Burley

Cornell & Diehl Haunted Bookshop

As with all my reviews, the opinions expressed are 100% my own and your mileage may vary.  The tobacco being reviewed has been purchase by myself and I’ve personally smoked several bowls, in various pipes before writing this review.  I’ve also linked the TobaccoReviews.com review for your cross reference.

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Photo Info:  Cornell & Diehl Haunted Bookshop Pipe Tobacco, Savinelli Churchwarden, Kitchen Matches, Halloween ornament, Northwest Gentlemen Bison Leather Tobacco Mat.  Photo by TheSaintlyCatholic

Pipes Used: Briar Only
Age When Smoked: New
Purchased From: TobaccoPipes.com

Strength – Medium
Taste – Medium to Full
Flavoring – None
Room Note – Tolerable
Tin Note – Earthy, Woody
Rating – ***

My Review

I normally publish my tobacco reviews on Friday, but with Halloween falling on Thursday I felt it was only fitting to publish my review of Haunted Bookshop on Halloween.  I’ve had this blend sitting in my cellar, unopened for over two months.  I had been saving the first smoke until just before Halloween.  After all, if one is going to open something “Haunted” might as well do that on the scariest day of the year.  Right?

Not all tobacco tins include a lot of detail about what is actually in the tin.  My tin of Haunted Bookshop included the following statement written on the label.  “Another of the late Bob Runowski’s blends, named in honor of the famous novel written by Christopher Morley, Haunted Bookshop is a Burley and Virginia blend with just a touch of Perique”.  This “touch” of Perique is what I believe makes Haunted Bookshop a special blend for me.

As I have noticed in a few of the VA/Per blends I’ve tried, my palette just isn’t too keen on Perique.  Especially where the Perique is front and center or equal with the other tobacco.   With Haunted Bookshop (as stated on the tin and what my experience has been) the Perique is very much in the backseat and doesn’t overpower the Virginia and Burley.

Due to the fact that I only just opened this tin a few days before Halloween, I’ve only smoked two bowls and both have been in a briar.  But I have no doubt that Haunted Bookshop will smoke just as well in a cob.  I’m looking forward to smoking more bowls and then trying a few of the other Perique blends I initially didn’t care for and see if this will help my palette.  Of course, I suppose there’s always the approach of just rip the band-aid off and just smoke the heck out of the stronger Perique blends until either I begin to enjoy it or eventually just give up and say Perique is just not my cup of tea.

In any event, I have enjoyed this blend (even with just two bowls under my belt) and look forward to more.  Due to the less than desirable room note (according to my wife), this one will need to be a man-cave or outdoor smoke.  But that’s fine as I have plenty of different aromatic blends I can enjoy along with the company of my wife.

TobaccoReviews.com

https://www.tobaccoreviews.com/blend/1572/cornell-diehl-haunted-bookshop

As always, thank you for taking the time to read this review.  What are your opinions on Haunted Bookshop?  Please leave a comment below.

Until next time,

Happy Smoking!

Jerry

October 31, 2019 by Pipe Smoking 0

Lane Limited RLP-6

As with all my reviews, the opinions expressed are 100% my own and your mileage may vary.  The tobacco being reviewed has been purchase by myself and I’ve personally smoked several bowls, in various pipes before writing this review.  I’ve also linked the TobaccoReviews.com review for your cross reference.

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Photo Info:  Lane Limited RLP-6 Pipe Tobacco, Roadtown Bent Dublin, Pipe Nail, Kiribi Kabuto Short Pipe Lighter, Northwest Gentlemen Bison Leather Tobacco Mat.  Photo by MyPipeLife

Pipes Used: Briar, Cob, Clay
Age When Smoked: New
Purchased From: TobaccoPipes.com

Strength – Mild
Taste – Mild
Flavoring – Mild
Room Note – Pleasant
Tin Note – Vanilla, Molasses
Rating – ***

My Review

Lane Limited RLP-6 is (at this time) my second favorite aromatic blend.  Probably no surprise since I enjoy 1-Q so much.  This is another one of those blends that my wife really enjoys the room note while smoking and to be honest, this is important.  While I can always go outside and smoke my pipe, the winters in Colorado can be a bit on the BRRRRR side so having plenty of blends I can smoke which do not offend my wife is always a good thing.

The more blends I experience, the more I’m realizing exactly what I like and what I don’t care for.  Notice I said, “what I don’t care for”.  Lane RLP-6 has all my favorite tobacco types including Virginia, Cavendish, Black Cavendish and Burley.  RLP-6 often becomes an all day smoke for me if I’m just too lazy to go to my cellar to pick something else out.

