H&H El Nino

[oldmojo]

I bought a tin on a whim, adding it to an order of Cerberus. The first bowl put it on my rotation, and by the end of the first tin, it was at the top. It is difficult to classify. It tastes rather like a slightly mild Balkan, but according to the tin, contains no Latakia - toasted Virginias, dark-fired Kentucky, Perique and unflavored Cavendish. The flavor is complex with hearty body and some spice, nicely balanced. The cut is ribbon, a bit coarser than many. It is on the moist side out of the tin, and even with some drying time, takes some effort to light and keep lit, but well worth the effort. There is absolutely no muddy aftertaste as with some English and Balkan blends.

A good bet for English, Balkan and VaPer smokers looking for variety without straying too far from their comfort zones.

 

[mso489]

Sounds very nice -- good news because I've had an unopened tin aging for a while, maybe two years. Thank you for the review. Always good to hear something I have is worth smoking.

 

[cortezattic]

Just added it to my wish list. Thanks for the heads-up. I hope the unsweetened Cavendish isn't too prominent.

 

[pipesmokingtom]

Sounds awesome!

 

[mso489]

Cortez, unsweetened Cavendish in proportion and used well can give nice burn and balance to a blend, so it could be a good thing ... oh a it adds a little volume to the smoke usually in a good way.

 

[pagan]

+1, a great smoke but you must try Fusilier's Ration, another surprising blend from H&H

 

[deathmetal]

Sounds extremely tasty. The unflavored Cavendish in small amounts mostly fades into the Burley, but I understand reluctance regarding Cavendish, which takes over flavor if too sweet or too much is used in the blend.

 

[oldmojo]

I am not a Cavendish fan, but in this blend, it plays a harmonizing role rather than a discernible solo part. It's deep in the viola section.

 

[cortezattic]

Thanks, mojo & mso. I think deathmetal knows where I'm coming from.

 

[tomnernas2ndson]

How much of an impact does the perique make in the blend? The mix sounds interesting:I am not much of a perique fan however. Thanks

 

[jmagen]

I find it bland. Not as bland as OGS, Sixpence, or St. James Woods, but just plain unremarkable.

 

[mawnansmiff]

"but according to the tin, contains no Latakia"
According to Tobaccoreviews.com...
"Virginia, Dark-Fired, Black Cavendish, Perique and a hint of latakia"
...so make of that what you will. I would fancy trying the blend but if it contains even only a hint of Latakia then it's not for me.
Regards,
Jay.

 

[markus]

El Nino sounds right up my alley, I love blends that have just a hint of latakia, so I just added a couple tins to my P&C order.

Thanks guys for helping me spend more money and enabling my TAD! :P