Esoterica - "Stonehaven"

[deathmetal]

Summary: The Virginias and Burley work together to form a rich, chocolate and molasses-tinged malty flavor in this gentle flake.
Someone once said that Esoterica tobaccos are not so much distinctive as they are highly refined versions of known favorites. "Stonehaven" combines the nutty flavors of Burley with the sweetness of red Virginia, creating a finely-integrated experience that smokes well with few relights, delivers a consistent flavor and has none of the peaks and valleys of less engineered blends. Like many finely integrated blends, it seems monochromatic until the different dimensions of the flavor observe. It strikes me as a more civilized version of the offerings from Gawith Hoggarth and Condor, and a perfect all-day smoke.
Thanks to Pipes Magazine forum member "misterlowercase" for this generous sample.
http://www.tobaccoreviews.com/blend/502#review83768

I like this. I don't know if I'd go through some of the contortions that people do to get it, but I could see smoking it on a regular basis and enjoying it, although sometimes I enjoy the less refined versions as they bring out my feral, atavistic and independent streak.

 

[newfie]

I bought an 8 oz bag of this a few years ago. Never did float my boat. I tried fold 'n stuff, fold massage & stuff, rub rough, rub fine, etc, in several different pipes. All to no avail and I just chalk it up to proof again of how subjective "taste" is. Especially when I love Burley and Virginia blends.
Last night I on a whim I tried "cube cutting" a 1/4 flake and put in a Blatter & Blatter basket Dublin Ienjoy smoking, and it was a truly pleasant smoke. Behaved well, flavours were great, the balance of Burley and Virginia were perfect.
However, that being said:

I don't know if I'd go through some of the contortions that people do to get it

Yup.
I have quite a few Esoterica blends; Stonehaven, Margate, Penzance and Pembroke. While all are blends using obviously quality tobaccos, every time I smoke a bowl of any of these, or read about them on this board, the bull-crap marketing supply and demand games Fuente plays with their high end cigars (Opus X & Añejo) comes to mind.
"Is the product worth the hype?" Maybe I'm wrong, I dunno.

 

[deathmetal]

I try to filter out the hype and the reaction to it. It's just a nice smoke. Quiet, reasonably strong and it has the hallmark of great blends which is high internal balance. The Burleys meld into the Virginias, or vice-versa. It also has a lot of internal texture. It reminds me most of the Gawith Hoggarths but less rough in appeal; more like a gentleman's country club smoke. I hope to encounter it again, but as you say, it can be painful to fight through the hordes so maybe I'll wait until they all switch to Strang

 

[hiplainsdrifter]

I love the stuff, provided it is prepared properly.

 

[gogosamgo]

provided it is prepared properly.

In your experience what's the best way to prepare it?

 

[metalheadycigarguy]

Most over-rated tobacco ever. You can find similar blends that are better, cheaper, and more accessible. Unless you can pick it up at your tobacconist for retail value ($35 etc.) don't waste your time with it. That's my two cents anyway.

 

[deathmetal]

You can find similar blends that are better, cheaper, and more accessible.

If you don't mind, would you list them, at least in this niche (dark VA flake)?

 

[misterlowercase]

I try to filter out the hype and the reaction to it. It's just a nice smoke. Quiet, reasonably strong and it has the hallmark of great blends which is high internal balance. The Burleys meld into the Virginias, or vice-versa. It also has a lot of internal texture.

I feel the same way, especially of the chewy texture and the flavor it carries.
Wessex BCDF is fairly close, but lacks the body.
Germain's RDF is closest, but also lacks the body.

http://pipesmagazine.com/forums/topic/esotericas-stonehaven-and-germains-rdf-a-side-by-side-comparison
There ain't really that many dark flakes on the market,

it is odd that there ain't because they seem to be very popular.
I understand the hype but the hype saddens me.

It does deserve the hype though because there's nothing else quite like it.
It can be finicky to get the full experience from.

I've had some smokes that were as flat as cardboard.

It is highly dependent upon choice of pipe and how that particular pipe may or may not deliver a subtle profile --

and moisture level seems to affect how the tastes are amplified or subdued.
Stonehaven is one of the few baccies where I prefer it to be more moist than dried,

it seems to me to give much more depth of flavor, but I am a big fan of the topping,

and that seems to come through better when on the moist side.
.

 

[shanelktown]

Ha the game of supply and demand soon you will have authorized dealers of the esoterica blends.

 

[hiplainsdrifter]

You can find similar blends that are better, cheaper, and more accessible.

Like what? I have never had anything remotely similar. I have heard BCDF compared to it, but I think they are quite different (both are good).

In your experience what's the best way to prepare it?

Basically, don't smoke it right out of the package. It comes sopping wet. It needs to be air dried a lot. I like to jar it then forget about it for 6 months or so. Then take it out of the jar and air dry, taking care to separate the flakes. It will reduce in volume a lot to very thin flakes. You want them to be dry to the touch, but still ribbon out more than crumble when you break them up. I like to roughly rub the flakes out then load as usual. Make sure you sip for the fullest flavor. quite pleasing.

 

[deathmetal]

It does deserve the hype though because there's nothing else quite like it.

