way to put it, they taste like aged Capstan, on the palate and in the after taste. The orientals don’t seem as powerful as other iterations, but they’re subtly spicy, nuanced, and have depth. The tequila and elderflower are hardly discernible. I’ve been smoking the 2023 and 2024 Sun Bear releases throughout the summer, leading up to the 2025 release, and without a doubt in my mind this Navy Cask is the best Sun Bear has been.

Mac Baren - Golden Extra 3.5oz
All Day, Every Day
Just a tasty, drain bead, easy going smoke. Like a morning bowl of honey granola with a few chocolate flakes thrown in. I love this stuff. I can sit and play with the flavour, taking everything in, or I can simply tune out and enjoy serenity. A comforting and versatile smoke. It's a real shame to see it go.

Low Country - Atalaya 2oz
Best of Low Country
A comforting smoke and the best of the Low Country lineup, hopefully this is a yearly limited edition run. Complex, deep, peppery, spicey, bready, and drowning in stewed fruit. Terrific stuff.

Mac Baren - Roll Cake 16oz
try It!!
Too late…

Drucquer & Sons - King's Fool 100g
200g tin
Please offer in a 200g tin, I love this stuff, thanks!! Also, to whoever designed that label, take a bow.

Missouri Meerschaum - Morgan Polished
Bring it back!
Missouri Meerschaum discontinued production of the Morgan polished. If you love it as much as I, write or call MM and tell them to BRING IT BACK!!

Cornell & Diehl - Carolina Red Flake with Perique 2oz
The Best Perique
Unbelievably good, I wish I had bought more.

Three Nuns - Three Nuns Green 1.75oz
Bring it back
I think they ought to BRING this one BACK INTO PRODUCTION!

Favorite Products

Blog's Commented on

Cornell & Diehl's Sun Bear Returns: Introducing the Bourbon Cask Edition
  • ► So, does it have basma, izmir, tequila and elderflower? Or is it 2023 virginia and gum?
Tasting Notes: Cornell & Diehl Small Batch Sun Bear Bourbon Cask
  • ► Went on at 630pm got a tin by 7pm no pre order or nothing, same as I do every year. Black Locust 2024 was available into the next day. Your just imagining shit at this point.
  • ► Will Shane ever do a tasting notes where he's brutally honest and says something like "good, just not my favourite year" or "last seasons Sun Bear was objectively a bit better" or "just not for me, but you might like it"? Prob not right? Gotta admire a man who enjoys everything, otherwise it's like he's trying to sell something to me.
Visiting 31 Farms in St. James Parish, Louisiana: C&D's Perique Partners
  • ► Now that must be a job where the boys come home smellin pretty good at the end of the day. I love their perique.