Aromatics Help: Not Just Something that Smells Nice

[Milleniumsmoker]

Hello again!

I'm looking for some help with aromatics, and I thought I could differentiate my post from others by specifically asking for something that not only smells nice, but tastes really good and discussing what I have personally had experience with. Notes I tend to look for are things like chocolate, caramel, or a strong "natural" fruit taste. I am excited to say I ordered some Kohlhase and Kopp Wintertime 2021 that should arrive at some point in the near future.

I'm looking to expand my aromatic library a bit though beyond that. I may be different in that, after trying OTC blends like Half and Half, Carter Hall, and a few light and unpraiseworthy aromatics from my local shop years ago, I jumped right into English blends and hardly ever looked back.

That being said, I really enjoyed Peterson Gold Flake and Peterson Luxury Blend, they just became harder to find in the USA back when I was there. I can order them now online from other outlets. Erinmore Flake is also a mainstay and I plan on getting some more of that as well. While not the strongest I do love whatever fruit concoction they put it that.

I'm wondering what people recommend for blends that have a strong, flavorful, and complex taste, not just a nice scent.

To illustrate, I ordered Cornell and Diel Autumn Evening, and was really unimpressed. The maple syrup was not very pronounced and I found it tasting a little ashy and lackluster towards the finish.

Anyone have thoughts on their favorite aromatics that fit the bill of tasting as well as smelling spectacular? I'm thinking of trying some of the Rattray's line since they hardly ever disappoint, just looking for some guidance before going through the hassle of customs and paying duties, etc. and finding I don't like the blend. Thanks!

 

[lukasstrifeson]

Gawith Hoggarth Bob's Chocolate Flake
Solani #639 Tropical Mango
SPC Plum Pudding Barrel Aged

 

[STP]

Vanilla- try MacBaren Vanilla Roll Cake, or Flake
Cherry- try Cult Blood Red Moon
Chocolate- mentioned ablove… Bob’s Chocolate Flake

 

[Hampshire Pipes & Cigars]

Rattrays Westminster for a lovely caramel taste

 

[OzPiper]

If you like Erinmore and Peterson's Luxury Blend and Gold Flake, you may enjoy Peterson's Connoisseur's Choice.

Other aromatics in my rotation are Sillem's Green and Sillem's Black(more of a crossover blend).

 

[ofafeather]

In addition to others:
Peterson University Flake
Samuel Gawith Firedance Flake
Rattray Exotic Orange

Plus many people have praised Wilke and Boswell aromatics.

 

[PipeIT]

SG Grousemoor is listed as an Aro, but it also comes across like a light VA, with fruity, floral profiles too...

So if this is truly an Aro, it’s the best one I’ve smoked.

Most people think it’s a bizarre Lakeland Sauce thing, like Lakelands can be, but it’s no where near Lakeland Saucy at all.

This is a classic and great tabac, and misunderstood by most, or possibly older batches in the past were Lakeland Saucy, but this 2021 tin isn’t.

If someone handed this to you in a jar, and you didn’t know what it was, if you know the light floral, fruity of Esoterica, you’d swear you were smoking one of their great VA blends.

P.S. I need to guy buy more before you guys steal it all! LOL ?

 

[ofafeather]

SG Grousemoor is listed as an Aro, but it also comes across like a light VA, with fruity, floral profiles too...

So if this is truly an Aro, it’s the best one I’ve smoked.

Most people think it’s a bizarre Lakeland Sauce thing, like Lakelands can be, but it’s no where near Lakeland Saucy at all.

This is a classic and great tabac, and misunderstood by most, or possibly older batches in the past were Lakeland Saucy, but this 2021 tin isn’t.

If someone handed this to you in a jar, and you didn’t know what it was, if you know the light floral, fruity of Esoterica, you’d swear you were smoking one of their great VA blends.

P.S. I need to guy buy more before you guys steal it all! LOL ?

View attachment 129007

Yeah, good stuff!

