Samuel Gawith Finest Kendal Twist Black

I really like ropes and twists, but I don't like to dry them out before smoking as some recommend. I think the moisture is necessary to get the rich and sometimes "oily" flavor qualities. Yes, it may require several relights during the smoke, but I think that's a small price to pay.

While Black XX has a lot of that "motor oil" quality, the Kendal Twist (very dark brown, but not black) has less, but the flavor is supplanted with a sharp, woodsy, strong flavor that is quite enjoyable. I found it necessary to sip this tobacco, making it even more difficult to keep lit, but it's worth the effort. Cigar lovers will really appreciate this twist with its unadulterated tobacco-in-your-face character.

Yes, the vitamin N is strong. I have a nice quarter-bent Cristiano billiard dedicated to ropes and twists, and a full bowl lasted an hour or so, and it was a good hour. Have some food in your stomach, a big glass of cold water at hand, and enjoy the sounds of the evening on the back porch (you won't earn points with your family if you smoke this indoors).

I only smoke strong baccies like this once every couple weeks or so but I always want some around when it's time to really unwind. The fourth star is lacking simply because of the monotone nature of the flavor. It's an excellent smoke and highly recommended for those who simply want a back-to-basics strong tobacco experience.

As the note above states, there are two versions of this twisted tobacco, a BROWN-coloured twist, flavoured, and a BLACK-coloured twist, UNflavoured. I am not sure why they ought not constitute two separate entries in TobaccoReviews.com.

This is a review of Kendal BLACK, the UNflavoured twist.

I purchased this bulk, from the Lexington Ave Barclay-Rex. In the 5X5 polyethylene bag in which it was conveyed to me, it looked exactly like a typical dog's turd. Almost-black brown, shiny and oily, with a leather-like smell. I cut two slices, nickel-like, [like an old shilling] with a sharp pocket knife, and undid them by rubbing lightly between my fingertips. I let them air out for a few minutes. It filled a meerschaum relatively loosely, needing several lights.

The first impression was cigar-like, dark and leathery, with a slight spiciness that tickled my throat. It settled down to a smooth sweetness that called freshly-baked pumpernickel bread to mind.

As an occasional cigar smoker?I love Hoyo de Monterrey corona maduros?I did not find this particularly overwhelming. But let us not overdo the cigar analogy: there IS a kind of bloated, smoldering intensity to this twist that is quite unlike any cigar I have smoked; the flavour may be smooth and velvety, but there is a hidden punch somewhere that you can suspect in the darkness. I was not caught by it because I smoked a moderate amount, VERY SLOWLY. But I suspect that if you hyperventilate with this baby, you could make yourself very, very nauseous. I put down my pipe just in time: I had the beginnings of an interesting buzz, but I didn't push my luck even by a hair. A note of warning to nervous puffers and/or lovers of huge pipes, filled to the rim.

I smoked this after a hearty supper, whilst sipping a glass of Irish whiskey, which I normally drink neat, chasing it, every-so-often, with water. Under such conditions, this twist seemed delicious and hugely different. It certainly complemented the whiskey beautifully. But I would call it the very opposite of an "all-day smoke"!

Never mind the bad reviews, or the score, for they can be very misleading. Treat this tobacco as a straight Virginia and it will yield. I like brown ropes more than the jet black ones, but Finest Kendall Twist black is really good despite the fact it's been thoroughly cooked. This tobacco is packed with flavour. It has sort of smokey or barbecue note to it that is quite apparent. It is true that you will have to relight every now and then, but don't dry it out fresh from the tin. These ropes are meant to be smoked as moist. It can have a rough edge if you puff hard, but it won't bite. Also, this is a very good mixing tobacco in small quantities, but you need to know what to mix it with. As chewing tobacco I'd say it is spot on too. I understand these ropes are something of an acquired taste, so steer well clear from them if they are not your cup of tea. All and all I am fully satisfied with this tobacco, so a rating of 3 stars is appropriate.

This stuff smells great when you smell it in the pouch. Almost smells like turkish delight. The best way I've found to smoke it, is to chop it into coins and then shred those, to get it as close to a shag-like cut as possible, (a little drying time wouldn't hurt as it is quite moist). Then pack it into a not too large bowled pipe; I found this to be quite a strong smoke for an aromatic, although it does taste nice, with some of the 'tin note' characteristics carrying through to the smoke. It smokes well and burns down to a fine ash. All in all, quite a pleasant smoke, I think I will be purchasing some more of this particular blend in the not too distant future. Not too sure if I'll venture for the Brown Bogie though, this one's quite strong enough for me.