If you read the reviews (which I’ve linked to below) you’ll see a lot of comparisons of RLP-6 to Captain Black White.  Some entries state that RLP-6 is the same as CBW without the additives.  For the record, I’ve not had the opportunity to try CBW.  So I can’t comment one way or the other.  However, most of what I’ve read all indicate that that RLP-6 (because it lacks all the additives included in CBW) is a better smoke.  But of course, your mileage may vary.

My experience with RLP-6 has always been very positive.  As I’ve already mentioned, the room note is pleasant so this means not only can I smoke this blend in my home, I also include this blend in my rotation anytime I’m going to be out smoking near the public.  I also find RLP-6 to be a consistent smoke all the way down to the bottom of the bowl.

Like Lane 1-Q, I especially recommend RLP-6 for beginner pipe smokers or anyone who is looking for a low nicotine smoking experience.  If you haven’t had the opportunity to try Lane Limited RLP-6, give it a try.  I think you’ll enjoy it, especially if you enjoy 1-Q.

TobaccoReviews.com

https://www.tobaccoreviews.com/blend/682/lane-limited-rlp-6

Thank you for taking the time to read this review.  I’d love to hear your thoughts on this particular blend.  Please leave a comment below.

Until next time…

Happy Smoking!

Jerry

October 25, 2019 by Pipe Smoking 0

Velvet

As with all my reviews, the opinions expressed are 100% my own and your mileage may vary.  The tobacco being reviewed has been purchase by myself and I’ve personally smoked several bowls, in various pipes before writing this review.  I’ve also linked the TobaccoReviews.com review for your cross reference.

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Photo Info:  Velvet Pipe Tobacco, Kaywoodie model 51 Standard, Czech Pipe Tool, Zippo Lighter with Thunderbird butane insert, Northwest Gentlemen Bison Leather Tobacco Mat, My Grandfathers WWII Dog Tags.  Photo by TheSaintlyCatholic

Pipes Used: Briar, Cob
Age When Smoked: New
Purchased From: Local Store (OTC)

Strength – Mild
Taste – Mild
Flavoring – Mild
Room Note – As if my Grandfather was in the room
Tin Note – Burley, Liquor
Rating – ***

My Review

I’ll be honest, I was concerned.  While I purchased both Velvet and Half & Half from my local “Smoker Friendly” store, I honestly had no expectation that I would truly enjoy either of these blends.  I considered it a punt just to get an alternative experience.  While I’ve been smoking a pipe for over a year, I still consider myself very much a rookie.  Especially when it relates to tobacco.

I know my grandfather smoked a pipe.  I remember he had a small, round pipe stand.  In the middle was a glass humidor/container which stored his tobacco.  While I remember exactly which cigarettes he smoked (Chesterfield), I don’t recall which brand of pipe tobacco he smoked.  At least I didn’t until recently.

I picked up the Velvet (and Half & Half) a few weeks ago.  Both pouches sat on my desk in my man-cave and remained in the cellophane wrappers.   As I’ve talked about in a few of my recent YouTube YTPC videos, my house for the past several weeks has been a construction zone as well as an oven.  The mess made in the kitchen ceiling by the leak in the upstairs master bathroom has finally been fully repaired.  And the upstairs AC unit which went out and left us with no AC in the upstairs portion of the house for six days (over Labor Day weekend) has also been repaired.  As I’m typing out this article, my wife and I have enjoyed just a little over 72 hours of absolute peace.

While I’ve certainly been “choochin” (I just love that word) on a few different blends during this ordeal, I wanted to wait until the world slowed down enough where I could truly sit back, relax, clear my mind and enjoy (or try).  But as I stated above, I considered this a punt and I honestly had the expectation that I wouldn’t like Velvet.  My assumption?  Well simply that it would be much, much stronger than what I was used to smoking and the nicotine hit would leave my head spinning.  After all…Velvet is a codger blend!

However, my experience couldn’t have been further from my expectation.  I honestly and absolutely enjoyed Velvet so much that as soon as one bowl was finished, I cranked up a second.  I’ve never done that before.  Everything about Velvet is as smooth as the name implies.

