Please Recommend a New Balkan

[hoipolloiglasgow]

I'm always looking for something new that I haven't try in hopes to stock up/age. I like stronger Englishes/Balkans ie Nightcap, Quiet Nights, Margate, etc, but without the Latakia being to the point of being overbearing. Abingdon would be what I call overbearing. I'm getting ready to pull the trigger on Mac Barens HH Balkan that I've never had before. Any recommendations would be helpful.

 

[Bright Orange Red]

Bill Bailey's Balkan Blend by Dan Tobacco is pretty tasty. I like the DFK in it.

Edit to add BlackHouse and WhiteKnight. Both are very good.

 

[tirefire]

Peretti's:

• Cambridge Flake
• Tashkent
• Royal

All are oriental-forward smokes.

 

[hoipolloiglasgow]

Peretti's:

• Cambridge Flake
• Tashkent
• Royal

All are oriental-forward smokes.

Never had any of Perretti's stuff before. Do they use casings or more of a natural tobacco thing?

 

[The Amish Tyrant]

Byzantium has Perique.

 

[hoipolloiglasgow]

Bill Bailey's Balkan Blend by Dan Tobacco is pretty tasty. I like the DFK in it.

Edit to add BlackHouse and WhiteKnight. Both are very good.

Wasn't the biggest fan of whiteknight, but thought blackhouse was okay. Never had Bill Bailey's, but have it in my cart. Seems like 10% Darkfired would be a good amount for a Balkan. I know I like Brebbia Balkan and it has DFK. I also love perique.

 

[lraisch]

Peter Stokkebye Balkan Supreme, or Samuel Gawith Balkan Flake.

 

[kcghost]

G.L. Pease's Westminster is a wonderful tobacco.

 

[hoipolloiglasgow]

I have some Westminter and have yet to crack into it. I look forward to it. I also have Balkan Supreme and recently smoked a bowl. It's good, not my favorite but decent.

 

[Chasing Embers]

Do they use casings or more of a natural tobacco thing?

Most production tobacco is cased.

 

[hoipolloiglasgow]

Most production tobacco is cased.

I know that. I was really seeing if they were going for a more natural flavor profile vs more of a cased profile. I actually love when it's cased, beautifully done to bring out the natural flavors of tobacco. That is pipe tobacco to me. Think Gl Pease or Nightcap with the tonquin.

 

[jpmcwjr]

Tonquin is a topping, no? As c.e. notes, most tobaccos are cased, and if done right, you're not aware of it.

 

[shanez]

Have you tried SPC Plum Pudding SR? It has lots going on in terms of flavor.

Also, a great English to try is SG Squadron Leader.

 

[hoipolloiglasgow]

Have you tried SPC Plum Pudding SR? It has lots going on in terms of flavor.

Also, a great English to try is SG Squadron Leader.

I've tried both. The only SPC Plumpudding that I've had is the SR. Nice flavor, burn could be cooler, but over all decent. SL is a bit too light for me, however I love Skiff.

Anybody had the KBV English stuff? Like Dread Knight or Sleeping Dragon? Also, never have had Pease Maltese Falcon, Lagonda or Odyssey I'm interested in.

 

[ThermionicScott]

I haven't tried it yet, but maybe GLP Kensington? He calls it "a Balkan with restraint" meaning "a more delicate hand with the Latakia".

 

[hoipolloiglasgow]

I haven't tried it yet, but maybe GLP Kensington? He calls it "a Balkan with restraint" meaning "a more delicate hand with the Latakia".

That is another one I haven't tried that I have looked into. I think I read he states that it is a little less full than Charing Cross, which I adore. Honestly, I'm trying to try all of them and there are still a few I haven't had yet.

 

[vosBghos]

For a strong Balkan with good Orientals, I like C&D Super Balkan (it's got Burley in it) still creamy and fragrant Orientals

Another good one if Plumb Pudding is too sweet for you try their Wild Man , a bit rougher and more exotic.

If you want something pungent without as much Latakia as Night Cap Father Dempsey is nice and if you want something sour with less Latakia try Presbyterian.

Call me crazy but because of the balance Orientals and Red VA I consider Early Morning Pipe more of a Balkan than a proper English , since you mentioned Skiff and I find them comparable.

There are so many but I like the ones that stand out.
If you are a big fan of Skiff try Ashton Consummate Gentleman

Have Fun

The variety of Balkans is quite a rabbit hole.

 

[BackwaterMN]

I concur with the feller above. C&D Super Balkan is excellent. The lat doesn't dominate and it packs a little oomph. Also available in bulk which is nice. You mentioned Maltese Falcon- Go ahead and pull the trigger on that one too. Excellent.

 

[hoipolloiglasgow]

I concur with the feller above. C&D Super Balkan is excellent. The lat doesn't dominate and it packs a little oomph. Also available in bulk which is nice. You mentioned Maltese Falcon- Go ahead and pull the trigger on that one too. Excellent.

I think it's good stuff too. However, recently I bought some Brebbia Balkan and it topped it as far as Balkans with burley go! It's the best one IMHO in that category. Seriously, it's on up there with Vintage Syrian.

I've yet to see anyone comment on Mac Barens Balkan. Anyone know how it is? Wasn't super impressed with the latakia flake.

 

[tirefire]

Never had any of Perretti's stuff before. Do they use casings or more of a natural tobacco thing?

As mentioned above, most tobaccos are cased. No toppings on the Peretti balkan/English blends.