Tobaccos Robert Lewis - 123 Mixture

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	JimInks (3023)	2013-10-20		Medium	None Detected	Medium	Pleasant to Tolerable

The richness of the lightly sweet and sour, earthy, woody, vegetative, mildly floral, smoky, herbal cigar leaf is very ably supported by other components, though it's overly cigar-forward blend. There's a light brown sugar sweetness from the black cavendish in the background for a smoothing essence. The lightly spicy, woody, herbal, floral, dry, slightly sour Orientals provides an undercurrent of flavor. The Cyprian Latakia is lightly added, but offers a little smoke, earth, wood and sweetness for further balance and complexity. The Virginia acts a well cured base for the other ingredients with grassy, woodsy, tart and tangy citrusy characteristics. The strength and taste levels are medium. The nic-hit is n the center of mild to medium. Won't bite or get harsh. It burns cool and clean at a reasonable rate with a fairly consistent taste. Leaves little dampness in the bowl, and requires an average number of relights. Has a pleasantly lightly lingering after taste and the room note is a step stronger. Not quite an all day smoke, it is best served in a pipe with a wide bowl to capture all the nuances this blend has to serve you.

-JimInks

18 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	SteelCowboy (685)	2010-11-25		Medium	Extremely Mild	Medium	Pleasant to Tolerable

Robert Lewis' 123 Mixture is one of my favorite cigar leaf blends. This blend has seems to have less of the cigar leaf than blends like Robusto, Stogie or Key Largo, but I find the flavor more rich, deeper and polished (if that can be said about tobacco) in flavor than those other blends. The cigar leaf IMHO is more of a supporting player in the 123 Mixture. The flavor bouquet is very rounded with the addition of cavendish adding a slight bit of underlying sweetness. In a tobacco world filled with lots of English choices, 123 Mixture's flavor profile is unique. Recommended.

17 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Emeritus Account (30125)	2011-12-14		Mild to Medium	None Detected	Medium	Pleasant

First I'd like to say on the whole I really love this blend, it's one of my favorites. As an occasional cigar smoker I can't really taste much of the cigar leaf, but what is there is maybe more a "hint" or "note" rather than to flavor the blend. If I had it my way there might be a bit more, but if you go into it knowing it's not a predominate flavor and take it for what it is you should enjoy it just fine.

It loads very well into the bowl and burns consistently and evenly. It has a great creamy quality to the smoke with a really nice, almost sweet taste on the finish. The latakia in this blend isn't overwhelming either. Overall I'd say this is a really smooth, even blend. I'd recommend it highly as it's one of my favorite smokes.

11 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	King Weed (228)	2016-06-23		Medium	None Detected	Medium to Full	Pleasant

I may have smoked this on rare occasion during the Fox era but don't remember it prior to that. The blend I am reviewing is the Kohlhase and Kopp variant. You know; the one with the semicircle sticker on the bottom of the tin lid covering the admonition "smoking kills"! Moving right along, let's get one thing out of the way. I have smoked Pease's Robusto and most of the other cigar leaf containing blends mentioned in these reviews and none of them smoke like 123 Mixture. For the most part, I have found them to smoke rather flat with a narrower range of aromas and tastes than this blend and less sweetly. 123 Mixture is first and foremost an English blend that happens to have a small amount of cigar leaf content. My first reaction to it was, wow, is this ever a fine medium range English blend. Then I remembered that it was supposed to be a cigar leaf blend and I began to search for it. I found it, ok, but that is not nearly as important as the overall smoking profile of this blend - sweet, rich and satisfying. 123 is a wonderful English blend with the added plus of some cigar leaf all married beautifully in the tin and that equals four stars.

Pipe Used: Jacono 4 square and Bonacquisti chubby billiards

Age When Smoked: 2 yrs old

Purchased From: Pipes and Pleasures, Columbus, OH

Similar Blends: 965 or Balkan Sobranie Mixture (Germain) with a small amount of cigar leaf added.

9 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	meerkat (64)	2012-07-18		Medium	Very Mild	Medium to Full	Pleasant

There is a definite sweetness here as well as a cigar like spicy mustiness. Latakia fills in the gaps but doesn't dominate. The flavour is layered and interesting but never over-taxing. The smoke is smooth and cool; 'creamy' is an often overused adjective in describing some tobaccos but I think it is genuinely applicable here.

I could smoke this all day with ease and continuous pleasure.

6 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	StevieB (2076)	2017-12-10		Medium to Strong	None Detected	Medium to Full	Pleasant

Robert Lewis - 123 Mixture.

An early review I'm redoing.

The smoke isn't consumed by the cigar leaf. This often deters me from blends with cigar leaf, if I want my smoke to taste like a cigar I'll have a cigar! Similarly, if I want ice-cream I'll have a bowl of it, I'd be reticent about bunging a spoonful in my jug of gravy!

