Hearth & Home Sycaway

This tobacco carries the trademark of the other Hearth and Home Landmark series tobaccos in that it is very mild with a soft taste and aroma. Like the other blends out of this stable it can easily be an all day smoke.

The tin says it is a burley blend with a light topping. To me, I didn't detect much, if any, of the burley nuttiness or topping. It was just an uncomplicated pleasant smoke. Something to smoke when your tongue is weary or suffers from a bit of bite from smoking Virginias. And thus, it has a place in my rotation.

I get more flavor from the OTC burleys, like Carter Hall and Sir Walter Raleigh and I enjoy the toppings they employ more. But Sycaway is much more gentle on the tongue. It doesn't bite, even if you push it.

sweet, almost chocolate-y smell. very nice. my tin does not mention flavouring. it actually calls it a "natural tobacoo flavour" or something.

I had to break down the tobacoo more before filling a bowl or it would be almost impossible to keep the fire going. other than that minor annoyance, perfect.

One of those sleeper blends that's a delight when you can get your hands on a tin. Tin note and taste were similar to SWR but not in cut (ribbon), sweetness or spiciness (which is similar to Velvet). Upon light up you're hit with a subtle cocoa, slightly sour quality. Midway down the bowl becomes sweeter. Didn't bite but doesn't like to be pushed. For us burley fans, this is a nice change of pace. Got this one through P&C's Garage Sale. I can see this becoming a staple in my rotrotation. This blend does something magical while puffing away: it instantly conjures up the image of a windy Fall day. The name and graphics on the tin have that same type of feel. If you like Virginia blends this will not be up your alley, but I look at Virginia and Burley the way many compare DVD to 35 milimeter film. Sure DVD offers a crisper picture, but film has nuasences and a certain richness to it that the other format lacks. Four stars in my book. UPDATE 1-23-17. Happy New Year. Thought I'd give an update on my experiment with this blend. You've heard the old adage that burleys don't benefit from aging. Had several jars stored and pulled one out tonight. Same flavor profile, but the chocolate and pepper notes have mellowed considerably. Not very sweet, but just enough to be tasty. So aging does help, but the alkaline level seems to dissipate and the aging rounds things out. So with burleys it's the richness and depth rather than sugary sweetness found with Virginia. Glad to see the number of reviews have grown on this one. Definitely a sleeper that's a keeper.

What a delightful all-day blend. A simple burley based American aromatic that is sure to satisfy those who appreciate "old codger" blends. The nuttiness of the burley is never overwhelmed by the deftly applied flavor; cocoa methinks, and perhaps a dash of rum? Simple, straightforward and very well executed, burns beautifully, consistently and leaves just a wee bit of moisture and a very small dottle if at all. Room note is sure to please company and the price will please your wallet. Just another reason to hold Russ O. in high regard.