I Thought Balkan Sobranie Was Out of Production

[n_irwin]

I noticed today on a certain online retailer (they’re not a site sponsor so I’m not sure if it’s cool to name them) that Balkan Sobranie was for sale—$25.99 per tin, limit one per customer. Is this THE Balkan Sobranie? Is it back in production or is this old stock? I’m glad to hear your thoughts. I’ll post a screenshot of the tin as it’s listed on the site.

 

[OSOBUCO]

Retailer name please. Plenty of names of non site sponsors mentioned

 

[Infantry23]

It's in current production. I bought some in the spring from Boswells in Chambersburg, PA.

 

[bullet08]

It's just really hard to find. If you are asking if it's same blend as when it was smoked some time ago. No.

 

[Chasing Embers]

That one's been in production since at least the mid 2000s. No Syrian or Yenidje in it though.



Get a few ounces of Peretti Royal, it's closer to the original than even White Knight (Sutliff Balkan Sobranie Original Match) is.

 

[n_irwin]

Retailer name please. Plenty of names of non site sponsors mentioned

Sorry, I haven’t been around long enough to know better. It’s available at pipesandcigars

 

[Chasing Embers]

Sorry, I haven’t been around long enough to know better. It’s available at pipesandcigars

They used to be a sponsor. They fell out of favor with many due to poor business practices and even worse customer service.

 

[Servant King]

That's a pretty swell deal, but I enjoy Sutliff Balkan Sobranie Original Mix Match even more than the "genuine article." (I use quotes here because I know it has gone through several incarnations and is quite different than what it was decades ago.) Much cheaper too, about $2.50/oz. on SP.com, with quantity-based discounts as well.

But hey, that's just me and my own preferences. YMMV. ?‍

Edit: The entry below sums that one point up even better.

 

[camaguey]

In my opinion , Balkan Sobranie is just a name for a tobacco not available since circa 1980. Only the name remains. There are other options like the mentioned here from Peretti and White Knight , Magnum Opus and others. My choice back in the 70's was the 759 more than the white.

 

[Chasing Embers]

That's a pretty swell deal, but I enjoy Sutliff Balkan Sobranie Original Mix Match even more than the "genuine article." (I use quotes here because I know it has gone through several incarnations and is quite different than what it was decades ago.) Much cheaper too, about $2.50/oz. on SP.com, with quantity-based discounts as well.

But hey, that's just me and my own preferences. YMMV. ?‍

Keep an eye on tobaccopipes. They often have 10-25% off Sutliff sales.

 

[bluegrassbrian]

Seems all the latakia smokers I know in person prefer Balkan Sasieni to Sobranie - insofar as the contemporary blends are concerned.

 

[augiebd]

I’ve got most of the recommended blends here but will have to look into a few of the others. Thanks for the recommendations!

 

[Terry Lennox]

P&C. 2 tins left as of 5 mins ago.

 

[Chasing Embers]

Seems all the latakia smokers I know in person prefer Balkan Sasieni to Sobranie - insofar as the contemporary blends are concerned.

Many swear that one to be tinned Balkan Supreme.

 

[mso489]

I'm getting low on Sutliff Balkan Sobranie 759 Match that I've enjoyed right along, from SP.

 

[sablebrush52]

I noticed today on a certain online retailer (they’re not a site sponsor so I’m not sure if it’s cool to name them) that Balkan Sobranie was for sale—$25.99 per tin, limit one per customer. Is this THE Balkan Sobranie? Is it back in production or is this old stock? I’m glad to hear your thoughts. I’ll post a screenshot of the tin as it’s listed on the site.
View attachment 154845

It's a clone made by Germain's, not even remotely comparable to the stuff made by Sobranie Ltd. except for the tin art. It's been in production since 2011. Sobranie original smoking mixture and 759 were two of my favorite smokes in the 70's and '80's. I can't get through a bowl of this stuff.

If you want something close to actual Balkan Sobranie, try White Knight

 

[lochinvar]

Not really sure what Germain was going for with this, but don't bother. I've never had anything labeled Balkan that was remotely close to this. Maybe 965 with a heaping of wet lawn clippings.

If you're already on P&C try White Knight and Black House, they re much closer to Sobranie White and 759. Better yet call LJ Peretti and order a few ounces of Royal and a few of Tashkent.

 

[ykw5264]

I just ordered last one.

 

[ykw5264]

Already sold out. Sorry

 

[LotusEater]

Seems all the latakia smokers I know in person prefer Balkan Sasieni to Sobranie - insofar as the contemporary blends are concerned.

I was going to daybreak I think Sasieni is much better than the current Sobranie.

Black House White House and LJP Royal are also better in my opinion.