Very HIGHLY recommended. Get exclusive updates on all our fresh offerings, sales, and promotions -- right to your inbox. No. This is a hard to find tobacco unless you go to the secondary market. But. Recent pouches were also drier. The smoke was so creamy and rich, yet light and subtle, so sweet yet so interesting, it was magical. I managed to get hold of a pouch of this mixture and after carefully rehydrating it, went on a very pleasant trip down memory lane. So it is a keeper. I occasionally pack up some Sobranie just to enjoy it, and I fully believe the tales of yore about how good this blend was. Men wept when the original supply was discontinued. Ok ..lets all get over the Balkan Sobraine tag because this stuff isn't anything like the stuff I smoked in the '60's and 70's, in fact, it reminds me of Bill Baily's Balkan a bit. Gallaher's Balcan Sobranie lit up fast and quite uniform and first puffs hit me with the smoky Latakia, not quite as strong as I expected but still strong enough to be enjoyable! If you stop being attentive to the way you smoke, it can bite. Not strong or overpowering at all. I actually prefer it over Sobranie.. 3 Balkan Supreme. The taste throughout was awesome. Just like every other pipe smoker on the planet I really wanted to try this. I always try new tobacco with completely dry pipe 3 or 4 days without being smoked, and then I dedicate that pipe to that tin for the duration of said tobacco. A wonderful smoke. This is my favorite in the old Sobranie line. Most related blends already contain Virginia and latakia, so the ratios are problematical. Min: $ 0. I loved it. It was to me simply unique. So, I finally opened the tin and took my time burning through it. Those were the days, my friend, I thought they'd never end. The last part of the bowl is the best as all the different tobaccos harmoniously sing together. I like it, not as aromatic as I remember from the 70s. in Slavic languages) either there or in London, their eventual home, along with their delightful, white Turkish cigarettes, and their renowned Russian Black and Gold (- tipped) cigarettes. However, for many, the newer blends are just as enjoyable, if different. Requires few relights, and leaves little dampness in the bowl. Everything was perfectly balanced and smooth. Those were the three pipes he believed in, BBB, Petersen, Comoy, Sasieni and even Barling having already begun to slide. That was at the age of 15 behind the cycle sheds at Grammar school. I can easily believe they were every bit as great as their reputation claims. Perhaps, despite the common wisdom, Balkan used it fresh. Under no circumstances did it live up to everything I have heard and read all this time, unless it is not the same blend any more. Predominant Latakia did a good job of giving the mixture that full body which I like so much. A very good pipe tobacco is that there are few opportunities to buy it. We reserve the right to verify delivery to cardholder via UPS. I was lucky to score several pouches a few years ago. No bite whatsoever. The above review doesn't cover the current version. Nunca esta disponible, pero es de lo mejor que nunca jamas he probado, un equilibrio y sabor casi perfecto a un precio correcto. As good as this blend was, I still prefer both of the Pease blends mentioned. Most importantly,unlike many other "Balkan" blends this one has "real" depth. This one is smooth and bold with good sourness from the orientals and slight smoke from the Latakia. The latakia plays a supporting role despite there being a significant quantity of it in the blend. I have not tried either yet. Well if they put this in their new age purses, maybe I'll listen. Had a lightly lingering after taste and room note. The overall flavor profile reminds me of a glass of Lagavulin scotch thoroughly diluted with seltzer water. Balkan Sobranie Pipe Tobacco | Smokingpipes.com I'm going to miss this. Sadly, though, it's not hard to understand why. Is anyone e lse having the same problem? Fernandez San Lotano Requiem Connecticut, Aganorsa Leaf Guardian of the Farm Cerberus, Alec Bradley Black Market Filthy Hooligan, A. Fuente Don Carlos Edicion De Aniversrio, Cavalier Geneve Black Series II Visa Jalapa, Perdomo 10th Anniversary Champagne Sun Grown, Rocky Patel Cigar Smoking World Championship, RoMa Craft Intemperance Whiskey Rebellion, Romeo y Julieta 1875 Connecticut Nicaragua. If you are asking if it's same blend as when it was smoked some time ago. For those who liked the resinous Oriental perfume, Dunhill's Durbar is quite nice. Note: It is easy to go overboard with the Syrian (The stuff is so delicious! The Balkan Sobranie tobacco business was established in London in 1879 by Albert Weinberg (born Romania 1849), whose naturalization papers dated 1886 confirm his nationality and show that he had emigrated to England in the 1870s at a time when hand-made cigarettes in the eastern European and Russian tradition were becoming fashionable in Europe. But later he said, these tins are the Original Balkan Sobranie, and was propriety from a collector, who died and your daughter gave me. Size: 1.76 Oz. Who knows? Noooo idea, I've never smoked that one like I said before. They had two and I only bought one to try it. The year tells you how good it is. The taste is silky, rich, complex. The king of balkans! Supply < Demand, . THE ORIGINAL BALKAN SOBRANIE PIPE TOBACCO IS BACK 50 GRAM 1.76OZ FOUNDED