These two Gawith, Hoggarth, & Co. blends are somewhat similar, so I thought it’d be best to review them in tandem. I’m a fan of anything full-bodied with “Gawith” in the name, so it wasn’t long before I got around to trying these blends.
Tin Note, Preparation:
In the tin (or rather the bag, as these were both bulk purchases), these two blends quite similar. Both dark, leathery, fragrance with a hint of figgy-fruitiness about them, similar to that of a G&H twist—the sort of aroma that says “Beware, I’m strong!” before one even smokes it. Both are also finely cut shag, and seemed a bit moist to smoke, as is usual with G&H blends. I almost was going to dry them a bit, but recalling how quickly and aggressively shag cuts burn, I held off. I’m glad I did!
Smoke:
Despite their moisture, both of these smoked beautifully straight out of the bag. It seems that the moisture tames the aggressive burning of the shag, and adds a nice punch of flavor to both blends. Every time I have smoked them, it’s been one or zero relights, which is saying something, since with most blends I typically have to relight a lot. Both smoke very coolly.
Dark Birdseye
This is a simply beautiful, uncomplicated smoke. It has a strong earthy, spiciness to it that reminds me of the G&H twists, but with a surprisingly fruity note that pops out after the first ten puffs or so. It’s a fruity taste that almost makes me want to say grape—not in the way an aromatic reminds one of grape soda, but rather the grape aroma of very dry wine--the fruitiness without much sweetness.
Kendal Kentucky
Kendal Kentucky is almost like an inversion of Dark Birdseye. I’m not 100% sure as to the contents of these blends—but it almost seems to me that there is a little of the African grown Virginia in the Kendal Kentucky. I do feel fairly certain that there is Kentucky in the Dark Birdseye, since that is mentioned quite a few places. Anyway, to my Philistine palate, the Kendal Kentucky has an incredibly similar flavor profile to the Dark Birdseye, but it's emphasis is quite different: the smoky, spicy part of the smoke is predominant, while the sweet, rich, earthier note is faint. It's a bit more burley-ish. I ultimately prefer the Dark Birdseye, but the Kendal Kentucky is quite nice.
Nicotine:
Both are quite strong. The Kendal Kentucky gives the impression of being the stronger blend based on the flavor in the first few puffs, but I have to say the Birdseye packs more of a punch.
In Summary:
Both are great blends that capture what drew me to the G&H twist tobacco—the full flavor and robust nicotine—without any of the hassle of slicing the rope, drying, and relights. This makes them perfect for a carefree, quick smoke at work. They don’t quite knock the twists out of first place in my favorite flavors, but Dark Birdseye is just about equal.
Tin Note, Preparation:
In the tin (or rather the bag, as these were both bulk purchases), these two blends quite similar. Both dark, leathery, fragrance with a hint of figgy-fruitiness about them, similar to that of a G&H twist—the sort of aroma that says “Beware, I’m strong!” before one even smokes it. Both are also finely cut shag, and seemed a bit moist to smoke, as is usual with G&H blends. I almost was going to dry them a bit, but recalling how quickly and aggressively shag cuts burn, I held off. I’m glad I did!
Smoke:
Despite their moisture, both of these smoked beautifully straight out of the bag. It seems that the moisture tames the aggressive burning of the shag, and adds a nice punch of flavor to both blends. Every time I have smoked them, it’s been one or zero relights, which is saying something, since with most blends I typically have to relight a lot. Both smoke very coolly.
Dark Birdseye
This is a simply beautiful, uncomplicated smoke. It has a strong earthy, spiciness to it that reminds me of the G&H twists, but with a surprisingly fruity note that pops out after the first ten puffs or so. It’s a fruity taste that almost makes me want to say grape—not in the way an aromatic reminds one of grape soda, but rather the grape aroma of very dry wine--the fruitiness without much sweetness.
Kendal Kentucky
Kendal Kentucky is almost like an inversion of Dark Birdseye. I’m not 100% sure as to the contents of these blends—but it almost seems to me that there is a little of the African grown Virginia in the Kendal Kentucky. I do feel fairly certain that there is Kentucky in the Dark Birdseye, since that is mentioned quite a few places. Anyway, to my Philistine palate, the Kendal Kentucky has an incredibly similar flavor profile to the Dark Birdseye, but it's emphasis is quite different: the smoky, spicy part of the smoke is predominant, while the sweet, rich, earthier note is faint. It's a bit more burley-ish. I ultimately prefer the Dark Birdseye, but the Kendal Kentucky is quite nice.
Nicotine:
Both are quite strong. The Kendal Kentucky gives the impression of being the stronger blend based on the flavor in the first few puffs, but I have to say the Birdseye packs more of a punch.
In Summary:
Both are great blends that capture what drew me to the G&H twist tobacco—the full flavor and robust nicotine—without any of the hassle of slicing the rope, drying, and relights. This makes them perfect for a carefree, quick smoke at work. They don’t quite knock the twists out of first place in my favorite flavors, but Dark Birdseye is just about equal.
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