They Have Ruined Condor - I May Give Up Smoking!
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Yikes! That is not good news, not because I liked the stuff (never had it), but because it had such a devoted following on here.
Oh man, I am very sorry. I discovered Black Frigate almost twenty years ago, and even after changing hands a few years back, it has remained the same. If it ever changed, I may have to hang it up as well.
factory closed totally May 2017 but had been in relocation from May 2016
see here
http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-northern-ireland-36335799
see here
http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-northern-ireland-36335799
@pepsdad1 I would think the 2016 is probably the Northern Island made Condor however since the early 2000s I have noticed changes in the topping. Anything made in Poland is most certainly different and if you remember I first remarked on this with the 'Spanish' branded packages of Condor RR. I suppose what I miss is that 'washing up liquid' taste that you used to get with Condor not dissimilar to Fairy Washing Up soap. I am smoking an older plug as I write this and you can certainly taste the difference but I await Jim Inks thoughts with baited breath.
Never tried it so at least i do not know what i am missing. Sorry to all you gents that love the stuff. Hope you can find something else you love!
Thanks for the information @condorlover1.
This was my first introduction to a truly fine tasting tobacco. I have several long cut flakes left that I've hoarded like it was gold. Matter of fact I'd rather have the original Condor than its' weight in gold. So sorry to see it go. I read the story from the bbc....folks with pride making a fine product.
Yes, they were gutted as is the smokers of their fine product.
This was my first introduction to a truly fine tasting tobacco. I have several long cut flakes left that I've hoarded like it was gold. Matter of fact I'd rather have the original Condor than its' weight in gold. So sorry to see it go. I read the story from the bbc....folks with pride making a fine product.
Yes, they were gutted as is the smokers of their fine product.
I smoked some of the plug Simon sent me. Below is my older review with an update on the new stuff:
This is the same as the long flake and ready rubbed with two exceptions. The sweet flavors here seem subtly more pronounced and fermented than they are in the other cuts. The floralness is very slightly less obvious. And while I gave this the same strength and taste ratings as the others, I'd say this just a tad less so in both departments, though that may be because I get a slight more smoothness here. The differences are minor, but I notice them. Therefore, the rest of this review is essentially a duplicate of the Long Flake version, though the plug may need more relights.
The flavor of the Virginia is mostly hidden, though I do get some earth and a hint of grass from it. The topping is a little perfumy and soapy, and definitely floral. I get some dark fruitiness (slightly tangy) which may come from either the topping or the tobacco; it's a little hard to decide which, but perhaps it's from both. I sense a little citrus, too. There’s a slight sharpness to it that I associate with burley, so perhaps a little is present? Has a nice nic-hit. Not as overwhelming as I had expected, which is a plus, but I consider this to be more for an experienced smoker. Fully flavored, burns slow with a consistent taste, which is more of an acquired one for many smokers. Leaves no moisture or dottle. May require more relights than the other versions, depending upon how you prepare the flake. It's not an all day smoke, but if this fits your flavor profile, repetition will enter your mind. Will ghost a pipe fast, so be prepared to either dedicate a briar or a cob to it. I suggest trying it out in a meer first.
Update: 6-1-2018:
Condor is now made in Poland, much to its detriment. The tobaccos have less strength and (practically no) nuances. The toppings are different, and weaker, though some soap and floralness is present. Has a bitter, unattractive sourness not present in the older manufacture. Will still ghost a briar and a meer. In the last third of the bowl, I detected a cigarette note that I never experienced before. The plug itself is moister and more pliable than before. In short, it’s not the same plug as before. This version gets one star.
This is the same as the long flake and ready rubbed with two exceptions. The sweet flavors here seem subtly more pronounced and fermented than they are in the other cuts. The floralness is very slightly less obvious. And while I gave this the same strength and taste ratings as the others, I'd say this just a tad less so in both departments, though that may be because I get a slight more smoothness here. The differences are minor, but I notice them. Therefore, the rest of this review is essentially a duplicate of the Long Flake version, though the plug may need more relights.
The flavor of the Virginia is mostly hidden, though I do get some earth and a hint of grass from it. The topping is a little perfumy and soapy, and definitely floral. I get some dark fruitiness (slightly tangy) which may come from either the topping or the tobacco; it's a little hard to decide which, but perhaps it's from both. I sense a little citrus, too. There’s a slight sharpness to it that I associate with burley, so perhaps a little is present? Has a nice nic-hit. Not as overwhelming as I had expected, which is a plus, but I consider this to be more for an experienced smoker. Fully flavored, burns slow with a consistent taste, which is more of an acquired one for many smokers. Leaves no moisture or dottle. May require more relights than the other versions, depending upon how you prepare the flake. It's not an all day smoke, but if this fits your flavor profile, repetition will enter your mind. Will ghost a pipe fast, so be prepared to either dedicate a briar or a cob to it. I suggest trying it out in a meer first.
Update: 6-1-2018:
Condor is now made in Poland, much to its detriment. The tobaccos have less strength and (practically no) nuances. The toppings are different, and weaker, though some soap and floralness is present. Has a bitter, unattractive sourness not present in the older manufacture. Will still ghost a briar and a meer. In the last third of the bowl, I detected a cigarette note that I never experienced before. The plug itself is moister and more pliable than before. In short, it’s not the same plug as before. This version gets one star.
Wow. So there it is. The end of a great blend. Thanks Jim for verifying what Simon tasted, and what I suspected although my palette isn't sophisticated enough to spell it out, other than it tasted weaker to me. That is such a shame. I'm not sure which is worse, the end of production, like in Velvan and McQuaid, Warrior Plug, etc. or the adulteration of a blend so that it is just a mere shadow of what it was. Either way, the value of pre-Polish Condor just shot up. I'll have to ration my lot even more now. Unless....Hawky I'm on my way to Austin right now to raid your stash :wink:
Thank you Jim for confirming my fears. I suppose I will have to change my screen name from 'Condor Lover' to something like 'Prince Alberts Lover' actually maybe not as that sounds just a little bit perverse. I must now go in search of a new Rose Geranium Plug.
have you tried spraying some wintergreen flavor on it? I swear it smells like wintergreen chew every other time I have open the jar i have of the stuff.
Simon, have you tried RB Plug by Gawith. It's essentially Ennerdale in plug form but better, imo.
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