House of Windsor Revelation
(3.11)
A blend of Bright flake, Red Virginia, Burley cube cut, Latakia and Perique with a mild fruit flavor.
Details
| Brand | House of Windsor |
| Blended By | House of Windsor |
| Manufactured By | |
| Blend Type | Virginia/Burley |
| Contents | Burley, Kentucky, Latakia, Perique, Virginia |
| Flavoring | Fruit / Citrus |
| Cut | Ribbon |
| Packaging | 1.25oz Pouch, 2oz. Tin, 4oz Tin, 10 oz tin |
| 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 to Tolerable
Unnoticeable -> Overwhelming
Taste
Medium
Extremely Mild (Flat) -> Overwhelming
Average Rating
|
3.11 / 4
|
Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 16 Reviews
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 30, 2013 | Mild to Medium | Mild | Mild to Medium | Pleasant to Tolerable |
I've smoked this a few times, always hoping to change my mind and like it. It has all the elements of a good blend. The fruity toppings tasted a little artificial, and the rum was weak. The perique was very mild as was the smoky, woody Cyprian latakia. I hardly noticed the spice or raisins from the perique. The rest of the ingredients never seemed to be of high quality. The Virginia, lightly woody Kentucky, and burley were less sweeter than expected, with very little nuttiness and earth, though the Va. was a kind of grassy. Very dull and boring, though it burned well enough. It tended to smoke hot and harsh near the finish with a cardboard hit. Left little moisture in the bowl, and needed few relights. Had a mild nic-hit. Maybe the Philip Morris version that Albert Einstein smoked was better, but I never tried it, and can only go by what I smoked.
Edit 10-14-2015: Recently, I was fortunate enough to try the 1950s Philip Morris version, and another batch of the HoW version from the 1980s. The '50s version had most of the virtues and fewer of the drawbacks of my original review, though the topping and latakia had faded some with time. Even still, it was better than the HoW versions I cited, and I give that three stars. You can see that review here: http://www.tobaccoreviews.com/blend/10578/philip-morris-revelation
However, the HoW version I was gifted is a big improvement from the earlier HoW versions I have smoked. The Cyprian latakia had some smoky woody strength in a supporting role, and was not dulled by time. The perique was a minor player, with spice and plum. The Virginia was grassy, citrus sweet. The burley was nutty, and a little earthy as it competed and complimented the Virginia. The Kentucky was lightly woody in the background. The fruity topping is pleasantly sweet, slightly tangy; the rum was just noticeable. There's some spice here that I have noticed in other HoW products that doesn't come from perique, so it must be the way one of the components was manufactured. Had a mild nic-hit. Burned well, reasonably cool, though it needed to be sipped a little, and left a dry bowl. Needed few relights. Had a decent after taste, and was an all day smoke.
It is common knowledge that HoW had severe quality control problems by the end of the 1990s, and into the 2000s before they ceased production in 2004. This version I have been smoking obviously came from one of the good batches, and I award it three stars. I'm leaving my overall rating at two stars because with HoW, you never know what you will get when you find a vintage tin.
-JimInks
Edit 10-14-2015: Recently, I was fortunate enough to try the 1950s Philip Morris version, and another batch of the HoW version from the 1980s. The '50s version had most of the virtues and fewer of the drawbacks of my original review, though the topping and latakia had faded some with time. Even still, it was better than the HoW versions I cited, and I give that three stars. You can see that review here: http://www.tobaccoreviews.com/blend/10578/philip-morris-revelation
However, the HoW version I was gifted is a big improvement from the earlier HoW versions I have smoked. The Cyprian latakia had some smoky woody strength in a supporting role, and was not dulled by time. The perique was a minor player, with spice and plum. The Virginia was grassy, citrus sweet. The burley was nutty, and a little earthy as it competed and complimented the Virginia. The Kentucky was lightly woody in the background. The fruity topping is pleasantly sweet, slightly tangy; the rum was just noticeable. There's some spice here that I have noticed in other HoW products that doesn't come from perique, so it must be the way one of the components was manufactured. Had a mild nic-hit. Burned well, reasonably cool, though it needed to be sipped a little, and left a dry bowl. Needed few relights. Had a decent after taste, and was an all day smoke.
It is common knowledge that HoW had severe quality control problems by the end of the 1990s, and into the 2000s before they ceased production in 2004. This version I have been smoking obviously came from one of the good batches, and I award it three stars. I'm leaving my overall rating at two stars because with HoW, you never know what you will get when you find a vintage tin.
