Cornell & Diehl Sun Bear
(3.40)
A blend of the finest red and bright Virginias balanced by Basma leaf from 2014 and Izmir Orientals from 2013, Sun Bear showcases select varietals by highlighting their inherent characters with a range of unique and nuanced casings. South Carolina garden-grown honey — harvested from the personal beehives of C&D's head blender, Jeremy Reeves — combines with a whisper of silver tequila and elderflower to augment the fruity and floral notes of the choice Orientals and Virginias.
Notes: 2019 - 4,500 tins produced. 2020 - 8,000 tins produced.
Details
| Brand | Cornell & Diehl |
| Series | Small Batch |
| Blended By | Jeremy Reeves |
| Manufactured By | Cornell & Diehl |
| Blend Type | Aromatic |
| Contents | Oriental/Turkish, Virginia |
| Flavoring | Alcohol / Liquor, Honey |
| Cut | Flake |
| Packaging | 2 ounce tin weight |
| Country | United States |
| Production | No longer in production |
Profile
Strength
Mild to Medium
Extremely Mild -> Overwhelming
Flavoring
Mild
None Detected -> Extra Strong
Room Note
Pleasant
Unnoticeable -> Overwhelming
Taste
Medium
Extremely Mild (Flat) -> Overwhelming
Average Rating
|
3.40 / 4
|
Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 15 Reviews
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 08, 2019 | Medium | Medium | Medium | Pleasant to Tolerable |
2021-06-18 Some reflections with some age.
As summer reaches Georgia, I pulled out my jar of 2019 Sun Bear to enjoy. The jar note is still sweet. The tobacco has aged quite well and I feel that the flavorings now compliment instead of overwhelm the tobacco. The taste is much more melded and I can still get hints of the tequila and honey but also enjoy the tobaccos underneath. Look forward to smoking this one through the summer.
****First Impressions 8/8/19****
I received my tin today dated 080119 so this first review is some pretty "Fresh" mixture. This is tin 312/4500 (I'm interested if there are differences within the batch)
Popping the tin, I could smell alcohol which I'm taking to be the Tequila mentioned on the label. There was also a sweetness which I guess is the honey.
Large broken flakes a la Sunset Harbor Flake. Pretty moist but easy to pack into a bent billiard bones. Char lighted it. Let it set 5 minutes and was able to get it to take well on the relight.
I don't really taste the alcohol topping too much in the first part of the bowl, nice sweetness from the honey topping on the bright virginias. Picked up a little tanginess through the bowl which I'm guessing are the oriental specs which are quite noticeable in the flakes.
One relight about midway through the bowl after swabbing a little bit of moisture out of the pipe. Second half of the bowl had a little bit more of the tequila topping and fruitiness. Didn't much in the way of deep notes. No tongue bite and medium Nicotine to my taste.
Had to look it up:
"What is the taste of elderflower? It's closer to lychee in flavor, and it has a crisp, palate-cleansing finish. If you think about how blueberries add a sweet-tart flavor to a lemon muffin or scone, that's exactly what elderflower's doing in the royal couple's cake. Only it adds a delicate floral flavor"
This is really a good combination for summer. Would be a great with a margarita I'm sure. Maybe sitting on the beach or the front porch. Looking forward to seeing how it cellars and also how this tin does with some more time to marry together.
As summer reaches Georgia, I pulled out my jar of 2019 Sun Bear to enjoy. The jar note is still sweet. The tobacco has aged quite well and I feel that the flavorings now compliment instead of overwhelm the tobacco. The taste is much more melded and I can still get hints of the tequila and honey but also enjoy the tobaccos underneath. Look forward to smoking this one through the summer.
****First Impressions 8/8/19****
I received my tin today dated 080119 so this first review is some pretty "Fresh" mixture. This is tin 312/4500 (I'm interested if there are differences within the batch)
Popping the tin, I could smell alcohol which I'm taking to be the Tequila mentioned on the label. There was also a sweetness which I guess is the honey.
Large broken flakes a la Sunset Harbor Flake. Pretty moist but easy to pack into a bent billiard bones. Char lighted it. Let it set 5 minutes and was able to get it to take well on the relight.
I don't really taste the alcohol topping too much in the first part of the bowl, nice sweetness from the honey topping on the bright virginias. Picked up a little tanginess through the bowl which I'm guessing are the oriental specs which are quite noticeable in the flakes.