The cigar leaf tastes rich, but doesn't dry the smoke out. I get a heady flavour from the Turkish, it gives the smoke a fragrance, and prevents the cigar leaf from cartelizing and hogging it. I'd say the Turkish is the leading taste. The Cyprian Latakia has a slightly aromatic, sharp-peppery flavour, and is notable with ease. The Virginia and black Cavendish are the lighter of the ingredients, unlike the rest, these require looking for. 123 burns cool, maybe a little fast, and doesn't bite.

Nicotine: medium to strong. Room-note: pleasant.

Robert Lewis 123 Mixture? Unusual compared to other cigar leaf blends. Unusual, but an anomaly I'll happily keep in my cellar! Highly recommended:

Four stars.

Pipe Used: Barling Meer'

Age When Smoked: New

Purchased From: G.Q. Tobaccos

5 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Pipestud (1829)	2015-03-02		Medium	None Detected	Medium	Pleasant

I have heard a lot about this blend and wanted to give it a try as the reports were very good. And so was this blend! I actually detected the fine cigar leaf (Cuban grown according to the descriptive), and the other components stayed in the background while lending support. Exceptional stuff!

Pipestud

5 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Briar Piper (89)	2018-11-19		Medium	None Detected	Full	Pleasant to Tolerable

Far from a mild or medium english, this is a full english blend with plenty of latakia. The cigar leaf is closer to what you would taste in a cigar, not a damp, mushroomy blend like pure caribe. Has the same pleasant aftertaste that I get from an ashton maduro cigar. A hint of cedar within a scottish blend. As original as it gets, and a blender's masterpiece. This stuff is mighty tasty, and as good as any dunhill offering. In fact, I daresay that this blend, for many smokers might become their number 1. The room note is much more tolerable for non-smokers than most other latakia blends. This made my regular rotation along with tree mixture. Now that dunhill is gone, and only 965 is available under the old dublin label from peterson, Robert Lewis sure has some good replacements to turn to.

The most complex pipe tobacco that I have tried, this is in the same category as 965.

Pipe Used: peterson. castello

Purchased From: Several retailers

Similar Blends: Dunhill 965, Old Dublin, Black Mallory.

4 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	PipesterJim (47)	2013-08-05		Mild to Medium	Very Mild	Mild	Pleasant

Ah, so you want to try a cigar leaf blend? Well, seeing as you can't get the vaunted Pease or McClelland offerings here in the UK you're going to have to try something different.

My recommendation is to purchase a tin of the excellent Squadron Leader and a decent medium weight Cuban cigar. A Montecristo No 4 is ideal, you don't want anything too mild or the flavour will get lost. Take enough SL for a couple of bowls and put it in a jar, then take your cigar and use a cigar cutter to slice off a few discs of around 1mm thickness. How much is up to you...I usually go for around 1/6 or 1/5 the volume of pipe tobacco. Experiment and adjust to suit your taste and mood. Put the lid on the jar and give it a good shake to mix the components, then load up your pipe and enjoy.

I guarantee you, the result will be a darn sight better than the insipid 123 Mixture from Robert Lewis.

Sure, it ain't a cheap option and some folks might say it is a waste of a good Cuban cigar. Personally, I prefer to see it as getting the most out of my investment...one good cigar will last you for many, many bowls of tobacco!

4 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	LannarkGent (145)	2019-08-19		Mild to Medium	None Detected	Mild to Medium	Pleasant

This is a mild to medium smoke with cigar leaf, apparently from Cuban seed. The flavor is complex , with an almost Connecticut Wrapper Cigar flavor, splashed with a fi e Virginia flavor. Mild, yet complex, the blend stays complex to the end, as the bowl warms up . Its flavor profile seems to better revealed with a slightly larger bowl. The rich grassy, and wet flavors with an occasional taste of brown sugar with a touch of spice. The cigar leaf becomes more noticeable as the smoke progresses, adding a degree of seniority and fullness to an already rich flavor Highly reccomended.

Pipe Used: savinelli Hercules 803 ex

Age When Smoked: new

Purchased From: Indian River Tobacco Traders

3 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Mr. Motoyoshi (68)	2015-05-21		Mild to Medium	None Detected	Medium to Full	Tolerable

The man behind the counter in Kikusui, a tobacconist in Ginza, recommended this tin when I told him that I was a fan of English blends. When he told me that it had actual Cuban cigar leaf in it, my interest was piqued.

Smells like a stout latakia blend out of the tin. And there is a boldness about it and I think that the cigar leaf aids in this. Despite having it, it smells almost nothing like a cigar. Color is mostly dark with scattered shreds of light VA and orientals. The cut is very fine and almost shag like if not an extremely thin ribbon.

Truly a masterfully crafted blend. Smokey Latakia, sweet VAs and Cavendish with tangy Orientals and the cigar leaf underneath all of this lays the Cigar leaf. It adds a boldness to the smoke but in no way is it too aggressive. Something I've found is that blends that are made with cigar leaf tend to never actually taste like a cigar (that honor goes to the BurPers from C&D in my experience). To me, this is what My Mixture 965 should be. But with less Cavendish and the addition of the cigar leaf, you get a very well orchestrated cornucopia of flavors.

