What's your favorite English blend?

[Luke49783]

As I've gotten further into the pipe hobby I've found that I really seem to enjoy English blends. When I opened my tin of Frog Morton, my first English, I didn't know what to make of the smell, but now I love to savor a heavy whiff of its wonderful smokiness. So far, the English blends that I've tried are Frog Morton, Samuel Gawith Squadron Leader, Peterson's University Flake, Dunhill Flake (if you consider that an English, maybe not since it's all VA), Shortcut to Mushrooms, and Samuel Gawith 1792. With the exception of the 1792, I've liked them all, but my favorites are Frog Morton and Squadron Leader.

I also have a tin of 3 Oaks Syrian, but I haven't opened it yet. I'm trying to get through a couple of the tins that I have open before I crack another, we'll see if I have enough self control to do it!

What other English blends should I try?

What are your favorites?

 

[conroygc]

Dunhill flake doesn't have any Latakia, so most people don't consider it an English blend. That three oaks Syrian you have is one of the few blends that is made with Syrian (instead of Cyprus) Latakia, I've always wanted to try it.
My personal favorite is Hearth and Home Black House.

 

[Luke49783]

That's the way I was leaning on the Dunhill, not sure what made me think it might be an English blend, besides the fact that it's from Dunhill. I've read good things about Three Oaks and was placing an order anyway, so I grabbed a tin. Apparently McClelland's Samovar is another good English with Syrian Latakia. That's on my list if I like the 3 Oaks.

 

[conroygc]

Hey I've got a bunch of English blends, would you be interested in trading a couple bowls of that 3 oaks for a few of my English samples? I'll send about double what you send to make the shipping worth it for ya. PM if interested.

 

[Hunter]

My B&M has an english called Pirates Passion which is delicious and a touch spicy.

 

[oc_in_fw]

Esoterica Penzance- can be hard to get most of the time.

 

[john parker]

Esoterica Penzance- can be hard to get most of the time.

Oddly, Omaha seems to be the "home" of Penzance. But I find I like regular Frog Morton better; no accounting for taste!

 

[oc_in_fw]

Oddly, Omaha seems to be the "home" of Penzance. But I find I like regular Frog Morton better; no accounting for taste!

I have heard you have better chances of finding in in B&Ms. Problem is finding one that isn't in Dallas. I refuse to drive to that side of the metroplex.

On edit: as to taste, we are all different. I don't care much for Perique, but a lot of folks here like it (and hate Latakia- which is my love)

 

[john parker]

Just discovered two English blends that I really enjoy!

The first is H&H Magnum Opus from Pipes & Cigars. Its constituents include Virginia, Latakia, perique and oriental; and said to be oriental-forward. Mildish but rich, almost creamy with a bit of sweetness, and an aftertaste that hints of ginger. Very nice!

The second is Peter Stokkebye's Proper English. Virginia, Latakia, oriental and "other flavoring", whatever that means - never did taste the "other". Advertised as having the most Latakia of any of their blends. This is the blend that leads me to believe I have no idea what Latakia tastes like, if anything. Thought it was smokiness, but this blend is rich without being heavy, a little pungent/tangy, almost sweet, and with hints of some spices. (And inexpensive in bulk.)

Others I am trying and thinking about are H&H Ambassador, Mount Marcy and Sunjammer. Will try them more before deciding on their merits.

 

[the_edski]

Pembroke, Pembroke and uh...Pembroke!

 

[Luke49783]

Pembroke, Pembroke and uh...Pembroke!

After trying a sample that Hirsute sent me, I completely agree! I'll be picking up a bag of it for sure!

 

[Capt]

In this order:

Pirate Kake
GLP Black Point
Balkan Sasieni

 

[GreekGuy]

I love english blends, and the stronger the better. My favorites in no particular order are: Nightcap, Odyssey, and Balkan Sobranie. If you guys have any recommendations on heavy hitters I'd love to hear them. I like Penzance, but its so hard to find and quite frankly I'm not sure if its really my favorite english blend.

 

[john parker]

Pembroke, Pembroke and uh...Pembroke!

Afraid of the cognac flavoring. Tried and did not like Frog Morton in the Cellar, though truly like "regular" Frog Morton.

 

[the_edski]

Afraid of the cognac flavoring.

It's very delicate, definitely not an "aromatic" where it is dripping in it. The description calls it a "marrying" of flavors, definitely not anything like a regular casing or topping.

 

[Luke49783]

It's very delicate, definitely not an "aromatic" where it is dripping in it. The description calls it a "marrying" of flavors, definitely not anything like a regular casing or topping.

I find it hard to differentiate the cognac scent/taste from that of the tobacco. I haven't had Margate, so I can't say for sure, but I really do think it becomes part of the blend that isn't easily distinguishable from the rest.

 

[Uncle Jackie]

Nightcap
Penzance (a close second)
Perfection (a closer third)

 

[Desertlifter]

Pembroke, Pembroke and uh...Pembroke!

A man of excellent taste, for sure.

There are others that I love - GLP Sextant is one - but Pembroke is the business. If I could only smoke one Latakia blend for the rest of my life, it would be Pembroke.

 

[cxg231]

My personal favorite is Hearth and Home Black House.

H&H Magnum Opus from Pipes & Cigars. Its constituents include Virginia, Latakia, perique and oriental; and said to be oriental-forward.

I'm a big fan of the H&H English blends. Really enjoy Armada, Black House, House of Lords, Larry's Blend, Magnum Opus, and Mt Marcy.

Besides the H&H blends, I like the MacBaren HH Vintage Syrian quite a bit, Three Oaks Syrian, and Sasieni Balkan.

Can't pick a favorite!

 

[milkmanv1]

My local tobacco leaf stocks Sutliff Medium English and I really enjoy it. I unfortunatly, cant comment too much more as I'm pretty new to pipes. Nightcap is pretty darn good, and another local pipe shop stocks a "Balkan English" which, is not nearly as flavourful as the previous two mentioned.

So many english blends to try!!!! (that three oaks sounds really enticing)