Red Raparee
- Thread starter solideogloria86
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Red Rapparre was a pleasant surprise, personally I think it’s a rather complex and lively blend. The interplay between the Red Va and Orientals is definitely the star of the show. I wouldn’t say the Latakia is just a condiment, but it blends way down into the mix as a whole. Really tasty stuff.
I will say - the one tin I’ve popped had a few years of age when I got it, and also I like heavy English blends, so your take on what is a hefty amount of Latakia might be totally different than mine. Regardless, it’s a very high quality tobacco that’s definitely worth a shot.
I will say - the one tin I’ve popped had a few years of age when I got it, and also I like heavy English blends, so your take on what is a hefty amount of Latakia might be totally different than mine. Regardless, it’s a very high quality tobacco that’s definitely worth a shot.
Well having smoked my first bowl from a fresh tin. I must say I’m very grateful for this thread as I’ve been on the road for about a month and though I love Quiet Nights and all I needed a break from all the Lat and RR gave me a nice dose of OR just what the palate Dr ordered…Gonna be my night smoke till it gets a bit colder round here…
Happy to hear that you are enjoying Red Rapparee. As noted above, since you find you like this blend you might also want to consider trying Black Mallory next; it's a nice transition to that, especially as the weather gets a little cooler.
The Black Mallory comparisons are helpful. I used to smoke nothing but heavy lat blends for about 3 years. Quiet Nights was my all time favorite. Little by little, I started leaning more towards VA and away from latakia. After a couple years of back and forth, I went on about a 10 month run of smoking nothing but VA's. After this I smoked a bowl of Quiet Nights and couldn't taste an Orientals, no va's, nothing but latakia. I tried several other lat blends and got the same results. Black Mallory was the first blend I smoked that I was still able to taste the other components and not just latakia. I think RR may be something I'd enjoy.
An old Charles Rattray blend list in my collection has this to say about that:
"RED RAPAREE
A very handsome full flavor latakia blend, suited to the outdoor man. Mellow deep maturity balances the strong oriental. Rich red Virginia ensures complete burning and is a perfect balance to the latakia."
"BLACK MALLORY
A dark looking full-flavored blend with strong latakia and Turkish overtones. Rich nutty flavour and full black cavendish produce slow burning. The Turkish adds mellowness to the latakia."
3 Noggins is a Rattray's blend that I haven't tried yet (but think I might like)...
Smoking some RR from the recent drop. My other tins are all from the James B Russell distributorship era. My first tasting note on my journal simply said; Welcome back! Very happy to report that the brand spanking new stuff maintains at least a notable portion of that unique, nutty, floral oriental note that makes this blend so unique. The other 16oz of this 17.5oz bag have been jarred to sleep for at least a couple years - and should perform magnificently when they meet fresh air again. Excellent blend!
I enjoy both RR and Black Mallory. I definitely find the Black Mallory to be more latakia forward than the RR. I originally happened upon BM as a potential MM965 replacement when we all thought those Dunhill blends were going away. I'm not claiming it to be a match, but it's of the same ilk; latakia forward English blend with enough black cavendish to give a hint of unflavored sweetness. I like thinking of "Scottish Blends" as having that flavor profile, but it then certainly leaves others like Blairgowrie out of the mix.
Good to know I’ve cracked the RR but I’m looking for the most oriental forward , my Latometer is pinned at the moment. Any suggestions are welcomed preferably without Cavendish , thanks in advance …
Most latakia lovers would tell you it is very mild, but you have to try it to see if you agree with them,