Cornell & Diehl ; #668 Dark Caramel

Back with another review of an offering from Cornell & Diehl. This was originally an Amar Blends Co. mixture in which Cornell & Diehls has acquired the rights to. It is a blend of black and white burley tobacco cased with a special caramel sauce poised to provide a unique experience. How unique you may ask? Well read on to know more....

Saya kembali sekali lagi dengan sebuah ulasan tentang adunan yang dikeluarkan oleh syarikat Cornell & Diehl. Adunan tembakau ini pada asalnya dihasilkan oleh sebuah syarikat yang dikenali sebagai Amar Blends. Inc tetapi hak mengilangkan produk ini telah pun dibeli oleh syarikat Cornell & Diehl. Produk ini adalah terdiri daripada adunan tembakau "burley" hitam dan putih, diselaputi dengan satu ramuan sos karamel istimewa bagi menghasilkan satu pengalaman yang unik bagi mereka yang sudi mengamatinya.

  The packaging is downright minimal, unassuming and bordering on being absolutely bland and boring. However, this invokes a cloud of curiosity to inquiring minds and may just appeal to those shrouded by it's mysteries. The Cornell & Diehl logo is emblazoned across the tin, with the words "#668 DARK CARAMEL" put to good measures in ensuring that one does not mistake this for another blend. Upon opening the tin, I detected a sour, raisin - like aroma dominating the mixture. There were also hints of red wine. The tobacco was predominantly dark chocolate in appearance with a few pieces of lighter shade ribbons to be seen. I noticed the ribbon cut to be slightly on the drier end of the spectrum in comparison to some of the other tobaccos that I have come across.

Bungkusan tin produk ini adalah sangat ringkas, minimal dan boleh dikategorikan sebagai kurang menarik pada pandangan kasar. Namun begitu, saya pasti bagi ramai yang melihat tin ini juga akan terbit persoalan diminda masing-masing tentang apakah kelebihan adunan ini. Logo syarikat Cornell & Diehl menghiasi permukaan kertas yang membaluti tin ini diserta dengan perkataan "#668 DARK CARAMEL" bagi memastikan anda tidak tersilap memilih adunan yang lain. Ketika tin dibuka, saya disambuti dengan aroma kemasam-masaman, kismis dan juga "prune" kering. Tembakau yang dipotong berbentuk "ribbon" ini juga didapati berwarna cokelat gelap dengan beberapa helai tembakau yang memiliki warna cokelat cair dicampur sebati.  Adunan ini juga pada pendapat saya adalah sedikit kering berbanding dengan tembakau paip yang lazimnya saya temui.

 This tobacco was easy to light, thanks in many parts to it's somewhat dry state. The first few puffs provided a fruity taste. The taste then develops to a toasted caramel flavour, which I really adore.There was also a pronounced sweetness at times, enough to keep one to continue puffing and savor the delightful smoke. The only qualm I have regarding this mixture is it's tendency to burn fast and hot. I was halfway through my bowl before even having had to relight my pipe. My advice is to smoke this tobacco as slow as one can muster. I would have to say that unlike other aromatics which i have sampled, this blend has a more defined tobacco taste profile, with hints of caramel. I would recommend this blend if you are looking for something to provide a rich tobacco taste, decent amounts of Nicotine but at the same time would like to have a more pleasant aroma within the room. I would classify this blend as a mid-way aromatic.

Adunan tembakau ini sangat mudah untuk dinyalakan. Beberapa sedutan pertama menghasilkan rasa kebuah-buahan. Disusuli pula oleh rasa karamel hangus yang agak manis dan saya amat suka rasa ini. Pada pendapat saya, tembakau ini amat mudah untuk membuatkan paip anda panas oleh itu saya ingin menasihati anda agar mempraktikan sedutan seperlahan yang anda mampu lakukan. Berbeza dengan adunan aromatik yang lain, rasa tembakau yang diamati dari adunan ini agak kuat juga. Saya mengesyorkan adunan ini jika anda inginkan kepuasan menghisap tembakau yang sederhana kekuatan tetapi juga ingin memenuhi ruangan persekitaran anda dengan aroma yang amat sedap dihidu.

Price/Harga : RM 35 / 50g.

San Lotano Robusto Maduro

The San Lotano brand is spear headed by A.J Fernandez, one of the world's revered and highly sought after cigar blender. Prior to launching the SL range, A.J Fernandez has built a portfolio of different blends such as Man O 'War & Diesel.This would be my first encounter with the San Lotano brand, and the vitola that is reviewed here is a robusto measuring at 5" x 52".

