Hello? Where Are The Semois Blends? Anyone Still Excited?

I tried it, eh... moved on. It wasn't terrible. It wasn't great. I just is what it is, a tobacco that only a small portion of a European country that no one knows much about would like.

I love Semois. Great all-day smoke, perfect for outdoors. I am curious to see what kinds of blends it could be used in. I would have no idea where to start, so look forward to whatever the wizards come up with

a small portion of a European country that no one knows much about

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http://www.firstworldwar.com/battles/ardennes.htm
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IbStQRcH1jo

I thought it was fine and well worth the original purpose.

Earthy - one note - burned fast but not hot....well worth the original purchase...but not a second

Semois lovers like to blend them 50/50 with Latakia. I haven't tried it yet.

My first sample of Semois from a Forums member was just about ecstatic for me. It has a pretty earthy barnyard aroma out of the package, but when lit, it's like a blend all in one leaf. I have only tried the Tobac-Manil Semois loose tobacco in the foil package with the green and white label. After I extolled the sample, an extremely generous Forums member sent me a nearly full package, a tin of Frog Morton Cellar, and a magnificent Ferndown bent billiard pipe. The pipe was so unexpected, I didn't even find it in the box until he asked about it. Surprised wasn't the half of it! But back to Semois, it has not lost its charm for me. It is subtle, complex, elegant and robust. It works best in a tall bowl (which the Ferndown happens to have). I haven't finished the package, but I would certainly buy another. I'm a big appreciator of burley, and this is a unique and exotic burley. I wouldn't waste it on mixing with other leaf; I enjoy it too much straight up, like a single malt scotch. I should add that the Forums member who sent me the nearly full package of Semois found it really repulsive. I'm not sure he actually threw up, but that was his stated reaction. So, it's not for everybody. If you're really strong on burley, you might give it a try.

Ibid minus the Ferndown & FMC bits...

I'm working through a brick of it now, I like it quite a bit. I don't know that it would be a good blender.

The problem is that Vincent Manil would have to approve any blend made with his Semois, and he's very protective of his product. I would love to give it a go, but I'm sure it would be a protracted project with samples being sent back and forth across the pond.
Russ

Russ, nothing to keep me from mixing equal parts of your Chestnut with Semois, despite my earlier statement about its single-leaf qualities. Hmmm.

I've made a few Semois blends:
Sem/Per/Cav with a touch of Jamesons

Sem/Va/Lat

Sem/Va/Per
It basically blends like a Burley component with less nutty and more earth / barnyard ... like a young, light wrapper cigar.

Wonder how it will mix with Billy Budd or American Heritage...

Sem/Per/Cav with a touch of Jamesons

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Currently smoking this and it's glorious.

I've smoked both the thick cut and medium Tabac-Manil now and enjoy them both. For me, it's like a blend in a single leaf, subtle complexity and a quiet richness. It might be fun to add it as a dash of flavoring to another leaf or blend now and then, but I am entirely satisfied with it as single leaf. I realize I'm in a small minority on this, but everyone has their favorites. That's a good thing, right?

I had some a couple years back. It was definitely interesting. A lot of guys liken it to smoking a cigar. I was just coming away from cigars at that point, so it didn't interest me much. Perhaps its time for a revisit.

There was a terrific rumor, years before Semois was approved by the NYT, mind you, that Germain Brown Flake had a small bit of Semois in it. I haven't heard anything about that one for a while.