I would recommend opening the tin and leaving it in a mason jar if you are not a fan of spicy English blends. After a few months it gets so smooth it's almost like dark chocolate covered fruit. It reminded me very much of Skiff Mixture that was 10+ years old. This blends also needs a relatively large bowl to express itself. Too small and the interplay between all the components is lost. I don't find myself smoking too much English/Latakia/Balkans recently but I cannot deny my fondness of this blend.

Pipe Used: mortas, meers and briars

Similar Blends: Samuel Gawith - Skiff Mixture (a very aged version), Dunhill - My Mixture 965.

3 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	AJS2323 (32)	2021-04-04		Medium	None Detected	Full	Tolerable

I thought I would give this a try. It was a bit of a random purchase whilst browsing online. I do not regret this decision. I enjoy English blends because they have a good depth of flavour and they tend to have a complex flavour profile. I figured that this one having cigar leaf it would be a bit different. The tin note is very pleasant and sweet. Not like other English blends, not grass/fermented sweet. It’s hard to put my finger on it, but it’s pleasant.

As with the majority of English blends, this tobacco tastes like it smells. Nice sweet flavour profile that is consistent throughout the bowl. It burns very cool and with little if any moisture. You can of course taste the latakia, it is very distinct but there is a flavour that I have not experienced before and I am thinking that this would be the cigar. It’s not as pronounced as cedar wood but it is earthy and woody. It’s a nice after taste to the Latakia. They compliment each other well.

This actually would be a good beginner blend for people that have not experienced English blends, it would be a good tobacco for new pipe smokers. It behaves well and remains lit.

Pipe Used: Missouri meerschaum

Age When Smoked: New

Purchased From: My smoking shop

2 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Prof. Lewis (7)	2018-01-02		Medium	None Detected	Medium	Pleasant

When I first smoked this Tobacco, I didn't think that much of it just a pretty nice English, and a little pricey for what you get. I took the advice of some on this site and aged it 6 months in a small sealed mason jar. The result: it was unbelievably smooth - I don't know what component(s) delivered that flavour, possibly the cigar leaf with the Virginia/Cavendish but it was like the best brandy in smoke form. I know it is a little expensive and it is weird to buy something and age it six months but it was totally worth it.

Pipe Used: Various Briars

Age When Smoked: 6 months

Purchased From: Cup O' Joes

2 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Emeritus Account (30125)	2013-08-07		Medium	None Detected	Full	Tolerable

A refined blend, one of the last remaining cigar leaf blends of European origin, and indeed a fine one - comparing this to the cheap-filler non-Cuban "cigar" blends from across the ocean, I do feel a pity for the fellow-smokers from the States - some of them have obviously forgotten how a true cigar leaf blend smells and tastes - discreet, medium-bodied and satisfactorily layered - not cheap, but worth it

2 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Emeritus Account (30125)	2005-11-21		Medium to Strong	None Detected	Mild	Unnoticeable

On a recent trip to Uhle?s, Milwaukee, my piper friend picked up a tin curious from reading all the accolades at this website. This is a blend truly deserving of the high praise it receives. It?s a full English with cigar leaf. I?ve had a couple of other cigar blends but was not impressed. Wilke?s Churchill, though excellent in flavor, takes its physical toll on me as it burns and closes my throat. Iwan Ries?s crushed plug with cigar almost killed me with fits of choking and gagging. McClelland?s Domenican Glory maduro cigar offering is impossible to keep lit, as it?s dominated by sweet Virginias. On the other hand, 123 makes up for all the bad experimentation in attempting to marry pipe with cigar tobacco. This is a carefully balanced English with just the right amount of cigar leaf adding condimental perfection. It?s a smoky, spicy, peaty blend, with all the elements coming fairly into play and none overpowering the other. It?s the only pipe/cigar mixture that works harmoniously, and I will continue to enjoy this fine blend. I?m curious to try other Robert Lewis offerings over time.

Four of five stars ------------------ update november 2005

like dunhill, iwan ries three star & others, something has happened here. this is now an outsourced tin of turd. tin aroma is grassy & mossy like 965 or standard mild mixture, but without that dunhillian smokiness & none of the elegance. the cigar leaf has been castrated from the blend; there is none in here. this is no longer an english blend, but rather, an english hybrid made by dann or kolhasse in germany. the tin has changed & so has the contents within. aromatically it's wingfield; in taste it's flat, insipid & boring. oh, i forgot, metrosexualism has all but banned smoking in england, and america is not far behind. requiescat in pace, robert lewis.

one of five stars

2 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Steerpike (150)	2022-12-25		Mild to Medium	None Detected	Full	Very Pleasant

This is a lovely blend, which ticks my boxes of Orientals and Latakia, with a difference thanks to the cigar leaf included. This addition seemed like a gimmick when I read about it, but I bought a tin anyway and glad I did. I can't bring to mind any other mixtures with cigar leaf I've tried, I do enjoy a cigar on occasion but never thought of it as a pipe tobacco ingredient. In this case, it's a subtle component, blended with art to play a role alongside the more usual suspects in such a blend - it sets it apart from other English mixtures, without seeming in any way incongruous.

