4noggins Bulk BRITT'S BALKAN

This has become my default blend. Some smokers may wince at the idea of a vanilla flavored Latakia, but actually vanilla flavoring is very subtle, and barely perceivable during the smoke. Samuel Gawith's Perfection is another latakia blend topped with vanilla, but it doesn't compare with this wonderful blend.

I'll just note that, tonight, in a cob pipe, the vanilla topping from LAST night's "Britt's Balkan" smoke intruded into the NEXT bowlful, of a different tobacco (G.L. Pease's Westminster)--which wasn't much improved by the vanilla. I hadn't previously noticed this "ghosting" in a briar. Cob fans may wish to dedicate one pipe to this enjoyable (if sightly ill-behaved) blend.

A fine English/Balkan-style blend, and very good indeed, especially for a "bulk." The vanilla topping seemed overly-prominent in the first bowlful or two; I also wondered if there weren't a hint of menthol in there somewhere. After a few days, the vanilla (and suggestion of possible menthol) declined, and the balance of flavors seemed vey good. Smooth, mild, flavorful, and clean-burning. A bit less Latakia, I think, than many English blends, and a pleasant sweetness, possibly from the Orientals or the Virginia base. The vanilla really does enhance this blend of tobaccos, which is very good in itself. I can't say (after a month) that the vanilla is perfectly "married" with the happily-group-married tobaccos, though this may happen in time. Overall, it's roughly similar to Frog Morton On the Town or ... Across the Pond--not that you'd ever get them confused. Among English/Balkan-style tobacco blends I've tried--including several from high-status blenders--this is the one I reach for when I want a fine, unpretentious, and very enjoyable smoke. Which is more often than not.

Outstanding! During 40 years of pipe smoking I've been searching for a natural blend that is dry in the pipe, burns to the legendary "fine white ash," has a solid English taste and (here's the tough part) does not smell like old tires burning. Somehow Rich has figured it out. Maybe the secret is the touch of vanilla, but I swear it never spoils the authentic Balkan experience. My wife likes it and I love it. You will too.

I smoke this tobacco on work, to like all aroma, Thanks for excellent tobacco. My estimation 5 +