Jim's WhiteKnight Review

[JimInks]

I started smoking Balkan Sobranie in 1982, so I missed the 1970s version on which this is based, and was slightly different than what I was used to. However, a few years ago, I was fortunate enough to have sampled the 1960s BS, and this is fairly similar to it. The main differences are the Orientals are a little spicier, there's a little less latakia, and a little more sweetness here than the 1960s version. The mild soda note from the Yenidje is milder here than in the Sobranie I regularly smoked, though the Macedonia plays the same background notes. The yellow Virginias are lightly grassy with a natural sweetness. The Cyprian latakia has the usual smokey sweet woodsy flavor, and is balanced nicely by the other components. Like DK, I found it a little tamer than Russ' Black House, and more of an all day smoke for my personal taste, which Balkan Sobranie often was for me back in earlier times. This is a little dry out of the tin, and I find it a little more flavorful with a slight bit of moisture. Burns perfectly well with few relights, and a smooth creaminess that leaves you wanting to smoke another bowl right away.

 

[gtclark]

Another great review - thanks, Jim. I have an unopened tin of this, and was afraid it would be too heavy for the heat of summer. Sounds like it's a little lighter than I was expecting, and I might not wait until the fall to crack the tin after all.

 

[yohanan]

Great review, Thanks for posting your results. ::

 

[ravkesef]

As always, Jim, you're right on target. I smoked The Original exclusively for twenty years and this is really the closest blend I've ever found. Thanks for sharing your expertise with us.

 

[peckinpahhombre]

Excellent. i recently did a review of this blend as well. Or maybe I didn't. I can't remember.

 

[ravkesef]

Excellent. i recently did a review of this blend as well. Or maybe I didn't. I can't remember.

Peck, you were reviewing the Mixture 79, and you liked it so much you ordered the 5 pound bulk package!

 

[edgreen]

Down to my last tin...when, oh when, are we going to be blessed with more?

 

[necron99]

What?

 

[blendtobac]

We expect more in a week or so. The initial response led to selling almost twice as much as BlackHouse during the launch. We're thrilled with the reception and will have more than 1200 tins coming in over the next month or so.
Russ

 

[captainsousie]

Great review. I just might crack one of my tins tomorrow when I get to teach a new smoker the basics.

 

[masspiper]

If you shipped to Canada you would only have 1000 tins the other 200 would probably find it's way into Pecks cellar. :lol:

 

[peckinpahhombre]

Russ, will this one be distributed to smokingpipes like Blackhouse is? As a Canuck, I have to get my Blackhouse through them, but I can't get WK or Magnum Opus through SP. Not sure why.

 

[harlockfan]

I have ordered some but I am waiting to age the tins a bit before trying them. But maybe I should try a fresh one for my own education on what happens during the aging process?

 

[JimInks]

Harlock: it's good fresh. Go ahead and open a tin, age the rest. You can always buy more.

 

[masspiper]

^^^^Agreed^^^^

 

[novicemaker]

I liked that you have previous knowledge of BS, i did a review of this tobacco in a new to the mixture point of view. I like that since you had any idea of what this blend was suppose to be like that you found it as pleasing as i have. I bought another two tins and plan on store them with my other tin so i can have a 1year 5 year and a 10 year old version to see how it ages.
I am still smoking my first tin that i did my review on and i still like it but i dont think it will be my everyday smoke. I was gifted a nice bag of Barbados and have found i really enjoy the taste and smell of it.

 

[wilson]

WhiteKnight was on backorder, so my first tin just arrived today. I've never had Balkan Sobranie, so I can't make a comparison, but this is very good stuff. My first bowl is nearly done and Jim is quite right: I'm gonna need a second bowl right away.

 

[papipeguy]

WhiteKnight is a good blend on it's own. I see it as a homage to BS but extremely worthy on its own merits.

 

[sablebrush52]

The initial response led to selling almost twice as much as BlackHouse during the launch. We're thrilled with the reception and will have more than 1200 tins coming in over the next month or so.

That takes care of Peck, but what about the rest of us?

 

[bookn3rd5]

I have two tins of this on the way as well - curious to smoke it