It looks like the usual English mixture - a ribbon cut mix of mid tan to black leaf, no pressed material that I can find, with a fair bit of stem. Aroma in the tin is of spice, smoke, toast with a hint of muscovado sweetness and a suggestion of creosote. Any aroma of the cigar leaf is overwhelmed by the Orientals and Latakia, and the freshly opened tin has the hint of fresh yeast which so often marks a fine mixture in my experience.

It is easy to pack and light, one match does the trick towards the end of the tin when it's a little drier. The flavour leaps out at the touch of the flame, smokey and toasty and the cigar flavour is present as a subtle note alongside. A cedarwood incense like flavour appears as the smoke progresses, and the room aroma is splendid. The smoke is softened by the Cavendish but I think there's only a touch of it - it's a full flavour and not sweet. A dry spice and smoke flavour grows in the smoke, evoking leather, wood fires, and autumn leaves. The flavours do vary pleasantly as the bowl of tobacco is consumed, not always in a linear progression but stepping from spicy to dry and back again.

It's not the most potent in terms of nicotine, but it satisfies. The flavour is fairly full, complex and enjoyable. It rewards some peaceful time with the pipe and no distractions to get the most from it, but it's lovely to have on the go when out for a stroll or the like. I'll get it again.

Pipe Used: Briars, meers.

Age When Smoked: New

1 person found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Kokinhenik (93)	2020-02-10		Mild to Medium	None Detected	Mild to Medium	Tolerable

A very well balanced blend. Other reviews have pegged it well. Its light on the cigar and light on Latakia. If you're comparing to other cigar blends and looking for a strong cigar presence, keep on moving. This is really light in that regard. Its a very mellow blend. Probably the only cigar blend suited for the morning.

1 person found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Simon.c (20)	2019-02-28		Medium	None Detected	Medium	Pleasant to Tolerable

A really nice tobacco.

Very smooth and velvety smoke, quite dry. It's got a nice sweet and slightly spicy note to it that goes well with the smooth and creamy smoke, hints of wood (I'm guessing that's the cigar leaf). And just the right amount of smokiness from the latakia.

It smokes very cool and very well right out the tin. All in all a very good blend that I'm going to call the ERDM Choix Supreme of the pipe world.

Pipe Used: Falcon large chimney

Age When Smoked: New

Purchased From: GQ

1 person found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	renwardhoop (177)	2018-05-16		Strong	Strong	Full	Unnoticeable

I had a generous sample from the tobacconist on this one. Thought it might be another latakia bomb. It wasn't, but darned strong all the same.

The strength of this blend lies in the latakia and cigar leaf mix, a sharp combination, that comes across as rather dry, unlike the orcilla blend, the only other Robert Lewis tbacco I am familiar with. Not for the faint-hearted smoker this. If you don't like latakia and/or cigars then stay well away.

I enjoy a good upman cigar now and then, but they are so expensive I can't justify the expenditure except at say, Christmas or Birthday. But I am not entirely convinced that this blend has a great deal of cigar leaf in it, as it comes through only occasionally halfway through the bowl when the smokey effect of the latakia lessens a little.

Looking at the mixture itself there is no evidence of cigar leaf in there and is composed of dark and very light coloured strands (virginia ?). It's a little dry too and takes an awful lot of relights, which is surprising.

There is little room note, doesn't gas the lounge out and, surprisingly, no pipe ghost left behind on my briars, unlike something cheaper like St Bruno or Condor neither of which is really a million miles behind this. No, it's a little better than those two, and I suspect my new found liking of latakia hasn't risen to the heights of sophistication that is required to get the best out of this blend.

Certainly a complex blend then and one not entirely wasted on the likes of me, but no way could this be an all-day smoke or even a regular visitor to my bowls, but I am glad to have made it's acquaintance.

Pipe Used: All of them (briars)

Age When Smoked: New

Purchased From: Cgars

Similar Blends: SG's Perfection, Squadron Leader or skiff, most latakia based blends..

1 person found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Mr. Big (321)	2016-08-21		Medium	None Detected	Mild to Medium	Tolerable

If you're looking for "Cigar" flavor, this doesn't have it. If you're looking for a smooth , darker blend , then this is it. When it comes to the addition of cigar leaf, GLP's Key largo ( has too much for me), then McC's Dominican Glory Maduro ( nice, cigar noticeable ), then McC Black Sea Sokhoum ( nice ,only a touch of cigar) , then way down from those, 123 mixture ( hard to find the cigar leaf) .

