Especially, if it means spending outrageous sums of money. There is an acidic nuttiness like roasted walnuts, and a perfect sweetness as well. In the first years of the new millennium only a pouch version was available. Strong but never overwhelming, after a bowl of BSOM I felt satisfied enough not to smoke again for a number of hours. I have always liked this blend, and am in the process of smoking the last of my supply. Sobranie, all in all, is a wonderfully rewarding smoke. It seeped into my jackets and the children when young used to love sniffing at those jackets. . The heavy dense smoke floats lightly over the palate. Oriental tobacco was standardized and sold uniformly, no more to be readily had as the local varietals with exotic names. The original Balkan purportedly contained latakia (I don't know if it was Syrian, Cyprian or both), Virginia (I don't know the varieties, but none of these ingredients were toasted except, of course, the latakia), high grade English Cavendish, and Yenidje from Macedonia, as advertised on the can. This is a review about the 2011 made by Germain Balkan Sobranie Original Smoking Mixture: Sometimes a product that is no longer available becomes legendary. You see, this story is what I think of when I hear the name Sobranie. 4-5 lights to start and it would go out ocasionally. Composition: The composition is that of the pouch version and the '80's Gallaher version. From the company's (the name and the recipe's) sale and in sale after sale after that the blend has been cheapened and diminished, with production moving to Jamaica (?Made in the U.K.?) This should be approachable to all but the most puny of smokers. I have tried may blends that claimed to be close to the blend,having never tried the original I could only base them on their own merits. Balkan Sobranie Products - Cup O' Joes Only logged in customers who have purchased this product may leave a review. in any case, all humor aside, it hasnt effected the quality of the smoke. |Retailer Directory I believe that now there are better blends of this kind. I just smoked one of my last bowls. Try a Sutliff match blend, Balkan Sasieni are better than this. Everything about this blend is perfectly balanced. This is something everyone should try and find. I am basing this review on only two bowls, as I intend to keep the rest of what I have and make it last as long as I can. Retailer name please. Won't bite or get harsh. Despite all of my gripes with the blend I thoroughly enjoy the flavor, and imagine it will become significantly better with age and added complexity. Their room note bespeaks a gentleman's presence. Strength: Room Note: Taste: Customer Reviews (22 Total) Overall Rating: 4.25 out of 5 stars This has more legends than any other and according to my tobacconist has been going downhill for years. tin. A weak version of the original from the 70's, 60's and before that. I'm glad I bought a tin at the price I paid for the novelty and to satisfy my curiosity, but there are plenty of comparable blends that are frankly more pleasing to smoke. Well, this has finally become unavailable to me. No. It contains sweetened black Cavendish and a fair amount of orientals and latakia, but I would not class it as a full Balkan. Two stars, because of its good quality and its history. Very neutral aroma that does not disturbs the room. Requires an average number of relights, and leaves little dampness in the bowl. An elderly and dear gentleman who resides on my street, was gracious enough to give me a couple of tins for Christmas. A dear friend of mine had a family member send this to him from his home land of Spain.Being the gentleman that he is,he gave me a pouch of my own.My only regret is that I'm going through it quickly and that it's no longer being sold in the U.S.This is one blend that lives up to it's reputation as one of the trulyly legendary smokes.Made up of oriental tobaccos,it's smooth and rich and tasty.It's simply wonderful and I'd encourage others to send overseas for a pouch or two of THEIR own. smokers to be superior. The Gallager version is, to my taste, rich and satisfying; smokes cool and is perfectly balanced between components. Having not had the opportunity to smoke the original when it came out I cant speak to a true comparison but I have smoked the old Balkan Sobranie with a lot of age. I simply loved the flavor. I haven't gotten the percentages down to a science but I started with equal portions of the virginia's, Orientals, and Yenidge. The newer version seems to me drier, saltier and sour. Eventually I got myself a Churchwarden and took up the pipe. THE LEGEND. I am no expert, but this stash is an education for the senses. Very tasty and I feel this blend is one most any pipe smoker would find pleasurable. Notes: Presently, the best readily available production/date information is per John C Loring's "DATING ENGLISH TINNED TOBACCO", 1999: 1970s: (and prior) Sobranie Limited, Sobrainie House 1970s: (briefly) Sobranie Limited, 17 Worship Street 1970s: (late) Sobranie Limited, Chichester Road 1980s: (early) Sobranie of London, 65 Kingsway 1980s: Sobranie of London, 34 Burlington Arcade 1990s: Sobranie of London, 13 Old Bond Street. I try to pick a time when I can set