Thoughts on “New” Blends

[shanelktown]

EDIT: Fixed Capitalization in Title (See Rule 9) - Bob

Well it has been a while since I have been on here. Took about 2-3 years away got married within the past year. Obviously I am back here because this hobby always pulls me back in. Anyways I just want to hear what people’s thoughts are on “new” blends. Do you think they are being designed more for beginner smokers or seasoned smokers or really both? Do you feel they are being created to replace other blends we lost over the years or to duplicate unicorn blends?
Lastly what new blends have you tried in recent months in which you thought man I really enjoyed that but it’s just not my everyday rotational smoke, or tried something you just thought was terrible, or found something new for your rotation but want to keep it a secret so it’s always available....don’t worry I won’t tell.

 

[Chasing Embers]

I think they're just last ditch efforts to make money before the deeming hammer falls next year.

Most aren't different enough from my mainstays to indulge.

 

[shanelktown]

@chasingembers thats funny you say that because I believe it was the spc bourbon barrel plum pudding I made the comment it was a cash grab. I mean I can totally go buy a jar get a bourbon barrel stave and soak it in bourbon cut the stave and place it in a jar of plum pudding special reserve and claim it’s something brand new.

 

[mikefu]

I believe that the new blends are all variations on existing themes, designed to do exactly what Embers said- sell as much as possible while they still can. I’ve tried a few- I really enjoy the C&D Old Ones series, the new Sutliff VA flakes designed to imitate McLelland VA’s, and the rereleased MacBaren Burley London Blend, all of which I have added substantial quantities of to my cellar.

 

[shanelktown]

Now is sutliff producing the new blends or just tinning?

 

[perdurabo]

New Blends? Why Not! Cash Grab, yea probably. But I thought cash was the point of business transactions.

Best New Blend? Dreams of Kadath.

 

[mikefu]

Now is sutliff producing the new blends or just tinning?

Producing. Like the new Cringle Flake and the Crumble Kakes, and the bulk 515 RC-1 and 507-c and 507-s. They need some age to mellow, but are great products.

 

[mikefu]

New Blends? Why Not! Cash Grab, yea probably. But I thought cash was the point of business transactions.

Best New Blend? Dreams of Kadath.

+1 Dreams of Kadath is sublime, as are a couple others from the series.

 

[oldgeezersmoker]

Producing. Like the new Cringle Flake and the Crumble Kakes, and the bulk 515 RC-1 and 507-c and 507-s. They need some age to mellow, but are great products.

507 c has been available since at least the 1980’s. And it is a great product

 

[mikefu]

507 c has been available since at least the 1980’s. And it is a great product

Thanks. I mistakenly lumped it into the "new" category, because I never bought it until after I couldn't get McLellends. So only new to me.

 

[danimalia]

I'm not sure that these blends are last ditch anything. Certainly I have heard far more about the coming deadline from smokers than manufacturers. Does that mean they're anticipating the new requirements may be delayed/modified or something they can deal with? Dunno. I mean, I've got a cynical side too, so I suppose they cold be dropping shiny objects to a panicky customer base with the implication that you'd better buy, buy, buy, but I certainly don't know that either. I guess we'll find out.

Anyway, I try not to worry about I can't control. I am always happy to try something new! There will always be something to smoke. That said, I can't think of anything super new that I've tried recently. I still have a lot of blends that are new to me!

 

[smudgersmissingleg]

I don't think they're out in America yet but I've had 2 of the 3 new Gawith reunion series.
The No. 27 Perique Flake was very nice but the Bourbon Flake was delicious and is easily the tastiest whiskey flavoured tobacco I've tried so far, it'll be interesting to see how it ages. I haven't tried the final blend Brown House Roll Cut yet but it's definitely on my to do list.
We don't get many new tobacco releases in the UK apart from the Peterson special editions, it seems like something new is released weekly in the US.

 

[shanelktown]

Just looking at gqtobacco man wish they delivered to the US lol

 

[Chasing Embers]

Just looking at gqtobacco man wish they delivered to the US lol

These guys do.

Estervals Pipe House - Estervals Pipe House

www.tecon-gmbh.de

 

[oldgeezersmoker]

These guys do.

Estervals Pipe House - Estervals Pipe House

www.tecon-gmbh.de

No Gawith Hoggarth. Samuel Gawith, yes.

 

[shanelktown]

Just thinking that bourbon flake sounds delicious by gawith hoggarth

 

[Chasing Embers]

No Gawith Hoggarth. Samuel Gawith, yes.

Didn't see that he mentioned either, only that gq didn't deliver to the states.

 

[oldgeezersmoker]

I don't think they're out in America yet but I've had 2 of the 3 new Gawith reunion series.
The No. 27 Perique Flake was very nice but the Bourbon Flake was delicious and is easily the tastiest whiskey flavoured tobacco I've tried so far, it'll be interesting to see how it ages. I haven't tried the final blend Brown House Roll Cut yet but it's definitely on my to do list.
We don't get many new tobacco releases in the UK apart from the Peterson special editions, it seems like something new is released weekly in the US.

Doesn’t look like the two you have tried will make it over here. The illustrations I have seen show that Brown House Roll Cut is a Samuel Gawith Label, so maybe Estervals will pick that one up.,

 

[oldgeezersmoker]

Didn't see that he mentioned either, only that gq didn't deliver to the states.

“Gawith reunion series.” Second line

 

[shanelktown]

I definitely feel the British tobacco blends are traditional in the sense they take their time on them and really make sure they produce a good blend, not saying the US blenders don’t but I just feel like the new blends are rolling out left and right.