The tobacco I’m smoking right now tastes like crap! And this is my third bowl of it today.
This Tobacco is Crap! No it Isn't! New G.L. Pease Article
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That make it good shit
A well written piece and his thoughtful argument is justly supported. For myself, I assess blends based upon a standardized system that I have defined with the true intent of forming an objective assessment. Of course, there is some subjectivity that comes into play based upon personal attraction despite what the scoring may say. Personally, I do my best to downplay that as much as possible or I will at least clearly call it out within the context of my commentaries to be completely transparent. Yet, I think it is fair to publish an honest review if one is genuinely polite and respectful. Calling something garbage, however, is essentially rude and low-browed writing. Not all blends are going to come in at 3+ ratings and that is okay, but they still may be stellar to some, so why be mean-spirited?
Posting an objective review relating the witnessed facts of the blend’s attributes, conformance to the standards of the subject genre and base mechanicals is in my opinion the correct review approach. Unfortunately, a lot of “reviewers” merely state their opinions, which I suppose holds merit for them but does nothing to the intent of an impartial evaluation for others that is based upon observed data/blend performance. I see those and I just keep scrolling most of the time.
And yes, I agree with Pease, one must smoke a series of trial bowls to arrive at a fair interpretation of a blend. I find some blends are quite easy to decipher while others require significant samplings. Generally, I have found by using a ritualistic approach of test bowls, individual session notes, and a tabulated scoring sheet I arrive at a consistent and reliable review process on the whole. Again, I am no expert, but I do my best to present a dignified and professional-like commentary all the same, whether the product in question scores favorably or not so much so. Great article thanks!
Posting an objective review relating the witnessed facts of the blend’s attributes, conformance to the standards of the subject genre and base mechanicals is in my opinion the correct review approach. Unfortunately, a lot of “reviewers” merely state their opinions, which I suppose holds merit for them but does nothing to the intent of an impartial evaluation for others that is based upon observed data/blend performance. I see those and I just keep scrolling most of the time.
And yes, I agree with Pease, one must smoke a series of trial bowls to arrive at a fair interpretation of a blend. I find some blends are quite easy to decipher while others require significant samplings. Generally, I have found by using a ritualistic approach of test bowls, individual session notes, and a tabulated scoring sheet I arrive at a consistent and reliable review process on the whole. Again, I am no expert, but I do my best to present a dignified and professional-like commentary all the same, whether the product in question scores favorably or not so much so. Great article thanks!
Blenders don't make one size fits all so definitely to individuals, some blends are crap. There have been more than a few blends that I had to toss the tin without finishing because I found them disgusting. I didn't need to eat more than a couple of brussel sprouts to know that they were something I didn't find palatable, same with some blends.
Sad to see that GLP woke up on the wrong side of the bed, but we all get grumpy every now and then.
I've declared a blend as straight garbage about 3 puffs in, and I may have even written it down. Even in those cases, I'll still jar it up and come back to it months or years later. If it's still garbage, I'll either pass it off tosome idiot my brother or feed the worms in my garden. One such blend was Autumn Evening, which I hated with a fiery passion.
However, my more general path is that I'll try a blend that becomes an instant favorite with a guaranteed spot in my vaulted cellar, only to become slightly disenchanted with it when I'm done with the blend. So I do like to take "First Take" notes. I like to see how the blend and my tastes develop, or if I learn how to smoke a particular blend. Nearly every Country Squire blend I've tried falls into this category, as I found them tasteless as I smoked them "normally" but I learned that they shine with a lot of heat.
I've also smoked long enough to know that sometimes things just don't click into place, and I've written that down too. Favorite clean pipe, perfect blend, perfect day, but it just didn't hit for whatever reason. That's ok, there's another bowl later.
I take my reviews of pipe tobacco as my own personal tasting notes. If someone finds them helpful, that's a bonus. But I'm the one reading and revisiting my reviews.
But above all, one thing that I have always loved about the pipe community, especially the internet pipe community, is that you can passionately love or hate anything within the pipe-smoking realm and everybody's cool with it. Especially in 2023, there aren't many places on the internet where you can have a good, fun, and friendly discussion with someone holding an exact opposing opinion. In fact, that's why I hang out here. It sucks out there.
Yeah, well, you know, that's just like my opinion, man.
I've declared a blend as straight garbage about 3 puffs in, and I may have even written it down. Even in those cases, I'll still jar it up and come back to it months or years later. If it's still garbage, I'll either pass it off to
However, my more general path is that I'll try a blend that becomes an instant favorite with a guaranteed spot in my vaulted cellar, only to become slightly disenchanted with it when I'm done with the blend. So I do like to take "First Take" notes. I like to see how the blend and my tastes develop, or if I learn how to smoke a particular blend. Nearly every Country Squire blend I've tried falls into this category, as I found them tasteless as I smoked them "normally" but I learned that they shine with a lot of heat.
I've also smoked long enough to know that sometimes things just don't click into place, and I've written that down too. Favorite clean pipe, perfect blend, perfect day, but it just didn't hit for whatever reason. That's ok, there's another bowl later.
I take my reviews of pipe tobacco as my own personal tasting notes. If someone finds them helpful, that's a bonus. But I'm the one reading and revisiting my reviews.
But above all, one thing that I have always loved about the pipe community, especially the internet pipe community, is that you can passionately love or hate anything within the pipe-smoking realm and everybody's cool with it. Especially in 2023, there aren't many places on the internet where you can have a good, fun, and friendly discussion with someone holding an exact opposing opinion. In fact, that's why I hang out here. It sucks out there.
Yeah, well, you know, that's just like my opinion, man.
I did not read every reply so if this is duplicate just ignore. This is a great article and it applies to many things. I recently got into whiskey and scotch and have tried about 15 (50ml samples) and several recommended bottles. I have had a dram and thought not good, then 2 weeks later had the same dram and flavors popped. I got a lovely graham cracker flavor from a low end whiskey that had bad ratings but it’s on my shelf because I like that flavor. When it comes to taste just decide for yourself if you like it and if not explain why, but don’t slander an entire product because it does not match your taste buds.