-JimInks
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Jan 11, 2008 | Mild to Medium | Mild | Medium | Pleasant |
I promise to not make any Einstein jokes, but feel that his name is forever tied to this blend. On the other hand this Virginia/Burley/Latakia/Perique blend is rather ordinary other than the fact that I can not quite figure what the casing is. It has the sweetness of fruit but I get some pine flavors at times too. I am not sure what it is, but I like it. This blend is at best an average blend, not spectacular. Maybe it is best put that it is just one step above a drug store blend. The latakia is relatively bland, and the Perique is almost not there at all. But it smokes cool and is great for a quick smoke in a small pipe. Besides the room note is quite nice as well.
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 28, 2016 | Mild | Mild | Mild to Medium | Tolerable |
This review is of the Philip Morris version of Revelation. I purchased a tin that I can only guess came from the 50's. The tin was sealed shut as it had a piano hinge on it and was taped with red tape around the top. Inside the tobacco was within a paper enclosure and was very dry when I first opened it.
I rehydrated to about where I like my tobaccos and had a go at it. I must say that there is no doubt in my mind that the lack of pleasure I derived from the blend is probably directly correlated to the detrimental effects of too much time in the tin.
The latakia had lost all its punch as very little smokiness remained. Ditto that on the topping and the burley was likewise flat. The smoke was very much of the cardboard variety.
Why do I mention all of this anyway? Well, my only point with this review is to say two things. 1. based on my experience with this sealed tin and the fact that this tobacco has not been produced in so long, I doubt any modern piper will ever know exactly what Einstein liked about this blend as it seems to me impossible to find it intact.
The second point is to advise someone against spending a lot of money to try this should you see an open tin appear on ebay or anywhere else. You will be disappointed.
As for the HOW version, I will take the word of all the experienced pipers I know who have tried it and just trust that I will continue to prefer C&D epiphany over that. 🙂
I rehydrated to about where I like my tobaccos and had a go at it. I must say that there is no doubt in my mind that the lack of pleasure I derived from the blend is probably directly correlated to the detrimental effects of too much time in the tin.
The latakia had lost all its punch as very little smokiness remained. Ditto that on the topping and the burley was likewise flat. The smoke was very much of the cardboard variety.
Why do I mention all of this anyway? Well, my only point with this review is to say two things. 1. based on my experience with this sealed tin and the fact that this tobacco has not been produced in so long, I doubt any modern piper will ever know exactly what Einstein liked about this blend as it seems to me impossible to find it intact.
The second point is to advise someone against spending a lot of money to try this should you see an open tin appear on ebay or anywhere else. You will be disappointed.
As for the HOW version, I will take the word of all the experienced pipers I know who have tried it and just trust that I will continue to prefer C&D epiphany over that. 🙂
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 24, 2007 | Medium | Medium | Medium | Pleasant to Tolerable |
As an OTC blend (although that's really not what it is anymore) this is reasonably good tobacco. It lights and burns easily with little tongue bite. If I have any criticism it's that somewhere in the middle of a bowl the flavors all become muddled. At first light I can distinguish various elements, but as the bowl progresses the various flavors seem to pool together into a relatively non-descript taste. I'm not a connoisseur and I don't always need to analyze each taste in a blend, but somehow this one ends up tasting like wet cardboard. Although burley is a fine tobacco, care must be taken when mixing it with a variety of others as it can flatline the taste. Still I can see where this blend could be a favorite for many.
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Jun 16, 2003 | Medium | Mild | Medium | Tolerable |
For me, smoking Revelation is a bit of a Jekyll-and-Hyde experience. The first third of the bowl, which seems weighted toward the bright Virginias and fruit topping this blend includes, can be bitey, sour, and unpleasant to taste. The last half to two-thirds of the bowl, when the blend cools down and the Latakia makes its presence known, is wonderful: cool, rich, smooth and tasty. I very much like the second half of the bowl, but care so little for the first part that I probably won't restock Revelation in my vast and commdious larder.
That being said, smoking Revelation is a lot of fun, as you get to smoke an old timey American blend that Einstein smoked. The ingredients used are excellent, with a particularly good Burley pulling this blend together.
I found this blend smoked much better for me after I ran it through a strainer to remove the tobacco dust and then rehydrated it.
All in all, terrific quality for a "drugstore" smoke, but I look forward to a better smoking experience with another of the House of Windsor blends.
That being said, smoking Revelation is a lot of fun, as you get to smoke an old timey American blend that Einstein smoked. The ingredients used are excellent, with a particularly good Burley pulling this blend together.
I found this blend smoked much better for me after I ran it through a strainer to remove the tobacco dust and then rehydrated it.
All in all, terrific quality for a "drugstore" smoke, but I look forward to a better smoking experience with another of the House of Windsor blends.