I smoked Velvet over a few days and each time I was in my basement mancave.  Today when I walked into the room I experienced something wonderful.  Instantly….I was carried back in time some 40 years and the room note left behind from having smoked several bowls of only Velvet over a few days instantly reminded me of my grandfathers smoking room.  I sat down in my chair and closed my eyes and for a few minutes I was a little boy and my grandfather was near me smoking his pipe.

Last year when I returned to pipe smoking after a 25+/- year hiatus, I absolutely had no notion (perceived or otherwise) that smoking a pipe would have the power to reconnect me to not only my past…but reconnect me to a man who I dearly miss and truly admire, my grandfather.  As I’ve now lived longer without my grandfather in my life (31 years since his passing), there’s never a day that I’m not reminded of him in some subtle way.  If we on earth are granted guardian angels to look over us and protect us, my grandfather is mine.

Now before I close this out, there’s a reason why I published this review about Velvet when I did.  Just a few days ago, 11 September would have been my grandfather’s 99th birthday.  While I can’t be 100% certain Velvet was the blend of pipe tobacco he smoked, it was the blend which triggered the memory I described and well…that’s good enough for me.  So while I’m writing this a few days before his birthday, I’ll be certain to head down to my mancave on Wednesday, 11 September and smoke a pipe in memory of my grandfather.  Of course, 11 September is also the day in which we honor and reflect on the memories of all the brave men and women who lost their lives 18 years ago in NYC, Washington DC and Shanksville, PA along with the slaughter of our US Ambassador Christopher Stevens, Sean Smith, Tyrone Woods and Glen Doherty in 2012.  Since 2001, it’s always been difficult for my family to truly celebrate the life of my grandfather on a day which is somber.  But I’m reminded of the fact that my grandfather was truly a patriot and loved his country and loved the State of Texas.

TobaccoReviews.com

https://www.tobaccoreviews.com/blend/1269/scandinavian-tobacco-group-stg-velvet

As always, thank you all so much for reading.  Make sure to follow me on Twitter, Instagram and drop me a sub on YouTube.  Thank you!

Until next time…

Happy Piping!

Jerry

September 13, 2019 by Pipe Smoking 0

Missouri Meerschaum American Patriot

As with all my reviews, the opinions expressed are 100% my own and your mileage may vary.  The tobacco being reviewed has been purchase by myself and I’ve personally smoked several bowls, in various pipes before writing this review.  I’ve also linked the TobaccoReviews.com review for your cross reference.

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Photo Info:  Missouri Meerschaum American Patriot Pipe Tobacco, Missouri Meerschaum Little Devil Acorn Pipe, Czech Pipe Tool, Kiribi Kabuto Short Pipe Lighter, Northwest Gentlemen Bison Leather Tobacco Mat.  Photo by TheSaintlyCatholic

Pipes Used: Briar, Cob
Age When Smoked: New
Purchased From: SmokingPipes.com

Strength – Medium
Taste – Medium
Flavoring – Mild, but good
Room Note – Pleasant
Tin Note – Smoky, Bourbon
Rating – ****
Cellared – No

My Review

I heard about Missouri Meerschaum American Patriot from watching a review given by Martin aka Over A Pipe.  During his review video, Martin was discussing the similarities of MM American Patriot to that of Frog Morton Cellar by McClelland.  As most should know McClelland Tobacco has closed shop and the likelihood of getting my hands on any Frog Morton Cellar is pretty much slim to none.  Being the “American Patriot” guy that I am, I figured I would try this and ordered a 1.5 oz. pouch from SmokingPipes.com.

MM American Patriot is only the second English type blend I’ve tried with the first being the Sutliff Crumble Kake English #1 which I reviewed a few weeks ago.  As a matter of fact, I recently recorded a video response in an effort of entering a “Give A Way” (GAW) being organized by The Blue Line Pipe to celebrate his 200th sub.  During this video, it was a toss-up in the 3rd spot of my favorite tobacco blends between the Sutliff Crumble Kake and MM American Patriot.  The MM American Patriot did win out and I’m very much enjoying smoking this blend.

For my first smoke with this blend I chose the new Missouri Meerschaum Little Devil Acorn “Little Devil Anse” pipe I had also ordered at the same time with this tobacco.  Being a fan of the Kevin Costner, Hatfields and McCoys movie, I do hope to one day add a briar replica of the pipe he used in the movie.  One day I’m sure I will.  But I digress…

Right from the pouch and into the pipe, the tobacco fired right up.  The blend of Virginia, burley, cavendish and latakia all seemed to work in harmony together and was a pleasant smoking experience.  Despite the whiskey tin note, unfortunately it isn’t detectable during the smoke.

