Alsbo Gold

This was two bucks a pouch, so I threw some in with my last order. Very moist in the pouch, and sure enough it has a very pleasant pistachio aroma, with undertones of spice. I didn't let it dry much before smoking, and had to relight several times. All in all, this is a fine smoke that gets the job done. The pistachio smell does transfer to the bowl, but I don't taste the vanilla that others do. If you are careful, this is a sweetish, satisfying smoke that might also serve well after a sweet dessert or even in lieu of dessert. If smoked too hot, however, you will think you are smoking burning pistachio shells. On the plus side, absolutely everyone loves the smell of this. I've had many strangers walk by and compliment the smell.

I give it three stars for price, aroma, and taste. This will def go into my "daily" rotation- I prefer the OTC blends like PA and SWR for everyday "just smoking to smoke" sessions, and save the higher-end stuff for more special occasions when I have the time to relax and enjoy the bowl. I agree with others that this would be a good blend for those considering taking up the pipe.

I've tried finding this again, but it seems to have disappeared from the face of the planet. Shame, it's a really good smoke.

This was on sale for a couple bucks a pouch so tossed one into my virtual shopping cart. Hadn't read anything about it and did not even realize it was a Peter Stokkebye blend until I had it in my hands. The pouch note was very strong, quite pleasant but experience has shown me this is not a good indication of smoking flavors. It's a bit damp, probably needs to sit out for a few hours to dry but I was in a hurry and just wanted to try it. The smoke is strong, needs to be sipped otherwise it may bite. I quite enjoyed it. Strong vanilla, definite nuttiness to it (can't say it was pistachio or not), and good overall tasty smoke. For beginners, a good first choice but I think it will be more behaved with a bit of drying. I liked it enough to order a few pounds to experiment with blending, I think it will excel there. Advanced smokers with a very technical palate may not enjoy it, but IMHO its a very decent, low cost, tasty, smoke worth a try especially for novice smokers.

01 Jan 2012 Ok after smoking this a while, it does get a bit old. However it is a great blender and have found that I enjoy it most when mixed 50/50 with black cavendish. I used the really cheap "Super Value" I had laying around and it turned this tasteless tobacco into a very smooth smoke. Drying the Alsbo Gold really helps if smoking it straight btw. Still an enjoyable smoke, definitely a decent value, very happy with this tobacco.

Frankly I'm surprised by many of the basement level ratings from tobaccoreviews.com scribes below for ALSBO GOLD - this is one of the sweetest if absolutely succulent vanilla/pistachio cased mixtures I will be aggressively recommending to colleague pipe smokers for some time. Maybe I'm too mired down experiencing and reviewing standard low end OTC blends found in USA supermarkets and just not accustomed to a higher quality smoke, but for the price value this one may have few rivals. BnB Tobacco shipping on line out of Alexandria, VA offers a bundle of six, 1.5 oz GOLD pouches for just US$10.00 - a superb price. I plan to rustle up the cash for six more. An absolutely spellbinding if unsung experience for those among us who just can't get enough of the sugary aromatics. Happy hunting...