The Taming of the Sasieni.

[Searock Fan]

Lately I've been smoking some "Original Formula Balkan Sasieni". First off, they don't say it's the Balkan Sobranie "Original Formula" but the design on the can sure was put there to give the impression it is. Trust me, I remember what Balkan Sobranie was like and this doesn't come close. Even the cut is different. They might be following the original formula but the tobacco they're using just isn't as good. Who know?

Anyway, it's not a "bad" smoke but it could be better. I noticed a certain "roughness" to the blend. It was irritating my throat and making me cough occasionally, which is unusual for me. After giving it a think I decided to try something. I left it open to the air for 3 days to dry it out some and see what would happen. I'm pleased to say that it now smokes much smoother and no cough. But it still ain't no Sobranie.

 

[mortonbriar]

You think Sobranie is bad, just wait till you meet drunk Annie.

 

[Ahi Ka]

 

[anotherbob]

When I smoke Escudo for example I find myself thinking. Expectations can ruin something. You expect a legend and you get really good to great, that is still a step down. I feel like there are a lot of legendary brands of pipe tobacco that people who never had the old think are great but people who have had the old hate, yet enjoy another not as storied blend that is very similar in all ways.

 

[Searock Fan]

When I smoke Escudo for example I find myself thinking. Expectations can ruin something. You expect a legend and you get really good to great, that is still a step down. I feel like there are a lot of legendary brands of pipe tobacco that people who never had the old think are great but people who have had the old hate, yet enjoy another not as storied blend that is very similar in all ways.

I know what you mean. Back in the 60s I used to smoke Sail yellow as a change from Latakia. It was wonderful with a slightly sweet, mellow and nutty flavor. The last time I tried it (about 20 years ago) it made me want to give up pipe smoking.

 

[Searock Fan]

You think Sobranie is bad, just wait till you meet drunk Annie.

I do like Balkan Sobrannie, I'm just not getting it. And as to Annie Kake, I haven't tied it and doubt I will. Heavy Virginia is not my thing.

 

[mingc]

Lately I've been smoking some "Original Formula Balkan Sasieni". First off, they don't say it's the Balkan Sobranie "Original Formula" but the design on the can sure was put there to give the impression it is. Trust me, I remember what Balkan Sobranie was like and this doesn't come close. Even the cut is different. They might be following the original formula but the tobacco they're using just isn't as good. Who know?

Anyway, it's not a "bad" smoke but it could be better. I noticed a certain "roughness" to the blend. It was irritating my throat and making me cough occasionally, which is unusual for me. After giving it a think I decided to try something. I left it open to the air for 3 days to dry it out some and see what would happen. I'm pleased to say that it now smokes much smoother and no cough. But it still ain't no Sobranie.

So, what do you like that's in the latakia blend genre?

 

[OzPiper]

When I read the heading of this post the image that popped into my head was of a whip-wielding, leather-clad dominatrix complete with thigh-length boots with 6-inch stiletto heels ?

Oh, what prurile minds some of us have ?

 

[Searock Fan]

So, what do you like that's in the latakia blend genre?

Right now my "regular" smoke is Skokkebye Enlish Oriental Supreme. It's not the best I've ever had but pretty good. Bengal Slices is pretty good too. I used to smoke a lot of Sullivan's Special Mixture and Sorbannie blends, but, alas, they are not available any more.

 

[kcghost]

The original Balkan Sobranie was a sublime smoke for many of us. I would assume most people who are smoking it nowadays are smoking the Germains.
No surprise the Sasieni folks are giving it a go. They are not immune to making a buck.