Haunted Bookshop and Pirate Kake first timer

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Today I smoked a bowl of Haunted Bookshop and Pirate Kake. Not at same time. Here’s a pipe tobacco rookie review.

Haunted Bookshop:
It seemed like a pleasant smoke as I watched a cloud of glorious smoke rise into the garage rafters. There was something to it that I kinda’ enjoyed. Yet, something seemed to be missing. The flavors were quite mild in my opinion. Tame, almost weak. The smoke seemed creamy if thst makes sense. It was fun blowing smoke rings into the rafters. It smoked well. But I felt it was missing something. Theres something to this that says don’t give up on it, yet I’m not so sure I’d purchase this again…the jury is still deliberating on this.

I’d give this a 3 out of 5.

Pirate Kake:
First few minutes I thought it was interesting and pretty good. Not great, just good. Seemed a bit spicy. But not overpowering. I think I packed it too tightly though. It seemed interesting, but about halfway through, it seemed like it was missing something. It wasn’t as strong or flavorful as Nightcap which is my favorite so far. I kept puffing to see if it got better. It didn’t. But it was a cool smoke, no tongue bite at all, except I felt I needed to shave my tongue. Thats when I was wishing I was done smoking this. I did not dislike it. But I did not thoroughly enjoy it. I enjoy Nightcap so I thought, Pirate Kake with high Latakia should hit home. But, no, just a second base experience. I won’t purchase this again.

I’d give it 2.5 out of 5.

For the record, to me, Nightcap is a 4.5 out of 5. Early Morning Pipe, 4 out of 5

The search continues for a good burley blend. I have a pouch of Sir Walter Raleigh, which is ok. So, perhaps if I mix Pirate Kake with Walter Raleigh and create Pirate Raleigh, would improve both tobaccos. Thinking more, mixing Pirate Kake with Haunted Bookshop might also improve that experience as well.
 

rsshreck32

Lifer
Aug 1, 2023
1,589
26,843
Missouri Bootheel
Today I smoked a bowl of Haunted Bookshop and Pirate Kake. Not at same time. Here’s a pipe tobacco rookie review.

Haunted Bookshop:
It seemed like a pleasant smoke as I watched a cloud of glorious smoke rise into the garage rafters. There was something to it that I kinda’ enjoyed. Yet, something seemed to be missing. The flavors were quite mild in my opinion. Tame, almost weak. The smoke seemed creamy if thst makes sense. It was fun blowing smoke rings into the rafters. It smoked well. But I felt it was missing something. Theres something to this that says don’t give up on it, yet I’m not so sure I’d purchase this again…the jury is still deliberating on this.

I’d give this a 3 out of 5.

Pirate Kake:
First few minutes I thought it was interesting and pretty good. Not great, just good. Seemed a bit spicy. But not overpowering. I think I packed it too tightly though. It seemed interesting, but about halfway through, it seemed like it was missing something. It wasn’t as strong or flavorful as Nightcap which is my favorite so far. I kept puffing to see if it got better. It didn’t. But it was a cool smoke, no tongue bite at all, except I felt I needed to shave my tongue. Thats when I was wishing I was done smoking this. I did not dislike it. But I did not thoroughly enjoy it. I enjoy Nightcap so I thought, Pirate Kake with high Latakia should hit home. But, no, just a second base experience. I won’t purchase this again.

I’d give it 2.5 out of 5.

For the record, to me, Nightcap is a 4.5 out of 5. Early Morning Pipe, 4 out of 5

The search continues for a good burley blend. I have a pouch of Sir Walter Raleigh, which is ok. So, perhaps if I mix Pirate Kake with Walter Raleigh and create Pirate Raleigh, would improve both tobaccos. Thinking more, mixing Pirate Kake with Haunted Bookshop might also improve that experience as well.
I would recommend Cornell & Diehl Burley Flake #1 and #2 in addition to Pegasus if you're looking for good Burley blends.
 

MisterBadger

Lifer
Oct 6, 2024
1,038
8,764
Ludlow, UK
The search continues for a good burley blend. I have a pouch of Sir Walter Raleigh, which is ok. So, perhaps if I mix Pirate Kake with Walter Raleigh and create Pirate Raleigh, would improve both tobaccos. Thinking more, mixing Pirate Kake with Haunted Bookshop might also improve that experience as well.
You might do a lot worse than try MacBaren's HH Burley Flake, or their Old Dark Fired.
 

MortarMessiah

Starting to Get Obsessed
Jan 1, 2025
135
601
Florida
I love Haunted Bookshop but find it tends to lose something when smoked too hot.
Haunted Bookshop has been my favorite so far. I've only just started smoking though. But your right if I get carried away and not paying attention and be puffin away and get it too hot, it loses its flavor and becomes very ashy. Totally agree.
 

Meerly John

Part of the Furniture Now
Aug 4, 2021
589
10,738
Mid-USA
Pirate Kake is what it is - 75% Latakia

I love Haunted Bookshop, I smoke it almost every day. It is significantly better with at least 6 months in the jar. I agree with you that it's missing something though, and I personally think that something is darker burleys 🤷‍♂️
 
Pirate Kake is what it is - 75% Latakia

I love Haunted Bookshop, I smoke it almost every day. It is significantly better with at least 6 months in the jar. I agree with you that it's missing something though, and I personally think that something is darker burleys 🤷‍♂️
Maybe age will enhance HB. I’m not too keen on sitting in a 30 degree garage to smoke a bowl or cigar. So, the jars are aging. HB has a good jar aroma.