Benjamin Hartwell - Chesdin Mixture pipe tobacco reviews

Review

Please log in to add or edit a review. If you do not have an account yet, you can sign up for one here.

Reviewed By:	Date:	Strength:	Flavoring:	Taste:	Room Note:	Recommendation:
Showing reviews 1 through 16 of 16 reviews of this tobacco
jankoez	09/19/2009	Medium	Very Mild	Mild to Medium	Pleasant to Tolerable
This is a blend of very quality tobacco, smell is great upon opening a tin, it burns well and has enough strenght. Only it lacks in taste. My rate: 3.0
Reviewed By:	Date:	Strength:	Flavoring:	Taste:	Room Note:	Recommendation:
Demetri	08/23/2009	Medium	Extremely Mild	Medium	Tolerable
I purchased a tin of this about 6 months ago and it sat in my cabinet until last week. I finally, curious as to what it might be, cracked the tin and loaded a pipe for the drive into work. First reaction: an incredibly exquisite Latakia based blend. Second opinion, later into the bowl: is that all there is? The Virginias seemed AWOL. Yes, it reminded very much of Frogmorton (which I gave a 4 star -actually a 3.5), but it was still somewhat different. It seemed to share the same Latakia, seemed very, very close, but still different. The following day, a day 0ff from work with ample leisure time to experiment, I compared my open tins of the Frog and CM. Tin aroma was very close but the CM, my sample at least, seemed sweeter. Appearance was identical. Was I imagining a difference in the pipe? I loaded up one of my favorite Custombilt bulldogs and puffed away on the CM. Same experience as the day before. Two hours later (resting my palate some) I loaded another, identical pipe - both newly cleaned- and smoked the Frog. Very similar as my memory guessed BUT a discernible difference nonetheless. The Va components came through with the Frog where I tasted little if none in the CM. Edge to the Frog - more depth of favor. I could smoke Frogmorton everyday (but not all day) whereas I couldn't see my smoking CM except occasionally. Was the difference I tasted only a variance in two tins of the same blend. Obviously we're dealing with an agricultural product with all its variabilities. So, is CM the Frog? I've no idea. Based on my very subjective sampling I must knock a star off my frog rating for CM...down to three. Then comes PRICE. CM is the most expensive blend I own and I can't justify its price (perhaps from a double layer of markup being a contracted blend). Down another star.
Reviewed By:	Date:	Strength:	Flavoring:	Taste:	Room Note:	Recommendation:
mel51us	07/06/2008	Mild to Medium	None detected	Mild	Pleasant
07062008 This blend, while very good from the fresh tin, is even better with age. I recently opened a tin that had been in my "cellar" for over a year, and I was greatly impressed. I now have 7 tins ageing and am smoking another. For me, IMHO, this is the perfect end-of-the-day blend, calming, relaxing. 06242007 Chesdin Mixture is a blend I go for when I want something mild. Being a lover of heavier english blends and the occasional VA, I wanted something that didn't demand a lot of attention at times, and Chesdin Mixture fills the bill. CM loaded easily in any size pipe I tried it in. It took the flame well, burned cleanly and smoked cooly throught the bowl with only the occasional tamp. No gurgle, no tongue bite, a clean, dry pipe. Could be an all day smoke for some. Certainly a good starting blend for someone wishing to experience English blends. 4 stars for this Benjamin Hartwell blend.
Reviewed By:	Date:	Strength:	Flavoring:	Taste:	Room Note:	Recommendation:
al1	03/17/2008	Medium to Strong	Extremely Mild	Medium	Tolerable to Strong
Not too bad. Too bad better tobacco can be bought in bulk cheaper though. Try mclelland 5110 if you like this and don't mind sweet. I could smoke this again though, really a pretty decent english style latakia blend.
Reviewed By:	Date:	Strength:	Flavoring:	Taste:	Room Note:	Recommendation:
Big bad Jon	07/23/2007	Mild	Extremely Mild	Medium	Tolerable
I have a feeling like many others this is a copy of the Frog Morton blend... the only difference that I can distinguish is that the black Cavendish is a sweeter than I remember Froggie being. The VA. in this blend is quite nice and contrasts the dark leaves very well. Overall a nice blend I just think the blend could tone down on the sweetness a bit.