Much like the Sutliff Crumble Kake, I did detect some spice further down the bowl.  I would say initially the sweetness of the Virginias and cavendish eventually transitioned to a bit of spice.  It was a very nice experience.  I’ve smoked MM American Patriot several more times since the first experience.  While I’ve smoked this in both cob and briar pipes, I believe it works best in a cob.

While I still very much prefer aromatic tobacco, I believe American Patriot could be something I will keep on hand when I want a change of pace.

TobaccoReviews.com

https://www.tobaccoreviews.com/blend/7935/missouri-meerschaum-american-patriot

Thank you for taking the time to read this review.  I’d love to hear your thoughts on this particular blend.  Please leave a comment below.   Also, make sure you follow me on Twitter, Instagram and drop me a sub on YouTube.  Thank you!

Until next time…

Happy Piping!

Jerry

August 23, 2019 by Pipe Smoking 0

Sutliff Crumble Kake English #1

As with all my reviews, the opinions expressed are 100% my own and your mileage may vary.  The tobacco being reviewed has been purchase by myself and I’ve personally smoked several bowls, in various pipes before writing this review.  I’ve also linked the TobaccoReviews.com review for your cross reference.

Pipes Used: Briar, Cob
Age When Smoked: New
Purchased From: TobaccoPipes.com

Strength – Medium
Taste – Medium
Flavoring – None detected
Room Note – Pleasant to Tolerable
Tin Note – Smoky, Earthy
Rating – ****
Cellared – Not yet

More Details

While I was out of the country on vacation, I had heard about the Sutliff Virtual Pipe Club (VPC).  Actually the very day I heard about it was the very last day one could sign up to be included in the July offering.  Actually I even believed I had missed the boat on July as just after signing up, I received an email from Sutliff stating that registration had closed on the first meeting and I would need to wait until October.  But much to my surprise, on the 29th of July I received another email from Sutliff stating it was “Last Call” to take advantage of the July offer.  So lucky me!

The way the Sutliff VPC works is really simple.  You sign up on their website to enter the pipe club.  It’s 100% free to join.  A few times a year (perhaps quarterly?) the virtual meeting is held and members will receive an email regarding how to take advantage of the discounted selected tobacco.  The sell and distribution of the tobacco is handled through TobaccoPipes.com which has been my “go to” online tobacco retailer of choice for some time.  You simply place your order for the VPC tobacco (in July it was Sutliff Crumble Kake English #1) and enter a coupon code which is provided in an email from Sutliff.  This dropped the price of the 1.5 ounce tin to $3.00 plus s/h.  As I had other tobacco items I needed, I was able to combine to maximize my overall savings.

My Review

I want to make clear that while I smoked many pipes 25-30 years ago, I never really bothered to educate myself on the true art of pipe smoking.  Back then, I was more concerned with whether the pipe I was using was authentic to the period (US Civil War) and would smoke whatever tobacco I could get at the time.  You can read more about my return to pipe smoking here.

Anyway, I’ve been wanting to broaden my experience of various blends of tobacco since returning to pipe smoking.  For over a year now I’ve been absolutely happy with a couple of different aromatics (including Lane 1-Q) which is in my tobacco rotation.  But I know there is so much out there and while I know there’s no way I can sample it all, having an opportunity to try something new in this fashion was certainly worth the gamble.  Of course, I’m looking forward to receiving my first Tin Society package (hopefully this week) as that will help introduce me to new blends on a monthly basis.  Anyway, let me get on with this review….

This was my first English blend since returning to pipe smoking.  The tin of Sutliff Crumble Kake English #1 arrived in the mail on Thursday, 1 August.  I couldn’t wait to get home, open the tin and smoke my first bowl.  Upon cracking the seal of the tin and giving it the nose test, I was taken back to 30 years ago when I smoked non-aromatics.  My nose detected a smoky, earthy smell and after more than a minute or so my wife asked me if I planned to smoke it or just smell the inside of the tin.  I explained to her that this was the first non-aromatic tobacco I’ve had under my nose in over 30 years and I wanted to cherish the moment.  But likewise I was also anxious to pack my pipe and smoke it.

Likewise, this was also the first crumble cake style tobacco I’ve experienced.  Ever!  I broke off a section of the cake and began to break it up on my leather tobacco mat.  Right out of the tin the moisture level was similar to other tobaccos I have in my rotation.  The tobacco packed well in my pipe and with the charring light out of the way, I proceeded with the true light while giving my pipe some good, strong puffs.  The smoke was thick and hung in the air much different from other blends I frequently smoke.