Another way to put this: it deserves the admiration it receives from people who like it for its smoking qualities, which is the opposite of hype (pursuing something for its social qualities, including status signaling as sable brilliantly mocked).

 

[shikano53]

I think people like to sample Esoterica just so they can bash it and say smug things like, it isn't as good as, or make some stupid comment like, Oh it's pursued because of it's status. What smack.
I flat out enjoy it and buy because I like it. End of story. I buy Old Dark Fired and Nightcap and Quiet Nights because I like it. I smoke a pipe because it gives me pleasure. I buy the tobaccos I like because I enjoy them.

What bullshit.

 

[deathmetal]

Contrarianism/ironism will always be among us, and is as much conformity as slavish adulation!

 

[iamn8]

I would argue that quite a few hate based solely on principal so that they can seem smug and claim to know better. The door swings both ways. Antidisestablishmentarianism.

 

[jkrug]

I was gifted a small sample of Stonehaven recently and I must say I enjoyed it very much. I would certainly purchase it if the opportunity arises, and it will eventually. ::

 

[metalheadycigarguy]

You can find similar blends that are better, cheaper, and more accessible.
If you don't mind, would you list them, at least in this niche (dark VA flake)?

Stonehaven is just a Virginia/Burley blend, so similar blends would be...
Peter Heinrichs - Dark Strong Flake

Mac Baren - HH Old Dark Fired (ready rub/flake)

Mac Baren - HH Bold Kentucky

Orlik - Dark Strong Kentucky (if you can find it)
If you go out to Tobacco Reviews and select Virginia/Burley under blend search you'll find a lot of those blends. Can't say that they all will compare to Stonehaven but there are more out there. The fun part is trying the different blends to find out.

 

[metalheadycigarguy]

I think people like to sample Esoterica just so they can bash it and say smug things like, it isn't as good as, or make some stupid comment like, Oh it's pursued because of it's status. What smack.
I flat out enjoy it and buy because I like it. End of story. I buy Old Dark Fired and Nightcap and Quiet Nights because I like it. I smoke a pipe because it gives me pleasure. I buy the tobaccos I like because I enjoy them.

What bullshit.

Well we are all entitled to our own opinions. Some people do try it based just off the hype it receives to see if it lives up to the hype in their opinion. For some it does and others it doesn't. Nothing wrong with trying it and giving an opinion on it. I don't know anyone that's tried it just to talk bad about it. Seems like a foolish endeavor as its so hard to come by. Not everyone will have the same opinions as you about tobacco which is fine because you smoke what you like and others will smoke what they like.
As for me I think Stonehaven is overrated. Its not a bad tobacco, but I didn't think it was good either. I'd rather have Peter Heinrich's Dark Strong Flake or Mac Baren Old Dark Fired. Cheaper and more accessible. As for Penzance (another Esoterica blend), I really enjoy it and smoke it often but it too is completely overrated. If I can get it at $35 a bag and its available I'll grab it, but I'm not going out of my way to hunt it down or over-pay for it. To many good tobacco's out there to waste my time and money on two very overrated blends.

 

[sablebrush52]

I happen to like Stonehaven very much as an occasional treat. The treacle topping gives it a different character. When I first tried smoking it I found it a frustrating experience because the wonderful scent in the jar just didn't translate to flavor when smoking. It's a PITA. But I finally found a method that produced a very satisfying experience for the conditions under which I smoke, which is outdoors only.

I get the most concentrated flavor in small to medium conical chambers, cube cut, and very dry, just shy of bone dry. The treacle - molasses -, raisin, and chocolate, on top of the Virginia hay/grass and the burley, all come through. Doesn't happen all the time. Some smokes are flat. But when the moisture is on target with the right chamber shape, it delivers a very nice smoke. RDF is a close cousin, but there's more of an English Ale component to the topping that makes for a slight difference.

I wouldn't consider paying the $100+ prices being charged for an 8 ounce bag because, as much as I like it, I don't like it THAT much. I don't like ANY tobacco that much. So many satisfying choices out there that I have no need to become enslaved to any of them.

 

[andystewart]

I've smoked Germain's RDF for a long time and I like it very much, so when I was offered a few bowls of Stonehaven I enjoyed trying it - 1)to see what the hype is all about, and 2)to make a side-by-side with RDF. Jesse (sable) is exactly right in his comparatives and I'm very glad to say that I - marginally - prefer RDF! The two are very similar; I love the sweet elements of Stonehaven but the price, lack of availability, PITA preparation and general unreliability of the blend make me very glad I favour the Germain's tobacco. I dry, fold-massage-stuff, and set light to RDF and I'm away. Not sure I could face the future as an Esoterica-wight!
Andy

 

[jmill208]

I get the most concentrated flavor in small to medium conical chambers, cube cut, and very dry, just shy of bone dry. The treacle - molasses -, raisin, and chocolate, on top of the Virginia hay/grass and the burley, all come through. Doesn't happen all the time. Some smokes are flat. But when the moisture is on target with the right chamber shape, it delivers a very nice smoke.

What he said.
Smoked Stonehaven all weekend. I am in the "like it, and almost love it" camp. Love the taste, but for me the nic hit seems a bit low. This is a great tobacco, it just may not be for everyone, but then again..what is?