Reviewed By:	Date:	Strength:	Flavoring:	Taste:	Room Note:	Recommendation:
Stacey	06/07/2007	Medium	None detected	Medium	Tolerable
A very slow burning tobacco that you have to puff on like mad to keep going. The smell reminds me of they way your clothes smell after camping out for a couple of days and messing with a campfire almost continuously. The taste is slightly bitter and the whole thing is pretty uninteresting. If this is as good as Latakia gets, I won't be bothering any more.
Reviewed By:	Date:	Strength:	Flavoring:	Taste:	Room Note:	Recommendation:
thedstnguishdgntlmn	12/28/2006	Medium	Very Mild	Medium	Unnoticeable
I love all McClelland products that are made for other companies! This is no exception. A very nice variation of "FROG MORTON ON THE TOWN". Not at all the same, but in that vein. Lightly cased with Vanilla, a rather pleasant smoke while cooking or doing laundry. Better priced than the "Frogs" and a little different. Don't rush to buy it , walk slowly to get it and I think you'll be more satisfied.Good Stuff.
Reviewed By:	Date:	Strength:	Flavoring:	Taste:	Room Note:	Recommendation:
Helmsman	09/23/2006	Mild	Mild	Medium	Tolerable
I enjoyed smoking this tobacco. It's a wonderful latakia blend and not so expensive as tinned tobaccos go. Smooth smoking, rich aroma and elegant label adds to this tobacco as a sophisticated latakia blend.
Reviewed By:	Date:	Strength:	Flavoring:	Taste:	Room Note:	Recommendation:
stoic066	07/25/2005	Very Mild	Mild to Medium	Very Mild	Tolerable
I disagree with esteemed Professor. It is almost identical to Frog Morton. In fact I smoked both of them one after another and I could not find any difference. It is definitely mild tobacco which to me is a weakness. I found myself puffing as hard as I could and all I was getting out of it was steam-like smoke and very little taste. I will not try it again.
Reviewed By:	Date:	Strength:	Flavoring:	Taste:	Room Note:	Recommendation:
Professor	07/24/2005	Mild to Medium	Mild to Medium	Mild to Medium	Pleasant to Tolerable
Benjamin Hartwell's Chesdin Mixture is not Frog Morton relabelled (as some have indicated). Granted, I was able to obtain some well-aged Chesdin Mixture, but unlike Frog Morton I like Chesdin Mixture. It is certainly a 'crossover' blend--appearance like an aromatic (dark and sticky) with a Latakia influence. There is a casing that reminds me of dates when I smell it in raw form and a vanilla nuance in smoking (as noted by others). Still, it is not overly or sickly sweet and does have a medium punch that pleases my smoking desires. On the downside, it occasionally burns a bit hot and leaves a residue on my skin when I touch it while packing. Still, this is a decent tobacco ('smooth' as the tin says) and a nice change of pace every now and then.
Reviewed By:	Date:	Strength:	Flavoring:	Taste:	Room Note:	Recommendation:
Noorrmm	05/20/2005	Medium	Mild to Medium	Medium	Tolerable
Appearance: Mostly dark leaf, combination of wide ribbon and rough cut. Fairly moist and stays that way for a long time. Aroma: Smells like a crossover to me. There is plenty of Latakia, but there is also a definite sweetness here. This is not as heavy as Frog Morton, but does bear a strong resemblance to McClelland Coyote Mixture. Packing: Packs well into medium to large bowls. Lighting: Fairly typical two match light, occasionally needs three. Flavor: Just a crossover blend for me, nothing enticing about it. All I can taste is the Latakia and a major amount of Black Cavendish, which is sweeter than I like it. Summary: I won a can of this at a raffle. I won?t try it again.
