NEW! H&H Blend: Fusilier's Ration

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lordnoble

Lifer
Jul 13, 2010
2,677
16
When I met Russ Ouelette this past Friday (8/17/12) with Rick (rickpal14), we were given the opportunity to try Russ' latest creation.
Fusilier's Ration is (as Russ describes) an Oriental-forward Latakia blend in crumble-cake form. It has some Virginias and some Burley in it to help round out the flavor profile.
FusiliersRationCU.jpg

The sample I got was fresh from the "Tobacco Lab" (my term, not theirs) at Habana Premium in Albany, NY. It was a moist, oily stick of pressed tobaccos which had a smokey, slightly-earthy "tin" note. It made Rick's fingers almost black when he rubbed his cake out. I opted for a kinda gravity-fed approach, which yielded some interesting flavors; slightly-salty,nut-like flavor with a hint of Virginia sweetness. This packing method IS NOT the best. Granted, it was a new blend, like hours old new, but I think this might work better lightly rubbed out. We'll have to see. It smoked smooth, with the Latakia in the background during the smoke with the Orientals in the forefront the entire time. It also had a slight fragrant note which was fleeting. Not a in-your-face floral note like in some Lakeland blends, just a wisp of it here and there.
Would I recommend this blend? Wholeheartedly, yes! It's got a lot going on, and it hit all my favorite flavor profiles that I've been into lately.
Russ said that it'll be "released" when he gets back to work within the next few weeks, so keep you eyes peeled. Let the questions commence!
-Jason

 

mountainman

Can't Leave
May 4, 2012
396
1,314
Thanks for posting pics of that! Must have been really cool to hang out with Russ and pick his brain! :worship:

 

rickpal14

Lifer
Jun 9, 2011
1,432
2
Jason hit the review right on the head!!!
This was a very smooth Oriental forward type of blend. My fingers were black after rubbing it out and they smelled fantastic the rest of the night!! :D
I opted for a full rub out and the 3 step pack approach. It provided a very cool, smooth and slow burning smoke. This is definitely a winner guys!!!!!!!! Keep your eyes open for its' release. I know I am!!!
Now I have to figure out a way to make my sample last until the release....................

 

pstlpkr

Lifer
Dec 14, 2009
9,694
31
Birmingham, AL
You lucky devils....

If it tastes half as good as it looks (and to me it looks good enough to eat) it should be fantastic!
Ok we've done the hurry-up part...

Now for the wait. :(

 

juvat270

Part of the Furniture Now
Aug 1, 2011
557
1
I can't wait to try this blend. Sounds great!
I have to add that Hearth & Home has got to be the one of the greatest tobacco bargains of the century! Top notch blends from a top notch blender with most of them cheaper than a pouch of Captain Black.

 

spartan

Lifer
Aug 14, 2011
2,963
7
Looks like dog poop covered in sun-baked grass.
Which I hear is a delicacy in New York.
I'll get to trying it once I've covered all thier other blends. Sheesh. Too many to get through. Looks like I'll be at this for life.

 

zanthal

Lifer
Dec 3, 2011
1,835
1
Pleasanton, CA
@SmokinDragon - Oh Lord... I repeatedly had to tell myself "rope tobacco! rope tobacco!" to free myself from the horror.
I haven't tried enough of H&H, thanks for the tip, Jason

 
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