aside an hour to sit quietly and enjoy this fine tobacco. It clings to itself almost like a shag. Is it as good as the original? Balanced to a fault, yet it's the sum of its ingredients that makes it so distinctive and so hard to imitate. It is not nearly as heavy with Latakia that Penzance is, nor is it quite as creamy regarding the mouth feel although there's some. The unequalled art of original TBS and 759 is the most perfect ever marriage of the very best Latakia with the very best Orientals in a bed of robust Virginia, delivering an overwhelming palette of aromas. The smell of the tobacco was very moist and incredible, unlike any other brand save for a few English blends that I had experienced. I've heard that its inclusion is why Balkan was labelled a ?smoking mixture? Sure, maybe the initial experience won't be the same, but, overall, the smoking experience should be just as enjoyable and with a lot less waiting and frustration. I'm glad to hear your thoughts. A deserved reputation. and not as part of the weekly rotation. Without question this was the most anticipated tin I have ever opened. Balkan Sobranie | Chicago's Pipe, Cigar & Tobacco Store - Iwan Ries Not a terribly expensive blend, so value is not really a concern. Really great because you can taste the love and craftsmanship. It was truly like meeting an old friend, after many years of not seeing them, and picking right up where we left off. (the 'very pleasant' under room note is my opinion, not someone else's) This is definately a mood altering substance. In another order of things, the scores here should be granted for the tobacco's quality and not because someone failed to buy it. I started loving the pipe when I was a teen. The strength is in the center of mild to medium. But later he said, these tins are the Original Balkan Sobranie, and was propriety from a collector, who died and your daughter gave me. By clicking on the 'Email Me' link you are signing up for a One-Time Alert to be notified when this product's comes back in stock. I remembered a friend describing to me that the difference between the "old" and "new" is the Latakia in the "new" is more noticable. Still nowadays the TBS and the 759 are THE benchmark for all Oriental Mixtures. I always try new tobacco with completely dry pipe 3 or 4 days without being smoked, and then I dedicate that pipe to that tin for the duration of said tobacco. I just opened a 200 gram gold foil bag of the three remaining I purchased in 1967. Well, I was not dissapointed. (50 Grams) To everything there is a season, if I may coin a phrase. It's kind of funny. Cest la vie! Finally, even the Saseini was taken over by Orlik a few years ago, closing the chapter on the book of Sobranie with finality. All Balkan fans should give this one a try. I see why this blend commands a premium. Originally there was Syrian latakia in it but for yeeaaars that was no longer the case.. It is too late and the tins that are still around are selling for hundreds each or more. The room note is unique. So many talented blenders out there these days who have put their spin on it and have done well! Surely not! This is my first and regretfully one of few remaining experiences with this wonderful tobacco; angels doing the tango on my tongue. Tobacco Reviews | Sobranie of London - The Balkan Sobranie Balkan Sobranie is, perhaps, the most legendary pipe tobacco on the market. For starters, I guess it goes without saying that I don?t really smoke this regularly. 2000-2023 Laudisi Enterprises, Inc. All rights reserved. Hopefully, the rumors are true that this is being brought back blended by Germain. Balkan could smoke wet if you didn't dry it out just right, and hot and bitey if too dry. Pipeworks and Wilke has two blends with Yenidje: No. Escudo Navy De Luxe Pipe Tobacco Not much piquant, pretty monochrome. Indeed, this is my old friend and it has mellowed with age but still has that "oomph" that only the Balkan Sobranie White has. Appearance and Tin aroma: medium broad-cut ribbons. This blend did not achieve legendary status for no reason. Very rich complex flavors.. Worth every penny! I can't improve on Leiconnsel's descriptions of opening the lid with the built-in knife, and of the multiple layers of aroma and flavor. Our Little River, SC showroom, Low Country Pipe & Cigar, is open 10am-7pm US/Eastern Monday - Saturday at 2 Hwy 90 East, Little River SC, 29566. and Related Accessories to Discerning Cigar and Pipe Smokers From Our Those were the three pipes he believed in, BBB, Petersen, Comoy, Sasieni and even Barling having already begun to slide. Dating back to around the 1920s, this is a combination of wonderful Virginias, excellent Orientals and enough Latakia for a robust and flavorful mixture. I smoke this in a group 5 straight billiard and it is quite nice with hot tea, coffee, or in the evening with a fine single malt scotch. If all this good smoke is coming from the tobaccos alone, that's incrediblealmost magical! First the mixture is not homogeneous in any respect. He considered the Cognac the perfect shape, growing thicker as the smoke proceeded, keeping the pipe cool. Germain's Balkan Sobranie 3-Pack of 50g tins - Year 2022 It was a little dry so I had to add a little humidor to