BriarWorks International Bacon Old Fashioned

As proof that each of us have different palates, I am going to have to disagree with some of the other reviews on this. Bacon? Where? I only occasionally found myself, okay there is something vaguely reminiscent of bacon.

Upon opening the jar and sticking my nose over it, I smell cheap whiskey. Actually what I get is that smell of a whiskey on the rocks that didn't get finished and sat on the table overnight. It's recognizable as containing whiskey but that's about it. After loading it into a pipe and testing the draw, I do get a whiskey taste that is better than the aroma though, so that's something.

As for smoking it, I have tried it in a new clay pipe, a meerschaum, a briar and a cob. By far the tobacco was best in the clay and the cob. It was good in the meerschaum. With the briar, which is also relatively new and I've just broken in, the tobacco was lacking in flavor. To be honest though I've only smoked 6 bowls of Bacon Old Fashioned and feel I am still trying to determine what I'm smoking. I have decided that it will probably be one I only smoke in the cobs though.

UPDATE 08.29.19 I'm actually going to bump this up to a four, partially just to help offset the - to me - undeserved hate this blend gets. I've actually smoked this just about daily for a month and it keeps on growing on me, which I think is partially the result of some breathing time fluffed up in the jar. The whiskey/orange/smoky taste is actually quite well done and, with proper drying time, is rather flavorful in topping and tobacco, as well as a bit creamy. The problem is is that it is somewhat inconsistent and a bit finicky, which I mainly attribute to the cut, which is quite a potpourri and, like another reviewer, I, too, found a piece of leaf about two inches long in my jar. Despite this, I'd say this blend achieves what its creators set out to accomplish, which is a lovely smoke that carries some of the flavors of a citrus-y, smoky old fashioned. Definitely my favorite aromatic behind Lakelands and I will likely repurchase, which wasn't in the cards initially. Can burn somewhat fast and the nicotine can be a bit of a creeper.

ORIGINAL REVIEW: This tobacco doesn't get a fair shake, being kind of an oddball. That being said, I get none of the advertised bacon (for which I am grateful), which I think is what gets it all the attention. What I do get is a fairly mild whiskey topping with a bit more orange essence interwoven. Unfortunately, there is the occasional "bile" note that others have mentioned, but I find it's fleeting and usually quickly transitions into orange. Overall, this is rather creamy and smooth and, I think, achieves what the blenders set out to accomplish - a tobacco that (as near as possible) tastes like an old fashioned. Though maybe one from an airport bar. I found the nicotine mild leaning towards medium when smoked in the morning, more towards mild at other times. Again, kind of an oddball, but not unpleasant and worth a shot by all but the most close-minded. I would say more like two-and-a-half stars, but I'm rounding up.

I bought this bc it was suggested to me to try. I liked the packaging, the components are on point for me, and the label art. And who doesn’t like bacon? I have been waiting to write this, because it’s hard to describe what I experienced.

Aside from being nice looking, this one was rough for me. I’m sure some folks like this, or it wouldn’t exist. The base of the blend would be an unremarkable sort of manly all day blend. That said, the fruit topping is like an orange liquor and the bourbon is reminiscent of old crow. Which is a whiskey best drunk under a bridge. The combination is bizarre. It’s smoky and sour with a fruity note that doesn’t come through as sweet. The bacon smokiness is kind of chemical, like liquid smoke for barbecuing. I’ve never had an old fashioned cocktail, so maybe I’m missing something. Not sure what else to say. Sample with caution.

This blend is just flat out bad. If you do dare to smoke this, I would highly suggest you smoke it in a cob. This blend will leave an orange skid mark in a briar.

10/1/2021 - update---

I found the rest of the jar from below... 4 years later. I decided I'd brave another bowl to see if age ad somehow done anything to improve this blend.... umm.. no.

2017 Review

The jar note took me back. The first thought was old socks or something rotting. I decided to go ahead and give it a smoke. It was not as bad as the tin-note but the "old fashioned" flavor was missing and all I got was "liquid smoke".

I tried it again a few days later to be sure it just wasn't a bad day on my part and had the same exact experience.

I don't know if I mix this in with something else if it can be saved, but I'll never buy another jar for sure.

This is by far the most unsmokable blend I’ve tried. The tin note is awesome. Bacon, smoke, citrus, yum. The taste is like MOLDY old books (not in a good way) and smoky vomit. In fact, the first time I tried it, it was a jar a friend of mine had for a long time. I figured he didn’t store it correctly. Turns out he did. It just tastes that way. Very disappointed considering Briarworks makes one of my all time favorite blends (country lawyer). Most of their blends are so-so. But I’ve not come across one I couldn’t finish… in any brand really. I’m considering throwing out the contents so I can use the jar for something else.

Stay away. Grab some Briarworks unsweetened tea or country lawyer instead! Those are great!

One of my favorite smokes.I like the flavor,and smokiness.Don't know what the flavoring is,but it works for me.I noticed it has gotten low ratings. Well,I like it.So there.

Upon opening the jar I could smell salty caramel, oranges, smoky dark fired leaf. Tobacco is a bit moist but good to go straight from the jar. Lights easily, smokes easy and clean too. No tongue bite even if pushed. Taste is certainly unique. First few bowls I could taste a very intense combination of smoky dark fired leaf and orange topping which was pleasant and in no way I found it to be chemical. After some time toppings do tone down and you can also taste some citrusy virginias. All in all this is a unique experience and I agree this is a love/hate blend but in my opinion there are too much hateful reviews, so there, I decided to make a positive one. 4 stars

I like this and would buy again. Not usually a fan of Dark Fired, but I like that the tobacco flavor comes through. I'm kind of immune to nicotine, and don't find it, even though I inhale. No tongue bite for me. I also don't taste the citrus that others mention. I also like that it's already in a jar.