Just opened my Balkan Sasieni-

[gatorlope]

This is my first Latakia blend and I’m smoking my first pipeful as I write..
It’s also my first time using a clay pipe. I’m using an 18” clay cutty that I found in Tinder Box several years ago.

 

[jpmcwjr]

That's brave. I have never liked clays for a number of reasons. You'll also smoke some in a seasoned briar, no?

 

[alaskanpiper]

Don't let the clay influence your opinion. Get that lettuce in some Briar.

 

[spartacus]

I'm fan of Balkan Sasieni. I've never smoked it in a clay pipe though. In fact, I've never smoked anything in a clay pipe.

 

[alaskanpiper]

I've never smoked it in a clay pipe though. In fact, I've never smoked anything in a clay pipe.

I never had either until I picked up one of the Old Dominion ones recently (I was actually their to get their Richmond Cob, as I was trying to find the cob with the widest chamber). I saw their clays, read about the history behind them and the technology (3D scanning and 3D printing) they used to replicate them from old artifacts. Being in the 3D scanning business, I had to have one, and at $20 they don't break the bank.
They are fun to smoke, and shag cuts seem to work fine in them. Haven't tried any other cuts in them yet.

 

[spartacus]

They are fun to smoke, and shag cuts seem to work fine in them.

I might have to pick one up. I think my local B&M has some for cheap.

 

[gatorlope]

Words to the wise, I’m sure.
I’ll put the clay back on the shelf it was decorating and try a briar. So far, though, the first pipeful was good enough that I had a second.. My third will be in a briar.

 

[hawky454]

I love Balkan Sasieni, I think it’s an excellent Balkan that is often over looked due to it being widely available and very decently priced. Backwards, I know.

 

[Chasing Embers]

widely available and very decently priced

That's what encourages me to buy anything. The reverse marketing psychology of expensive=better has fallen flat too many times for me.
Balkan Sasieni is a good one. Another to try would be Balkan Supreme.

 

[gatorlope]

Buying these as I did, in a bulk lot from another pipe smoker that included several pipes as well as a variety of tobaccos, I have no idea which ones of them might be expensive.

I do realize that I got an extremely good deal, but I could only offer what I could afford..

Meanwhile I’m enjoying them on their own merits without any expectation based upon their relative expense.

 

[Chasing Embers]

Meanwhile I’m enjoying them on their own merits without any expectation based upon their relative expense.

And that is a great reason to smoke a pipe. :clap:

 

[hawky454]

That's what encourages me to buy anything. The reverse marketing psychology of expensive=better has fallen flat too many times for me.
Balkan Sasieni is a good one. Another to try would be Balkan Supreme.

Exactly! And yes, Balkan Supreme as another amazing Balkan, up there with the best of them and for a very good price. I just tried it for the first time earlier this year and it blew me away!

 

[alaskanpiper]

Balkan Supreme is great tobacco at an outstanding price.

 

[gatorlope]

Okay, it’s in the briar now!
First big difference is that I can clench it without breaking it! Also I’m not concerned about getting fumble fingered and watching something I’be preserved for the last twenty years shatter at my feet, so I’m more relaxed than before.

 

[gatorlope]

Any comments on how it might be in one of my meerschaums?

 

[gatorlope]

That was good. No flavors or undue sweetness, just a good honest, relaxing smoke.
I still don’t get the raves about Latakia, though. Am I missing something?

 

[danimalia]

I mean, it's... pungent, sharp, smoky, salty. IMO, of course. In combination with other Oriental tobaccos it's very exotic and incense like. I love it, especially when used judiciously, but a lot of people find it offensive. Give it a couple of days and you may find yourself strongly craving it, and you may get a better idea of the raves for it.
I think Balkan Sasieni is a very nice Latakia/Balkan blend, and agree that Balkan Supreme is a similarly excellent blend. Love the availability and pricing.

 

[Chasing Embers]

It has been speculated many times before that Balkan Supreme may be a bulk form of Sasieni.

 

[alaskanpiper]

It has been speculated many times before that Balkan Supreme may be a bulk form of Sasieni.

Embers, do you think that is true/plausible?

 

[Chasing Embers]

Embers, do you think that is true/plausible?

I've often thought it myself and both are produced by the Scandanavian Tobacco Group.