Tambolaka: How "Bad" Is It?

[quantumboy]

I also have the ready rubbed version. I don't have the time or inclination to battle the brick. Yes, it's strong, but very smooth and flavorful. A perfect companion to a smoky scotch like Talisker or, better yet, Lagavulin. I tried it several times after it arrived at my house five years ago. Then it sat in a jar and I forgot about it for five years. Tonight I've got a big Savinelli Baronet filled about 3/4 full with Tambo, along with a big pour of Talisker. It's becoming a very nice evening!

 

[ocpsdan]

I think it tastes absolutely dreadful.
Like only smoking the last quarter inch of already smoked cigars left behind at a homeless gathering--- dreadful.

 

[gecko13]

I love this stuff. I enjoy a bowl or two a week. Wouldn't want to smoke it all day, but is a nice change up.

 

[bonehed]

Count me amongst the fan base. I like the strong blends - plugs and rope and such. Strong flavors and strong nicotine content.

 

[condorlover1]

its great when mixed with Condor or Irish Twist - I don't find it too heavy!

 

[deathmetal]

I like the strong blends - plugs and rope and such. Strong flavors and strong nicotine content.

Some like the high road, some like the low road, some refuse to go at all unless they can BASE jump and hike in through crocodile-infested swamps with nothing but a Bowie knife...

 

[papipeguy]

The "man enough" term is attributed to lestrout who conned me into smoking this at a pipe club meeting. I'm good with strong tobaccos but this stuff is very strong. Glad I tried it but once was enough for me.

 

[quantumboy]

I've been out of the pipe forums for a very long time, but tonight I'm enjoying a bowl of five year old Tambolaka and I came across this post. Just in case anyone is still interested (I posted about this 7 months ago, my last sign-on):
Yes, it's strong. Very much like the industrial earthy flavors in the strong ropes and twists from the Old Country. I don't actually feel nicotine, so I can't vouch for the danger herein, but it's a full flavored smoke to be sure. In answer to mso489, no, it would not be a mean trick for a friend who likes strong tobacco, it would be a very nice gesture. The flavors are very earthy, like dirt set on fire. In a good way, of course. A powerful blend, but it stands up well to scotch and bourbon, and makes a particular good match for a peaty Islay Scotch as I mentioned before. For all its strength, it's surprisingly smooth if that makes any sense at all...

 

[beastinview]

Aww, this post got my hopes up. Although I'm a new smoker, I really like the ropes from the U.K., so I was hoping to get my hands on some of this Indonesian stuff at some point after working my way through different GH/SG ropes, but it appears we no longer have access to it in this part of the world.

 

[mso489]

I had a bedtime bowl of this last night, from a sample kindly supplied by a Forums member. It's good, both to blend, to add kick to milder leaf, and on its own. It's strong, but not nasty-harsh. It is what it is, so you have to be in the mood, and maybe have some food in you and be hydrated to really enjoy it. 4noggins has it, no one else I know, and sometimes it is out of stock. But if you like full-strength, it's a nice bowl, similar to Five Brothers with maybe a little more complexity.

 

[beastinview]

Ah, OK--so 4Noggins still has access to it. I will have to look when I get home. 4Noggins is blocked by my workplaces alcohol/tobacco firewall. :roll:

 

[deathmetal]

4Noggins is blocked by my workplaces alcohol/tobacco firewall.

Half-baked goggle-boxed do-gooders telling everybody it's bad for you. Pernicious nonsense!

 

[deathmetal]

Looks DOA or out of stock right now:

http://www.4noggins.com/Tamboaka.aspx

 

[mso489]

I too went back to check on it. 4Noggins has no Tambolaka on either their tin or bulk list, so maybe it didn't sell well enough for 'em. I recommend Five Brothers as a substitute, though not a match or duplicate. Maybe Tam will surface again.

 

[bonehed]

AFAIK, the supplier hasn't answered emails for a while now and the website (tntobacco(s?).com) is defunct, so don't hold your breath.

 

[condorlover1]

I have posted about it before. It is around but usually comes as a Dowling rod of the stuff that has to be teased apart over a steaming kettle and then cut up and jarred. It is for a certain taste and if you like your tobacco and nicotine delivered in the fashion of a ball pin hammer to the skull then this is the stuff for you. Mixed with Condor, Twist or a bowl of St Bruno it delivers a very satisfying smoke.

 

[cossackjack]

A few months ago, Rich at 4noggins informed me that the producer/supplier of Tambolaka had "disappeared", & it was uncertain if Tambolaka would ever be available again in the future.

I am glad that I have a bit laid-up in the cellar, as I enjoy its strong flavor & nicotine. I have yet to mix it with any ropes or St Bruno, & I do not have any Condor for mixing.

 

[pylorns]

Couple years back I did a write up on some great Indonesian tobacco, including Tambolaka.
https://medium.com/@pylorns/indonesian-pipe-tobacco-71630487a33d#.438rvip39
I suspect Zippo can still get you a sample of it along with the others if you're wanting to try it.

 

[cobguy]

Couple years back I did a write up on some great Indonesian tobacco, including Tambolaka.
https://medium.com/@pylorns/indonesian-pipe-tobacco-71630487a33d#.438rvip39

Great write-up and pics! Now I need some of those samples! ::

 

[deathmetal]

The description is a recipe for massive success to me:

Indonesian farmers toil in their islands' rich limestone soils to grow their flavorful tobacco leaves. After harvesting and air drying the leaves the unique aging process begins. The villagers roll the leaves of pure tobacco which they then bind using hand made cord to protect from the outside air. They then put these bundles inside their primitive huts and store them for 5 years as the tobacco becomes richer by the day. A spectacular blend of Cigar leaf and Burley.

1. Rich limestone soils.

2. Bind tightly.

3. Age for five years.
I second the recommendation for Five Brothers. Not just a great straight smoke, but a great mixer. C&D Dark Burley is the ribbon cut equivalent.