revive it. If I had plenty of money, I'd have piles of Balkan Sobranie Original Mixture in the cellar. Price: At 4noggins a tin of this new version costs $10.19. After a few puffs the sweetness comes forth, the Virginia's. BSOM brings me back to the mid 70's. . Sutliff Balkan Sobranie #759 Match, sold by Oz - CupOJoes.com The special cut of Virginia & Perique has a place in almost anyone's rotation. Balkan's near universal appeal in those days to lovers of English/Balkan/Oriental blends as a steady or special smoke attests to that fact. |Radio Show The tobacco feels so soft and silky. I'm impressed by the quality vs. price. Balkan Sobranie Pipe Tobacco Tins at TobaccoPipes.com Ive got most of the recommended blends here but will have to look into a few of the others. age and identity may be punishable by law. It smells like sandlewood incense! Scandinavian Tobacco Group (STG) - Balkan Sasieni - Tobacco Reviews What can I say about this blend. 'But none' have even come mildly close in anyway-as far as I am concerned. Anyway, back to the smoke at hand. Sure, a truly faithful representation would cost a lot, but what a ready market in the curious, and in anyone else who wanted to smoke heaven to the extent his budget permitted. Yesterday I opened my last remaining pouch of the 1994 Sobranie Mixture, to see whether it would bring back memories. I usually don't enjoy latakia, but i do enjoy a balkan blend from time to time. IF you can obtain it. Leiconnsel, yours is the finest review I've ever read here. I finally summoned the courage to open the first tin. He figures these tins are from the late 1980's early 1990's. Seems all the latakia smokers I know in person prefer Balkan Sasieni to Sobranie - insofar as the contemporary blends are concerned. It was actually in a can, not the tin shown above, and with black and white illustrations and lettering. History. A very, very smooth English. The nic-hit is just past the center of mild to medium. That was at the age of 15 behind the cycle sheds at Grammar school. Note to "sounds7": For your taste, how many "parts" of the Wellauers Latakia do you use? Close . I see why this blend commands a premium. I know it seems heresy to give this blend three stars. Together with Penzance some of the best tin-smells ever. Almond butter, butter cream frosting, meringue, brown bread, plum pudding, candied fruit, pinot noir, armagnac. But I may be deceived. No bite whatsoever. Get exclusive updates on all our fresh offerings, sales, and promotions -- right to your inbox. . CAO Flavours Pipe Tobacco |Home Nic-hit was felt in the mouth and throat but nowhere else. The very first thing that stands out for me is how "buttery" the Orientals are in this blend verses others. So I will back off of this stuff until there is an adequate supply and then I will buy a truck load of it because I really like it. Both generate wonderful clouds of leather and oak, and upset the women. Sweet, soft, creamy, leathery, a perfect balance between its components. We will never sell or use your personal information for anything other than supporting your account, A.J. The tobacco in the tin is finely cut, almost a shag. |, We use the SafeSurf Rating System to signify that PipesMagazine.com is for adults only. I emptied the contents into a mixing bowl and began thoroughly mixing the contents, first by lightly tearing some of the longer shag strands and then pulling the Latakia from the bottom and sprinkling it throughout. Before lighting the first bowl I was scared by a possible great strength and power. Log ged in and had two in less than 30 seconds. I gently separated the cake and allowed it to absorb some of the water vapor from the water below. Sampled from a fairly fresh 50g pouch; This BSOM makes you reach for that elusive flavor with each draw. I had never smoked a version of the tobacco in her presence but when I was puffing away a "Jeeeezzz.. What are YOU smoking?? Perhaps it was the tin that attracted me, the white one with the two women on the front. But I have since then tried a very well-kept tin from (I think) the 40s or 50s, which was a little dry (but moistened back up with a small piece of orange peel), inherited by a friend of mine by his late grandfather. This was the case with the Balkan Sobranie Original Smoking Mixture. Well worth the wait , subscribe to be notified upon restock, and grab up as much as you can. This is a 2.5 star blend compared to Black House or Nat Sherman 536, rating it "recommended" only if you're determined to try it and can find a tin cheap. Out of stock. Dan Tobacco Pipe Tobacco Things were working together and it my taste buds were loving it. Unfortunatley production of this tobacco will cease at the end of this year, so I will be stocking up as much of it as I can for the furure. |Join This is also the case with Balkan Sobranie Original Smoking Mixture. This will provide you with the best smoking experience. I am still smoking it occasionally, out of tins remaining from the 70's through the 90's. On ebay, astronomical amounts were (and still are) asked and paid for these tobaccos. The Virginias drive this tobacco for the most part, with the Orientals making an appearance from time to time, all this under the supervision of a