What You May Not Know About Bengal Slices, Penzance, and Krumble Kake

[admin]

Our little world of pipe tobacco has a rich history, and we are not worthy of one of the best story tellers, and photographers put to the task, but we'll take it anyway. Let's celebrate "The Celebrated Bengal Slices" in G.L. Pease's ...

Doin’ the Bengal Breakdown​

Original Bengal Slices by James B. Russell

 

[Peterson314]

That's a great article. I tried (the current version) of Bengal Slices for the first time about a month ago. What an excellent blend! I immediately bought a replacement tin and have been savoring my jar for when I want a really delicious, uninterrupted, contemplative smoke.

I am so glad that I didn't know that it was flavored with licorice until I had the tin in my hand. There is no way I would have picked it up if I had known.

 

[hoosierpipeguy]

Well written article.

 

[bullet08]

Bengal Slices. Never had original, like many other famous blends from the past. But did try the latest. A fine blend that was a joy to smoke. Tried blends that came in crumble cake before and it was easy to prep. Take a pinch off here and there in small chunks and pack lightly. Did stash few tins for later use. Too many lat blends and too little time.

 

[mingc]

Nice article. But Greg has yet to try the new, recreated, BS?! I'm astounded.

 

[woodsroad]

The current blend of Bengal Slices is the work of the highly talented and humble Russ Ouellette, and manufactured by Sutliff. it was originally sold as Fusilier's Ration, until Simon and I made the Bengal Slices trademark available to P&C. The two blends are identical, just the labels are different. At one time, although the two products were exactly the same, Bengal Slices outsold Fusilier's 10:1. Ah, the power of a name, and marketing.


Russ working on a John Cotton's blend, 2015

 

[canucklehead]

Nice article. But Greg has yet to try the new, recreated, BS?! I'm astounded.

Greg seems like a guy that prefers vintage/retro BS over new BS.

 

[brooklynpiper]

The current blend of Bengal Slices is the work of the highly talented and humble Russ Ouellette, and manufactured by Sutliff. it was originally sold as Fusilier's Ration, until Simon and I made the Bengal Slices trademark available to P&C. The two blends are identical, just the labels are different. At one time, although the two products were exactly the same, Bengal Slices outsold Fusilier's 10:1. Ah, the power of a name, and marketing.

View attachment 193547
Russ working on a John Cotton's blend, 2015

That’s good to know. I had a suspiciously very saucy experience with Fusilier’s when I tried it. The tin of Bengal Slices I tried next I thought was much better.

It’s nice to know the people who love Fusilier’s aren’t crazy.

 

[woodsroad]

That’s good to know. I had a suspiciously very saucy experience with Fusilier’s when I tried it.

Extra sauce, and they didn't charge you for it?

 

[brooklynpiper]

Just my tongue and sanity, brother! (So not a premium)

 

[woodsroad]

Well, Russ has moved on to other endeavors, apparently.

 

[mingc]

The current blend of Bengal Slices is the work of the highly talented and humble Russ Ouellette, and manufactured by Sutliff. it was originally sold as Fusilier's Ration, until Simon and I made the Bengal Slices trademark available to P&C. The two blends are identical, just the labels are different. At one time, although the two products were exactly the same, Bengal Slices outsold Fusilier's 10:1. Ah, the power of a name, and marketing.

View attachment 193547
Russ working on a John Cotton's blend, 2015

Well, that's good to know! I had read that after Russ guessed the ingredients to make FR, you guys got him the actual recipe for BS. That's BS huh? Heh.

 

[rmbittner]

The current blend of Bengal Slices is the work of the highly talented and humble Russ Ouellette, and manufactured by Sutliff. it was originally sold as Fusilier's Ration, until Simon and I made the Bengal Slices trademark available to P&C. The two blends are identical, just the labels are different. At one time, although the two products were exactly the same, Bengal Slices outsold Fusilier's 10:1. Ah, the power of a name, and marketing.

View attachment 193547
Russ working on a John Cotton's blend, 2015

I really liked the early 80s version of Bengal Slices, but I’m hesitant about trying this new version. I’ve been deeply disappointed by every Russ Ouellette blend I’ve tried. (That was especially true of Black House, which was supposedly meant to replicate another classic blend. It was flavorless hot air for me.)

 

[woodsroad]

Well, that's good to know! I had read that after Russ guessed the ingredients to make FR, you guys got him the actual recipe for BS. That's BS huh? Heh.

No, we had nothing to do with formulating Fungal Slices or Fussy Man's Relations. That was all Russ's work. Or at least that was the BS story he gave me.

 

[kcghost]

Tremendous article by the Pease. He has such a magnificent palette, probably the best the business.

 

[unclefloyd]

Our little world of pipe tobacco has a rich history, and we are not worthy of one of the best story tellers, and photographers put to the task, but we'll take it anyway. Let's celebrate "The Celebrated Bengal Slices" in G.L. Pease's ...

Doin’ the Bengal Breakdown​

Original Bengal Slices by James B. Russell

When my favorite, Frog Mortons Cellar, was no longer being produced someone
suggested Bengal Slices as an alternative. It wasn’t quite the same but I did like it.