Review of Garvey’s Balkan (and recommendation query)

[Dr. Van Loafer]

Recently I had the honor of visiting Jon’s Pipe Shop in Champaign Illinois purchasing their in-house balkan blend: Garvey’s Balkan. This is a blend with 40% white burley, latakia, virginia, etc. I love English and Balkan blends, but have not enjoyed Burley blends. Until I tried this Balkan. Spoiler alert - It is outstanding!

The tin note is sligtly sweet, buttery, nutty, and smoky. (Reminded me of the tin note from EMP Match by P&C). The bowl started off like most balkans, but around the 1/3 mark it was overwhelmingly smooth, creamy, cashew nut sweet, and just the right amount of punch from the latakia. Could not pull that much flavor from the virginias, but my palate has trouble tasting the virginia leaves. It was delicious and buttery and creamy and smooth in a way that other Burleys have not been for me.

It is the type of blend that has you tasting it for hours and smacking your lips as you wait for your next bowl.

This blend has made me rethink my tobacco cellar and acquisitions.

So my query to the community is what other burley blends are similar to this American Balkan?

Thanks!

 

[Chasing Embers]

Much like P&C's Match, it could be a rebranded Sutliff bulk.

 

[Dr. Van Loafer]

Much like P&C's Match, it could be a rebranded Sutliff bulk.

It is a distinct possibility; however, the manager was adamant that he blends this in the shop and has been blending it for years with ingredients he can acquire.

 

[MattRVA]

I like the idea of the white burley addition, I do like white burley, gives me inspiration for home mixes. Thanks for posting!

 

[Pooh-Bah]

Boswell's in PA has a couple house blends that're Englishes With Burley, which they sell online. One of those might be up your alley.

 

[Chasing Embers]

the manager was adamant that he blends this in the shop

Most often say that. Many don't.

 

[Dr. Van Loafer]

Most often say that. Many don't.

I feel like that should be some sort of advertising slogan.

 

[HawkeyeLinus]

I feel like that should be some sort of advertising slogan.

Some they will, some they won't, and some you just can't tell.

 

[Dr. Van Loafer]

I like the idea of the white burley addition, I do like white burley, gives me inspiration for home mixes. Thanks for posting!

I did do a home blending after having this blend. It is jarred and waiting for the flavors to meld.

 

[vosBghos]

If you like Perique and quite a bit of it with your latakia C&D has a Scottish they call Bayou Night that uses Burely really well.

 

[yanoJL]

I did do a home blending after having this blend. It is jarred and waiting for the flavors to meld.

Are you pressing? Adding pressure can help with the melding. And it's kinda fun to DIY crumble kakes.

 

[Dr. Van Loafer]

Are you pressing? Adding pressure can help with the melding. And it's kinda fun to DIY crumble kakes.

Nope, it is in a mason jar. I am not sure how to press or what I would use to press.

 

[username]

Nope, it is in a mason jar. I am not sure how to press or what I would use to press.

Alot of folks use a noodle press. I've personally never done it just going by what I've seen others do.

 

[yanoJL]

Nope, it is in a mason jar. I am not sure how to press or what I would use to press.

I've used the noodle press like @username mentioned. It's easy and can be fun, creating your own blends. Here's a link to a lot of information on the subject.

 

[Dr. Van Loafer]

I've used the noodle press like @username mentioned. It's easy and can be fun, creating your own blends. Here's a link to a lot of information on the subject.

Wow, that is wild and genius! I have enjoyed creating an English blend last year and then this year now an American Balkan. I usually let them sit in a mason jar for a couple months. But the noodle press idea is intriguing, might have to look into this, thank you!

 

[yanoJL]

Wow, that is wild and genius! I have enjoyed creating an English blend last year and then this year now an American Balkan. I usually let them sit in a mason jar for a couple months. But the noodle press idea is intriguing, might have to look into this, thank you!

That link I shared was written by the head tobacco blender at Watch City Cigars in Boston.
He also has another intersting article on the Importance of casing and pressing

 

[Dr. Van Loafer]

That link I shared was written by the head tobacco blender at Watch City Cigars in Boston.
He also has another intersting article on the Importance of casing and pressing

That was a very informative article, with lots of good ideas! Appreciate the sharing out!