Borkum Riff What to Try Next?

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lordape

Might Stick Around
Aug 8, 2013
60
0
My local Tobacconist has a very limited variety of tobaccos. Namely Borkum Riff in Cherry Cavendish, Vanilla Cavendish, Original and Bourbon.

I've tried the Bourbon and Vanilla and quite liked the Bourbon. The Vanilla had a lovely room note but burned quite hot and I didn't like the flavour as much.

Would anyone suggest giving the Cherry a go or should I try the original next?

 

papipeguy

Lifer
Jul 31, 2010
15,777
47
Bethlehem, Pa.
I don't want to wee-wee on your parade but the BR blends are not among the best you can smoke. There are many blends of higher quality that you can enjoy. If aromatics are your thing then check out Boswell, 4 noggins, pipeandcigars or other of the sponsors on this site. I'd wager that their offerings are more interesting and much higher quality.

I went through the enire BR product line when I started out 40+ years ago and have since moved on. They do burn hot and you'll find the other blenders products won't disappoint you. Good luck.

 

lordape

Might Stick Around
Aug 8, 2013
60
0
Yes I've seen that there seem to be much better available overseas but this is just to keep me going until I have the funds to sink into a decent order.

 

tarak

Lifer
Jun 23, 2013
1,528
15
South Dakota
Run. Run from the Borkum Riff.
If there's nothing else to try, I suggest visiting any of the online sites which sponsor this site. Then you'll have so many choices you'll get lost :)
I personally never have worked with him, but many people say the gentleman who runs 4noggins.com is quite helpful. You may be able to contact him and say "Here's what I've liked, where should I go next?"
If you like aromatic (sweetened) tobaccos, the Lane Ltd. bulk blends are very popular, particularly 1-Q and LL7.

 

lordape

Might Stick Around
Aug 8, 2013
60
0
I'm going to be ordering a few different tobaccos from 4noggins towards the end of the month but it's going to take some saving as duty is a real killer here in New Kiwiland :(

I must say I was shocked looking at prices there and seeing them charge $7-$10 for the same amount that costs me $55

 

taerin

Lifer
May 22, 2012
1,851
3
I just hope America never decides to price us like that lordape to the point we are all smoking any type of tobacco as long as it is Borkum Riff! That is ridiculous, you should be upset. Even at $7-10 it's still probably heavily taxed.

 

lordape

Might Stick Around
Aug 8, 2013
60
0
I think I may just have to leave my pipe empty until I place my order.

Thank you all for your help and suggestions. Truly a wealth of knowledge here :D

 
Aug 1, 2012
5,004
5,909
USA
Sorry to hear about your selection difficulties. I'm usually first in line to defend OTC tobaccos but in this instance I really have to say that if BR was my only choice, I'd give up the pipe. I realize some guys love it but it doesn't agree with me at all. I agree with roth. Call rich @4noggins and get some of his bulks when you have the coin built up.

 

judcole

Lifer
Sep 14, 2011
7,938
48,572
Detroit
You have my deepest sympathies if BR is all that is available to you. Good luck in finding some good stuff from Rich.

 

mikestanley

Lifer
May 10, 2009
1,698
1,127
Akron area of Ohio
First rule of pipe smoking lordage is this.
Smoke what you like and don't let the feelings of others determine what it is you do like. BR Whiskey fine smoke, if you like it. Spending a pile of money to make overseas purchases may not be your best course. As far as what to try next, here's my suggestion.
www.tobaccoreviews,com. Check for folks who enjoy BR Whiskey and see what else they like.
Mike S.

