Question for Billy Budd fans

[blackadderlxx]

Hey everyone, so after hearing about this blend, I finally tried some for the first time today. I've been trying different cigar leaf blends and this one has been on the list for a while. So my question for those who have tried it is does aging do anything for it to smooth it out? The stuff I tried is pretty new bulk. I assume giving it time to marry will always help, but I'm wondering if anyone has let this stuff age for a year or two and could share their experience. I'm thinking of getting some to stash away, but there are other cigar blends I find that I like better if this doesn't improve that much with some age. Thanks in advance for your replies.

 

[mso489]

I'm not a good respondent because I liked the bend right away. I like it fresh and edgy, and I like it even better mellowed out for a year or two. But yes, it smooths out. I sort of miss the edges. You might want to buy some C&D cigar leaf condiment blending tobacco. It puts a new spin on many/most blends. I never look for a cigar experience. Cigars are their own thing. But the leaf has a nice rounded flavor and opens out other leaf too.

 

[blackadderlxx]

Thanks mso. Yeah, I quit cigars for pipes so I'm not really looking for the cigar experience, but I have found that I do like the leaf as a condiment. I stumbled across 4 noggins bread loaf in a box pass, then tried Habana Daydream and recently Cuban Mixture from Peretti. I have a jar of Country Lawyer I'm going to pop next and now I've tried Billy Budd. It's an interesting blend in that I enjoyed the strength, and burley is kid of hit or miss for me, but I liked this one. I love latakia blends, so there's a lot in here to like. I just think in part this sample I got is probably pretty new so a little harsh. I appreciate the feedback. I'm going to have to get some for the cellar.

 

[jrenko]

Try G.L. Pease - Key Largo.

 

[eggrollpiper]

I also was not thrilled with Billy Bud and mine is currently cellered now since the summer, plan on visiting it again this coming summer at 1 yr. I'm pretty sure it's that C&D Va. thats the offending party and have not experienced aging affects on it myself as far as I know.

I can vouch for Habana Daydream though (although sans Va.) After 1-2 years aging is absolutely sublime, and was also just ok fresh.

Robusto is on my wish list for a while now, if you've yet to try mb make that your next move.

 

[blackadderlxx]

Try G.L. Pease - Key Largo.

Yep. Plan to. I just don't know if I can handle *another* post 2007 blend that I have to stockpile before the hammer falls...It's to the point where I'm actually relieved when I find a newer GLP blend that I don't love.

 

[aquadoc]

Age it for 1+ years. It becomes incredibly smooth. A favorite smoke.

 

[weezell]

Age it and it becomes GLORIOUS... :D

 

[weezell]

This is my review from SmokinPipes...

First bought this blend 6 months or so ago and thought so-so. Now, with some age on it ,it is great.! Mellowed out and the sharp edges came off. Ordered a pound and a half yesterday to throw in the cellar to age. If you love truely great burley, you... can't go wrong...The weez

 

[weezell]

This and OJK are SUPERB blends to my taste...

 

[jmagen]

Billy Budd...I cant keep it long enough to age it. Is the edge yall are referring to the way Latakia looses its punch after its not fresh anymore? I have 3 tins of Nightcap, and I'm holding off b/c I love it fresh, but as it ages, it (and 965) as well seems to lose some...smokiness?

 

[aquadoc]

I found fresh BB to have a sharp, almost bitter edge with the Latakia of the type that leaves a "grainy" feeling on the tongue. After a bit of time, that aspect seems to disappear, leaving a much smoother smoke.

 

[jrenko]

Yep. Plan to. I just don't know if I can handle *another* post 2007 blend that I have to stockpile before the hammer falls...It's to the point where I'm actually relieved when I find a newer GLP blend that I don't love.

I know what you mean, but i really do recommend you try this. You still have time to buy a few pounds if you like it. Also we don't really know if all hell breaks lose in 2020 with this FDA thing or not.

 

[blackadderlxx]

that I don't love.

I know what you mean, but i really do recommend you try this. You still have time to buy a few pounds if you like it. Also we don't really know if all hell breaks lose in 2020 with this FDA thing or not.

I will try it. I've heard to many good things and apparently I love cigar leaf blends. This year though I'm working on stockpiling my favorites post 2007 in case. After getting hosed in the McClelland shut down I am trying to be more prepared.

 

[whiteburleydude]

C&D blends are rough around the edges. That's what they do over there. I still love em. Aged Key Largo though, can't get much better in my book.

 

[weezell]

Key Largo

I'm gonna have to try some of that. Like my cigar leaf in pipe tobacco...