While on sabbatical I made a BIG DISCOVERY!! There is a (relatively) new kid on the block – a ‘Ninja’ blender called Hans. His Germany-based ‘boutique’ tobacco company, ‘HU-Tobacco’, has a good website and, unlike UK suppliers, he makes it relatively easy to buy from outside the EU.
Hans’ blends are going down a storm over here. I don’t know if many members have tried them, but jiminks has given detailed reviews on three of HU’s finest on ‘tobaccoReviews’, in fact because the site is fairly new (and the ‘destructors’ have not yet got on to it) all the reviews I have seen on that site are fair and well worth a read, IMO.
So, this is just a gentlemanly ‘heads-up’ for those who like to try new blends. I won’t give any full reviews here, just a personal note on those I have smoked:-
- “Director’s Cut”: A truly magnificent blend. The different tobaccos are rough-cut rolls and curlies. For that reason I do not rub out and I smoke it in a large bowl. The flavours seem to burst out in little packets as you progress through the smoke. Incredibly rich!!
- “Dockworker”: Also outstanding, a Burley-heavy blend with a tin note not dissimilar to Stonehaven/Germain RDF. I was lost in admiration – is it better than Stonehaven? No. Is it as good? Yes, IMO. Will I cellar it? Absolutely!
- “Flanagan”: mainly Vas, with a bit of Perique. I love this blend! Will I cellar it? YES
- “Haymaker”: pure Va, I think. With the slight grass/hay-like note of FVF/BBF (rather than, say, Dunhill Flake or Solani Silver). Is it better? No. Is it as good? Probably – I fuiken love this stuff – and it WILL be cellared!
- “Old Fredder”: a VaPer: This is incredibly rich and creamy for a VaPer!! Is it better than St James Flake? Probably yes IMO, and YES it is on the way to the cellar
There are many more for me to try (Hans regularly sends me samples), but I couldn’t give him higher praise!!!!!!
PS If Peck and Harris believe they have completed their cellars/warehouses I suggest they reconsider!!!LOL
PPS I have sent samples of the above blends to two highly respected and open-minded Forum members who have been very generous to me in the past.
Hans’ blends are going down a storm over here. I don’t know if many members have tried them, but jiminks has given detailed reviews on three of HU’s finest on ‘tobaccoReviews’, in fact because the site is fairly new (and the ‘destructors’ have not yet got on to it) all the reviews I have seen on that site are fair and well worth a read, IMO.
So, this is just a gentlemanly ‘heads-up’ for those who like to try new blends. I won’t give any full reviews here, just a personal note on those I have smoked:-
- “Director’s Cut”: A truly magnificent blend. The different tobaccos are rough-cut rolls and curlies. For that reason I do not rub out and I smoke it in a large bowl. The flavours seem to burst out in little packets as you progress through the smoke. Incredibly rich!!
- “Dockworker”: Also outstanding, a Burley-heavy blend with a tin note not dissimilar to Stonehaven/Germain RDF. I was lost in admiration – is it better than Stonehaven? No. Is it as good? Yes, IMO. Will I cellar it? Absolutely!
- “Flanagan”: mainly Vas, with a bit of Perique. I love this blend! Will I cellar it? YES
- “Haymaker”: pure Va, I think. With the slight grass/hay-like note of FVF/BBF (rather than, say, Dunhill Flake or Solani Silver). Is it better? No. Is it as good? Probably – I fuiken love this stuff – and it WILL be cellared!
- “Old Fredder”: a VaPer: This is incredibly rich and creamy for a VaPer!! Is it better than St James Flake? Probably yes IMO, and YES it is on the way to the cellar
There are many more for me to try (Hans regularly sends me samples), but I couldn’t give him higher praise!!!!!!
PS If Peck and Harris believe they have completed their cellars/warehouses I suggest they reconsider!!!LOL
PPS I have sent samples of the above blends to two highly respected and open-minded Forum members who have been very generous to me in the past.
