Comparing Sun Bear

[rsshreck32]

Having started pipe smoking only last November, this is the first rendition of Sun Bear I've had the opportunity to try. I bought 3 tins, 1 for now and 2 to cellar, along with some house blends from Watch City. What are some thoughts comparing this year's Sun Bear to other years? How many tins did you purchase?

 

[Swiss Army Knife]

I've tried Mountain Flower and really enjoyed it, haven't had the chance to try Tupelo yet. Generally @JimInks various reviews are a good resource to compare and contrast blends like this. He's incredibly consistent in how he lays everything out and you can discern most differences at a glance.

Here's the links. (Looks like TobaccoReviews is down so bear with me here)
2019 & 2020 / Original Release
2021 / Black Locust (Google cache of the TR page)
2022 / Mountain Flower
2023 / Tupelo

 

[NC TX ID pipeman]

I bought 7 tins just because I tested samples of other years Sunbears which I really liked ..But I have been charged some new nonsence excise tax in NC and sales tax as well so I will not order any tobacco anymore...It is just cheaper to buy in SC.

 

[HawkeyeLinus]

Check out the review thread - probably answers your comparison questions. I don’t worry about the past versions because I haven’t tried them. I ordered more than I usually do on “spec” on the strength of @JimInks review - something about the description of this one and experience with other reviews that did or didn’t match up with my taste buds suggested this would be a good one for me. Two bowls so far and glad I got “extra” - letting the tin breathe a bit and will come back to it this weekend.

 

[blackpowderpiper]

I purchased three tins. I'm enjoying it a great deal.

 

[rsshreck32]

Check out the review thread - probably answers your comparison questions. I don’t worry about the past versions because I haven’t tried them. I ordered more than I usually do on “spec” on the strength of @JimInks review - something about the description of this one and experience with other reviews that did or didn’t match up with my taste buds suggested this would be a good one for me. Two bowls so far and glad I got “extra” - letting the tin breathe a bit and will come back to it this weekend.

Do you mean you leave the tin open for a few days when you say letting the tin breathe?

 

[kschatey]

My favorite is the Black Locust edition, but I did not get any of the Tupelo to compare against the others. I will look to see if I can locate my comments regarding the 2020, 2021, and 2022 releases and post in this thread again...

 

[kschatey]

Do you mean you leave the tin open for a few days when you say letting the tin breathe?

Yes. This.

 

[blackpowderpiper]

To clarify a bit, my only experience with the Sun Bear series is with the 2022 Mountain Flower, and this year's 2023 Tupelo.

Last year's Mountain Flower had a tin note of blueberry muffins. A wonderful aroma that translated to the smoke for me. I found it to be very floral tasting and I very much got that fruity, berry taste consistently throughout the first half of a bowl. A nice smoke but one I only reach for occasionally.

This year's Tupelo release has less floral notes, but more of a rich, creamy sweetness. I've only had five bowls which is much too little to form a real opinion, but my first impressions are such that I may like this year's release a bit more.

I find them both enjoyable and have been smoking one or the other almost daily. I do find them to be a pleasant summertime smoke but feel that they could be enjoyed anytime, regardless of the season.

 

[HawkeyeLinus]

Do you mean you leave the tin open for a few days when you say letting the tin breathe?

Cracked open a hair but in a humid garage!

 

[fightnhampster]

Yes. This.

+1

My routine is to pop a tin and leave the plastic cover on it for about a week to let it breathe before smoking a bowl.

This can really improve flavor.

But really I only do this if it has been cellared for over 6 months or so. With something as fresh as Tupelo it probably wouldn't be needed.