Thoughts on Altadis Z-50?

[gmwolford]

I went to the local B&M Friday to pick up a couple ounces of their "Black Cordial" and "Serendipity", two aromatics I enjoy infrequently. The Serendipity is an Altadis product that I enjoy on warm days and Friday was a perfect day to think spring and enjoy a bowl on the deck. This fellow hasn't been at all forth coming about what the bulks he sells are, even though I've asked more than once. So, I explained I wasn't going to buy anything I could look up and make sure I liked anymore but he had 3 new blends that intrigued me ... if he'd tell me what they were. Reluctantly he he gave me the information.
One blend is, there name, "Black Cordial", made by Altadis Z-50. It is light enough, cool enough, has just a nice cherry taste without being overly so and I like it; its the only cherry I've had thus far I do like. So, my question is have any of you tried it? What do you think of it? And what other blends may be similar that I should consider trying out?

 

[rmbittner]

I'd suggest Rattray's Terry Red, a very well-behaved cherry blend that puts the cherry in the background, allowing the high-quality leaf to shine through. Only problem is, even retailers that have every single other Rattray blend often don't carryTerry Red, so you may have to do some hunting.

 

[piperl12]

As a self admitted Latakia nut I never thought I would like a cherry blend, in fact I didn't know what I was smoking for the longest time since I had no point of comparison. Well about 15 years ago I tried a pouch of a Sheffield and Sons blend called Birkenhead Rich which they discontinued. Ten long years of searching and making calls to find the bulk blend I find out its Black Cordial or Z50. Part of me was disappointed. I thought how could it be that a self proclaimed english lover could find this such a nice light smoke. My wife loves the smell, the kids love the smell. Win/Win for everyone. I see how you can be so frustrated not knowing the bulk name in case the tobacconist decides to discontinue that blend in his store. You could search like me for ten years looking for a blend available almost everywhere but under another name. Twenty years ago I had the same experiance with a Tinderbox sample called Norse Gold. Turns out it was also a bulk blend available everywhere. I spent a lot of money and time in ordering and shipping from California to get this stuff only to find out it was available down the street. My new rule of thumb is only tins or blends that have a bulk alternative. Not sure where you are Greg but Brigham has a nice cherry blend though not sure what the bulk name is.

 

[gmwolford]

@rmbittner I like the Rattray's I've tried but I can't get them locally. And I sure don't want to call in love with something I can't get easily: Penzance is enough if a chore lol
@piperl12 I am in WV, near Huntington. We don't have much section locally so I try to (emphasis on try) remember good ones I think I might like when I am abke to place an order.

 

[mso489]

After the recent discussion of cherry aromatics in Forums, I might seriously consider

a small quantity of this. Cherry is not something I would ordinarily try, nor aros so

much. I end up with a few, as gifts, or as OTC samples, or as blends recommended

otherwise. I like Altadis blends I've tried, good tobacco, fair prices.

 

[gmwolford]

mso489 I'm not much into cherry either but the wife loves the smell, both of this and it reminds her of her dad. This is definitely a mild, not in your face, cherry and pleasant. And as you said, at $3/oz or less its fairly priced.
FWIW, I was recently introduced to a homemade blend that contained Capt Black, H&H and an OTC cherry I can't find locally, don't recall the name, mixed in even parts. I really liked it. So, I plan to try Z-50, CBR and CH (my new H&H lol) and see what I get. I figure setting that will be pleasant enough all the way around.

 

[mso489]

Greg, I think sending out a good room note to one's better half is always a good idea,

so I watch for tobaccos that have that property. My wife has given me some real fine

pipes and 'baccy. She likes the scent of Altadis B-20 Black Cavendish, and I enjoy it,

when I'm not on higher test blends. Nightcap tends to go with that, ah, night air.