English Blend for Beginners

[GothPiper]

I definitely echo the recommendations for Presbyterian. You might even like My Mixture 965 (a bit more full-flavored than Presbyterian, but extremely well-balanced).

I'm baffled as to why some folks are recommending Balkan Supreme, though. That was my first English, and it nearly turned me off them entirely. Waaaaay to Latakia heavy. To me, it tasted like a cross between an old library book and an argyle sweater...

 

[Irish Piper]

I definitely echo the recommendations for Presbyterian. You might even like My Mixture 965 (a bit more full-flavored than Presbyterian, but extremely well-balanced).

I'm baffled as to why some folks are recommending Balkan Supreme, though. That was my first English, and it nearly turned me off them entirely. Waaaaay to Latakia heavy. To me, it tasted like a cross between an old library book and an argyle sweater...

Well, Balkan Supreme is not available here, as far as I can tell. Maybe it's marketed under a different name, which is sometimes the case.

 

[JOHN72]

Standard Mixture of Peterson............but it is a very good option Presbyterian

 

[bullet08]

All of 'em.

 

[PaulTheScandinavian]

Standard Mixture of Peterson............but it is a very good option Presbyterian

*This, although I don't smoke Latakia mixtures no more but if I were those two I'd love recommending

 

[Pipespipespipes]

I'd like to recommend solani white & black 763. It's not quite a full English or Balkan but it's definitely in that ballpark.
Recommending as it's very smooth, lots of flavour and low nicotine due to the Latakia and Cavendish.
Its my favourite at the moment. Lovely and smooth, creamy, fragrant, smoky.
It should be a available where you are.

 

[Irish Piper]

I'd like to recommend solani white & black 763. It's not quite a full English or Balkan but it's definitely in that ballpark.
Recommending as it's very smooth, lots of flavour and low nicotine due to the Latakia and Cavendish.
Its my favourite at the moment. Lovely and smooth, creamy, fragrant, smoky.
It should be a available where you are.

Thanks. I'll look out for it.

 

[kschatey]

Well, Balkan Supreme is not available here, as far as I can tell. Maybe it's marketed under a different name, which is sometimes the case.

I believe that it's also known as Peter Stokkebye Balkan Supreme. I don't feel that it's too aggressive with the Latakia, but it's definitely more than what is found in Rattray's Red Rapparee. YMMV!

 

[Dudditz]

Looks like a solid order to me! I think you will be pleased. Let us know how you make out.

 

[Andriko]

Red Raparee is great. For your next order I would also suggest Peterson's My Mixture 965, a 'Scottish' blend with cavendish like Red Rap.

I don't know if Sam Gawith is easy for you to get hold of, but their Skiff Mixture was my favorite English blend until I went off latakia. Skiff is very mild on the latakia, and very subtle with the virginias and orientals.

 

[Irish Piper]

I believe that it's also known as Peter Stokkebye Balkan Supreme. I don't feel that it's too aggressive with the Latakia, but it's definitely more than what is found in Rattray's Red Rapparee. YMMV!

I searched that name as well with no luck. ??‍

 

[xBengalSlicedx]

Presbyterian Mixture is the go-to in my book. It's mild, and fairly inexpensive as well, compared to most tins. It also is simply a fine mixture that displays (in a modest way) the complexity that English pipe blends are capable of.

 

[Christos D. Tsatsaronis]

Hi jeffc, I think in "Pfeifen Huber" shop, they will have recommendations for you...

 

[mso489]

I'll second Peterson My Mixture 965, flavorful but easygoing. English is a large and variegated genre, and can be Virginia or burley based. The selection you have ordered will probably give you plenty to enjoy and think about. Your taste will likely change over time too, so if you don't like something, jar it and try it in a year.

 

[Irish Piper]

I had my first bowl of Presbyterian tonight. Very pleased with it. Mild but flavourful. I need to develope my taste buds for pipe tobacco before I can say more than that, being a cigar smoker for so long.

I'm looking forward to my next bowl of this, but also to trying the others that I bought. A good recommendation. Thanks everyone!

 

[Irish Piper]

Hi jeffc, I think in "Pfeifen Huber" shop, they will have recommendations for you...

Yep, I've been there before, although it was to buy cigars. I will stop in when I get a chance.

 

[anotherbob]

ashton consumate gentleman is pretty awesome. Oh and don't forget cross overs. Mildly aromatic to overly aromatic englishes. I say overly because some I've tried hid the English part pretty well.

 

[mtwaller]

My vote is Hearth & Home BlackHouse. It’s delicious (subjectively), mild as these sorts of blends go, ready rubbed, perfect moisture right out of the tin… I smoke almost nothing but English blends, and this one always holds its own.

 

[Irish Piper]

ashton consumate gentleman is pretty awesome. Oh and don't forget cross overs. Mildly aromatic to overly aromatic englishes. I say overly because some I've tried hid the English part pretty well.

Do you have some examples of these aromatic English blends?

 

[xBengalSlicedx]

Do you have some examples of these aromatic English blends?

Sillem's (now John Aylesbury's) Black comes to mind.

Edit: But I wouldn't start there as it's a far cry from would I hope to experience from a traditional English, although it is tasty in its own right.