One relight about midway through the bowl after swabbing a little bit of moisture out of the pipe. Second half of the bowl had a little bit more of the tequila topping and fruitiness. Didn't much in the way of deep notes. No tongue bite and medium Nicotine to my taste.
Had to look it up:
"What is the taste of elderflower? It's closer to lychee in flavor, and it has a crisp, palate-cleansing finish. If you think about how blueberries add a sweet-tart flavor to a lemon muffin or scone, that's exactly what elderflower's doing in the royal couple's cake. Only it adds a delicate floral flavor"
This is really a good combination for summer. Would be a great with a margarita I'm sure. Maybe sitting on the beach or the front porch. Looking forward to seeing how it cellars and also how this tin does with some more time to marry together.
Pipe Used:
Bent Billiard Morgan Bones
PurchasedFrom:
Smokingpipes.com
Age When Smoked:
about a week right now...
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 29, 2020 | Mild to Medium | Mild | Mild to Medium | Pleasant |
The elderflower and silver tequila topping give it a unique flavor and aren't heavy handed, just enough. You notice it at first, and then the Virginias, Basma leaf and Izmir Oriental flake take the driver's seat. The Honey adds a small bit of sweetness to the flake, but not too much, just enough to compliment the Virginias. The flake is not too moist out of the tin. All in all I really enjoy this tobacco.
So, what is Elderflower?
Elderflowers are creamy white blooms from elder trees. Elderflowers are edible, and so are the elderberries that grow on the shrubs later in the summer. Elderflower tastes have been described as: "light and floral" "floral and fragrant" "subtle yet heady" "distinctly musky and sweet.". Elderflowers are used to make, St. Germain liqueur and have been made popular by its use in Prince Harry's and Meghan Markle's wedding cake.
So, what is Elderflower?
Elderflowers are creamy white blooms from elder trees. Elderflowers are edible, and so are the elderberries that grow on the shrubs later in the summer. Elderflower tastes have been described as: "light and floral" "floral and fragrant" "subtle yet heady" "distinctly musky and sweet.". Elderflowers are used to make, St. Germain liqueur and have been made popular by its use in Prince Harry's and Meghan Markle's wedding cake.
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 10, 2019 | Mild to Medium | Mild | Mild to Medium | Pleasant |
The tin aroma is very pleasant, like fresh raisin bread. The moisture level is low and no drying time is necessary. The flakes rub out very easily, they also fold and stiff nicely. It burns cool and will not bite unless you pull smoke like a factory chimney. The standard flavors Virginia of grass and hay shine though. However, there's a very light floral note and a hint of tequila (very subtle). On the retro hale there's a very slight peppery spicy note. This is by no means an aromatic. The nicotine level seems to be mild to medium. I was nervous bc thought I over bought, but after a few bowls I am looking to forward to cellaring this to let it age.
Pipe Used:
MM Gentlemen
PurchasedFrom:
Tobaccopipes.com
Age When Smoked:
New
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Mar 03, 2020 | Mild | Mild | Medium | Unnoticeable |
A bizarre blend that works magically well. I strongly disagree that this boils down to standard "C and D floor blended Virginias" as another reviewer put it. The base tobaccos are *perfectly* complimented by an extremely unusual set of light toppings. This falls squarely in the grey zone between topped VaOr and aromatic to me. Hard to tell which it is, but I'm leaning towards topped flake rather than straight up aromatic.
Bright VA with good spicy Orientals make up the base notes. The honey, tequila, and elderflower are all present, but not obtrusive. They compliment the base tobaccos insanely well. Floral, spice, sweet... it's just a wonderful and unique blend.
As another reviewer mentioned, and many on forums love to spout, the "Small Batch" releases may be a marketing tactic, yes. But I don't really care because C&D is backing up the tactic with blends that push the envelope of what is expected on the US market. Come on now, tequila and elderflower? You think the average fellow with a pipe collection could have thought that up and executed it? Let's give credit where it's due folks. You don't have to love the result, but man at least it's something different than 90% of the VA based blends out there with their rote repetition of hay and citrus with a bit of caramel or bready earth and mild sweet you have to hunt for.
I hope they do another run of this and I'll be first in line. Same goes for pretty much any other Small Batch blend that attempts to push pipe tobacco into new realms.
Strongly Recommended.
Bright VA with good spicy Orientals make up the base notes. The honey, tequila, and elderflower are all present, but not obtrusive. They compliment the base tobaccos insanely well. Floral, spice, sweet... it's just a wonderful and unique blend.
