For several years, I've been rather apprehensive about sampling Lakeland style blends, do to the overwhelming aroma of some of the offerings, which I didn't find agreeable.
However, few weeks back, a fellow forum member was generous enough to be sending out samples of the infamous Condor, and he was kind enough to send me a pipeful. After loading my bowl, I was hooked! Condor had this deep, rich funk that reminded me of the of the room-note I would be greeted with, entering my uncle's old farmhouse, when I was a child. This blend's flavor is what I assumed pipe tobacco would taste like when I first started enjoying the pipe.
The downside: I live in the U.S., where Condor isn't easily accessible. So, I dropped into my local B&M to pick the brains of the boys behind the briar bar.
"That's Lakeland, man!" my buddy pipped up.
"I thought Lakeland was more of a heavy floral taste?" I inquired.
"There's a lot of different Lakeland blends."
So, I jumped back onto the forums, and messages a couple patient members, asking for their personal opinions and guidance ― and, never disappointed, I received great advice.
I've gone through several suggested blends this week, and while I have yet to capture that Condor flavor (though, I haven't made it to St. Bruno, yet), I have experienced several pleasant smokes. It's exciting to be broadening my tobacco horizons; discovering flavors all over again. This, of course, is a delight to my local tobacconist, who are more than willing to through an extra bit of something into every order from the shop.
My first question: I'm smoking some G&H Dark Flake, that I'm enjoying immensely; however, upon relights, there a few moments of a deep earth/mushroom/slightly molded taste. It isn't unpleasant, but I also don't want to be smoking a "bad" blend. The tobacco is extremely dry (and was so, in the bulk jar) and there are no visual signs of mold or fuzz. For those who have enjoyed this blend before, is this a typical flavor? If so, great! Because I kinda dig it.
The last question: I'm sitting on samples of Best Brown #2, Kendale Dark, Conistan Flake Plug, Ennerdale, and St. Bruno flake. I've been trying to get my paws on Dark Bird's Eye, Bob's Chocolate Flake, and War Horse Green... So, to Lakeland Lovers, in your opinion are there any other blends I should be on the look out for, or is this list pretty much complete introduction?
Thank you in advance for any insight you may be able to provide!
― P.S. FYI: Condor will ghost even a Meerschaum.
However, few weeks back, a fellow forum member was generous enough to be sending out samples of the infamous Condor, and he was kind enough to send me a pipeful. After loading my bowl, I was hooked! Condor had this deep, rich funk that reminded me of the of the room-note I would be greeted with, entering my uncle's old farmhouse, when I was a child. This blend's flavor is what I assumed pipe tobacco would taste like when I first started enjoying the pipe.
The downside: I live in the U.S., where Condor isn't easily accessible. So, I dropped into my local B&M to pick the brains of the boys behind the briar bar.
"That's Lakeland, man!" my buddy pipped up.
"I thought Lakeland was more of a heavy floral taste?" I inquired.
"There's a lot of different Lakeland blends."
So, I jumped back onto the forums, and messages a couple patient members, asking for their personal opinions and guidance ― and, never disappointed, I received great advice.
I've gone through several suggested blends this week, and while I have yet to capture that Condor flavor (though, I haven't made it to St. Bruno, yet), I have experienced several pleasant smokes. It's exciting to be broadening my tobacco horizons; discovering flavors all over again. This, of course, is a delight to my local tobacconist, who are more than willing to through an extra bit of something into every order from the shop.
My first question: I'm smoking some G&H Dark Flake, that I'm enjoying immensely; however, upon relights, there a few moments of a deep earth/mushroom/slightly molded taste. It isn't unpleasant, but I also don't want to be smoking a "bad" blend. The tobacco is extremely dry (and was so, in the bulk jar) and there are no visual signs of mold or fuzz. For those who have enjoyed this blend before, is this a typical flavor? If so, great! Because I kinda dig it.
The last question: I'm sitting on samples of Best Brown #2, Kendale Dark, Conistan Flake Plug, Ennerdale, and St. Bruno flake. I've been trying to get my paws on Dark Bird's Eye, Bob's Chocolate Flake, and War Horse Green... So, to Lakeland Lovers, in your opinion are there any other blends I should be on the look out for, or is this list pretty much complete introduction?
Thank you in advance for any insight you may be able to provide!
― P.S. FYI: Condor will ghost even a Meerschaum.
