Crossover Aromatics

[Perique]

The thread on Ripe Honeydew got me thinking: What do you consider to be a 'crossover' aromatic? I'm sure everyone has a different definition.
When I think of this term, I think of applying it to GLP Barbary Coast, Erinmore Flake, and maybe even University Flake.
Thoughts?

 

[mp31guitar]

Distinguished Gentleman is a crossover.

 

[rotschefeller]

Is frog morton cellar not a crossover?

 

[flyguy]

What is the true definition of an aromatic? My idea is that it is a sweet tobacco blend with a casing and/or topping designed to produce a fragrant room note. I don't think UF would qualify under this definition.

 

[gray4lines]

Yes, my review got me thinkin too...I have no clue what a crossover is, lol!! I understand it's between a non-aro and aro, let's say a topped english blend, but would I recognize one at first pass while smoking? I doubt it!
Is Orlik Golden Slice topped or cased? And if so, does that make it a crossover, or just a va/per with a little sweetness?
Also...McC ripe says on the tin, "naturally sweet" does that mean, no topping, or does it imply a "natural" casing, like honey or molasses?

 

[sparroa]

Murray's Erinmore Flake sounded like a crossover aromatic (I never tried it) whereas my tin of Orlik Erinmore Flake was not heavily topped at all. The flavouring was quite subdued - I was surprised.
Frog Morton is the quintessential crossover English.
I honestly steer clear of crossovers so I don't know offhand what would qualify.
Erinmore would've been my first suggestion based on other people's reviews but my one and only tin was just a fruity Va/Bur IMO. It wouldn't be fair to call it a crossover because it never had enough aromatic oomph...

 

[gray4lines]

I think I read: topping is an "additive" that does not come across in flavor, only in room note. Casing is an added flavor component.
I may have tossed them around in my previous post, but it is only because I am not sure which in in OGS or McC ripe, lol!

 

[ssjones]

Boswells "Bear" blend is a very mild aro, I'd call it a crossover blend.

 

[flyguy]

An aromatic is in the eye of the noseholder.

 

[judcole]

I have smoked various crossover English blends; I have as yet to find one I like enough that I'm not tired of it by the time I've gone through 4 ounces.

 

[hfearly]

I like Sillem's Black. The only crossover-aromatic that I hold true to the name. A Latakia-Based Aromatic? Yummy!

 

[lordofthepiperings]

I'd say crossover aromatics are more like Mac Baren's Plumcake, a blend with Latakia in it as well as a casing or top dressing.

 

[captainbob]

Captain Bob's Blend (C&D) is a Light English Aromatic. However, the term "cross-over" can be confusing to pipesmokers. It all depends on where you are wanting to be eventually. So, with that said I would not recommend my blend as a "cross-over". Rather it is an aromatic that does contain Latakia and Perique. If you desire a cross-over blend to get into Latakia blends I would rather recommend a Light English that is not aromatic such as "Good Morning" by C&D. It will let you know that it means business without too much Latakia. If you really want to cross-over into Latakia Blends, avoid aromatics entirely and choose a light latakia non-aromatic blend to see if you really want to "cross-over". I just happen to prefer aromatics that do contain "light" Latakia. Those blends are most certainly in a minority but they do have a following. If nothing else they allow you to enjoy an element of Latakia to spice up your smoke while not offending anyone. My wife does not like Latakia but I do. She loves my blend but has no idea that it is 1/16th Latakia. Don't tell her!

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