Sobranie, Saseini, White Knight, and me

[saltedplug]

From a longstanding prejudice I don't smoke much latakia. When I started I smoked it regularly, and in periods since, but somehow latakia always gets pushed aside and falls away even though I have latakia blends I like. I keep trying and recently got some Sillem's Commodore Flake, which is delicious. I keep hearing things at White Night and sure I'll bite sometime soon.

 

[deathmetal]

I tried some of his baby's Bottom match last week at our club meeting and everyone thought it was better than the new Dunhill BB1938.

I have to agree with this, partially. The topping is too strong on the match; in BB1938, the Latakia overwhelms everything else and makes a harsh (not mild) smoke. I think they ran into confusion differentiating it from Standard Mixture Mild and Early Morning Pipe, and that encouraged them to "make it distinctive." Still flavorful stuff.

 

[edgreen]

White Knight is a gloriously flavorful blend that I keep in regular rotation. I really, really love Magnum Opus. The first time I tasted it I was instantly transported to my first round of pipe smoking, at LSU during the early 70's before a long period of cigars before switching back three years ago. Every bowl has done the same. I wish I knew which blend Russ was trying to bring back because it has to be the same one on which I filled the air in the Greek Theater, on the parade grounds, and in various bars around campus. Oh, what a wonderful time it was. I'm glad for that time because now there is no smoking anywhere on campus, including outdoor areas which may be miles from another human being.

 

[iamn8]

Ed, I'm with you!! I seriously need to try White Knight. I keep forgetting to order it, but Magnum Opus is in my top ten. It's wicked good!!! I picked up a dozen tins having never tried it, based only on what others had said. I was so relieved at the first puff. Can't wait to try it with a few years in the tin. Bet it ages brilliantly!

 

[blendtobac]

I have to agree with this, partially. The topping is too strong on the match

Just for the record, there's no top dressing applied to Match BB1938. There's a standard casing, but without a signature flavor.

I wish I knew which blend Russ was trying to bring back...

What I recreated was my own personal blend from the seventies. I used to start with Balkan Sobranie Original Smoking Mixture and would add extra Yenidje to it. I'd finish it off with a bit of Perique. I smoked that blend a lot until Sobranie changed during the eighties.
Russ

 

[newbroom]

jpmcwjr, sorry it took me so long...I hadn't seen your comment...of course, when I bought mine it was on sale:
World Balkan Sasieni
It comes in a bag, not the tub they're showing on the web page. Read the print. Great stuff!

 

[jpmcwjr]

Thank you! I have my plate and bowl filled with a lot of other things right now, but have made a note.

 

[drezz01]

I missed this discussion when it came around the first time but I am glad it has resurfaced! I have just recently found myself enjoying a couple of balkan blends I have on hand and now I have a couple more to try!

 

[captpat]

Whiteknight is great stuff....

 

[trumpetboy]

There are some very favorable reviews of Russ' BSOSM Match available on Pipes and Cigars--some say it's closer to the Balkan Sobranie of the '70's that we love to remember. I don't know if it's the same as his White Knight---anyone tried both?

 

[blendtobac]

The BSOSM match has some substitutions to keep the cost of materials down, but similar in most ways.
Russ

 

[jorgesoler]

I have an unopened White Knight tin in my cellar, and I might open it now that I've read your review as I have never tried it before.

 

[Snow Hill]

WhiteKnight is one of my very favorites. It hits all the right notes for me.