Why Do Aromatics Rate Poorly?

[woodsroad]

One of the things I notice most about aromatic enthusiasts, is that they don't stay on forums for very long. Or, if they do, they don't talk much about aromatic blends or participate in blend discussions.

Shame is a powerful emotion.

 

[FLDRD]

They’re also prone to taking things very literally in defense of their affliction.

 

[Jacob74]

Aromatics might seem pedestrian to some folks, but as has been mentioned, seem to keep the lights on for the pipe tobacco industry. No shame in my game, one of my all time fav's is SWRA.

 

[EvertonFC]

I have my speculations on why all of this is, but really the fact is that exclusive aromatic smokers tend to just not participate for very long... unless they crossover to non-aros.

This could explain why aromatics don't rate well on online reviews. The aromatic enthusiasts are just not a majority of the active pipe community online.

I have a different theory. I think it's because aromatic blends have a much more seductive room note. Consequently, we aromatic smokers are too busy having sex to write reviews.

 

[Chasing Embers]

Interesting the snobbery often shown here. Other sites revel in most things tobacco and even have blends and pipes made for them. One is even having a group commission of meerschaums from altinay with the site's logo as this year's pipe of the year.

 

[mso489]

I agree that SWRA is somewhat exemplary among aromatics. It's burley based with Virginia as a condiment and flavored with three liqueurs, pretty refined for a pouch blend. Also, it burns exceedingly well, which is not always a forte of premium blends.

 

[John_B]

I have returned to Aromatics in a limited way over the last couple of months. I do have a very clear idea of what I want from my choice of tobacco. I like the dryer composition of European (Dutch and Scandinavian) mixtures. Amphora Full Aroma and Borkum Riff Bourbon are both in my regular rotation. I have reviewed both of them because they have been the biggest wakeup call to my taste buds and olfactory senses in many a year. The month prior to that I smoked only St Bruno flake. It is technically both a Lakeland and an Aromatic in the English sense. It was a struggle to get to like it, but I'm there now. In the last week I have been reaching for Borkum riff over the others. How did that ever happen ? I lament Players Whiskey Flake. That's how and why. If MacBaren wanted to do something good, they should revive that awesome blend.

 

[simong]

I have returned to Aromatics in a limited way over the last couple of months. I do have a very clear idea of what I want from my choice of tobacco. I like the dryer composition of European (Dutch and Scandinavian) mixtures. Amphora Full Aroma and Borkum Riff Bourbon are both in my regular rotation. I have reviewed both of them because they have been the biggest wakeup call to my taste buds and olfactory senses in many a year. The month prior to that I smoked only St Bruno flake. It is technically both a Lakeland and an Aromatic in the English sense. It was a struggle to get to like it, but I'm there now. In the last week I have been reaching for Borkum riff over the others. How did that ever happen ? I lament Players Whiskey Flake. That's how and why. If MacBaren wanted to do something good, they should revive that awesome blend.

They do. Not allowed to call it ‘Whisky’ anymore though, it’s been called ‘Highland’ for a few years now.
Personally speaking, I don’t think it’s any good. Comoy’s Irish Mixture is better. GH do a whisky blend, Spirit of Scotland I think it’s called. Never tried that one though.

 

[John_B]

They do. Not allowed to call it ‘Whisky’ anymore though, it’s been called ‘Highland’ for a few years now.
Personally speaking, I don’t think it’s any good. Comoy’s Irish Mixture is better. GH do a whisky blend, Spirit of Scotland I think it’s called. Never tried that one though.

Sadly it is not in flake form and I find the ratio of Burley higher than the original which was the first tobacco I bought, ever. Like unto Erinmore, the flake was very different and sadly it has gone away never to be seen. MacBaren haven't done a bad job, but it is not the same as the ready rub I remember in the late 70s early 80s. I have some and smoke it occasionally, but its Burley has a chemical bite. No matter how I sip at it, it lascerates my tongue.