Solani #763 : White & Black

Today I will be reviewing an offering by Solani, blend no. 763. A quick check on the website describes this blend as a delicious flake with dark Virginia, black Cavendish and Syrian Latakia. Looking at the tin, I am quite impressed with the classy and premium yet minimalistic feel that the packaging exudes. The polished aluminum tin is decorated in black and white decal to handsomely echo the name of the blend. In this part of the world I paid RM 39.00 (approx. USD 12.60) for a 50g tin.

Inside the tin

Once the tin is popped open, one is greeted with a very loosely broken flake format. I observed a well mixed combination of dark black and light brown strands. The tin note is a very inviting sour cream-ish, ketchup and mustard aroma. I can estimate that there quite a "healthy" dose of Latakia present in this blend as there is also the smoky campfire aroma lingering in background. The humidity level of the tobacco inside the tin is what i would describe as spot-on, neither being too moist nor too dry for my liking.

In the bowl

The Solani #763 packs and lights very easily into my Brebbia pipe thanks to it's almost perfect moisture level and the coarse broken flake format. Upon lighting it, one is greeted with the sweetness of the dark Virginias and a pleasant woody aroma.The latakia present in this blend is not overly powering yet it acts as a perfect complement to the black cavendish and virginias. The tobacco stays lit pretty well when packed with just the right amount. This is a blend that I would highly recommend to beginners to English blends and not for die hard Latakia lovers. However, I find it pleasant enough to be included in my regular rotation. Indeed Solani is right to describe this as an "outstanding blend that is as smooth as silk and will soon become a favorite": amongst new and seasoned smokers alike.

http://monjureinternational.com/solani.htm

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.