I enjoyed this blend over the last couple of nights in a Ciro Pot and a no-name Billiard. Both nights were humid and in the upper 80s. I packed the tobacco using the Harry Method.
Pouch Note: It was surprisingly good. There was the smoky Latakia along with the caramels and currants that reminded me very much of Black House. The tobacco was cut into long ribbons and was just moist enough and springy to the touch. I shouldn't be surprised at the similarity as this one was also designed to emulate the legendary Balkan Sobranie.
Charring Light: On first char it was smoky with a hint of oak. Very nice.
True Light: The smoke of Latakia complimented by the nutty smoothness of the Turkish/Orientals used in the blend with just enough of that rainsiny sourness to make in interesting.
The body of the smoke was surprisingly mild and very smooth. It didn't produce lots of smoke and the flavor was not complex at all, but as it settled in, it developed that leathery, earthy, fungal character that made me fall in love with Balkans to start with. The texture was light, creamy and smooth and never cloying. It was so well-behaved and mellow that I wondered if this was really a bulk blend or if it had been hatched from an aged tin somewhere and sent to me. I jokingly refered to it as Black House Lite at one point, but that really isn't fair as PS Balkan Supreme really is its own animal and I found myself pushing ahead to immerse myself in that leathery aroma and creamy smoothness. It was truly a pleasure to French-inhale and retrohale for those notes alone. It would be as comforting as mushroom soup and I could see myself enjoying a huge bowl and hours of uninterrupted reading with this blend. It is definitely a Balkan Lover's Balkan because it has all those characteristics that make me love that style. It burned so even and clean that I struggled to relight it one night and then realized there was nothing left to light! That's always a good sign when it leaves you wishing there was more in the bowl!
Ps Balkan Supreme gave me a new respect for Stokkebye blends and it will certainly be on future TAD lists.
Thanks, Shawn!
Pouch Note: It was surprisingly good. There was the smoky Latakia along with the caramels and currants that reminded me very much of Black House. The tobacco was cut into long ribbons and was just moist enough and springy to the touch. I shouldn't be surprised at the similarity as this one was also designed to emulate the legendary Balkan Sobranie.
Charring Light: On first char it was smoky with a hint of oak. Very nice.
True Light: The smoke of Latakia complimented by the nutty smoothness of the Turkish/Orientals used in the blend with just enough of that rainsiny sourness to make in interesting.
The body of the smoke was surprisingly mild and very smooth. It didn't produce lots of smoke and the flavor was not complex at all, but as it settled in, it developed that leathery, earthy, fungal character that made me fall in love with Balkans to start with. The texture was light, creamy and smooth and never cloying. It was so well-behaved and mellow that I wondered if this was really a bulk blend or if it had been hatched from an aged tin somewhere and sent to me. I jokingly refered to it as Black House Lite at one point, but that really isn't fair as PS Balkan Supreme really is its own animal and I found myself pushing ahead to immerse myself in that leathery aroma and creamy smoothness. It was truly a pleasure to French-inhale and retrohale for those notes alone. It would be as comforting as mushroom soup and I could see myself enjoying a huge bowl and hours of uninterrupted reading with this blend. It is definitely a Balkan Lover's Balkan because it has all those characteristics that make me love that style. It burned so even and clean that I struggled to relight it one night and then realized there was nothing left to light! That's always a good sign when it leaves you wishing there was more in the bowl!
Ps Balkan Supreme gave me a new respect for Stokkebye blends and it will certainly be on future TAD lists.
Thanks, Shawn!