First Time Sir Walter Raleigh Review

[TheDesertPiper]

I have been recommended on more then one occasion here on the forum, and in real life to try out some of the "codger" blends. I finally decided to take that advice and went ahead and ordered some Sir Walter Raleigh from P&C about a month or so ago. I got the 1.5 ounce pouch since I wasn't sure If I was going to enjoy it. It arrived in the mail along with a few other goodies. The tin note, or pouch note in this case, was chocolatey and sweet, it kind of reminded me of raisinets, which I happen to like quite like. The tobacco moisture level seemed good right out of the pouch, so I went ahead and threw some into one my MM cobs. The cut of the tobacco is different from anything else I have ever smoked. I don't know what cut is actually called, but its cut into really small pieces. Made loading the bowl really easy, however, because it is so small I ended up inhaling a few pieces through the pipe into my mouth (which almost never happens). I took the pipe outback and lit up. From the get go the taste was pretty good. I got a nutty, chocolatey, flavor with hints of some kind of tang/spice mixed in. I think that I read the topping is for SWR is anise, so maybe that is where where the spice comes from? The smoke was cool and consistent the entire way through. I don't think you could get tongue bite from SWR if you tried. It burned a little quick, but really evenly throughout the smoke. Flavor was there from start to finish. Nic hit is mild to non-existent, but that is true of most tobaccos for me. I smoke outside so can't really get a good bead on the room note. In my humble opinion SWR was a solid smoke. I can see why it has been around for as long as it has.

I actually first smoked this about 3 weeks ago. It took me awhile to come write my review. Since then I have been smoking SWR a lot. For me, it hits the spot anytime of the day. Its kind of weird. I have all sorts of other tobacco, some which I have yet to try, yet I keep craving SWR. Sometimes I just like to open the pouch up and smell it. I think I am going to go order the 14 ounce can off P&C.

 

[bullet08]

SWR is a nice blend. Try SWRA. It's called "aromatic", but not very. Still have good tobacco note. Always keep SWR/A around the house. Since they don't need any drying, it's very good for a quick fix.

 

[FurCoat]

SWR and SWRA are great blends. If you get the tub, no need to jar, it will keep a long time in the tub after opening. I will also recommend Sutliff Match Ready Rubbed and Granger. Same cut of tobacco and ready to smoke.

 

[carolinasmokes]

The classic Sir Walter Raleigh tobaccos are excellent, I smoke them both, although I enjoy them better in a briar.

 

[DangerStranger]

Damn. Sounds like I'm missing out. I think that I'll grab a tub on my next order.

 

[mso489]

I had a blah experience with SWR some years ago, but I recently gave it a second chance. My pouch announced it is now 75 years old, so it is unlikely to disappear because of impending regulations. My bad experience was from a shelf-worn pouch from a gas station smoked through a cob filter, so it had no substantive flavor. This time, it was a fresh pouch in an unfiltered pipe. It is quite mild, and I got very little non-tobacco flavoring from it, but the burley came through with its nutty notes, and I was definitely pleased. It's not like GLP or some of C&D's innovative burley blends, but it certainly has a place in my "cellar," (bookshelf and pipe rack stash). Thanks for this good review. If others haven't tried this fine old burley blend, I would certainly recommend it. Now to try the pouch of Velvet that came with it.

 

[bullet08]

I had a blah experience with SWR some years ago, but I recently gave it a second chance. My pouch announced it is now 75 years old, so it is unlikely to disappear because of impending regulations. My bad experience was from a shelf-worn pouch from a gas station smoked through a cob filter, so it had no substantive flavor. This time, it was a fresh pouch in an unfiltered pipe. It is quite mild, and I got very little non-tobacco flavoring from it, but the burley came through with its nutty notes, and I was definitely pleased. It's not like GLP or some of C&D's innovative burley blends, but it certainly has a place in my "cellar," (bookshelf and pipe rack stash). Thanks for this good review. If others haven't tried this fine old burley blend, I would certainly recommend it. Now to try the pouch of Velvet that came with it.

Would definitely love to hear your perspective on Velvet.

 

[olkofri]

I got a pouch of SWRA last Tuesday. I was looking forward to it since it's been recommended here. Finally, yesterday I was able to pack a bowl and have at it...

Very, very disappointing. Pouch note is kinda nice. Taste from pipe is... like nothing. A boo-rley, after all—why should I be surprised? This is a whole new definition of MEH.

At least it didn't bite me like Mixture 79 and at least it burned consistently with few relights. So, there're the positives.

Oh, another positive: I'm done with "codger blends".

 

[LikeDadDid]

Very, very disappointing.

I like reviews that speak plainly. That's why this one was so, well.....disappointing. Hahaha

 

[LikeDadDid]

I liken SWR to mac and cheese - it's comfort tobacco.

 

[kcghost]

It has been around for a very long time so it must have something going for it.

 

[mso489]

SWR original is for when I really want a pipe smoke but I don't want an "experience," a dependable no-shouting and no fancy stuff bowl full.

 

[--dante--]

SWR and SWRA are great blends. If you get the tub, no need to jar, it will keep a long time in the tub after opening. I will also recommend Sutliff Match Ready Rubbed and Granger. Same cut of tobacco and ready to smoke.

I really like Granger, but unlike other 'codger' blends, I find I have to dry it a short while before putting in the bowl. Granted, I smoke outside and it's pretty humid here these days.

 

[FurCoat]

I really like Granger, but unlike other 'codger' blends, I find I have to dry it a short while before putting in the bowl. Granted, I smoke outside and it's pretty humid here these days.

Same here, living in the south has its drawbacks. I smoke outside also. I just got through with Eight State Burley in a cob, pretty nasty outside and I loaded a pipe with Granger for tomorrow morning. I find some blends do well to sit in the pipe overnight.

 

[--dante--]

Same here, living in the south has its drawbacks. I smoke outside also. I just got through with Eight State Burley in a cob, pretty nasty outside and I loaded a pipe with Granger for tomorrow morning. I find some blends do well to sit in the pipe overnight. View attachment 83912

Yep I do the same thing (preload a pipe for the morning) -- which works great so long as I keep it inside until morning. If left outside, I'll go through half a bic lighter trying to keep it going.

 

[smknron]

Same here, living in the south has its drawbacks. I smoke outside also. I just got through with Eight State Burley in a cob, pretty nasty outside and I loaded a pipe with Granger for tomorrow morning. I find some blends do well to sit in the pipe overnight. View attachment 83912

Yep, I usually do the same, let it sit in one of the pipes over night.