House of Windsor Revelation

Revelation is readily available in my area and, noting the favorable reviews, I decided to see what all the fuss was about. It is certainly inexpensive and available at many gas stations! I don't have any nostalgic conections to this brand, but I chose to try this retro blend in a retro pipe, my dad's 1960's vintage "Doodler": a large bowl straight stem with what's best described as a perforated bowl designed to keep things cool.

Straight out of the pouch, Rev is very dry, but well cut. It reminded me in texture somewhat like flake goldfish food. When lit it produced a pleasant Virginia note and smoked mild and inofensive, but nothing special. I poured the tobacco into a ziplock bag, sprinkled it with water and let it set for 2 days.

The second smoke found the tobacco moist and packable, much improved in texture. The characteristics of the second smoke was again mild: not bad, but not a rave.

2 weeks later I pulled it out again. This time I added some Germain's Brown Flake in a ratio of about 1 to 5. This smoke was much improved, the Virginia taste popped out and was very satisfying. The burn was even, leaving a grey-white ash. Flavor was consistent to the end, but got quite hot at the bottom of the bowl.

Although I added the Germain's, I believe that this blend benefits greatly by hydration and letting it sit for a while. Try adding a little bit of your favorite premium VA and see what happens. I am a light smoker and the nicotine gave me a good buzz. This will wake up the monkey for sure. Recommended for 3rd shift guys who need a little something to get over the 2:00 hump. You know what I mean.

All in all, worth it, but needs some doctoring. Einstien was right!

Revelation, a name that makes one think of religious faith, or a breakthough in thought. In this case the name is a perfect fit for this tobacco. Albert Einstein was reported to have made this blend his first choice, among all tobaccos! How can you argue with Einstein? I'll try. Though I enjoy this tobacco (I love the cut), and most all House of Windsor Blends, Revelation is not something that would make me go WOW!. It is a good cross over blend for those who want to try a little Latakia for the first time. Perique is is also used, and can be detected at times during the smoke, along with the tast of the mild casing put on the tobacco during blending. Those two flavors together, was something I was not fond of. I believe that is where I find my disagreement with this blend. If it were not for the occasional taste of the all powerful Perique, I just might have found myself with a revelation. Instead, I smoke this tobacco on occasion, when I want a change from my normal smoke, of the heavy Latikia based Old Ironsides. Give it a try, along with all House of Windson blends, and you might find yourself in good company. How can you argue with Einstein?

I'm sure that I smoked this blend years and years ago. But, I can't remember it, and I cannot compare the current version to the one in the past. I purchased this in pouch form rather than the more available larger can. In appearance, it is composed of very fine cut dark brown cubes and diced leaf. There are some larger bright yellow flakes. The pouch aroma is that of some sort of mint type topping. For a drugstore blend, it was quite dry and needed a bit of moisture to pull it together. On first light, the topping comes through, but it quickly disappears. It settles down to a very enjoyable, almost straight tobacco flavor. There is just the smallest hint of Latakia. Perique is present. It burns fairly smooth and, for me, it is bite free. This has a strong nicotine content. It burns smooth, and finished with a dry light gray ash. The room aroma is favorable from the topping, but again, the topping is not present in the smoke after the first few puffs. For a so called drugstore blend, this has to be one of the best. Just packing the pipe from a pouch brings back favorable memories. I'll keep some around. I smoke a few bowls a week. Give this a try for fun.