The construction of the cigar is excellent. It is box-pressed to perfection. There are no soft spots detected. Upon close observation, very small veins may be seen. The cigar has a very smooth almost silky feel to it. The San Andres Maduro wrapper used is oily and exhibits a very luscious sheen which adds to the appeal of the cigar. The cigar features 2 bands, the first being the brand and AJ Fernandez's name. The second band set in black with embossed gold lettering spelling out "Maduro" provides a stark contrast to the dark wrapper. I think AJ Fernandez is making a statement with this one. All in all the cigar has a very classy appeal as far as aesthetics are concerned.

The aroma at the foot of the cigar is a concoction of a chocolatey, musky and floral aroma. Likewise at cold draw the same attributes were noted with a tiny dash of peppery spiciness. This cigar lights very easily. The first few draws were excellent with plenty of smoke plummeting into the room. There were chocolate and woody notes detected at the first third stage with a damp/earthy retro hale. I did note a certain kind of sweetness lingering about however i am unable to describe it with anything. I experienced minor burn issues, however a few quick touch up lights resolves this issue.

Entering the second third of the cigar, the indescribable sweetness sensation still lingers. The cigar started to open up to a more leathery tone. At this stage, I experienced no burn issues and the draw was very much close to perfection with thick sweet smoke. The white slightly chalky ash managed to stay on to circa 1 1/2" prior to giving away.

Entering the final third of the cigar i noticed the prominent sweetness has dissipated however notes of toasted coffee are starting to develop. Throughout the experience the cigar managed to maintain a very cool burn. I was also able to detect a slight but bearable bitterness towards the finish. At this stage I once again experienced an uneven burn.

All in all, I would definitely revisit this stick again as the price is very affordable. The only issue is I have yet to come across tobacconist in Malaysia that retails this brand. The sample that was reviewed here was ordered online courtesy of a good friend of mine, Mr Asyraf Pauzi.

Price : RM 20 - 23 / stick.

Samuel Gawith : Balkan Flake

A very classy and handsome looking tin

Thank you for your visit! I am starting off this blog by reviewing one of the most revered Virginia / Latakia (Va/Lat) blend produced by the House of Samuel Gawith. This blend has been favoured by many veteran smokers, especially ones who are fond of the Latakia tobacco. 

The packaging is very minimalistic in appearance with the "Balkan" word being very bold and prominent. To purists, this can be somewhat of a misnomer as typical "balkan" blends consists of a generous blending of Oriental tobaccos. However, there are no Oriental tobaccos present within this blend. Some believe the term "Balkan" that is being used here is in fact referring to the Virginia tobaccos that are grown within the Balkan regions, hence the name "Balkan Flakes". 

Now on to the tin aroma, to beginners and those who are unfamiliar with Latakia scent the tin aroma is ghastly and has even been referred to as a "deathly" aroma. Prior to sampling this blend, I have had the fortune of visiting other Va/Lat blends hence I was in for no shock. A close friend has even coined the Latakia tobaccos as the Durians of tobaccos. Upon opening the tin I was greeted by a sweet, damp, minty yet slightly pungent aroma. Immediately I can tell there's quite a "healthy" dose of Latakia in the mixture, SG claims it to be 70% Virginias and 30% Latakia. I knew I was in for a treat.

The "Balkan Flakes" are quite moist straight out of the tin, hence to inexperienced smokers packing this tobacco may be quite a chore. You can either opt to rub it out and leave them to air dry for about 30-45 minutes before packing or go heads on and pack the damp tobacco by folding it into the pipe. I had very little issues with packing mine. Off note is that most SG tins or packagings will dry out pretty quickly and in little or no time you will have a decent flake to work with.

I have to be completely honest here in saying that at the time this review was typed out, I have had 2 bowls of this excellent blend. Hence during the second time packing it, I was practically drooling and can't wait a second longer to light up my pipe and let the games begin.

Due to the damp nature of the tobacco, lighting took a while longer in comparison to the ribbon cut tobaccos which I was more accustomed to. I would recommend to perform 2 charring lights prior to smoking away the tobacco in it's wet state. Once lit, the prominent Latakia aroma takes center stage and huge volumes of smoke were sent billowing into the room. True to the description on the packaging, this blend smokes very cool with a very generous sweet, woody/campfire aroma lingering on the tip of one's tongue.

One of the highlight of this blend is that after a relight, you are not greeted by the "burned" taste as other tobaccos tends to exhibit. This blend would be perfect for those who loves to "clench" their pipes in their mouth for a "hands-free' smoking experience. Large volumes of smoke with a "blue"-ish hue dominates the room. If you are looking for complex or a myriad flavour or taste, you will be disappointed with this blend. It is very monotonous akin to walking on a long straight road with no turnings left and right. it will not surprise you with a bit of this or a bit if that, it is what it is, a perfect blend of fine grade Virgina and Latakia. This will definitely be a main stay within my rotation. All in all a very afford-ably priced option with a decent dose of Nicotine.

Price : RM 35.00 / 50g tin. available from The Embershoppe http://www.theembershoppe.com/