Actually , if I wasn't looking for the cigar leaf , I'd just think of this blend as another "middle of the road" Balkan/English blend . It's smooth , dark, but lacks excitement and is fairly monochromatic.

By my rating system, this might get a 2 star, but I'll give it 3, as it is a perfectly acceptable smoke.

Pipe Used: cob and Maple

Age When Smoked: 1 month open

Similar Blends: McC's- Black Sea Sokhoum but not as interesting.

1 person found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Gestalt (20)	2016-03-30		Mild to Medium	None Detected	Mild	Tolerable

The predominant taste to my palate is of a mild, yet very good English blend with a lovely note of Havana cigar leaf weaving in and out of the other flavours. I’ve dedicated a pipe to this tobacco, and I think it helps me get the best out of it as it is quite nuanced.

I really like this blend. I haven't tried the J J Fox version so I can’t compare it to its earlier incarnation before being manufactured by Kohlhase & Kopp, but I can say I'm just glad it's still in production and still easily available in the UK. I think this blend deserves to be tried as there just aren't many Cigar Leaf blends around.

Pipe Used: Dedicated briar

Age When Smoked: Fresh and two years.

1 person found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Vic Lin (2)	2016-02-09		Medium	Very Mild	Very Full	Pleasant

This is my current favourite and daily pipe. Full taste with just enough strength. Can hardly feel the cigar leafs though. I recommend it to advanced pipe smokers.

1 person found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Cumarinophil (108)	2015-03-12		Medium	None Detected	Full	Strong

Robert Lewis 123 Mixture. The present offering is an outstanding change of pace among English/Balkan style Mixtures. A slight cigar note is present with first light. Subtle, pleasant and supportive, accomplished in a very harmonious way side by side with the other ingredients.

It is full of taste, handles well und is also smooth enough to be smoked right after breakfast. I found 123 to be a fine, elegant smoke, rather than the rustic, unsophisticated blend I expected. Very pleasant indeed, I will sure keep a tin within reach at all times.

Pipe Used: Various with and without filter

Age When Smoked: fresh

Purchased From: http://www.tecon-gmbh.de

1 person found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Emeritus Account (30125)	2011-08-02		Mild to Medium	None Detected	Mild to Medium	Pleasant to Tolerable

A few months back I bought several cigar leaf blends of tobacco from GL Pease; Robert Lewis; Fox and C&D and working my way through each of them.

Let me start by saying I adore RL's Tree mixture and its a great fall and winter smoke for me. I bought a tin of 123 Mixture and thought I'd enjoy the cigar flavor in the tobacco. I can say I detect little if any cigar flavor. I like full bodied cigars and pipe tobaccos and this one fails to deliver on that front.

Upon cracking the tin, its slightly moist and dries quickly. Flavor remains constant and the ash is very fine with little dottle left in the bowl. I agree with previous reviewers that this seems a bit more refined, but timidly so.

Its not a fave but I might buy a tin again if I run out of Key Largo!

1 person found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Emeritus Account (30125)	2006-09-14		Medium to Strong	None Detected	Medium to Full	Pleasant to Tolerable

I would like to thank "Pipeline" for mentioning this blend in his review of Dominican Glory Maduro.This is truly an excellent English blend with an enormous amt. of character.This is very hard to come by,but is worth the search.I opened the tin and immediately thought "Dunhill Durbar". The tin aroma is very similar to Durbar,yet somehow a little different.It has a distinct cigar note to it.The blend is a long, stringy,and moist.It packs well, and upon first light,one immediately senses the most rewarding cigar flavor.The blend is definitely English and has a fair amt. of Latakia, yet these 2 potent tobaccos meld together in a most harmonious way providing a full bodied rich smoke.It is superior to most of the cigar blends I have smoked including the wonderful "Churchill" by Wilke.It is a very expensive blend but well worth every penny.If you like cigars or English blends with a twist this might be for you.After dinner it makes a wonderful smoke.I purchased it at Uhles in Milwaukee and have been very satisfied. I hope all cigar loving pipesmokers give this one a whirl! ====================== Up date 9/14/06- This really turned Lousy in respects. A 13$ rip off. Kohlhase Kopp stuck again. Take a pass!Hot garbage in a tin with bad cigar leaf.

1 person found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	sasha (228)	2005-07-06		Mild to Medium	None Detected	Extremely Mild (Flat)	Pleasant

\This review is referred to the latest issue of this blend, now made by the german group Kolhase&Kopp. They make just one blend and then they sell it under different brand names: Astley's, Comoy, JJ Fox and now even Robert Lewis. If you smoke, for example, Astley's 99 and then JJ Fox Banker's you can't go wrong, it's exactly the same blend. Not that this is an horrible smoke, simply this mixtures share nothing with the original blends anymore.

1 person found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	maigret fan (76)	2014-06-12		Strong	None Detected	Very Full	Strong

I guess that is the first 'cigar leaf' pipe tobacco I smoke although I have decades of smoking!