BY A RUSSIAN FAMILY 1879 THE ENGLISH MIXTURE WITH VIRGINIA AND MELLOW LATIKIA, ORIENTAL AND CAVENDISH LEAVES BALLANCE A ROUND FLAVOR MEDIUM TO ROBUST BODY. Gawaith's Commonwealth is supposed to be 50%-50% Virginia-latakia and is not caked. A crowning achievement in the tobacco blending craft without question. Pease Caravan. It is smooth but not overly so. Very fine shag (described as ribbon but is much more fine than most) cut in long strands. In an age where everyone grows up eating McDonalds, stove top stuffing, drinking diet soft drinks and smoking mass produced cigarettes most people wouldn't know quality when they taste it, be that food or smoke. At least I find it impossible now to say from the room note alone what Balkan has been smoked, but with Balkan Sobranie there never was any ambiguity. Aging will do wonders to this I'm sure. Note that a bowl or two will ruin your taste buds for the night for any other subtle, delicate smoke! in any case, all humor aside, it hasnt effected the quality of the smoke. I prefer it in the truck on a road trip, or in the evening sitting in my smoking chair. I miss it still. Rich and full of flavor this blend is a satisfying smoke to be savored slowly. I deem this an excellent, one of the best Balkan blends ever & I'm not a big Latakia fan but it facilitates this blend's sweet, creamy, smoky flavor. But 18 months ago the blend changed and was but a shadow of its former self, a truly dark day had dawned. escaped her lips. It was a full aroma latakia with a delightfully light body. I then flavored it in with the Syrian Latakia until it reached the smokiness I desired (I had some Sobranie on hand for comparison purposes). For a very broad reference I would say it is somewhere between Esotericas Penzance and G.L. My lucky day. In just a few minutes I judged that the tobacco was moist enough, placed it on a dish and then a few minutes later, into a "ZipLock"?.After allowing the moisture to migrate throughout, overnight: Sobranie vs. Sasieni The pouch aroma is very inviting (noticeably more so than Sasieni). Like probably so many other pipers, I eagerly awaited the opportunity to find this blend in stock and purchase. Appearance: Over 80% black leaf, with a few nut brown to dark brown strands, ready rubbed in a medium cut ribbon. I cannot emphasize enough how much I loved this. Pouch Aroma: Rich, woodsy, smokey, leathery, hints of nuts Packs: very easily Lights: Very easily. It needs to be dried out quite a bit before smoking. Escudo Navy De Luxe Pipe Tobacco The first time I tried this tobacco was recently; it was a 6 year old 50g packet that had been well kept. Kudos, friend. When I first reviewed BS, I did it with the old TR website and compared several eras to the new blend by Germain. I've heard that its inclusion is why Balkan was labelled a ?smoking mixture? Put my name on the list to try the new one out. I have smoked for three years this unforgettable tobacco. |Retailer Directory I left out room note as I lived alone at that time. Presentation, blending, and moisture aside I put flame to tobacco and it took it quite readily, giving nice volumes of fragrant smoke. But the new blends out there (Paul Olsen's, Ten Russians, Larry's Strike Force, Penzance, Knightsbridge) are all certainly worthy heirs to the throne, and I don't feel cheated that I like at a time where I can have such a wide range available to me. Resembling the tobacco in my 1981 tin. I may try it again when I have some extra money. In all other respects, the tobacco is identical. the blend i am smoking is the current j f germain version. The insistent Turkish twang was fun, but not all the time. Two days ago I got my paws on an old tin of BS. I bought some in the spring from Boswells in Chambersburg, PA. Germain's Balkan Sobranie is a fantastic Balkan mixture. To enjoy this blend, the best way is use a pipe with small bowl. Although, you may want to let the tobacco dry a bit before smoking. After a few puffs, the tobacco flavors begin to meld & it just keeps getting better & better until the very end. Whatever or however the process, this is the Holy Grail of pipe tobacco. The room glowed with the fullness of the Blend. 524 (excellent, but not a "Balkan Sobranie") and No. Smokers are delighted in its medium-to-robust body, incense-like aroma and satisfying taste. Everything about this blend is perfectly balanced. What can I say for me this is the gold standard for Balkans. I never thought the day would come and I would open it, but finally given to temptation here I amSo,the tobacco has indeed had quite a bit of age on it, but it was still quite moist and the surrounding paper stained. The strength is in the center of mild to medium. Availability: . Balkan Sobranie I do not like to smoke this outdoors. Still nowadays the TBS and the 759 are THE benchmark for all Oriental Mixtures. This is really your most fowl smelling tobacco! New Balkan Sobranie Pipe Tobacco | PipesMagazine.com He figures these tins are from the late 1980's early 1990's. The brand was originally produced by Sobranie of London in 1920, and became a top-selling brand worldwide. It only took four years to find but now I know. Medium bodied smoke, you get enough lat, but it's not really an extraordinary English. Buttery is a nice description. A year later in 1966, I graduated to a curved Briar pipe and the Sobranie Original Mixture. Though the original manufacturer has