Cornell & Diehl Old Joe Krantz Blue Label

A funny thing happened to me on the way to review Old Joe Krantz Blue Label: It turns out I’ve liked this blend better and better with each successive smoke! Though I’m having a hard time zeroing in on why this is so, it’s so, and it’s been going on for some time now. The reason I’m surprised is that OJKBL seemed “good but not great” to me initially, certainly not up to original OJK, which IMO is a classic, not to mention a favorite of mine. In fact, when I looked for some original OJK to compare to this upstart, I found I’ve blown through my stash of original OJK… again, and now it looks like the OJKBL won’t last very long, either!

OJKBL is a classic, fairly sophisticated rendition of an Olde Tyme style VA/Bur, heavy on the Burley, light on the VA. Tin note is woody, leathery, floral, sour-dough- bready and old hay-ish, and these scents herald the tastes. Short ribbons and small chunks range from golden brown to mid red-brown and medium brown. It handles, loads, lights and burns all the way down with no relights for a comfortable (for codgers, at any rate…), slow, dry smoke. Again, combusting scents are a more voluminous version of the tin notes, and tastes follow along, adding nuts and super mild, very smooth, savory cigar-type spices. It’s consistent from top to bottom, except, like I said earlier, it just keeps getting better and better, once it takes over a dedicated pipe. It makes plenty of dry, fragrant, delicious, creamy smoke. Strength is a couple of ticks over medium, also the nicotine, also the tastes. Room note is fairly pleasant. The lingering aftertaste continues the best of the smoke, only it’s much sweeter.

OJKBL does not exactly strike me as Original OJK without Perique, but in any case it’s a swell, satisfying, modern codger blend that’s easy-peasy, and it might be an everyday smoke for many experienced pipers. Basically, I have no problems with this one, and nice to have it around when “I’m not sure what I want”, but it’s not Latakia, and it still needs to be a 4 star blend.

Update, 08-08-21: Jarred some of this around the time of my original review, and I'm sure glad I did! What a great, classic smoke. Still not the smoothest, but smoother, and very fragrant, tasty, satisfying and relaxing. Definitely a blend to keep always on hand.

I’ve been looking for an all day VA/Bur and I seem to have found it. For me, I do really enjoy the original Old Joe Krantz, but it’s a bit too much for a daily smoke. The high percentage of perique makes original OJK over the top in my experience. I bought about four ounces in bulk after reading some reviews of it and I have a deep respect for Jeremy Reeves as a blender, so I gave it a shot.

I have been enjoying this daily for about two weeks now. When I put my nose in the bag, I was a little disappointed at first, as it reminded me of fermented pencil shavings. Now I just love the stuff.

Burley in the forefront and throughout the smoke, the Virginias are included to dull the edges of a straight Burley blend. To my taste, I get a lot of nutty, earthiness in the smoke and a hint of cocoa. This is one of the better Virginia/Burleys out there and certainly is satisfying in the nicotine department. Want something complex with an ever-changing flavor while smoking? Well, you’ll have to look elsewhere for that. If you enjoy Burleys, however, this may be for you. I am looking forward to trying it with a few months age on it, so I’ll have to buy more soon. Highly recommended.

This is your run of the mill Burley blend. That's my favorite kind. It does have cube cut which I really want to like but its' a pain to smoke. It won't really burn good and won't really go out either. Ah well, the experience is super if you take the time to enjoy it. If you are in a hurry you end up dumping half the bowl.

I bought it to dumb down some goopers and it does a great job of that.

I have been holding off on reviewing this because I fell in love with it instantly. I wanted to make sure I loved it as much as I thought I did. Now after along time of smoking this I can confidentiality say I love this blend. It is definitely a favorite go to of mine. I don't have a negative thing to say about it. It is a little on the dry side, but I like tobacco to be on the dry side so this is a total win for me. This can be smoked anytime or an all day smoke. It has the OJK Burley profile with a nice little kick from the additional Virginia giving it a sweet, peppery, tart character in addition to the OKJ nutty, earthy and spicy flavors. It has a great full flavored pepper laden retrohale. If you like that kind of thing. It burns nice and cool with no moisture issues, a very easy smoker. As with most Burley heavy blends it really shines in a cob. I can't say I like it more than the flagship Old Joe Krantz, but I like it as much.