 

[ofafeather]

Gawith and Hoggarth has some good ones. I’m not sure about their “American” series but I’ve like all the Kendal shag aromatics I’ve tried. Nougat and Blueberry are both great. I think nougat is now Kendal N and Blueberry isn’t currently available.

 

[PipeIT]

Yeah, good stuff!

It’s my first tin, I hope they are all like this, because I’m really blown away at the quality. I actually like this better than several Esoterica blends, and feel that in it’s own right, it’s just as good if not better than some of the Esoterica VAs.

But after all, taste is subjective, but, people aren’t selling Grousemoor for what Esoterica goes for either.

 

[ofafeather]

But after all, taste is subjective, but, people aren’t selling Grousemoor for what Esoterica

Seriously. ? The closest thing in my memory from the Esoterica/Germain line from when they were regularly available was Germain Mixture 7. Smoked a lot of that stuff in the early 2000s. (There are a bunch of Esos I haven’t tried)

 

[Chasing Embers]

The maple syrup was not very pronounced and I found it tasting a little ashy and lackluster towards the finish.

Sounds like you packed it too tight or got it too hot. That thing is a maple bomb. If you produce lots of smoke with an aromatic, they won't be your friend.

 

[Grangerous]

Hello again!

I thought I could differentiate my post from others by specifically asking for something that not only smells nice, but tastes really good..

I have two Asian-American step sons and both of our boys are differentiating themselves from most other Asian-American children by doing really well in school and taking up classical musical instruments. — you mean like that?

 

[hoosierpipeguy]

MB Vanilla Roll Cake, MB Dark Twist, MB Original Choice. Sun Bear. Capstan Gold.

 

[spike]

I recognize there will be a lot of disagreement with my recommendation, but after almost 50 years of pipe smoking, including multitudinous crap aromatic blends, I do not hesitate to suggest Autumn Evening. And I’m a dedicated Va, VaPer, and English fan.

 

[buzkirk]

Dan Tobac
Sweet Vanilla Honeydew -vanilla
Milonga - caramel
Devils Holiday - berry
Blue Note - fruity

 

[HawkeyeLinus]

SG Grousemoor is listed as an Aro, but it also comes across like a light VA, with fruity, floral profiles too...

So if this is truly an Aro, it’s the best one I’ve smoked.

Most people think it’s a bizarre Lakeland Sauce thing, like Lakelands can be, but it’s no where near Lakeland Saucy at all.

This is a classic and great tabac, and misunderstood by most, or possibly older batches in the past were Lakeland Saucy, but this 2021 tin isn’t.

If someone handed this to you in a jar, and you didn’t know what it was, if you know the light floral, fruity of Esoterica, you’d swear you were smoking one of their great VA blends.

P.S. I need to guy buy more before you guys steal it all! LOL ?

View attachment 129007

I had some last week out of a rusty tin that looked very dark and was unique and wonderful!

 

[Chasing Embers]

SG Grousemoor is listed as an Aro, but it also comes across like a light VA, with fruity, floral profiles too...

That's the "new" Grousemoor. Find some from a couple of years ago.

 

[Milleniumsmoker]

SG Grousemoor is listed as an Aro, but it also comes across like a light VA, with fruity, floral profiles too...

So if this is truly an Aro, it’s the best one I’ve smoked.

Most people think it’s a bizarre Lakeland Sauce thing, like Lakelands can be, but it’s no where near Lakeland Saucy at all.

This is a classic and great tabac, and misunderstood by most, or possibly older batches in the past were Lakeland Saucy, but this 2021 tin isn’t.

If someone handed this to you in a jar, and you didn’t know what it was, if you know the light floral, fruity of Esoterica, you’d swear you were smoking one of their great VA blends.

P.S. I need to guy buy more before you guys steal it all! LOL ?

View attachment 129007

Very true! buy more before anyone else does!

 

[Milleniumsmoker]

Sounds like you packed it too tight or got it too hot. That thing is a maple bomb. If you produce lots of smoke with an aromatic, they won't be your friend.

That might have been it!