since ceased production, Germain's revives the iconic blend, comprising Latakia, Orientals, and Virginias for an exceptionally traditional English mixture. Perfection is rare. Now I can say Ive tried it. Orlik Pipe Tobacco Unlike most Latakia blends, the room not of Balkan Sobranie is rich and pleasant, think incense or a just-spent fire. As time went on and I matured, this blend slowly grew on me . Germain & Son. Tin appearance of black, dark brown and medium dark leaf comprise this magical blend. It was really good, superior to Caravan, Balkan Supreme, Balkan Sasieni and just as yummy to me as P&W's #10 with a little more weight and a cooler temperment. )which would make this more of an english blend than a Balkan. Nevertheless, if you palate is not used to the strength of mixtures like the Dunhill my mix 965 and similar, you will not enjoy this blend very much. Master blender Russ Ouellette was the hands-down winner, and this is his championship mixture: Black House, comprising a variety of tobacco for a complex English blend. Balkan Sobranie Original Smoking Mixture is one of the most legendary Latakia-based blends in history. What I'm amazed to see is how much wrong info circulates about this tobacco now. Finally I snagged a few tins of this blend. Once the product has come back in stock, you'll need to resubscribe for future notifications. That just isn't the case. And yet, the aromas and flavors of the other ingredients were not overwhelmed. Add to Wishlist. In my opinion, no. Yes, it is a nice baccy but, these days there are a TON out there that have tried to copy it over the years and some have absolutely succeeded. (the 'very pleasant' under room note is my opinion, not someone else's) This is definately a mood altering substance. tin. identity verification to validate that fact. With so many good tobaccos on the market today I'm very happy with the selection I have, to be great It has to be in production once and awhile. Browse by Category, Family & more Hide Filters Show Filters Price Update There are no products listed under this brand. The Orientals are less potent, offering earth, wood, floralness, a light dry sourness and a touch of buttery sweetness, along with a little spice as a supporting player. (By the way, the letters die-stamped on GBDs indicated which subcontracted carver had done the pipe after initial curing. and they are just as good if not better. Now it seems to follow the path outlined by Balkan Sasieni, since it looks like that more and more: same cut, same colour, almost same taste. Packs a punch! Meticulously recreated by JF Germain in England. So I will back off of this stuff until there is an adequate supply and then I will buy a truck load of it because I really like it. Lights easily. on SP.com, with quantity-based discounts as well. As far as Italy is concerned BSOM does remain the only mixture you can truly name "balkan". Nevertheless to me it's still a high quality tobacco. I haven't gotten the percentages down to a science but I started with equal portions of the virginia's, Orientals, and Yenidge. It's a classic balkan blend with very little virginia and lots of latakia and turkish yenidje. Latakia plays a front role but is not overwhelming. From 1962-63 through 1978 when I stopped smoking a pipe regularly, my tobacconist sent me two 8 ox tins of Balkan Sobranie each month and that included my tour in Vietnam in 1967-68. Here is the thing, for those of you waiting patiently to try it, it's just ok. Unfortunately, the versions I've tried ranged from "decent but unspectacular" to "horrible." There are reasons for so many accolades and sagacity for such a fine tobacco. The aroma and flavors are very much in sync. Once it was in the 90s plastic fold up, the Latakia was more dominate and not due to the blend being less aged. AAHhhhhhhh. Sorry, I havent been around long enough to know better. Peaceable puffing. But producing vast quantities, no, they cannot do that. Balkan's near universal appeal in those days to lovers of English/Balkan/Oriental blends as a steady or special smoke attests to that fact. . There is very little of the campfire and leather latakia-type taste. It smoked cool, it burned well, and the balance and flavor was fantabulous. Balkan Sobranie Original Smoking Mixture Pipe Tobacco Tin Item# 1101 $21.95 The English mixture's Virginia tobaccos mellow the Latakia, while Oriental and Cavendish leaves add balance and a "round" flavor. I'll start with the presentation in the tin. I suggest trying to find your local brick and mortar because none of us will ever get it on here. We will never sell or use your personal information for anything other than supporting your account, A.J. This is what a pipe tobacco is supposed to be! It is a brand of cigarettes, currently owned and manufactured. Sobranie - Wikipedia The Orientals (Macedonia being one of them) provide a lot of earth, wood, floralness, a light dry sourness and buttery sweetness, along with a little spice and leather as a supporting player. Judging by the crystals that encase the leaf, the blend had a good amount of natural sugars. Balkan Sobranie Pipe Tobacco Tins at TobaccoPipes.com Probably nearly forty percent Turkish leaf maximum. Of course now it's a matter of reviewing the pouched version by Gallahers (Imperial?) The sad history of Balkan Sobranie after its initial sale, years later, is available in other reviews on this site.