Mystery H&H Blend in Goodie Bag

[theboz]

I just tried this today. I think this is going to be one that I will want to cellar. The latakia was perfect for me, I got a smoked poultry kinda taste(light smokiness but not overpowering) a touch of sweet and just a hint of spice in the back of my throat. Definitely a good one.

 

[lincolnsbark]

I got a smoked poultry kinda taste(light smokiness but not overpowering)

This is a really interesting analysis I will have to look for it when I smoke it again. May should really come sooner.

 

[onepyrotec]

May should really come sooner.

We should start a petition :twisted:

 

[theboz]

It's hard to describe, the meat taste wasn't there but that light smoked taste used with poultry so as to not overpower the flavor of the meat. Of course we all have different taste buds as well, this could just as easily be pretty pungent to someone else.

 

[lincolnsbark]

I came across this on another forum:

Yesterday was the New York Pipe Show.

I had the opportunity to chat with Russ Ouellette from Hearth & Home / Pipesandcigars.com. He gave me a "super secret" sample of his latest blend called "White Knight". This was from a "pre-production" test batch.
The new blend is Russ' take on the original Balkan Sobranie "White". You may remember that Russ won the 2011 Chicago Showdown with his version of Balkan Sobranie 759, that he called "Black House". The name "White Knight" is a play on "Black House", keeping with the medieval theme I guess. :?
He told me to try it and let him know what I thought. I promptly took the "secret sample" outside and fired it up in my Kaywoodie "Handmade" XXL Buldog. Once again, all I can say is WOW! Russ has done it again!!!  :affraid:  What a beautiful mixture! Smooth, elegant, creamy, full of flavor! A true masterpiece indeed!
I hope he doesn't "mess" with this anymore before production!  :evil: 
It is exquisite in every way just the way it is! Russ said it will be out in May and "should" be available in both bulk & tins.
Russ told me if I let this secret out, he'd have to kill me! :P 

Just keep this between us ok? :lol!

 

[blendtobac]

Okay, the cat's out of the bag. I wanted to do this, and dreaded it all at the same time. I'm very pleased with the result, but I'm concerned about the comparisons. The difficulty with this is, which Sobranie Original are we looking at? My fondest memories are from around 1978, but the blend changed. If I can bring back any memories of BSOSM, for anyone, I'll have achieved my goal. I hope you like it.
Russ

 

[cosmicfolklore]

Having never tried a Sobranie of any sort, I must say that it must be some great stuff. I enjoyed the sample very much, and thanks for giving us the opportunity to sample it.

 

[lincolnsbark]

I have to say that I have absolutely loved the sample and will definitely be buying it when it comes out in May. The name is also phenomenal if that is the one you stick with. I do feel a little bad about spreading information meant to be quiet but when I saw it on the other forum I thought all the brothers here should hear it as well.
Also, while i have never had any of the Balkan Sobranie blends in their original I have greatly enjoyed both Black House and now White Knight. If your goal is at least in part to make blends for everyone, not just those who remember the old blends, I would say you have resoundingly succeeded!

 

[onepyrotec]

Well damn, that made me feel like the day I found out who Santa really was. Sort of wish I had missed the last few posts telling the name of the new blend.

 

[papipeguy]

Russ shared samples of White Knight with us this past Monday night at the Wooden Match in Bethlehem, Pa. He was very generous with letting us have our way with it. He also said it was OK to discuss it publicly since the cat escaped from the bag earlier.

Let me say this, it is an exquisite blend. I smoked my fair share of BS 759 in the 1970's. I don't recall all that much about it other than I liked it and that's not the real point with White Knight. It is a great blend on its own. No one element dominates to my tastes. Russ shows a deft hand with this one and it deserves attention. I'd call is a very sophisticated Balkan blend that anyone could and should enjoy.

 

[woodsroad]

I'd like to add a little more to what John said, but there's nothing else to say. Russ was very generous both in sharing White Knight with us, listening to our blathering "feedback", and talking shop. Put some TAD bucks aside, folks. White Knight is already on my list.