Semois Inspiring

[mso489]

Ever since Semois was written up in The New York Times, I've wanted to try it, and recently thanks to

Forums member eightywon, I received a nice packet of this Belgium grown burley tobacco. Not everyone

likes burley. Some can't taste it, and some who can taste it don't like it. Yet if you like burley, but you can

enjoy something decidedly different from the burley you know, this is an elegant leaf. It has the earthy

bass notes of burley but also floral and woodsy scents and flavors. It ships dry so you get a lot of bowls for

the size package it's in. For me, it is both complex and straightforward. A really good experience. Despite

my rows of unopened tins, and jars and bags of bulk, I might have to add some Semois to the cellar. There's

nothing quite like it, and I mean that in a very good way. For burley lovers only.

 

[eightywon]

Glad you enjoyed it. I had to the opportunity to sample some from forum member elpfeife and was just paying it forward. Definitely different and something I plan to re-up on.

 

[allan]

Mao
I tried a bowl at the Chicago pipe show this year and well, I thought that I may have to throw out my pipe after smoking it.
After reading so much about it, it's rarity, the special part of France where it's grown (I think it's France) lets just say it's not for me
It's certainly different

 

[mso489]

Semois seems to be polarizing, like burley in general. If you don't like burley in general, you probably won't like

Semois, but there may be some who like burley blends who won't like this one. Some have said resoundingly

they find it godawful, including one of the reviewers at the smokingpipes.com site, while two other reviewers give

it high marks. Even more than most tobaccos, this one shows up the differences in tastes, and probably illustrates

that individuals experience smell and taste differently. I suspect a lot of burley lovers like me will find this a subtle

and rich tasting tobacco. Thanks again eightywon.

 

[cmdrmcbragg]

Not really for me either. I can appreciate it for what it is, but it doesn't suit me. Very earthy taste that I couldn't appreciate enough to ever finish a whole container of Semois.

 

[mcitinner1]

I was seriously considering ordering some Semois until I read this. Maybe I'll hold off....maybe.
tinner

 

[andrew]

I was seriously considering ordering some Semois until I read this. Maybe I'll hold off....maybe.

I'd seriously hold off. I can't see how burly lovers would like this. Most burly is heavily cased and treated and cured to give it the flavor it has, which it takes on. Semois is the most overpriced tobacco I've ever seen. It's like smoking a crumbled up cheap cigar in a pipe. I can see people who want a cigar blend in a pipe enjoying it, but then it doesn't taste like a good cigar either. If I want a cigar I'll smoke a cigar. At 20$/100 grams or more, it's highly overpriced for what it is. I got a good sample in a box pass and was pretty unimpressed, if I'd spent over 20$ for a 100 grams, I'd be downright angry. It's also grown and processed in Côrbion, Belgium, not France.

 

[peckinpahhombre]

I ordered some recently and it is on the way. Do I have to worry about ghosting?

 

[pruss]

It's like smoking a crumbled up cheap cigar in a pipe.

Agreed, if the cheap cigar was rolled in armpit sweat.

Do I have to worry about ghosting?

Not if you cauterize your retro-nasal chamber and taste buds prior to smoking anything else, ever, again.
-- Pat
PS - Hyperbole? Yes. But I am with Allan. This stuff definitely is not for me.

 

[elpfeife]

Man, the haters are really piling on. I believe it was stated that it is not for everyone. :twisted:

 

[northernneil]

I really enjoy Semois. I have a Jeanette Churchwarden where the draft hole was drilled very large, which works perfectly for this tobacco. No question it needs to be packed tightly, and smoked very slowly, but it offers a quality original flavor.

I'm glad so may people detest this tobacco, it makes it easier for me to attain! But do not be scared away from trying it. The only way you will know if you like it is if you give it a shot your self.

 

[mso489]

I was totally tentative until I had the opportunity to try a sample. I expected to have to warm up to it, if I liked it at all.

I admit I somewhat enjoy being contrary (or "contray" as brad says) since most of my tastes are fairly temperate. I guess

for ten percent of pipe smokers, Semois is a real treat, and for the rest, it is a one-bowl experience. It is fun to be off

to one end of the bell curve for a change.

 

[natibo]

I don't think it tastes much like traditional burley blends. It tastes like a cigar. I'm not a big fan of this stuff, but it burns so fast you will go through it quickly.

 

[allan]

Agreed, if the cheap cigar was rolled in armpit sweat.

Not if you cauterize your retro-nasal chamber and taste buds prior to smoking anything else, ever, again.

Pat
You are something else!
Weren't we together at Chicago when we smoked this, er, blend? I think the whole table passed the little envelopes with the stuff in it and no one wanted to touch it.
Not that there is anything wrong with it...LOL

 

[peckinpahhombre]

I think the whole table passed the little envelopes with the stuff in it and no one wanted to touch it.

I never knew the Middleton Cherry Blend Fan Club had a meeting in Chicago.
No surprise you didn't like it!
I will try it when it arrives and provide an objective and dispassionate view. Even if I end up not liking it, I will always love to say Semois.

 

[skaukatt]

This blend really sings in a meerschaum, try it!
Lou

 

[jitterbugdude]

I think people that do not like it and say it tastes like a cigar is because it is an unadulterated Burley or possibly a cigar filler (according to the GRIN data base for tobacco seeds). Semois is pretty much what a tobacco tastes like without any thing added to it. I do not know where the ghosting rumor got started but it has never ghosted my pipe, but then again I've only smoked it in a meer.

 

[eightywon]

I haven't tried it in a meer, but enjoy it in a cob more than briar.

 

[cobguy]

It's a fairly pungent / musty version of a Burley with notes of barnyard.
I'm glad I got to try it but won't be ordering any myself.
For the price, there are just too many better smokes out there.
However, I feel that it was a very unique experience and those that can try it should.

 

[anthonyrosenthal74]

I'm with Peck on I will always love saying the word Semois. It's a sexy little word when you say it out loud. Try it! Say semois. Ok now say it in a slow whisper. Hehehehe I get all giddy saying that :rofl: I think I'll whisper it in my lady friend's ear tonight to see what happens.