Best Esoterica/Germain’s Blends I Should Buy?

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fishmansf

Can't Leave
Oct 29, 2022
421
1,305
PNW
My local B&M got a bunch in, practically everything except for BBF and want to see if I like any. Typically enjoy a good Va/Bur or some VaPers, particularly ones with Dark Fired. I do like Latakia but only in very small amounts. Any suggestions you’d make?
 
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sablebrush52

The Bard Of Barlings
Jun 15, 2013
20,668
48,776
Southern Oregon
jrs457.wixsite.com
Most of the Esoterica blends have a topping, like apricot or anise so be aware of that. They are mostly semi aromatic blends.
For a Va/Bur try Stonehaven, which has a treacle topping.
For a Va/Per try Dunbar and/or Dorchester.
I also like Tillbury and Cardiff.
Check out Margate and And So To Bed for English.
Try the Germain’s Va/Per
Pick up what you can. They don’t last long on the shelf
 

PipeIT

Lifer
Nov 14, 2020
5,087
30,328
Hawaii
VaPers
————-
Dorchester
Dunbar

VA
——-
Brighton

VaBur
————
Tilbury


Penzance is considered the pinnacle of Esoterica, so if they have a tin, I’d certainly give it a go.

P.S. Forgot some…

B.K. Flake
Uncle Tom’s - subtle blend, smoke slowly…

These are subtle, but complex, sip and smoke real slow..

Royal Jersey Cavendish and Virginia
Royal Jersey Dark Cavendish
Royal Jersey Perique Mixture

All J.F. Germain & Son blends should be sipped and smoked slowly… ;)
 
Last edited:

sablebrush52

The Bard Of Barlings
Jun 15, 2013
20,668
48,776
Southern Oregon
jrs457.wixsite.com
Forgot about Brighton, that's also a very fine blend, again, apricot topped, maybe some anise. After a break of a couple of years I opened a bag, don't know why, but it hit my mouth like a flamethrower on steroids, which has never happened before.
 

hoipolloiglasgow

Part of the Furniture Now
Oct 14, 2023
561
3,884
United States
Pembroke is nice and Margate is a favorite of mine. I bought some Plumcake for a nice change of pace. All their aromatics I’ve tried are really good traditional English aromatics. Very natural tasting. The only one I don’t care for is Tilbury. Stonehaven and Penzance are back on the market again. I prefer Margate to Penzance, although still a nice blend.