Low Country Bulk, SP Has It

[mso489]

smokingpipes.com now has the C&D brand Low Country in bulk blends, which I think is altogether new, or new to me anyway. They have a number of aromatics and several non-aromatics, which seem to be in the mild to medium category at excellent, perhaps introductory, prices. I like the looks of the Virginia and burley blend, and the virginia and oriental blend, which feature a notable simplicity. They didn't do the knee jerk Lat and Per, which probably kept the prices down but also got them to work hard at proportions, I surmise. Maybe I'll wait to see if jiminks does reviews. [[[-['''' says my cat. The rum aro might be good too.

 

[aquadoc]

I looked at those and thought about both the Virginia and Virginia-Oriental... But no reviews anywhere. Going in blind, although it is cheap, is not my thing.

 

[Chasing Embers]

Jim and I must be the most adventurous two in the crowd. Sadly they don't have Waccamaw in the bulks. That's a good one!

 

[aquadoc]

So which one to get a pound of... Or do I go 1/2 of each?

 

[jravenwood]

Saw that email too...Im in the "wait and see" camp. Although I think Im regretting setting up camp here after passing on the Mclelland 40th...

 

[JimInks]

Look at TR.com under Low Country and you'll see the reviews.
http://www.tobaccoreviews.com/brand/281/low-country-pipe-cigar

 

[aquadoc]

Jim, none of the new bulks are reviewed.

 

[JimInks]

Aquadoc: I see what you mean. You're right. I just assumed the blends were bulk versions of the tins. My error.

 

[Chasing Embers]

So which one to get a pound of... Or do I go 1/2 of each?

I'd go half and half. Neither sounds like a bad choice.

 

[Chasing Embers]

Low Country's Natural Virginia & Oriental
A touch of Turkish leaf complements a generous measure of Old Belt red Virginia, making for a sweet, complex smoke rich in floral notes and spice.

Being a lover of Red Virginias and Orientals, this one was a no brainer. Picked up a pound.

 

[aquadoc]

How do Orientals age?

 

[Chasing Embers]

Virginias, and Orientals have a fairly high sugar rate, and both age wonderfully. This one may be a staple blend for me and may not get time to age. :mrgreen:

 

[pipesmokingtom]

Has anyone smoked any of these bulks yet?

 

[Chasing Embers]

I've been smoking the Natural Virginia & Oriental quite often. Nice, sweet easy burning blend.

 

[pipesmokingtom]

So you approve at 20/lb?

 

[Chasing Embers]

Yup.

 

[mso489]

In the original post, I think I somewhat misspoke. The Low Country brand was being blended and offered by smokingpipes before they bought C&D, so though both brands are under the same ownership now, the origins of Low Country predate C&D brands at smokingpipes.com. This may seem like a historical fine point, but I'd like to be correct. Also, I have heard that Cooper is also a good blend of Low Country, though I am still aging my tin. I seem to be aging so many.

 

[fnord]

I'm sorry I missed this thread a month ago.
It concerns me because the original four Low Country blends are missing. They were Craig Tarler specials and, IIRC, he passed away a short time after they came to market. (Waccamaw, Black, Santee and Cooper.) When I'm ready for a change from NC, I usually reach for jars of Old Ironsides, SOTE or LC Black.
What's the deal with all the flavored smokes?
Fnord

 

[balkisobrains]

Hey Duane (or anyone), any guesses on what the Oriental component might be in the Natural VA + Oriental? :puffpipe:

 

[aquadoc]

Fnord, I can see them on their website.