As another reviewer mentioned, and many on forums love to spout, the "Small Batch" releases may be a marketing tactic, yes. But I don't really care because C&D is backing up the tactic with blends that push the envelope of what is expected on the US market. Come on now, tequila and elderflower? You think the average fellow with a pipe collection could have thought that up and executed it? Let's give credit where it's due folks. You don't have to love the result, but man at least it's something different than 90% of the VA based blends out there with their rote repetition of hay and citrus with a bit of caramel or bready earth and mild sweet you have to hunt for.
I hope they do another run of this and I'll be first in line. Same goes for pretty much any other Small Batch blend that attempts to push pipe tobacco into new realms.
Strongly Recommended.
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Aug 21, 2019 | Mild to Medium | Mild | Medium to Full | Pleasant |
This one has a tin note you would expect of the component tobaccos and toppings, dominated by the honey and brights. The flavor is very consistent and mechanics are perfect. The moisture content was just right. Nic hit is on the lower side of medium for me. The orientals are farther in the background than i was expecting, but still noticeable. I wish i bought more than one tin.
Pipe Used:
Radice and Tekin
PurchasedFrom:
Smokingpipes.com
Age When Smoked:
Fresh
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 15, 2020 | Mild to Medium | Very Mild | Medium | Pleasant to Tolerable |
Sun Bear surprised me. I have no special like or curiosity for Virginia/Turkish blends. However, this flake is so tasty and the tin note is scrumptious.
The bright Virginias shine in this flake. They are grassy with some crisp edges. The reds add some earthiness. The Turkish leaf adds complexity with a little sourness—especially in the last third of the bowl. The honey casing melds well with the sweetness of the Virginia leaf. There is a pleasant fruity undertone to the flake.
*This review is based on a small sample and limited life experience.
The bright Virginias shine in this flake. They are grassy with some crisp edges. The reds add some earthiness. The Turkish leaf adds complexity with a little sourness—especially in the last third of the bowl. The honey casing melds well with the sweetness of the Virginia leaf. There is a pleasant fruity undertone to the flake.
*This review is based on a small sample and limited life experience.
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 21, 2020 | Medium | Mild | Medium | Pleasant |
I have to admit I was excited to get my hands on a few tins of this since it went so fast. I saw a bunch of postings in the various pipe smoking groups about it's impending release and I thought it was just hype, but from what I've heard Smoking Pipes sold their entire stock in a day. So the question is, how good is this blend? It does have Basma which is my favorite leaf from my cherished Peterson Old Dublin, so I have some high expectations.
So when I first opened the tin, I found a pretty standard broken up/rubbed out flake, I let it rest for a day or two and then I put it in a jar. Now the tin note on this one is very interesting. The virginia is citrusy, sweet, I can sort of smell the Orientals in here, but that honey topping does smell delicious. It's very floral, and reminds me of Elderflower. This one is easy to pack. Easy to light. The smell is very pleasant and might be so for those around you. Needs a little bit more than the average relight.
The sweetness of the honey comes through immediately and is more defined than say Bijou which is another excellent blend. There is a citrusy, woody, earthy note from the Virginia's and it's not crushed by the honey, but carried along with it. The Orientals offer some incense and floral notes. Like the smell I am getting a slight elderflower taste. On the tin I see tequila silver is used, but I'm not sure if I really taste it yet. The taste is a medium, and I'd say the same about the nicotine.
This is a great blend, and definitely worth the hype in my opinion. It sets out and does what it says it's going to do. This could easily be an all day smoke.
So when I first opened the tin, I found a pretty standard broken up/rubbed out flake, I let it rest for a day or two and then I put it in a jar. Now the tin note on this one is very interesting. The virginia is citrusy, sweet, I can sort of smell the Orientals in here, but that honey topping does smell delicious. It's very floral, and reminds me of Elderflower. This one is easy to pack. Easy to light. The smell is very pleasant and might be so for those around you. Needs a little bit more than the average relight.
The sweetness of the honey comes through immediately and is more defined than say Bijou which is another excellent blend. There is a citrusy, woody, earthy note from the Virginia's and it's not crushed by the honey, but carried along with it. The Orientals offer some incense and floral notes. Like the smell I am getting a slight elderflower taste. On the tin I see tequila silver is used, but I'm not sure if I really taste it yet. The taste is a medium, and I'd say the same about the nicotine.
This is a great blend, and definitely worth the hype in my opinion. It sets out and does what it says it's going to do. This could easily be an all day smoke.