 

murf

Can't Leave
Mar 1, 2013
446
1
I have limited experience with Borkum Riff. But, in my (albeit, limited) experience, if tobacco burns hot, it's most likely too wet. I used to think that keeping tobacco moist was better, but more moisture means hotter temps are required to keep the bowl going.
Some guys prefer their baccy almost crispy. Might sound odd, but the drier the baccy, the lower the temp required to keep it burning.
I assume (and anyone, feel free to correct me) that Borkum Riff has a good amount of humectant, which may be propylene glycol, to keep it fresh on the shelf.
So, I would suggest spreading the tobacco out on a plate, and letting it dry. Most likely, it would require a few days. I've done this with tobacco (loose cut) that I deemed too moist, with pleasant results. Be sure to check the tobacco occasionally. It shouldn't be goopy (as it might be from a fresh pouch), but shouldn't crumble in your fingers either. It will take some trial and error to see what moisture level works for you.
and I wholeheartedly agree with Mike S. smoke what you like. Don't let anyone tell you any different. Although, it is true that there are plenty of choices out there, you might be limited based on where you live.
Is there anyway to talk to your local tobacconist about ordering some different tobaccos? Does he/she smoke pipes? Cigars maybe? Wouldn't hurt to strike up a conversation with a manager/owner. If they bring in some higher quality tobaccos, maybe they'd see an increase in business.
lastly, FWIW, my father smoked cherry BR (I'm pretty sure it was the cherry liquer, not the cherry cavendish) and he said it burned him bad. I suggested to him what I told you here.
Good luck!

 

mso489

Lifer
Feb 21, 2013
41,211
59,146
As you now know, Borkum Riff is not a Forums favorite. I've had a problem getting through a gift pouch I received

last Christmas, but I don't think it's awful, just not competitive once you have a selection of eight or ten (or more,

let me be honest here) blends. I wouldn't toss the BR, personally. It's a passable over-the-counter smoke, just

not tempting compared to what's available. I'm able to get both tins and bulk tobacco (that arrives for lower prices,

in zip-lock bags, and needs to be transferred to canning jars to keep it fresh). I'd recommend looking at bulk

blends. Some of the good aromatics, like Q-1 from Lane is a big favorite, or maybe try a mild English. Lots

and lots of choices; just read the tobacco discussions on Forums. You'll want 4 ounces of many blends.

 

lordape

Might Stick Around
Aug 8, 2013
60
0
Alright, well I've placed my order. I've bought 2oz of the Lane Ltd. 1-Q as recommended by tarak and the 4noggins virginia sampler to expand upon what I've tried so far.

Thank you all for your help and advice. I'll let you all know how it goes when it's time to smoke it up :D

 

lordape

Might Stick Around
Aug 8, 2013
60
0
I'll be sure to give my thoughts on them as soon as they turn up :D

I think I'll place an order for the English Sampler once the first lot has turned up and another couple of oz of another blend, which one I'm not sure yet :P

 

lordape

Might Stick Around
Aug 8, 2013
60
0
Thanks Roth :)

I just noticed in another thread that you mentioned the 10 MM cob pipes for $30 from corncobpipe.com which I couldn't pass up. So now I'll have some new pipes for my new blends :D

 

mlyvers

Can't Leave
Sep 23, 2012
487
0
Good luck lordpe in your quest. i myself enjoy BR Whiskey, smoked it for many years. For the most part guys here will slame BR every chance they get, sorta pisses me off. it is like those CIGAR SNOBS unless your smoking a 10 dollar cigar your smoking shit. i tend (try) to over look the BR BASHERS HERE. I have been smoking a pipe for 40+ years. Oh well, good luck too you sir.
Mike.

 

murf

Can't Leave
Mar 1, 2013
446
1
so cool! hope you didn't get charged an arm and a leg for shipping, or duty. you could try some Briar Fox from Cornell&Diehl. I enjoy it.

 

lordape

Might Stick Around
Aug 8, 2013
60
0
Mike, I'll definitely pick up the BR Bourbon again at some point. It was my first smoke so it'll be interesting to see how it compares once I've tried some others.
Andrew, I have found that I can get a tin of Erinmore Flake for more than the total cost of my 4noggins order including shipping which was almost half the total amount.
Murf, Fingers crossed on the duty. I've heard that smaller amounts, less than 8oz, are less likely to get stung with duty, but I shall wait and see.

 

lordape

Might Stick Around
Aug 8, 2013
60
0
WTG! Good to hear you're snagging a bag of those smokable seconds. More than a few members here took advantage of this offer and of those who posted, all were very well pleased with their purchase.

I'll probably pass a couple of them onto at least one of my friends who is keen to give the pipe a go.

 
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