BS doesn't seem to be hyped on this forum. Most mentions I've seen pan it. Just ask Jesse! (sablebrush53).
First Impression: Balkan Sobranie
- Thread starter Patrick_Green
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No, it's not the same thing. The Sobranie product used Syrian, which has a very different flavor than Cyprian. I did some back to back comparisons a few years ago between the Germain's version, some 35 year old Balkan Sobranie, and White Knight and the White Knight was much closer to the old blend.
But most smokers haven't had the opportunity to smoke the original Balkan Sobranie and 759, and thus can't have any reference point, which is just as well. Enjoy this version on its own merits.
I seem to have gained a year. But it's true that I can't abide this version. Doesn't matter. If someone likes the new version, that's all that matters.
Funny, the 53. It appended itself when I typed sablebrush...(and did it just now, but I deleted the number.) Anyway, happy birthday!
I smoked the original in the 60's, early 70's, but can't compare it to anything, mostly because of my inability to remember tastes for 50 years.
I smoked the original in the 60's, early 70's, but can't compare it to anything, mostly because of my inability to remember tastes for 50 years.
I am starting to get the impression that you’re a contrarian.
Of course, now you can’t get out of it. If you agree, then you’re a contrarian. If you disagree, then you’re also a contrarian.
Neither actually. The only Blend of Russ's that I can stand is Angler's Dream.I am starting to get the impression that you’re a contrarian.
Of course, now you can’t get out of it. If you agree, then you’re a contrarian. If you disagree, then you’re also a contrarian.
I believe that White Knight = Match B.S.O.S.M. And that Blackhouse = Match B.S. 759. Even if I am wrong, they are worth trying.
I find 3-6 months in a jar really do help a lot of tobaccos or at least help my palate appreciate them more. To me this allows the orientals in Balkan Sobranie to really blossom and there is a certain flavor they give that I have not found elsewhere. If it is the tobacco used or the way it is treated I do not know.
I wouldn't call the Germain version a "Lat bomb" really. Nor would I call the original a "Lat bomb" either.
Is it true that the first run of the re-release had Syrian Latakia? I thought I read that here. I have some tins of the first run and can’t tell if it’s the age that has mellowed out the Latakia or if it is Syrian. I get that “wine” taste instead of the campfire/smoky taste I get in newer tins.
White Knight is my favorite of all in this Balkan Sobranie “style”, whatever that’s worth. I think it blows BS away and is like 11 bucks a tin and always available.
If you read it here it cannot possibly be wrong!!
Regardless, aging will change the flavor profile.
Side note, the wine taste in HH Vintage Syrian intensified in the tins I have, dated 2006 - 2008. Cracked open a tin from 2007 last fall, wine taste was prominent.
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