LJ Peretti's

[Hirsute]

In Boston visiting family this weekend, so made a trip to LJ Peretti's. I've been to Leavitt and Pearce a number of times (an old tobacconist in Harvard Square) but never made it To Peretti's.

They've been in business since 1870, and have a great little shop. If you love burleys, this is your Mecca. Lots of burleys here. Also a lot of great English and Oriental blends. And, they have house made flake tobacco too. Very natural approach to tobacco, natural cavendish, on the drier side, etc. I like it a lot. Similar to Steve Books' (of House if Calabash) point of view. Coming home with several blends, and they threw one in for free. I didn't bring a pipe, but if you visit, don't make my mistake. Engage them in conversation and they'll offer the chance to fill you pipe and try a few things. Oh, and the coolest thing is the massive scale with brass weights to weight your purchase, and blends stored on metal "paint cans." Smoking in the store is allowed. Worth the trip!

I'm coming home with:
333
Oriental no 40
Cambridge flake
Scottish flake
Midnight
Tashkent

 

[john parker]

Eagerly awaiting reviews! Particularly of Oriental No. 40 and Tashkent!

 

[jiminyshiznit]

Sounds like an incredible place! And a nice haul, too!

 

[the_edski]

Gee thanks...another place to drag SWMBO to for "no good reason" Nice haul!

 

[Hangten]

What do you mean you didn't bring pipe! (Sigh....) nice haul though!

 

[Hirsute]

Eagerly awaiting reviews! Particularly of Oriental No. 40 and Tashkent!

Smoking Tashkent tonight. Peretti describes this blend:

"Named for "The most beautiful city in Central Asia", this spicy, full flavored blend is made from Izmir Turkish and Latakia."

I agree this one is spicy, but it is very light bodied and seems to have low nicotine, which I understand is common in oriental blends. It smokes cool, without bite, but it's a bit too light for my taste. I really only taste spiciness and a slight smokiness from the Latakia. It's not bad, but I like the Oriental No 40 better.

Peretti describes Oriental no 40 as

"A blend entirely made of tobaccos from the Near East. It has richness and full flavor."

This is what I'm looking for in an oriental! It is full bodied and complex. It has a nice tangy flavor, and has plenty of Virginia to provide a solid base for the orientals. Lots of leather, pepper, and clove here. It smokes dry and is a very nice smoke. This is one to reorder!

Oh, and if you're interested in ordering, just call the shop. They have a website, but they told me they just prefer to talk to their customers.