most delicious Latakia that has a red wine like flavor. and elsewhere. The blend smokes reliable from top to bottom with the flavor shift of full and soft to spicy then sweet/sour. I loved this classic, and will always remember what a special experience it was to have some. It was an occasional treat, like the driest gin. Nice english, occasionally a hint of soap on the lat. Original Review 12-25-11 This review is for the newly released J.F. Militaire, and his masterpiece, the original, Collector-sized Cognac (#9621), made exclusively of Greek briar (as were Charatans). Is it back in production or is this old stock? It has now disappeared altogether. Not so heavy, incredibly smooth tobacco, giving a gentle sweetness and a dry, salty smoking that reminds me of Syrian Latakia. Not sure what to make of this. Is this the best tobacco in pipe history, as many smokers claim? They also make all the Esotericas. Product: Sutliff Balkan Sobranie 759 Match Bulk. I would like to start out by saying that i am extremely annoyed by the two main ways this blend seems to be reviewed.. on the one hand, there is the reactionary camp who compare their current experience to the echoes of memories of long lost years.. then there is a progressive camp that seems all too willing to embrace and wax poetic on something they have recently discovered. Now to describe the taste! I simply loved the flavor. You are lucky indeed. The magic of the sensory delight linked to the focus of imagination. What to compare it to? I shall give you my evaluation in a few days need I say more about the experience of the first bowl this morning. I picked up exactly that. Very minimal relights, burns down to a fine, dark gray ash. Packing first with the gravity technique, and finishing off with a medium pack. A few years ago I became curious about it and was of course shocked to find that original unopened tins were commanding over $100 on ebay. View All (61) Balkan Sobranie Balkan Sobranie 50g Reviews. Purchased From: Pipestuds Consignment Shop. This is the grail, the standard by which all other Balkans are measured, and with good reason. http://www.puff.com/forums/vb/general-pipe-forum/109613-homemade- balkan-sorbanie-original-mixture.html. For virginia smokers (such as myself) that think balkan mixtures cannot contain the depth of a good VA flake, this one makes a strong argument for the defense. One day the manufacturer stops making the blend or closes their doors. A LEGEND. As others wrote before, the current production has really few to do with the old. Phone/office hours are 9am-7pm US/Eastern (GMT -5:00) Monday-Friday, 10am-5pm on Saturdays, and 12pm-4pm on Sundays. I've been at it for about 3 weeks to revive the Balkan as it was dryer then the Gobi desert, but I had good faith as the smell of the tobacco was really good and strong. Plus, you can easily get your hands on them! In my honest opinion J.F. Smokingpipes has been down for a few days for maint. After waiting for over a year, I finally got a chance to try it. It comes pretty wet out of the tin. Anyway I am basically a English/ Balkan smoker Very few other satisfy. My Girlfriend hated it, told me I looked like a Hippie Farmer. That just isn't the case. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Published review content of this website is considered the 10+10 out of 10. There are much better offerings available today and I will not be purchasing another tin of this "one tin per purchase" rip-off (and I truly expect my review will be "ripped" into, so have at it guys). The medium to fine ribbon cut lights easily, the intoxicating flavor is instantly upon me. The unflavored soda note from the yenidje is virtually missing. Matched perfectly with the smoky and woody Latakia. In short..the blend against which all others must be compaired (save Red Raparee). Now I can say Ive tried it. (Whom, similarly, imported Sasieni) Upon opening the packet I was anxious to sample its aroma?it was still delightful, quite as you would expect from a fine, fresh English. All in all, highly recommended for this wall of honour blend, an excellent starting place for Aromatic or Virginia pipers all briar brethren of the good leaf whom intend and desire experience with the genus Balkan or English. Perhaps all of the above. 2023 TobaccoPipes.com A wonderful combination of light body, full flavor and tobacco "goodness". It's different, actually, in its deepness, due to different oriental leaves and the different proportions of the components. So you should keep that in mind reading this review. All rights reserved. BALKAN refers to the Greek Macedonian yenidze [ jenidze, yenidje, etc.] Im not one of the people who grabs everything to sell on eBay or put in a cellar for their great grandchildren to smoke. I added only a small portion of the cavendish (about 1/3 of what the other tobaccos were. The last time I smoked the real Balkan Sobranie Original mixture was in Italy 2004 (still produced but not much distributed then). My buddy brought this over to try. Pease. Mid way the orientals take over and some sublime spicyness tkaes over from the Latakia. This used to be my favorite English blend before it became so hard to get.
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