I agree with the other reviews: a first-class English tobacco with the addition of cigar leaf gives something unique which must be experienced. Mind the room note may not please everybody!

Nobody has rated this review yet.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	PeterD (91)	2013-12-28		Medium	Extremely Mild	Mild to Medium	Pleasant to Tolerable

I rather enjoy this tobacco...as other reviews have noted R. Lewis tobaccos are being manufactured by another company and what I smoked back in the 60'-80's is somewhat different than what it is today...

However, overall this is a fine tobacco...somewhat complex and all the tobacco's work well together. Cigar leaf is present but not overly so...There is a sweetness that "works" throughout the bowl and is one of this tobacco's distinguishing characteristics...

I like this in a group 4 or larger bowl and it goes well with tea/coffee or single malt...

...a pipe is to be savored...

Pipe Used: Group 4 and Larger

Age When Smoked: 2 years

Purchased From: SmokingPipes.com

Nobody has rated this review yet.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Emeritus Account (30125)	2013-01-27		Medium	None Detected	Medium	Strong

If I enjoyed Tree Mixture, this 123 Mixture is simply gorgeous. The cigar leaf grants a freshness to the blend, making this one of a kind. It's an amazing tobacco, and would buy it more frequently if it was sold in Portugal.

Nobody has rated this review yet.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Emeritus Account (30125)	2011-09-04		Mild to Medium	None Detected	Medium	Pleasant to Tolerable

Very pleasant blend of Oriental and cigar leaf, latakia not prominent. I could happily smoke this any time of the day, everyday , would want a powerful latakia mix in reserve. Burns well , quite cool and slow , leaving a light grey ash , which taps out all in a piece

Nobody has rated this review yet.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Emeritus Account (30125)	2010-02-01		Medium	Medium	Medium	Pleasant to Tolerable

i enjoy cigar blended tobaccos this is more noticeable to both nose and palate than Fox Bankers. it seems to have a more complete finish and stays ful in the mouth longer. Arrived a little wet but dries nicely and does not change to the bottom of the bowl satisfying smoke

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	Emeritus Account (30125)	2009-10-10		Medium to Strong	None Detected	Medium to Full	Tolerable

i came across this blend by accident i wanted to buy an old dublin by petersons but the shop didnt have it and they offered me this one and i have to say this is one fine english blend with cigar flavour...it usually takes me 2 weeks to smoke a tin but i finished this one in a week..its that tasty..HIGHLY RECOMMENDED for english blend lovers.

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	Emeritus Account (30125)	2009-09-25		Medium	None Detected	Medium	Pleasant

Any lover of rich english blends should enjoy this flavourful blend.The cigar leaf is fairly up front mixing with grand orientals. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

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	Emeritus Account (30125)	2007-06-20		Medium	None Detected	Medium	Tolerable

123 Mixture is a nice, flavorful blend. The addition of the Havana leaf makes this one an interesting diversion from the ordinary Medium English.

If you're looking for something a little different from your usual smoke, give this a try. A bit on the pricey side but a solid 3 star blend.

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	Emeritus Account (30125)	2007-05-18		Medium	None Detected	Medium	Pleasant to Tolerable

This is a cool smoking and tasty blend indeed. The latakia content is very evident while the cigar leaf adds a nice, flavorful touch. Not overly wet or dry out of the tin, it burns clean and without re-lights. No noticible bite. Overall a very impressive blend.

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	Emeritus Account (30125)	2006-03-01		Mild to Medium	None Detected	Medium to Full	Pleasant

I have recently developed a taste for English blends with full bodied cigar leaf added. I have little to no experience with cigars, so I cannot relate to the claim of Cuban cigar flavour. This is an entertaining smoke where sweet Virginia leaf submits to the smooth & mellow Cuban leaf in a pleasing way for a smoking experience that builds as you burn it. Light & dark browns mix with near jet black in this ribbon cut mixture by Kohlhase & Kopp. A sweet bouquet drifts from the tin. Imported by Monjure, it speaks well of another German blend. The slightly acrid taste of the Virginia leads me to suspect that my tins have been sitting in a B&M for awhile - ignored by the masses. The only matter I would change would be to change the cut from fine to coarse. Also, I wonder what a good pressing would do for this already excellent blend. I recommend this blend to those seeking a rich tasting, slow burning smoking expreience.

