H&H Distinguished Penguin

[smokey422]

This tobacco is one of Russ's lesser known blends but it's one of my favorites. This is my TR.com review:
This is an interesting tobacco because the flavor reveals itself in stages, or I guess some would call it complexity. Upon lighting, a medium Latakia flavor presents itself, a nice creamy smokey flavor that tickles your taste buds. About the time you have settled in to enjoy this sojourn, a sweetness from the Virginias and the Black Cavendish takes center stage, another delightful diversion for your palate. This lasts for a few minutes, then gradually the Latakia note comes back, combining with the flavors of the Va and Cavendish to form a lovely creamy sweetness that lasts for the rest of the bowl. As the other posters have noted, this is an easy packing, lighting, and burning tobacco. The only possible negative is that Pipes and Cigars has had to increase prices on their premium blends in the last couple of weeks due to increases in their own costs. Still, a tobacco this good is a value even at a premium price. Distinguished Penguin is an outstanding blend that all English smokers should try. Scores: flavor-18 out of 20, lighting, packing, and burn-9 of 10, value-8 of 10, total score-35 of 40 and a high recommendation of four stars.
Smokey

 

[matchstickman]

I have had a lot of bad luck with H&H blends in the past. They burn too hot to me and scorch my tongue, but I havent tried any of their blends with Latakia. I might one day try to be brave and order a tin of Black House or Magnum Opus, and this sounds intriguing as well. Might have to give it a shot.

 

[markw4mms]

Thanks for the fine review, Smokey! I haven't tried that blend yet, but you may have just convinced me to do so. :clap:

 

[markw4mms]

Thanks for the fine review, Smokey! I haven't tried that blend yet, but you may have just convinced me to do so. :clap:

 

[macnutz]

I do enjoy complex English blends with shifting flavour notes such as you describe. Dang you, one more for the must try list.
You gotta' love the name.

 

[olderthandirt]

I've gotten a few of the H&H samplers, great way to check out the blends by the way, but still haven't gotten around to the Penguin. Made it onto the list a few times but was bumped in favor of something else.
Thank you for the review

 

[hobie1dog]

That blend I will always remember as ranking in the top 5 of the nastiest blends I've tried so far.
I don't think I made it past 4 puffs of the stuff before I tossed it out.

 

[cyndi]

I like it a lot. It's very mellow and friendly. (if you can describe a baccy as friendly) and the colors are pretty. My only complaints are that it came from the manufacturer bone dry and as a result, a bowl burns through very quickly.

 

[blendtobac]

Because of the cut of Distinguished Penguin, the tobacco has to be on the dry side. The large flakes will compact together if they're too moist, and the draw will become very difficult. I've been working on getting the moisture level perfect, but by the time the tobacco reaches the customer it's not the same; I'm still working on it. But we will continue to be a bit drier than most tobaccos because: 1) we feel that a drier tobacco delivers more flavor and a better burn (as long as you smoke slowly), and; 2) we want our customers to get what they pay for- tobacco, not water.
Russ

 

[cyndi]

Russ - that makes a lot of sense. Would you recommend smoking it as is or rehydrating it with a small amount of distilled water in the jar? I love the blend, I was just a bit confused.

 

[blendtobac]

I'd try Greg Pease's rehydration method. Take a paper towel and dampen it. Wring it out, and pour the tobacco in a bowl. Cover the bowl with the towel while keeping it out of contact with the tobacco. Let it sit for 2 to 3 hours and check the tobacco. Repeat until you're pleased with the moisture content.
Russ