Any Love for Prince Albert?

[Johnny_Pipecleaner]

I have a whole slew of English blends, VAs, VaPers, etc but out of curiousity I added a "luxury pouch" of Prince Albert to my latest order from SmokingPipes. I figured I'd leave it at my office in case I need to step out for a smoke break, so as not to rush through any of my more expensive/exotic tobaccos.

Well I just took a stroll with a pipeful of The Prince, and I'll be damned if it wasn't a pleasant experience. I bet it would be even more enjoyable indoors where flavors are more focused, but even outdoors and on-the-go it was mighty fine stuff. It burned well and stayed lit, and it had solid flavor that only wavered once or twice throughout the bowl (tasted ever so slightly like a cheap drugstore cigar, but only for one or two brief moments).

I smoked it in a small, straight apple shaped briar, but I've heard folks often suggest a cob.

Does anyone here have any love for Prince Albert in their rotation? Or are we mostly on to fancier things?

 

[Bowie]

I too enjoy Prince Albert. It's straightforward and satisfying. I've only had it in a cob, but I'll try it in a briar next to see if the taste changes. If I could find a large tin here, I'd buy one. Maybe SPC.

 

[Elric]

I'm still not on a firstname basis with the Prince but I have been smitten with Carter Hall.

 

[Johnny_Pipecleaner]

I'm still not on a firstname basis with the Prince but I have been smitten with Carter Hall.

I tried Carter Hall back in my early pipe days (2003 or so?). It was decent, but didn't leave quite the impression that Prince Albert has. I can't expound on that as I don't have any tasting notes or anything.

 

[Elric]

I tried Carter Hall back in my early pipe days (2003 or so?). It was decent, but didn't leave quite the impression that Prince Albert has. I can't expound on that as I don't have any tasting notes or anything.

Totally understand. I did the same with SWR. I think Prince Albert will be something I like. Just need to let it breathe a bit. Pouch smelled a bit funky when first opened.

 

[acidpox]

I keep a pouch in my truck with a cheap briar. It's my go to when I'm out and about and dont feel like packing any of my other tobaccos or pipes.

 

[ophiuchus]

I love the stuff; it's been a staple for decades. It's a highly versatile, all-purpose smoke for any occasion or no occasion at all. I wouldn't describe my accumulation of PA tubs "cellaring" ... more like "hoarding."

 

[Johnny_Pipecleaner]

Totally understand. I did the same with SWR. I think Prince Albert will be something I like. Just need to let it breathe a bit. Pouch smelled a bit funky when first opened.

Agreed! The pouch note is nothing to write home about. So it goes sometimes.

 

[JMcQ]

I am definitely a fan of The Prince. Craft beers are great, but sometimes a tall boy of PBR is exactly what you need.

 

[tokerpipes]

Nope. Tried it and if it came from the can it should have never been let out. Not my type of blend.

 

[Johnny_Pipecleaner]

I am definitely a fan of The Prince. Craft beers are great, but sometimes a tall boy of PBR is exactly what you need.

Nailed it! Well put.

 

[Johnny_Pipecleaner]

Nope. Tried it and if it came from the can it should have never been let out. Not my type of blend.

Fair enough. Different strokes for different folks and all that. I myself am not into three-cornered hats, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't wear yours

 

[tokerpipes]

That’s actually from my wedding. We had a Pirate themed wedding. It was so much fun.

 

[ray47]

I like PA from the tub compared to the pouch. Smokes great in any pipe I've smoked it in, but cobs and PA seem to be the perfect combo. I always keep a tub on hand, along with some of the other classic OTCs.

 

[anotherbob]

I don't really like drug store blends. Most of them at best I find blandly inoffensive. Prince Albert's at least tastes and smokes like pipe tobacco. I honestly think if my only source of nicotine was a pipe and I didn't snus or snuff, then I would start to appreciate the stuff. Alternatively if I can't get the tobaccos I want then I'll be smoking Five Brothers and likely something like P.A.. You know what is awesome about P.A. you won't have to look too far to find a pouch.

 

[danimalia]

I like it! I'll buy a pouch now and then. The only real problem I have with the Prince is that there are a number of blends that scratch that lightly-flavored burley itch a bit better for me. But i think it's a good blend.

 

[mso489]

I have a fondness for PA only because it was the only and favored tobacco of a guy in his nineties we met when my wife was in rehab after hip surgery. He'd sold Dodge cars and eighteen wheelers during his career and was a pipe smoker. I find it pleasant but very tame, and the flavoring a bit too coequal with the tobacco. I enjoy some codger and pouch blends, but not PA so much.

 

[Johnny_Pipecleaner]

I like it! I'll buy a pouch now and then. The only real problem I have with the Prince is that there are a number of blends that scratch that lightly-flavored burley itch a bit better for me. But i think it's a good blend.

Interesting. Anyone care to suggest any high-end (artisan) burleys in case I want to spend more money than I have to?

 

[rushx9]

When I first got back into piping, I went through a long PA phase. I much prefer it to Carter Hall, but I found I like SWR better than both. PA has the fullest dark coco like flavor of them all, but I really dig the mild licorice flavor of SWR. I found Lane Ready Rubbed to be similar in flavor to PA, but more of a milk-chocolatey flavor than PAs cocopuffs. I prefer the cut of LLRR as well. IMO, PA is still the best grocery store option around here, with CH, Borkum Riff, and Captain Black being its biggest competition. I seem to crave it on really hot days for some reason. I like it better in a smaller bowled briar than a cob.

 

[canucklehead]

I like it.