Ode to Watch City

[Johnny_Pipecleaner]

Jim, I see you have been smoking KBV Verge Engine Overdrive. Can you compare that to Rougaroux?
I'm getting a LOT of tangy/sour notes from Verge Engine OD, and unfortunately they don't quite agree with my tastebuds.

Just wanted to circle back on this. At @BROBS suggestion I gave KBV's Verge Engine Overdrive more drying time and it totally took the sour edge off and made it a really enjoyable smoke. I think I was just too impatient with my prep previously, and that's where all the tart/sour issues came from.

 

[Magpiety]

Ernie makes great blends and he's a great guy. We had fun creating Rougaroux together.

I'll have to order some next time. There should be a "jiminks" stamp on the ones you're a part of.

 

[Magpiety]

So I thought we were keeping Watch City on the DL my man, why you doin' me like this.

 

[danimalia]

558 is ace. Lately all I smoke is 558, Old Dominion, and Slices. The Watch City trifecta

That's my trinity too! Great great great

 

[danimalia]

I th

So I thought we were keeping Watch City on the DL my man, why you doin' me like this.

I thought about keeping my love for WC blends to myself, but then I figured I wouldn't know about them if someone hadn't clued me in, and being a small biz in a tough industry ... Just felt like I should spread the gospel. Besides, genius should be recognized... Now if I could just get ny hands on some Rouxgaroux, Simply Red or R&B.

 

[BROBS]

I mean all someone has to do is look at the what are you smoking thread and google watch city.

 

[Rpink53]

Just had my first bowl of Simply Red. For whatever reason I've stayed away from straight VAs. This was a mistake. Simply Red is top notch and I look forward to sourcing more...who's got some!?!?!

 

[jttnk]

Now you all got me even more interested...if I name a few of my favorite blends can you make some watch city recommendations?

Favorite - Balkan Sasieni
Balkan Supreme
Fusiliers Ration special reserve (its a bit sweeter than the regular)
I also like to mix in Molto Dolce into English’s to mellow and sweeten them.
Dreams of Kadath
And of course Black Frigate

Not a Virginia forward or VaPer guy. Not patient enough...

Thanks for the advice next purchase of tobacco will be Watch City!

 

[JimInks]

Now you all got me even more interested...if I name a few of my favorite blends can you make some watch city recommendations?

Favorite - Balkan Sasieni
Balkan Supreme
Fusiliers Ration special reserve (its a bit sweeter than the regular)
I also like to mix in Molto Dolce into English’s to mellow and sweeten them.
Dreams of Kadath
And of course Black Frigate

Not a Virginia forward or VaPer guy. Not patient enough...

Thanks for the advice next purchase of tobacco will be Watch City!

Ahab's Comfort, Nor'Easter, Terrapin Station, and The Churchwarden.

 

[mtwaller]

I just ordered a couple tins from Watch City and decided to finally try Nor’easter and 558 while I was at it. Got them in tonight. Literally just finished my first bowl of Nor’easter and it’s damn good. Reminds me quite a bit of Bengal Slices, minus the price tag. Loses a little flavor and gets a bit rough tasting for me around the last third of the bowl, but still very cellarable.

 

[jttnk]

Ahab's Comfort, Nor'Easter, Terrapin Station, and The Churchwarden.

Thank you Jim. Your sage advice is welcomed. I’ll give those a try.

 

[Magpiety]

I thought about keeping my love for WC blends to myself, but then I figured I wouldn't know about them if someone hadn't clued me in, and being a small biz in a tough industry ... Just felt like I should spread the gospel. Besides, genius should be recognized... Now if I could just get ny hands on some Rouxgaroux, Simply Red or R&B.

You're absolutely right, I'm just being a goof. Ernie kills it over there. Plus, how many small shops press their own flakes?

 

[k9shag]

Just ordered a pound of 558 and Watch City Slices just because of this thread. Waiting on Rhythm and Blues to restock and will add some more of it then.

 

[BROBS]

You're absolutely right, I'm just being a goof. Ernie kills it over there. Plus, how many small shops press their own flakes?

Apparently they don’t press them there.

 

[Enemygod]

Thank you Jim. Your sage advice is welcomed. I’ll give those a try.

Honestly I would just get the Flake Sampler if I were you. it contains all of those excluding Terrapin Station. Of course that's assuming it's available.

 

[Magpiety]

Apparently they don’t press them there.

So even fewer shops than I thought lol

 

[JimInks]

So even fewer shops than I thought lol

Sutliff presses the flakes.

 

[mtwaller]

Tried Nor’easter for the first time last night. Trying 558 tonight. I’m all about cellaring lately, and I see pounds of their flakes in my future. SO good ?

 

[jttnk]

Finishing my last of the first bowls of recommended Watch City Blends, thought I’d report in. Based on my preferences (see above) the Wizened Zen Master of the Leaf recommended Nor’easter, Ahab’s Comfort, The Churchwarden, and Terrapin Station. I purchased 2 oz of each. I’ve had one bowl of each. This not a review, and obviously not enough time to really get to know a blend.

That being said, if you are curious about trying these and your list of likes is similar to mine, here’s my ranking.

#1 for sure Nor’easter my favorite. Rich, savory with a bit of sweetness. Really see myself buying some to cellar.

#2 The Churchwarden. Love how dark and creamy this is. Lots of mouth feel smoke. If you’re a puffer who likes smoke and sipping is more struggle to get right you may dig this one. I’ll buy more.

#3 and #4 tied Ahab’s and Terrapin. Both very enjoyable, but not as “wow I gotta buy more of this”.

Thanks to WCC’s for making great blends. Thanks to you all participating, recommending and discussing tobacco and pipes.