To my taste buds, the flavors I was getting mostly matched the tin note with a smoky, earthy, woody taste.  I immediately noticed the difference between this and several of the aromatics in my regular rotation.  Of course this is a good thing and what this is all about.  I did have to perform a few relights but this may have been more to do with my slower cadence and my desire to truly take this moment in.

A really interesting thing occurred about half way through the first bowl.  I began tasting a bit of a spicy flavor which I had never experienced before.  Even after smoking a few more bowls over the next couple of days, this spicy flavor doesn’t seem to be noticeable until about half way through the bowl.   But this is a blend which is enjoyable all the way down to the last burning ember.

My overall impression of Sutliff Crumble Kake English #1 is very positive.  I scored it four out of four stars and for now, this will go into my rotation and be my main English style tobacco.  The nicotine hit was only slightly more than I’ve experienced before but wore off quickly.  While I wouldn’t consider this an all day smoke (for my personal tastes), it is something I’ll return to again and soon.

TobaccoReviews.com

https://www.tobaccoreviews.com/blend/11717/sutliff-tobacco-company-crumble-kake-english-1

Thank you for taking the time to read this review.  I’d love to hear your thoughts on this particular tobacco.  Please leave me a comment below.

Until next time…

Happy Piping!

Jerry

August 9, 2019 by Pipe Smoking 0

Ole Shenandoah Summer Berry Brandy

As with all my reviews, the opinions expressed are 100% my own and your mileage may vary.  The tobacco being reviewed has been purchase by myself and I’ve personally smoked several bowls, in various pipes before writing this review.  I’ve also linked the TobaccoReviews.com review for your cross reference.

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Pipes Used: Briar, Cob
Age When Smoked: New
Purchased From: TobaccoPipes.com

Strength – Mild
Taste – Mild
Flavoring – Medium
Room Note – Very Pleasant
Tin Note – A Berry Melody
Rating – ****
Cellared – Yes

My Review

I first learned about Ole Shenandoah Summer Berry Brandy (formerly known as Ole Shenandoah Appalachian Berry) a few weeks ago.  At the time, it wasn’t available at any of the online tobacconists I purchase from but I was recently notified it was back in stock, so I placed my order for a single tin along with a few additional items.

While my preference is typically a vanilla aromatic, I’ve been looking for a quality alternative and one that would go well with a glass of wine.  In addition, I also wanted something to classify as seasonal and well…”Summer Berry Brandy” does tick all the boxes.

Upon receiving the tin of tobacco, I grabbed the first coin I could find to pop the seal and twist open the lid.  I gave it the nose test and was greeted with a nice aroma of berries.  I couldn’t pick out a specific berry smell, but rather what I’ll refer to as a “Berry Melody” which I think is certainly the intended result.  I immediately transferred the tobacco into a clean Mason jar and proceeded to the deck for my first smoke of the day.

As some heavily aromatic blends have been a wet, sticky mess right out of the tin this was not the case with Ole Shenandoah Summer Berry Brandy.  I pinched out a few grams from the jar and placed it on my leather tobacco mat.  I soon realized it was pretty much ready to smoke right out of the tin and would require no drying time.

After packing my pipe with the Shenandoah Summer Berry Brandy tobacco, I performed the charring light followed by a light tamping then the true light.  I had no problems keeping the pipe lit and it was a pleasant smoke all the way to the end.  Over the next few days, I enjoyed Shenandoah Summer Berry Brandy in both my briar and cob variety of pipes and enjoyed each and every puff.

The strength and taste of the tobacco was mild and the overall taste of the berries was subtle.  Even after I had finished smoking the first bowl, I could faintly smell the berries but didn’t have the after-taste left in my mouth.  According to my wife, the room note is one of the nicest of my collection of tobaccos.

In my opinion, this is a “Berry” Good Tobacco and has certainly earned a place in my summer season rotation of tobaccos.  If you care to read through and compare the reviews for this tobacco on TobaccoReviews.com, a link has been provided below.

TobaccoReviews.com

https://www.tobaccoreviews.com/blend/10751/ole-shenandoah-summer-brandy-berry-appalachian-berry

Thank you for taking the time to read this review.  I’d love to hear your thoughts on this particular tobacco.  Please leave me a comment below.

Until next time…

Happy Smoking!

Jerry

July 31, 2019 by Pipe Smoking 0