John Patton Soulmate's Kiss

This may be slightly unfair, but there's no other way to do it. Explanation: I cannot smoke blends with Latakia. So I asked Mr.Patton if he would recommend a blend in which the Latakia could be replaced by another of his typical blending components and end up as something of 'his'. We ended up with this one, with the Latakia replaced in equal proportion with Cigar Leaf. The order was sent off to 4-Noggins and back came the results...a half pound of one of the best blends I've tasted in a long, long time. I've come to think of this blend as one of a related trio, all of which really hit home with me...Crossroads (which is the lightest, a morning blend for me), then Oriental Dusk (an absolute delight, the middle blend in the trio) and finally this one (which is the most flavor forward). When I open the jar in which I keep this one the aroma of Izmur leaps out...dusky and sweet. I believe the Cigar Leaf adds roundness to the blend, which for me is a good thing. It is very rough cut but arrives perfectly dry and is easy to pack...just needing the occasional log or branch to be removed. The occasional re-light is typical and not burdensome. It smokes without bite or burble all the way down and is easily managed...another characteristic of John's blends.

I quite honestly cannot fathom why these absolutley stellar blends have been so 'under the radar' for so long. Amid his blends there are those that push Burley forward (the amazing Storm Front) or Virginias or use on e or the other or both of those as a base from which to feature unique blendings of condimental tobaccos. What he does with Perique, Cigar Leaf and Turkish will amaze even the most jaded pipe smoker. All of his blends deserve a try, and can be had via special order at 4 Noggins. If you like blends that have signifiant flavor, are easily managed during the smoke and always exhibit balanced nuances of their component tobaccos...these are for you.

As always for his blends...my highest recommendation.

Soulmates Kiss is a favorite of mine, since I like all of the tobaccos in it. The Orientals, Burleys, and Virginias take turns coming to the front, so the flavors change all the time. There isnt really enough Latakia or Perique that I can notice, but I still like this one. A plus is that this guy's blends are ready to smoke when I get them.

An amateur attempt at blending at best, this concoction of various tobaccos has provides no depth and reminds me of the "floor sweepings" that many retailers refer too as their blending disasters sold at a discount. Harsh with an unpleasant aroma and bitter after taste.

I was lucky enough to try this blend. I found it easy to pack, not too dry, and not moist. I found the first light to go out, but after a second light, it stayed lit. I could taste the perique, and oriental immediately. The room note was pleasant. This is a definate in my rotation. I highly recommend it.