Tambolaka: How "Bad" Is It?

[mso489]

In a recent post, lestrout described Tambolaka as a "if you're man enough" tobacco.

If you don't know Tambolaka, it is Indonesian tobacco that includes some cigar leaf

and is well to the strong end of blends. I have only seen it at 4noggins online. Right

now I'm into kinder gentler blends, with a stronger one now and then. Who's tried

Tambolaka, and what was your experience? Would it be a mean trick to give it to a

friend who likes strong tobacco? Does it make your head spin and your ears ring?

 

[northernneil]

I have tried Tambolika, and I cannot say that it made my head spin. But it is a very over powering flavor. Not an all day smoke, that is for sure. It might be good blended, but on it's own, it doesn't offer much to be desired.

 

[pipestud]

Don't inhale it! For an evening smoke just sipping on the pipe while enjoying a good liquid refreshment is one of the better smokes you can have. Packed with flavor. Get the ready-rubbed version rather than the cylinder disc as the prep-time is a bugger for the cylinder brick.
Best,
Pipestud

 

[mso489]

pipestud, that sounds like a judicious way to enjoy Tambolaka. So much of enjoying blends depends

on how you go at them. Anyone else had experience with this tobacco?

 

[brudnic1]

Five puffs and you are on Lala land. Strongest nicotine hit I have ever experienced. Use a very small bowl.

 

[decigar]

Pipestud, thx for the info didnt know there was a ready rubbed version

 

[hobie1dog]

Two puffs and I threw it out, then took the trash out so I wouldn't have to smell the remains. :x

 

[bryanf]

Thanks for the heads up. I never actually had much interest in this tobacco. I don't like ultra strong tobacco. I have some GH ropes I can't even finish. They just make me want to sleep and don't particularly like the taste. Might try blending with some CH or PA. Maybe tambolaka would be decent for blending.

 

[hobie1dog]

Thanks for the heads up. Maybe tambolaka would be decent for blending.

I wouldn't ruin another blend with this miscarriage of a blend.

 

[kcvet67]

I'm with Pipestud on this one. It's not something I'd want on an everyday basis, but it's a good change of pace IF you high strong blends.

 

[mso489]

About extra strong blends, I feel similarly about spicy food. I want any hot spices to bring up the

flavor of the other aspects of the dish. If I just want my forehead to sweat, I'll go sit in a sauna.

I do enjoy a powerful blend now and then, if not in rotation, but I want it to accent the tobacco and

not just induce a metabolic reaction. Some pipe smokers really do seek out the maximum bodily

reaction, but not me. Nicotine kick doesn't repel me, but I don't want it with most bowls.

 

[stbruno70]

The nicotine is very strong, and I find the flavour more harsh than strong.
As pipestud said, get the ready rubbed. I have the unrubbed cylinder as well, and, failing a machete, a table saw is the only way to cut coins. Very messy.

 

[taerin]

Pure Perique "if your man enough tobacco."

 

[mso489]

Perique neat; it might be a test, but it isn't a treat.

 

[leonidas]

.......tried tambolaka........ it is powerful..........

 

[woodsroad]

...tried Tambolaka...was drinking at the time...'nuff said.

 

[saltedplug]

I used to smoke Tambolaka regularly but for whatever reason stopped. Others say that it is very flavorful but my memory calls it bland.

 

[condorlover1]

Its OK when mixed with Condor and Black Twist then you get the nicotine equivalent of a H Bomb but I just don't like the way it ghosts a pipe.

 

[pipedood]

I found Tambolaka to be a two dimensional version of G&H Dark Flake. I'm glad I tried it just for the novelty, but not one that will dwell in my cellar.

 

[joeray]

My wife had throwed me out when i smoke tambolaka, it's native is from east Sumba. The smells is almost like cigar but much more stronger and powerful so if i dont sip it slowly it will choke me out, i found away to make it more smother but without loosin any taste and flavor is mix it with pure virginia from Lombok Island.