Rattray's English/Scottish - too much choice...

[Barry H]

I'm a big fan of Old Gowrie and recently tried 7 Reserve which I also find to be very good. Thinking I might have hit the motherload with Rattray's I've been reading reviews of 3 Noggins, Black Mallory and Red Rapparee till my eyes and brain hurt.

Problem is that all four blends are Black Cavendish, Latakia, Oriental/Turkish and Virginia, not necessarily in that order. Will probably try them all in the fullness of time but any thoughts on the differences would be much appreciated.

Thanks!

 

[londonbriar]

Red Rap is a base of sweeter virginias/ cavendish, lighter on the latakia, with a focus on spice and aroma from the orientals. I adore Red Rap, it is to me a near-perfect latakia blend.

Black Mallory has a darker molasses-type virginia/ cavendish sweetness, a bit more forward with the Lat, and orientals playing more in the background. I enjoy it, but not to the same degree as Red Rap.

I’ve never tried 3 Noggins. If you like Old Gowrie, you may enjoy Marlin Flake with its rich, fruitcake sweetness. Others enjoy Hal of the Wynd, but it has an addition of Dark Fired Kentucky that I personally don’t care for.

 

[lraisch]

You might also try Professional mixture which is slightly lighter than 7 Reserve, or Accountant's which is heavier on the latakia.

 

[anotherbob]

my suggestion is always try them no one can really answer how they'll smoke for you. I mean other peoples informed opinions are good opinions too.

 

[JoeW]

I don't think you can go wrong with Red Rapparee. It quickly became one of my top 5.

But really, the best way is to try them all.

 

[JoburgB2]

I have no experience to add here, but have an unopened tin of Red Rapparee that I am looking forward very much to trying for the first time.

 

[Barry H]

Red Rap is a base of sweeter virginias/ cavendish, lighter on the latakia, with a focus on spice and aroma from the orientals. I adore Red Rap, it is to me a near-perfect latakia blend.

Black Mallory has a darker molasses-type virginia/ cavendish sweetness, a bit more forward with the Lat, and orientals playing more in the background. I enjoy it, but not to the same degree as Red Rap.

I’ve never tried 3 Noggins. If you like Old Gowrie, you may enjoy Marlin Flake with its rich, fruitcake sweetness. Others enjoy Hal of the Wynd, but it has an addition of Dark Fired Kentucky that I personally don’t care for.

Thanks for your detailed reply. Have tried both Red Rap and Black Mallory since my original post and can only agree with you about the Red Rap. Will be stocking up. Black Mallory I found to be very mild bordering on flavourless and a tendency to be bitey. 7 Reserve is the best of the bunch to my tastes. Have still to try 3 Noggins and Marlin. Both are on ze list... (And Old Gowrie continues to be outstanding).

 

[Sigmund]

Marlin is very different. It tastes purple. Its good but for me an occasional smoke. Maybe I will break some out in the morning. With Marlin you will need some dry time on it. It can be a bit of work to keep lit

 

[spike]

Don’t forget Jock’s Mixture. I’m smoking it now and I recommend it.

 

[Barry H]

Don’t forget Jock’s Mixture. I’m smoking it now and I recommend it.

Sadly, can't find it in the UK at the mo'. Shame, because I'm becoming something of a Rattray's fan boy. Will add it to ze list...

 

[coming to_falling too]

Marlin is very different. It tastes purple. Its good but for me an occasional smoke. Maybe I will break some out in the morning. With Marlin you will need some dry time on it. It can be a bit of work to keep lit

I was thinking about blends tasting like colors the other day. Wasn't sure if anyone else associated taste in this way. Brown Sugar Flake tastes purple to me.

 

[Sigmund]

Only a few but Im smoking some Marlin Flake right now and I get that. I havent had Brown Sugar Flake.

I also get why people compare Marlin to Stonehaven. Its a different flavor but kind of a similiar vibe....and you can get it without going on tin bids.

Im glad this thread came along. I havent smoked Marlin Flake for a while and its nice stuff. It might find its way back into the rotation.

 

[coming to_falling too]

Only a few but Im smoking some Marlin Flake right now and I get that. I havent had Brown Sugar Flake.

I also get why people compare Marlin to Stonehaven. Its a different flavor but kind of a similiar vibe....and you can get it without going on tin bids.

Im glad this thread came along. I havent smoked Marlin Flake for a while and its nice stuff. It might find its way back into the rotation.

Yes it has me contemplating digging my jar of Marlin out and giving it a go. Been a couple years since I smoked any Rattrays. I'm quite fond of Brown Clunee, myself

 

[Sigmund]

Rattry's is some good stuff. I kind of set it aside on my year long HU binge. I may have to revisit it. There are a few among the standard blends I havent had. With the closures of tobacco companies Id have to admit that I could smoke Rattrays and be happy. OG and HOTW are great. I havent had Brown Clunee yet but If all I could get was OG and Marlin flake life would be just fine. I think they are easily forgotten.

 

[Peter Turbo]

Black Mallory and Red Rapp are all you need to know.

 

[Sigmund]

@Peter Turbo I think Black Mallory is one I have to try. Its been on the list for a while.