Meerschaum Man Smoking a Yanik Inverted Skull

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	Emeritus Account (30125)	2005-08-12		Mild to Medium	Extremely Mild	Mild to Medium	Pleasant to Tolerable

The only time that I visited Germany was in 1974. In those days it was still 'East Germany' and 'West Germany'. When I was there, so long ago, I had a simply splendid time and even after all of these years have such fond memories of the place. I will always remember a beautiful classically-native hat that I bought (complete with a magnificently long adorning feather). Unfortunately I left that red felt hat--that Tyrolean treasure--on a train somewhere. Alas, like the train, let me move on. If you have read my previous reviews of German-made rope, you might recall that I am hardly fond of the stuff--the strongest downfall being the harshness that floods to the throat in aftertaste (quite signature). In '123 Mixture', a Robert Lewis offering, the harshness is there but it is less of an irritant than most DE weed. Beyond that, this tobacco is rather mild and does indeed (if puffed with care) have the nuances of a cigar. Having smoked a lot of Cuban cigars in my day, I cannot endorse the claim that this has Cuban cigar flavour. Still, I like this stuff and that surprises me--as does the satisfying occasional creaminess of this tobacco. '123' also burns well and has a pleasant smell. I recommend this with reservations, however. I do not plan on purchasing more any time soon, but it is worth a try if you have not had it. It may just cause to you reminisce as it did for me. Indeed, some part of me wants to make a second trip to Germany with a pipe in hand. Perhaps I can find my hat.

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	Emeritus Account (30125)	2005-06-19		Medium to Strong	None Detected	Full	Tolerable to Strong

This tobacco is for those times when I want a full, strong smoke and I'll be smoking outside. I wouldn't know Cuban leaf from Carolina but I do know that 123 has substance without being overbearing. It's easy on the palate, has a good dose of nicotine, tastes wonderful, and burns even without need for relight if I've done a good job with packing. I let this tin sit for a couple months after opening and the moisture level is perfect. It's a little too moist when first breaking the seal.

A quality smoke I have no hesitation recommending.

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	JB (44)	2005-05-07		Medium	None Detected	Medium to Full	Pleasant to Tolerable

I think Robert Lewis tobaccos are simply top shelf. I hold 123 and the Tree Mixture in very high regard. They remind me of long since forgotten blends that didn't try to be all things to all people. The cigar leaf in this blend simply adds support and body to the blend. It does not provide an overwhelming cigar flavor nor smell. It's a full, textured smoking experience that English lovers will most likely enjoy.

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	Uban (60)	2005-02-14		Medium	None Detected	Medium to Full	Pleasant to Tolerable

I smoke perhaps ninety percent of my tobacco in Dunhill Gp 1 briars or similar sized meers. Thus I am always interested when I find a blend that yields full flavor and a cool smoke in such exotica. On a slightly dissenting note, I find the Bankers' Mix to burn far too hot and even with a bit of bite in my pipes. 123, on the other hand, seems particularly suited to them. I've just finished my second tin in a (sound familiar?) 50-year-old Wally Frank with a half-pinky sized bowl. Smooth, leathery, (dare I say latakia-like?) cigar flavor was the predominant note, based in a very fine medium English. The smoke volume was enough to resemble a "chewy" wine even in the small bowl, and I have never had a hint of bite from this fine effort from Lewis. I sometimes wish cigars tasted like this! Four stars.

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	Emeritus Account (30125)	2004-09-01		Medium	None Detected	Full	Tolerable

A wonderful and complex cigar leaf blend with a rich and full flavor and aroma.It's a toss up between this and Fox's "Bankers" as to which I prefer more.I believe it will cellar well and have bought a half dozen tins for this purpose.Lewis's other big seller is "Tree Mixture", which you'd like equally if this blend appeals to you... ===Highly Recommended=== prep ====Update Sept. 1st "04"=== I had one of those "magical bowls" while smoking this in a half century old Wally Frank bullmoose last evening while attending a Norah Jones concert .The more I smoke this blend the more I love it.It's not what one would call a "crowd pleaser",so I do'nt always smoke it in mixed company.What a great tobacco...

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	Emeritus Account (30125)	2004-05-11		Mild to Medium	None Detected	Mild to Medium	Pleasant to Tolerable

This tobacco is, in my opinion, almost as good as its more venerable counterpart, Fox's The Bankers Mixture. Both purport to use Havana cigar leaf, high grade Virginias and a very peculiar type of unsweetened (in fact a rather bitter variety) of Black or Brown Cavendish, which other reviewers, I think, tend to mistake for Latakia leaf.

The difference, however, resides in the strength. Though both tobaccos are blended by the same house, a fact that is evident in the exceeding amount of moisture in the tin, RL 123 is far less strong and captivating than the Bankers. Whereas the latter is rich and dense (very much like a formal dinner at high table), the former is almost playful and light. By this I do not mean to say it is not as good or tasty. They both are excellent mixtures, and the spirit (if not the actual leaf) of a good Havana cigar is somewhere there: in the taste, in the aroma, or in the languidness of the creamy flavor as it rolls round the palate. But I do think that RL 123 is an early morning smoke?a panetella?, whereas The Bankers is a more serious affair?an Hoyo de Monterrey.

If you like a rich, dense smoke, one that is similar to Latakia Cavendish mixtures, or a plain rich Cavendish Virginia blend, you should try both. Personally, I smoke 123 after a light breakfast, with a good cup of coffee, and The Bankers after a hearty dinner, in the company of cognac or a straight Scotch.:

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	Emeritus Account (30125)	2004-03-17		Strong	None Detected	Full	Pleasant to Tolerable

It's a bird! It's a plane! It's supertobacco!