Pipe Used:
Kaywoodie Birkshire Large Billiard
PurchasedFrom:
Pipesandcigars.com
Age When Smoked:
New
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Oct 14, 2019 | Medium | Mild to Medium | Medium to Full | Tolerable to Strong |
Tin note: cinnamon and clove. Fermented prune. Very sweet and fruity. Gorgeous semi- broken flake. Golden toasted almond brown with deep walnut and mahogany hues; very attractive. Came a bit wet but not bad… definitely not on the level of say a Samuel Gawith tin. Took a little coaxing to get lit. Stays lit well. First light: a little flash of harshness giving way to a very full smoky mouth feel. The honey hits with intensity: sweet, rich and somewhat dark. Red Virginia shows its maturity and rounded smoothness. Brights are crisp and go well with the sophisticated bouquet of the delicate accent leaves. The orientals lend Mediterranean flavor and aroma: sweet, floral; exotic and pungent. The warm spiciness is unique. It coats the tongue and is dry in the mouth. It doesn't sting say on a retrohale the way perique does. It is more of a subtle tingle on the middle of the palette and the tongue when the ember hits a pocket of Basma/Izmir. I wouldn't smoke this all day. It's more of a delicacy blend. It is so very rich and complex. It takes focus and intention to really enjoy. It's a contrast to a Orlik or PS Luxury Flake or Squadron Leader. I could pack bowl after bowl of these while enjoying a late afternoon in the sun with friends. Sun Bear asks to be experienced in solitude with few thoughts. It should be savored and consumed with meditative consciousness. It's perfect and lamentable in its rarity. The rareness of the aged oriental leaves. The rarity of the limited production. The singularity of its profile. There is no other blend to compare it. It stands quite alone. It is a beautiful blend. It is one I will enjoy slowly over many years. I'm certain it will continue to elevate itself unimaginably the older it becomes.
Pipe Used:
Savinelli Roma Lucite 673KS
PurchasedFrom:
smokingpipes
Age When Smoked:
fresh
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Aug 12, 2019 | Very Mild | Mild | Medium to Full | Pleasant |
Had a pipe meetup on Sunday and a feller brought an open tin hes had for a few days. I fired up a bowl in a trusty cob used only for virginias. This is a crossover aromatic and has a really unique casing you aren’t likely to find on another blend .
Pipe Used:
MM cob
Age When Smoked:
Fresh
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Jan 23, 2020 | Mild to Medium | Medium | Medium | Pleasant |
I know a lot of people believe the whole “Small Batch” thing is all marketing, maybe it is, but that sure doesn’t mean the “specially branded blend” isn’t going to be fantastic. This is in my top five blends offered by C&D, maybe top three. There is just something about this concoction that I love. I prefer Virginia’s but I also enjoy an aromatic from time to time. This definitely isn’t an aromatic and at the risk of sounding like Captain Obvious it’s a great Virginia blend that’s cased with sweet and tangy flavors, it’s almost the best of both worlds in my humble opinion.
The Virginia’s in this blend are great. You get the dark fruit, tangy, bready flavors you’d expect from a good quality Virginia which sets the tone for things. The honey and tequila toppings aren’t in any way overpowering the Virginia’s and Orientals but add just enough extra flavor to bring more attention to the latter. The blend started off sweet but evened out halfway down the bowl. The flavors here really blend well together.
To me this has a medium flavor profile with a slightly less nic hit, it won’t bite. I let the tin sit for five minutes once opened but there wasn’t a need for much drying time. Rubs out and packs very easily and burns cool and clean to the end. While I picked up plenty to cellar I hope C&D decides to release this one again. Such a wonderful summertime smoke, sit and sip it with a cold beverage and enjoy.
The Virginia’s in this blend are great. You get the dark fruit, tangy, bready flavors you’d expect from a good quality Virginia which sets the tone for things. The honey and tequila toppings aren’t in any way overpowering the Virginia’s and Orientals but add just enough extra flavor to bring more attention to the latter. The blend started off sweet but evened out halfway down the bowl. The flavors here really blend well together.
To me this has a medium flavor profile with a slightly less nic hit, it won’t bite. I let the tin sit for five minutes once opened but there wasn’t a need for much drying time. Rubs out and packs very easily and burns cool and clean to the end. While I picked up plenty to cellar I hope C&D decides to release this one again. Such a wonderful summertime smoke, sit and sip it with a cold beverage and enjoy.
Pipe Used:
Paul’s Pipes Bent Brandy
PurchasedFrom:
Smoking Pipes
Age When Smoked:
New
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