Peterson Sherlock Holmes and Original Balkan Sasieni

[heffeweisse]

As I am very excited to try both blends mentioned in the topic title. Fellow pipe smokers who have tried either of the blends. Which did you prefer, and why? ::

 

[rcstan]

Both are favorites. I keep a supply of Balkan Sasieni on hand, and as the weather cools off I will be smoking more than a couple bowls a week of it.
Sherlock Holmes is a totally different blend ( no Latakia or Orientals, mainly Virginias ) but it tends to bite me pretty hard as it has a high percentage of Red VA. I will still smoke a few bowls a week , but in the last few months I have strayed toward the Lakeland Flakes ....

 

[heffeweisse]

Balkan Sasiani seems a blend for the winter as it does have a "charcoal" or "burning wood" smell. I did notice that the Balkan is also made by Peterson and others. Do the Balkans differ in smell and taste?

 

[sallow]

I'm working my way through a tin of Sherlock Holmes now. It is a nice mild sweet virginia ribbon, very pleasant with a good backbone.

 

[rcstan]

There are different Balkan blends made by different companies but they usually share ingredients, although not in the same proportion. The usual consensus ( search for articles on what makes a Balkan a Balkan ) is that a Balkan blend should only contain VA, Lat and Orientals.

 

[judcole]

Asking which of those tow I prefer is comparing apples to oranges. They are totally different blends. I enjoy them both,although neither is a regular in my rotation.

 

[rrollar]

I picked up a tin of Balkan Sasiani today, and this is a very pleasant smoke. Initial light was amazing flavor and as the bowl progressed, flavors started coming forward. Really an all around great tobacco. I just wish I had a chance to try some original Balkan Sobranie. I hear it's just silky smooth.