Non Aromatic with Good Room Note

[kickinbears]

I have some 2013 Mac Baren Navy Flake I’m going to pair up with an MM Dagner Poker cob I just ordered. A lot of positive comments about both the room note and taste from reviewers I trust (plus general consensus is consistent). Sounds like it might ghost, but I’ll have a pipe dedicated to the blend.
Still looking for another blend so I can have a 2x cob rotation going while I’m at Lockn. I think I’m going to pick up an MM Patriot bent cob for the next blend
I’ve read up about all of the blends recommend so far. I was really interested in the Solani 633 Virginia Flake but it’s sold out everywhere. Great recommendation there
The LTF is becoming a strong possibility, though the taste profile sounds it won’t be terribly exciting. It’s super cheap though, so I might buy 6-8oz and cellar. I take 3x recommendations from y’all seriously too, so that makes the blend a strong contender for the second blend I’ll bring.
Keep em comin’ in the meantime!

 

[workman]

Any straight virginia blend I think. Virginia has a sweet smell that is surprisingly pleasant to non-smokers who are used to second-hand smoke from cigarettes. In my experience.

 

[mikefu]

Luxury Twist Flake is also good in a 1:1 ratio with Luxury Navy Flake, if you want a bit more strength and some perique in there.

 

[kickinbears]

@workman .. yep, with ya. My gut was saying grab any two of FVF / Capstan Blue or Gold / Opening Night .. then started thinking SJF or Escudo would be nice options as well ...
@mikefu .. i like it; add a touch of spice to the mix. I can bring three blends with me that way too. :D
What’s this talk you have to dedicate yourself to the LNF to “get it” @ TR?

 

[cosmicfolklore]

I love LTF and LNF mixed. I just twist the two flakes together and pack. Together the two reminds me of the smell of a boot store, or leather goods store. Not that it is leathery tasting, but just reminds me of that, an olfactory hue, so to speak.

 

[workman]

I smoke Mac Baren Navy Flake occasionally. I don't think it's a ghoster. Well anything can leave a faint ghost, and Mac B Navy Flake is on the light side. I find the topping a little off-putting. I know it's supposed to be rum and Mac Baren's signature cavendish, but together they somehow remind me of artificial bananaessence. Which is not nice.

 

[curl]

My wife likes Kendal Flake, and another lady said she liked the smell when I was smoking Amphora Original.

 

[kickinbears]

I know it's supposed to be rum and Mac Baren's signature cavendish, but together they somehow remind me of artificial bananaessence

8O

 

[mso489]

Interesting that someone's domestic partner liked Latakia; in general that is a room note that isn't good for most bystanders. Otherwise, it is subjective. I think most Virginias are tolerable, as are lighter burleys but not all. Cavendish can usually pass muster, though it is often flavored. Cigar leaf is suspect for bystanders; I think a little is okay, but a continual exposure would get "old," as with cigars in general. Let's not forget, aromatics can cause complaints if the non-smoker doesn't like the scent, or the added tobacco factor with the scent. If you smoke both inside and outside, it is considerate to smoke the stinkers (as defined by your household, not you) to the outdoors. I get the best feedback with mildly aromatic blends with an old time spin, like Russ O.'s Log Cabin, or Iwan Ries Three Star Blue. These kinds of blends are tobacco forward and yet have a nice nose.

 

[bnichols23]

Yeah, def unusual that, Tom. IIRR Jim Inks said his better half liked it, as does mine. No question they're in the minority.

 

[curl]

My crew likes Bald headed teacher

 

[kickinbears]

@curl ... awesome, the first “pleasant” room note with latakia in it. Been reading up on it at TR. is this an aromatic though? Does it ghost?
I like the idea of having a latakia blend in a two blend rotation for the wknd. I wrote off blends with Latakia intuitively thinking it’d be too smokey for majority of non-smokers
I usually stick to a 5 blend rotation at home that covers the spectrum; keeps the ole taste buds on their toes (YMMV of course).
Edit — even though the blend says it’s still available, I cannot find this blend at 4noggin (no blend found with the name), and I don’t see it available anywhere else ..

 

[mikefu]

Bald Headed Teacher has been unavailable for several months now. Rumor has it that it was discontinued.

 

[kickinbears]

Thx Mikfu ... TR needs to update their DB

 

[mikefu]

You’re welcome!

 

[mso489]

If you're worried about the contentment of your non-smokers in the household, I'd think first of a tobacco forward aromatic with flavoring you tolerate well. Whiskey and rum flavorings work for me, if they are subdued and bring up the tobacco base. I don't want to smoke my bourbon. When an aromatic comes around on my rotation, I sometimes hear a bit of praise; with the non-aros, not so much.

 

[kickinbears]

^^^ kind of ... I’ll be at Lockn with some friendly old timers to hang out, catch up, and listen to some good music with. I’m bringing a pipe with me which, despite there being many pipes at the festival, will be a rare sight for most. Thought it would be fun to see what non-aro blends folks recommended, based on non-smokers reactions.
I raised the thread up from the dead to get opinion; been fun exploring crowd pleasers. My objective for Lockn is to 1) give those around me a positive experience; and, 2) enjoy the taste / experience personally. I smoke solo 99.99% of the time
I’ll of course bring some personal favorites, but figured why not add to the vibe/experience/memory by letting some nice smelling pipe tobacco waft through the crowd ... ::

 

[workman]

I've gotten compliments on St Bruno, which is much less of an aromatic than I thought. Only a slight citrus/berry/fruit something. Very tasty with mostly virginias and some kentucky to boost it a little.

 

[beefeater33]

by letting some nice smelling pipe tobacco waft through the crowd ...

Methinks there will be some really pungent "tobacco" smells wafting around at Lockn.............. :wink: :mrgreen:

 

[thefishguy]

The wife doesn’t make me shower after a bowl of Big n Burley or Dark Birds eye. Best I can do for ya.