I received a package from England containing St. Bruno, Condor and a couple of ounces of JF Germain Rich Dark Flake (RDF) . I had heard claims that RDF was not only similar to Stonehaven but may actually be the same tobacco.
On opening the pouch (I think RFD is a bulk blend), I did get the rich fruit cake like aroma - a mix of prunes, plums, raisins and perhaps a spirit topping. The tobacco was presented as loose flakes that crumble as easily as Stonehaven. However, Stonehaven comes in a tray of neat slices.
RDF lit easily after a single charring light, and needed little attention thereafter, producing nice billows with each sip. The flavor was very similar to Stonehaven though I've yet to try them back to back. This is a gentleman's smoke - refined and well melded.
Room note is unoffensive. I tried RDF in a poker, a bulldog and and my favorite Neerup apple/billiard. It was wonderful in all three.
Are these tobaccos the same blend sold under different trademarks? I don't know for sure but I wouldn't be blown away to find it true. I'm told Germain is behind both blends but haven't seen confirmation from an official source.
Is RDF an acceptable alternative to Stonehaven? You bet but don't get too excited if you live in the U.S. My sources tell me that finding RDF in Europe is as challenging as finding Stonehaven Stateside. And by the time you pay for taxes, shipping, conversions and other expenses, you'll spend about as much as you would for Stonehaven on ebay.
But is is a bootylicious blend. Pax
On opening the pouch (I think RFD is a bulk blend), I did get the rich fruit cake like aroma - a mix of prunes, plums, raisins and perhaps a spirit topping. The tobacco was presented as loose flakes that crumble as easily as Stonehaven. However, Stonehaven comes in a tray of neat slices.
RDF lit easily after a single charring light, and needed little attention thereafter, producing nice billows with each sip. The flavor was very similar to Stonehaven though I've yet to try them back to back. This is a gentleman's smoke - refined and well melded.
Room note is unoffensive. I tried RDF in a poker, a bulldog and and my favorite Neerup apple/billiard. It was wonderful in all three.
Are these tobaccos the same blend sold under different trademarks? I don't know for sure but I wouldn't be blown away to find it true. I'm told Germain is behind both blends but haven't seen confirmation from an official source.
Is RDF an acceptable alternative to Stonehaven? You bet but don't get too excited if you live in the U.S. My sources tell me that finding RDF in Europe is as challenging as finding Stonehaven Stateside. And by the time you pay for taxes, shipping, conversions and other expenses, you'll spend about as much as you would for Stonehaven on ebay.
But is is a bootylicious blend. Pax