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Feb 11, 2007 | Mild to Medium | Very Mild | Medium | Pleasant to Tolerable |
HoW blends are pretty good. They are like good otc blends, but they sell at a premium price. Coupled with sporadic availability, they seem to be doomed.
I like Revelation. It is a classic American blend. It may not be like the original, but that doesn't really matter these days. There aren't too many pipesters who remember the original anyway.
Taken on its own terms it is good. However, it is not worth what it is usually priced at on the net. If you can find it locally, and the price is right, I heartily recommend it. Otherwise, there are many, better quality blends in a similar vein.
I like Revelation. It is a classic American blend. It may not be like the original, but that doesn't really matter these days. There aren't too many pipesters who remember the original anyway.
Taken on its own terms it is good. However, it is not worth what it is usually priced at on the net. If you can find it locally, and the price is right, I heartily recommend it. Otherwise, there are many, better quality blends in a similar vein.
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Aug 02, 2013 | Mild | Mild | Mild to Medium | Tolerable |
I've tried a Revelation match, available in the UK from McGahey's in Exeter. I don't know how like the old-time Revelation it is, because I don't have any basis for comparison.
Einstein liked it, apparently. Well, each to his own. Personally, I thought it rather insipid. Several flavours are there, but there is always the feeling that they could be stronger and more defined. Too many flavours, perhaps: a tobacco that tries to be too many things at once. All right, but … meh: a bit like drinking watered beer, I thought.
Somewhat recommended, for people who like ‘American' tobaccos, but I wouldn't buy it again. Not easy to come by in the UK anyway.
Einstein liked it, apparently. Well, each to his own. Personally, I thought it rather insipid. Several flavours are there, but there is always the feeling that they could be stronger and more defined. Too many flavours, perhaps: a tobacco that tries to be too many things at once. All right, but … meh: a bit like drinking watered beer, I thought.
Somewhat recommended, for people who like ‘American' tobaccos, but I wouldn't buy it again. Not easy to come by in the UK anyway.
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Jun 02, 2013 | Mild to Medium | Mild | Mild | Pleasant to Tolerable |
I ordered a House of Windsor sample pack some years ago, and Revelation was the only one I had left that I hadn't finished. A couple months ago, I decided to smoke my 2 oz. As a previous poster remarked, it is very much like Country Doctor. In the 1960's-70's, so many tobaccos were available everywhere, that it's no wonder I never tried Revelation. A pleasant smoke, but nothing to write home about. I noticed a unique note that I can't put my finger on. Maybe, fruity.
I can't say I'll miss Revelation or HOW. I probably wouldn't buy it again if available.
I can't say I'll miss Revelation or HOW. I probably wouldn't buy it again if available.
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Feb 15, 2012 | Mild to Medium | Mild to Medium | Mild | Pleasant to Tolerable |
Revelation is another old House of Windsor offering that's a little different than their others like Union Leader, etc. Those who have smoked Country Doctor will see the similarity of these tobaccos. A motley combination of cubed white burley, darl cavendish like flakes and light flakes which are quite dry in consistency and idnicative of a possible tongue burner. Suprisingly, it is rather mild on the tongue with a slightly nutty flavour with a hint of latakia - though I could not detect any Perique as such. Revelation is better than most of the othe HOW offerings, but as I'm no latakia fan, it's not bad, but not one I'd wish for my desert island collection.
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Mar 30, 2007 | Medium | Very Mild | Medium | Pleasant |
Tonight was the first time in my life I tried this mixture.
WELL.....It's not bad ! I tasted burley....a little berry topping.....and a VERY little latakia (not enough to write home about, but it WAS there).
If you want to call this a "drugstore tobacco", I guess I'd have to say that it's pretty damn good.......but I can't put it in the realms of the "GREATS".........(Dunhill, Rattrays, McClellands, Larsens......E.T.C.)
My impression is this might be a good "no-brainer"......something you might like to puff on while you're concentrating on something else !
For a real, late-night "contemplative" smoke in your den, with a sniffter of good spirits......Revelation may dissapoint you !
WELL.....It's not bad ! I tasted burley....a little berry topping.....and a VERY little latakia (not enough to write home about, but it WAS there).
If you want to call this a "drugstore tobacco", I guess I'd have to say that it's pretty damn good.......but I can't put it in the realms of the "GREATS".........(Dunhill, Rattrays, McClellands, Larsens......E.T.C.)
My impression is this might be a good "no-brainer"......something you might like to puff on while you're concentrating on something else !
For a real, late-night "contemplative" smoke in your den, with a sniffter of good spirits......Revelation may dissapoint you !
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