Thanks to Joe and Steve Monjure at our local Tinder Box Pipe Night in Metairie, La., and Tim of paylesspipes, I secured two tins of this grand tobacco in September 2002. The last of those is nearly gone, and I will secure others for my cellar from Tim. HaHa! I smoked it in a new giant Ardor and in a medium large GBD from old (that is dedicated to cigar leaf). It's darn good.

This is a full bodied, natural smoke. A quality cigar leaf permeates the flavor. This has a grand enlish blend, including latakia, underneath. The cigar leaf still dominates the flavor, but it is not overdone (maybe more than 10%). It is cool, dry and slow burning but heavy, so it is best for an experienced smoker who enjoys a full tobacco smoke. No bite, but on the strong side but not too strong to me.

It compares favorably with Fox's (which bought out its competitor Robert Lewis years ago) Banker's blend, which has a rich cigar note too but is more of a medium smoke (also a great smoke); is not as potent as the Swiss Mogamo blend (I guess thank goodness and which has more of a latakia note); is somewhat smoother than Wilke's Churchill blend (but good); is heartier than Connoisseur's Special Reserve (all quality cigar leaf); and not a spicy as Peretti's 500 blend (which has perique too). All of these are cigar pipe blends. It's also heavier than Germain's Brown Flake (which is cigar-like) but not Gawith & Hoggarth's unscented Brown Flake (which is not cigar leaf but replicates the body of one).

I'd recommend this to a person who likes the fullness of Dunhill's 965 or Fox's Provost, and also occasionally smokes a cigar. The rich earthiness of the cigar leaf is what you can appreciate most from this blend. A step up in strength from Bankers. The english tobaccos (Latakia, etc.) give it the coolness and body to boot. A winner to those who want no-nonsense, real natural tobacco flavor.

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	Emeritus Account (30125)	2004-02-16		Medium	None Detected	Medium to Full	Pleasant to Tolerable

Undeniably blended with latakia, unsweentened or lightly sweetened Virgina cavendish, some brownish, flue-cured leaf and cigar leaf. It appears to be about 60/40 darker to lighter brown leaf, with no bright leaf.

The cut is thin, medium length ribbons. 123 packs easily, burns evenly, cleanly and completely.

123 has a heavier, complex profile of flavors than most medium to med-full English blends on the market, though most of the time it is hard to taste one, single varietal.

The only leaf that comes forward to my palate, and this only occassionally, is the Virginia component. The latter is also where the potential for too much heat rests.

You will want to puff this hard because it tastes so good. Do not give in to temptation lest a sore tongue appeals.

It is to the nose that 123 has for me the greatest appeal. It smells, unburned and burned, just fantastic. I cannot get enough of this quality blend, but because it is rich and different, it is only occassional for me.

The trick to this blend is reducing the moisture present upon opening the tin. It does not work near bone-dry, either. I have Caminetto Canadian briar dedicated to it.

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	Albion1956 (42)	2004-01-02		Strong	None Detected	Medium to Full	Tolerable

A true taste experience, this being the third English/Cigar leaf blend I've tried, in as many months. Robusto, and Bankers, being the other two. I will not do a comparison, however, I will say that 123 satiates the palate, in ways the others did not. I could equate this uniqeness to the cigar leaf, Dominican Cuban Seed? I'm not sure, but perhaps the credit goes to blending expertise, either way a pleasurable smoke, that comes slightly moist, but by no means topped? This blend is easy to load, and after the charring light, you can puff at your own pace, to a gray ash. Burns well, with subtle nuances of Virginia's that come out to play,with the Latakia, while the remaining leaf adds a base, but not monochromatic. While this could be an all day smoke, I would guess that a frequent visit may be more inline, a preferred pipe is reccommend.

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	Emeritus Account (30125)	2003-12-02		Mild to Medium	None Detected	Medium	Tolerable

Here is a blend that wants its own pipe.  Or, at least, a pipe accustomed to cigar leaf blends.  In Virginia pipes, it is a bit harsh and a little hot.  Much of the "creamy" character is lost.  In pipes reserved for English blends, it's too subdued.   As I had set aside a few pipes for another favorite, GLP Robusto, I tried out 123 in them.  There, it found its stride.  The cigar leaf is highlighted, the Virginia adds sweetness, and whatever that other leaf is (some sort of fire cured VA?) adds a wonderful fullness.   It may also have been riding the coattails of Robusto's flavor.  So, to be fair to 123 (not to mention Robusto), I've set aside another pipe for it.  While not as exquisitely balanced as Robusto, it is nevertheless a full and forgiving blend.  It suffers my occasional rapid puffing abuse with no bitterness or bite.

If for no other reason, get a tin to run through those pipes that have yet choose their tobacco-- this may just be it!

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