I realize this is subjective but to those who smoke this blend regularly. Any opinions as to how long to cellar till the profile becomes even better. Thanks!
Rattray’s Hall O Wynd Aging
- Thread starter pcfdave
- Start date
Really depends on what you would consider better. What changes do you think would make it better? What characteristics do you wish were enhanced or diminished? What you're looking for may or may not be able to be accomplished with aging.
I don't know yet, but I do know that it is absolutely delicious when fresh. I just popped a tin the other day and after some drying it's a flavor bomb. I have some tins aging that are about as old as yours, but I've never smoked any of the older stuff.
I'm a little wary of the aging thing. While I don't doubt the many smokers who have good experiences with it, there is also a point that's often made that the blenders turn out the blend as they think it should be, ready to smoke.
I have some tins cellared that I'll allow to sit for some years, but I don't expect a revelation. I just have to try it, for better or worse.
I'm a little wary of the aging thing. While I don't doubt the many smokers who have good experiences with it, there is also a point that's often made that the blenders turn out the blend as they think it should be, ready to smoke.
I have some tins cellared that I'll allow to sit for some years, but I don't expect a revelation. I just have to try it, for better or worse.
If you've never smoked it fresh, just crack one now and save the other.
It's great both ways. Super fresh it's pretty lively, might offer a little nip on the tongue. Sharp, sweet, and spicy. Aged, the kentucky comes more forward, the blend seems sweeter, or at least easier to get along with, the flavors are more to the red virginia and woody kentucky end. It's great tobacco, never boring, never heavy.
Hmmm, two tins with nearly four years of age on them. I'd open one now, if you like it buy another (or more) to replace it and keep the cellar replenished. It's also good fresh as mentioned by @sasquatch
Smoking a tin right now that's over ten years old. Fabulous.
I definitely fall into 3-5 years is ideal for my VaPers. Hal has a bit more going on but I still really enjoy it in that age range.
This sounds great both fresh and aged. I have a couple of tins with 6 months on them, but have never tried it yet.
Btw you may be surprised to know but wind a toy, is how it’s pronounced, not like wind in your hair
Got it recently a 2018 version and upon opening it I found it smelled like red apples and sweet Virginia leaf. The scent was unique to any other Virginias I've had. It was great. Going to smoke through one and save the the other for another 5-10 years. Cheers! Thanks for all your input.
Wynd = "street" in old Scottish.
I've smoked 20+ year old HOTW and it's excellent, but not necessarily better than the 5 year old cans. The sweet spot seems to be about 3-5 years and after that it's diminishing returns.
Hal o' the Wynd is the proper spelling, I generally find I like it when it is five years old.