One of the things I look for in new blends is originality and uniqueness. To me, with few exceptions, if you've smoked one straight Virginia, you've smoked them all. Same applies to English and Balkan Blends. There does seem to be more variety among the aromatics. I don't mean to say that there is no differentiation or that there aren't standout blends in every category, e.g., FVF, Escudo, Stonehaven, Pirate Kake maybe, etc. But few are ones I would call standout unique blends with no close alternates available.
I used to put Stonehaven in this category, and as a practical matter, I still do since the nearest blend, Rich Dark Flake, is very expensive to acquire here in the states.
I would also say that to me Condor is unique, as well as Russ's Classic Burley Kake. Oh, and Prince Albert I think stands out from the pack. Pirate Kake may qualify but I'm just thinking off the top of my head.
So, are there any blends that are so unique that they stand out from crowd?
I used to put Stonehaven in this category, and as a practical matter, I still do since the nearest blend, Rich Dark Flake, is very expensive to acquire here in the states.
I would also say that to me Condor is unique, as well as Russ's Classic Burley Kake. Oh, and Prince Albert I think stands out from the pack. Pirate Kake may qualify but I'm just thinking off the top of my head.
So, are there any blends that are so unique that they stand out from crowd?