Have tried Frog Morton regular, Frog Morton in the Cellar, Ambassador, Black House and Magnum Opus - all English blends with varying degrees of latakia. About half-way through the bowl in most instances, I am getting a hardness/harshness (or strength?) in the taste to varying degrees. It almost tastes "hot" though not in the sense of heat; almost a tang but not a hurtful bite. Magnum Opus has not tasted this way; it is said to be more oriental-forward. Am wondering if (1) I am smoking too fast/wet or (2) if I am getting a flavor of latakia (which is suppose to be cool smoking). Any thoughts?
English Blends and Latakia
- Thread starter john parker
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Hirsute
Used to have fun with Commander Yellow Pantyhose
English blends are going to be tangier and more "full flavor" than the Virginias you've been smoking. However, if they're biting, slow it down and sip your smoke. Try sticking to the cellar at first. It's a darker, mellower blend and should not bite. Just take it slow.
Oh, and if you find you like orientals better, try Frog morton on the town.
Oh, and if you find you like orientals better, try Frog morton on the town.
Like Hirsute said, slow 'er down a bit and see what happens. You might also try drying the tobacco a bit more before burning it.
I was smoking a bowl of Frog Morton while driving to work this morning and thinking about that flavor that develops about halfway through the bowl. I wasn't sure how to describe it, but tang works very well. It definitely makes for an interesting smoke as the flavor changes down the bowl as opposed to the uniform taste throughout a bowl of VA. Just for Him's Shortcut to Mushrooms doesn't seem to have as much of this either if I remember correctly, that might be another option for you. Plus, it's just a great blend!
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- #5
Will try to "slow down" but honestly didn't think I was going to fast. Oh, found out I dislike Frog Morton in the Cellar; airy bourbon taste then the "hardness". Much prefer regular Frog Morton. At any rate, I will keep at it to see what happens. If what I am tasting is latakia, I may well end up being primarily a Virginia smoker. Didn't think I would say that when I started out, but some of the McClelland Virginias are really nice!
Have you tried Dunhill Flake? It's the only 100% Virginia that I've tried, but I really enjoy it. It gets very good reviews as well (4 stars on tobacco reviews).
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- #7
I have not, but I have read of its reputation. I have mainly tried McClelland 5100 Red Cake and S. Gawith Fine Virginia Flake (I think). Particularly enjoy the 5100 for taste and bulk price. Understand it ages well, too.
I've seen a lot of comparisons between FVF and Dunhill Flake, with people often rating them just about on par with each other, though apparently Dunhill is an easier smoke since it doesn't require the drying that FVF does.
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- #9
Just "sipped" a bowl of Black House. Think my new words for "hardness" will be "smoke" and "pungency". And "dry". And I guess that must be Latakia. I know I like H&H Magnum Opus better than Black House. My personal first review of Black House is smokey and pungent but without creaminess, depth or richness. Aftertaste is like an almost bitter oolong tea.
