Joined | 2019-02 |
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Last Visited | 2023-02 |
Location | Fauquier, Virginia |
With 41 years of pipe smoking I've now tried 438 commercial blends (so far) and done a lot of my own blending. However, I plan on only submitting reviews if I feel I can add to the discussion or point out something that may not have been mentioned.
My own methodology is firstly to try every new tobacco in a cob, briar, and meer, because each of these materials react differently to the various components in a blend. Next, for the purposes of a review, I evaluate similar blends in direct comparison, sometimes with two bowls lit at the same time, in order to establish a sense of context. Like in wine tasting, I believe it is by direct comparison of similar blends played against each other that we refine our palates and ferret out the strengths and weaknesses of a blend.
Unless one is growing or buying unprocessed leaf, all commercial tobaccos have had some sort of casing. That is where individual preferences are revealed. Myself, I can tolerate small amounts of vanilla, tonquin, nuts, or some dark fruits like figs, but I don't care for chocolate or berry flavors in my smoke. Therefore, I'm always on the lookout for certain keywords when I read a review. Just because something gets a 3.8 rating doesn't mean everybody is going to be wowed with it.
Reviewers who say "I can't really describe the flavors - but I love it!" don't help me at all. Some people make fun of those who use descriptions like "hints of toasted sunflower seed" - and maybe there really are some people who have lived sheltered lives, subsisting on Mac n' Cheese, who have never tasted a sunflower seed - but I think any curious or adventurous soul has probably tried more foods and drinks than they may realize. The descriptions are just there to jog the memory - for those who like to ponder what they are experiencing.
Motivator | Has upvoted at least 80% of the time. |
84 reviews 57 helpful votes |
4 star: 23 Strongly Recommended 3 star: 33 Recommended 2 star: 27 Somewhat Recommended 1 star: 1 Not Recommended |
Preferences: Unknown