Recently read an article that it was one of his favorites. I know the recipe has probably changed but for those of you out there that have smoked it. How would you describe it and which of the two do you like? Yellow or Blue?
Capstan & Tolkien
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It’s a fine, middle of the road Virginia flake for the blue. I think it had a little rum on it if I recall. I have a number of tins of yellow but haven’t tried it yet.
All of my Capstan Blue Flake is from 2013 when it first came out. When Smokingpipes found a stash of 2013 Gold Ready Rubbed I bought around 25 tins or so. i like it for a first of the day mild smoke.
I love the blue, and understand it’s the present version of the old “navy cut” Capstan that Tolkien favored. Don’t quote me on this, but I recall reading jiminks’ review on tobaccoreviews where he compares the current version to much older tins and he gives the picture of some commonality between the new and the very old. Of course they won’t be exactly the same, but similar.
There is a particular grassy earthiness in Capstan Blue that reminds me of a combined smell of freshly cut hay and the smell before it rains that I just love.
There is a particular grassy earthiness in Capstan Blue that reminds me of a combined smell of freshly cut hay and the smell before it rains that I just love.
I do believe that the Blue is the modern equivalent to Tolkien’s favorite. Both are exceptional. I prefer the Gold. It is predominately bright VA while, the Blue is mostly reds.
I'm a big fan of the Blue. First few times I tried it I thought it was just a regular mild VA flake. But after really diving into it and smoking it regularly it became one of my favorites. There is a lot of nuanced flavors there once you really get familiar with Capstan.
Va seem to work that way. Kind of come of meh and boring. But as you get to know them wow they open up, reminds me of some of the best woman I've known now that I think about it.
Tolkien smoked the blue. This is that rare occurrence where the version that is produced today is almost identical in taste and profile to the original. There are several reputable sources within the community that have verified this to be the case.
Interestingly a receipt has been saved from 1972 showing he bought 22 tins, 1lb, so he wasn’t joking around either.
I really enjoy the Blue, stashed quite a bit, but never tried the Gold. Might seek a tin at Pipestud.com if one pops up with a few years of age.
Capstan Gold smoker here.
One of my 'all day' smokes. A nicely balanced Virginia blend that doesn't get too sweet or bitey.
I have a tin of the Blue, which I'm going to switch to after reading this thread and being reminded of it... 'been a while since I smoked it, but I recall it being a bit spicier than the Gold.
One of my 'all day' smokes. A nicely balanced Virginia blend that doesn't get too sweet or bitey.
I have a tin of the Blue, which I'm going to switch to after reading this thread and being reminded of it... 'been a while since I smoked it, but I recall it being a bit spicier than the Gold.
Pretty enjoyable tobaccies both, the yellow and Blue,I smoke them on occasion and personally prefer the latter, wheareas in the summer ,It'll probably be the yellow one
I like both. Gold has more of a light topping and is good as a morning blend with coffee. Blue stronger and more full bodied. I prefer Blue, it's a very good blend. Was able to buy several pounds at Estervals in bulk at a very good price thankfully.
Have a first date with the Blue this weekend. It's been on my list but I never got around to it. I will say that it's probably my favorite looking tin. Classic.
I like both as well, though, it's a bit pricey (relatively speaking for US prices) for a VA flake, Neither one make it in my favorite category. I got in on the 2013 Gold RR that SPC let go for a good price, I may just prefer it to the blue but I haven't smoked the blue in a long time.
Buy some of both and try em out for yourself... may turn you into a best selling author!
Buy some of both and try em out for yourself... may turn you into a best selling author!
post a review of what you thought after this weekend! Also I thought a good VaPer and cheap was The Country Squire's Green Dragon. I found notes of citrus and hay while it has a nice super light sweetness to it too.
