Differences between Cringle Flake and Krampusnacht?

[BriarBrook]

So, I'm normally not a huge straight/dominant virginia fan, leaning more towards latakia and burley. That being said, I love Cringle Flake 2021... I've smoked it after aging a few months and I've smoked it after a couple of years. The smell of the bready/vinegary/fermented/tangy virginias is the exception for me... I absolutely love it. I've had a tin of Krampusnacht for a while and finally smoked it last weekend... it was an extreme disappointment. So bland and the flavors that were present are the exact reason I'm not a virginia fan most of the time. Other than the obvious lack of perique in the Krampusnacht, what are the major differences between the two tobaccos? I'm just puzzled as to why I find one so good and the other so forgettable. Will time make a difference? The Krampus reminded me a lot of Watch City's Simply Red... definitely not my cup of tea.

 

[Mrs. Pickles]

I bet the stoving of the Virginia in the 2021 Cringle accounts for some of difference you're tasting.

Also, if I recall correctly, the Virginia component in 2021's release also had a significant amount of bale age, something like 20 years, so maybe that's part of the equation too.

I haven't dug into my tin of Krampusnacht yet, but I'm under the impression it's the same lot of "decade old" red Virginia that's used in 2023's Cringle Flake. No cavendish process here, just blasted into a tin for the crabby people (like me) who wanted a straight red Virginia option.

 

[FLDRD]

I'd like to know more on this as well...............
Seeing the Krampusnacht has just been released for this year.
Didn't see any review from Jim though.

 

[sablebrush52]

I'd like to know more on this as well...............
Seeing the Krampusnacht has just been released for this year.
Didn't see any review from Jim though.

Picked up a couple of tins this morning. I'll be interested to try it.

 

[Puffaluffaguss]

It's seems to me the krampus and cringle this years are the same blend just different tin art. Last year was the big difference in the 2 1 was straight Virginia the other had stoved Katirini and stored Virginia it took a year to get better but I enjoy it now. The krampus and cringle last year were super dry so hopefully this year's a bit more moist.

 

[anotherbob]

So, I'm normally not a huge straight/dominant virginia fan, leaning more towards latakia and burley. That being said, I love Cringle Flake 2021... I've smoked it after aging a few months and I've smoked it after a couple of years. The smell of the bready/vinegary/fermented/tangy virginias is the exception for me... I absolutely love it. I've had a tin of Krampusnacht for a while and finally smoked it last weekend... it was an extreme disappointment. So bland and the flavors that were present are the exact reason I'm not a virginia fan most of the time. Other than the obvious lack of perique in the Krampusnacht, what are the major differences between the two tobaccos? I'm just puzzled as to why I find one so good and the other so forgettable. Will time make a difference? The Krampus reminded me a lot of Watch City's Simply Red... definitely not my cup of tea.

that's just part of the magic of pipes. It's amazing how similar I can find two blends and go nuts for one and not for another. One thing I have noticed for myself is that while I would never think it myself I need a little hint of harshness. If Jim says there is no harsh edge I probably won't like the blend. Almost no chance of harshness and I am good to go.
Hey it's no weirder then how you can fall in love with one woman and just not be attracted to another who both seem similar on paper. Why one friendly cat is just cute and another is your best buddy. Life it's full of mysteries.

 

[anotherbob]

Another thing that reminds me of. Sometimes one little thing you can't even consciously pick up on will push one recipe over into the madly good category. Example you have some recipe you follow and it's amazing and everyone loves it. You go to make it and realize you are out of one spice that only requires a pinch and think it will be fine and everyone sort shrugs and says it's edible, even though no one except you knows what is missing.

 

[sablebrush52]

Since these releases use already aged tobaccos, the difference down the road is more about melding.
When I first tried the 2021 version of CF I was disappointed. When I popped another tin six months later it was wonderful.

 

[JimInks]

I'd like to know more on this as well...............
Seeing the Krampusnacht has just been released for this year.
Didn't see any review from Jim though.

I didn't get a tin for review.

 

[FLDRD]

Picked up a couple of tins this morning. I'll be interested to try it.

I only saw it on tobaccopipes and it lasted less than 1.5 hours while I was pondering.
I'll look for the release on another site.

 

[sablebrush52]

I only saw it on tobaccopipes and it lasted less than 1.5 hours while I was pondering.
I'll look for the release on another site.

I got an announcement from Tobaccopipes, and having declined to buy last years batch, decided to buy some, since Sutlliff will soon be poof, gone.
At that point they were listing less than 500 tins available, with a 5 tin purchase limit. I guess that this was a very limited release. I'm sure that more will be available on other sites.

 

[AcesAndEights]

I got an announcement from Tobaccopipes, and having declined to buy last years batch, decided to buy some, since Sutlliff will soon be poof, gone.
At that point they were listing less than 500 tins available, with a 5 tin purchase limit. I guess that this was a very limited release. I'm sure that more will be available on other sites.

Last year’s was a TobaccoPipes exclusive. That may have been it.

 

[Mrs. Pickles]

Last year’s was a TobaccoPipes exclusive. That may have been it.

This blog article notes that 2024 Krampusnacht and Cringle Flake are the same, just different packaging:

The 2024 offerings are not the same as last year’s Krampusnacht. Unlike last year, Krampusnacht is an alternative packaging of Cringle Flake, but they are the same blend.

It looks those of us who missed this morning's release will still get another chance to buy a tin on 12/3.

 

[FLDRD]

This blog article notes that 2024 Krampusnacht and Cringle Flake are the same, just different packaging:



It looks those of us who missed this morning's release will still get another chance to buy a tin on 12/3.

Thanks. So good to know.

 

[Chasing Embers]

This blog article notes that 2024 Krampusnacht and Cringle Flake are the same, just different packaging:

That probably happens a lot with special releases. One blend given a makeover to inspire a feeding frenzy.

 

[Puffaluffaguss]

That probably happens a lot with special releases. One blend given a makeover to inspire a feeding frenzy.

Except last year both krampus and cringle blends were completely different then each other and the previous years. This years is different than every year prior but the blend is the same in both different tin arts.

 

[Puffaluffaguss]

I got an announcement from Tobaccopipes, and having declined to buy last years batch, decided to buy some, since Sutlliff will soon be poof, gone.
At that point they were listing less than 500 tins available, with a 5 tin purchase limit. I guess that this was a very limited release. I'm sure that more will be available on other sites.

Wait,, what's happening to Sutliff I haven't been around too much lately and haven't heard of them doing bad

 

[sablebrush52]

Wait,, what's happening to Sutliff I haven't been around too much lately and haven't heard of them doing bad

Sutliff is being closed down as a result of the purchase of its parent company, Mac Baren, by STG. STG is shutting down the Mac Baren plant and shutting down Sutliff. This was announced last week and has been the topic of an overly long thread. Future production will be incorporated into STG's Assen factory to save money and increase "efficiency". If you like Sutliff products, buy what you can, while you can. They will be gone in a few months.

 

[sablebrush52]

Just got an updatee from Tobaccopipes concerning my order. It's been cancelled due to the product selling out. I find this curious as there were almost 500 tins when I put in my order. They accepted the order and billed me. Now, suddenly, my order is cancelled.

 

[Chasing Embers]

Except last year both krampus and cringle blends were completely different then each other and the previous years. This years is different than every year prior but the blend is the same in both different tin arts.

I was referring more to the tins being the same blend as a differently named bulk.