Reviewed By:	Date:	Strength:	Flavoring:	Taste:	Room Note:	Recommendation:
Lord Cavendish	03/16/2005	Medium	None detected	Medium to Full	Tolerable
At this point in my current circulation of tobaccoes, this is the Latakia i reach for when i'm in the mood. The tin smell reminds me of smoking hickory chunks. It feels very damp at first, but on closer inspection it is revealed as only very springy. Thus, it packs well, and the moisture is not a problem during the smoke. It burns slowly and provides a rich cool taste... one of the smoothest ive encountered. It does not however leave a satisfying cake, and i rarely am in the mood for latakia, though i keep this blend on hand. ~Lord Cavendish~
Reviewed By:	Date:	Strength:	Flavoring:	Taste:	Room Note:	Recommendation:
RCUSElder	08/04/2004	Medium	Extremely Mild	Medium	Pleasant to Tolerable
Revised: 08-04-04 Many have complained that this is just Frog Morton repackaged for Consolidated. Whether this is true or not, is not for me to figure out, although, I don't believe that it is exactly like the Frog. Appearance: Medium to fine ribbons. Mostly dark leaves, an occasional medium brown. Aroma: This is where I think it differs from the Frog. There seems to be a discrete amount of Vanilla casing present ala SG'S "Perfection" blend. Packing: easy, but it is a littlle too moist, airing is recommended. Lighting: Easy, once aired out. Initial Flavor: Nice, smooth, light latakia flavor, vanilla is noticable, but in the background. Mid-Bowl: buttery smooth, but monochromatic, not much complexity. End of Bowl: Nice build up of strength, ash is grey and dry, no goop at all in spite of the casing. Slight chemical aftertaste that does not mix well if you plan to smoke other blends that day. Overall: This is a nice easy latakia blend, perfect for those crossing over from aromatics. Not enough to keep me interested. I much prefer the original Frog or for more richness in this genre, prefer SG's "Perfection". Hard to get tongue-bite with this blend, the room note is tolerable to non-smokers. Rating: 3 out of 5 points.
Reviewed By:	Date:	Strength:	Flavoring:	Taste:	Room Note:	Recommendation:
Thatcher	07/28/2004	Mild to Medium	Extremely Mild	Mild to Medium	Pleasant
This appears to me to be McClelland?s Frog Morton relabeled for Consolidated Cigar Corp.?s Benjamin Hartwell line. Not that there?s anything wrong with that. I actually prefer this, as it tends to be priced a little lower than tins of the Frog. The same great smoothness and aroma of Frog Morton, and a great introduction to Latakia blends.
Reviewed By:	Date:	Strength:	Flavoring:	Taste:	Room Note:	Recommendation:
	02/12/2004	Medium to Strong	Extremely Mild	Medium	Tolerable
Revised 02-12-04 This is one of those old blends that has been out there for a while, but for whatever reason, I just recently tried. I initially gave this a high rating, but after reviewing many other blends, have to downgrade. This really is not a true english blend, but a cross-over. It has a very light vanilla casing. Upon opening the tin, you are greeted by a medium-cut ribbon with a good mixture of light and dark leaf. Aroma is mostly latakia with the afoementioned vanilla. This blend reminds me of SG's perfection, albeit less full. This does need to air out a bit before packing due to moisture. Packing is easy, lighting is easy. Overall, this is a decent flavored, middle of the road, smooth blend, easily smoked all day, difficult to get tongue bite from. It is inexpensive and the casing is very restrained. Might be a good intro to "English" styled blends for the beginner or something with decent leaf to satify the occassional sweet tooth. Rating 3 out of 5 points.
Reviewed By:	Date:	Strength:	Flavoring:	Taste:	Room Note:	Recommendation:
chaplikc	02/08/2004	Mild to Medium	Very Mild	Medium	Strong
This reminds me a lot of Frog Morton but it seems a little bit more sophisticated and complex. Notice that i am comparing this to Frog Morton and not to more complex latakia blends. I find this to be a pleasant smoke. This may be a good all day smoke for some in that it is mild in strength and is hard to get to bite. If you like Frog Morton give this a try, as for me I smoke it once in a while.
Showing reviews 1 through 16 of 16 reviews of this tobacco