Tambolaka: How "Bad" Is It?

mso489

Lifer

Feb 21, 2013

41,210

60,459

• Jan 17, 2014

• #1

In a recent post, lestrout described Tambolaka as a "if you're man enough" tobacco.

If you don't know Tambolaka, it is Indonesian tobacco that includes some cigar leaf

and is well to the strong end of blends. I have only seen it at 4noggins online. Right

now I'm into kinder gentler blends, with a stronger one now and then. Who's tried

Tambolaka, and what was your experience? Would it be a mean trick to give it to a

friend who likes strong tobacco? Does it make your head spin and your ears ring?

 

northernneil

Lifer

Jun 1, 2013

1,390

1

• Jan 17, 2014

• #2

I have tried Tambolika, and I cannot say that it made my head spin. But it is a very over powering flavor. Not an all day smoke, that is for sure. It might be good blended, but on it's own, it doesn't offer much to be desired.

 

pipestud

Lifer

Dec 6, 2012

2,010

1,750

Robinson, TX.

• Jan 17, 2014

• #3

Don't inhale it! For an evening smoke just sipping on the pipe while enjoying a good liquid refreshment is one of the better smokes you can have. Packed with flavor. Get the ready-rubbed version rather than the cylinder disc as the prep-time is a bugger for the cylinder brick.
Best,
Pipestud

 

mso489

Lifer

Feb 21, 2013

41,210

60,459

• Jan 17, 2014

• #4

pipestud, that sounds like a judicious way to enjoy Tambolaka. So much of enjoying blends depends

on how you go at them. Anyone else had experience with this tobacco?

 

brudnic1

Starting to Get Obsessed

May 13, 2012

158

0

• Jan 17, 2014

• #5

Five puffs and you are on Lala land. Strongest nicotine hit I have ever experienced. Use a very small bowl.

 

decigar

Starting to Get Obsessed

May 2, 2013

152

0

• Jan 17, 2014

• #6

Pipestud, thx for the info didnt know there was a ready rubbed version

 

hobie1dog

Lifer

Jun 5, 2010

6,888

233

67

Cornelius, NC

• Jan 18, 2014

• #7

Two puffs and I threw it out, then took the trash out so I wouldn't have to smell the remains. :x

 

bryanf

Part of the Furniture Now

Jul 16, 2013

742

8

• Jan 18, 2014

• #8

Thanks for the heads up. I never actually had much interest in this tobacco. I don't like ultra strong tobacco. I have some GH ropes I can't even finish. They just make me want to sleep and don't particularly like the taste. Might try blending with some CH or PA. Maybe tambolaka would be decent for blending.

 

hobie1dog

Lifer

Jun 5, 2010

6,888

233

67

Cornelius, NC

• Jan 18, 2014

• #9

Thanks for the heads up. Maybe tambolaka would be decent for blending.

Click to expand...

I wouldn't ruin another blend with this miscarriage of a blend.

 

kcvet67

Part of the Furniture Now

Jul 6, 2010

968

0

• Jan 18, 2014

• #10

I'm with Pipestud on this one. It's not something I'd want on an everyday basis, but it's a good change of pace IF you high strong blends.

 

mso489

Lifer

Feb 21, 2013

41,210

60,459

• Jan 18, 2014

• #11

About extra strong blends, I feel similarly about spicy food. I want any hot spices to bring up the

flavor of the other aspects of the dish. If I just want my forehead to sweat, I'll go sit in a sauna.

I do enjoy a powerful blend now and then, if not in rotation, but I want it to accent the tobacco and

not just induce a metabolic reaction. Some pipe smokers really do seek out the maximum bodily

reaction, but not me. Nicotine kick doesn't repel me, but I don't want it with most bowls.

 

stbruno70

Part of the Furniture Now

Jul 9, 2013

580

238

• Jan 18, 2014

• #12

The nicotine is very strong, and I find the flavour more harsh than strong.
As pipestud said, get the ready rubbed. I have the unrubbed cylinder as well, and, failing a machete, a table saw is the only way to cut coins. Very messy.

 

taerin

Lifer

May 22, 2012

1,851

1

• Jan 18, 2014

• #13

Pure Perique "if your man enough tobacco."

 

mso489

Lifer

Feb 21, 2013

41,210

60,459

• Jan 18, 2014

• #14

Perique neat; it might be a test, but it isn't a treat.

 

leonidas

Starting to Get Obsessed

Mar 16, 2013

116

157

• Mar 1, 2014

• #15

.......tried tambolaka........ it is powerful..........

 

woodsroad

Lifer

Oct 10, 2013

11,798

16,171

SE PA USA

• Mar 1, 2014

• #16

...tried Tambolaka...was drinking at the time...'nuff said.

 

saltedplug

Lifer

Aug 20, 2013

5,194

5,101

• Mar 3, 2014

• #17

I used to smoke Tambolaka regularly but for whatever reason stopped. Others say that it is very flavorful but my memory calls it bland.

 

condorlover1

Lifer

Dec 22, 2013

8,066

27,365

New York

• Jun 1, 2014

• #18

Its OK when mixed with Condor and Black Twist then you get the nicotine equivalent of a H Bomb but I just don't like the way it ghosts a pipe.

 

P

pipedood

Lurker

Jun 6, 2014

9

0

• Jun 6, 2014

• #19

I found Tambolaka to be a two dimensional version of G&H Dark Flake. I'm glad I tried it just for the novelty, but not one that will dwell in my cellar.

 

joeray

Might Stick Around

Mar 17, 2014

64

1

Indonesia

• Jun 6, 2014

• #20

My wife had throwed me out when i smoke tambolaka, it's native is from east Sumba. The smells is almost like cigar but much more stronger and powerful so if i dont sip it slowly it will choke me out, i found away to make it more smother but without loosin any taste and flavor is mix it with pure virginia from Lombok Island.