Pfeifendepot Mischung No. 95

The smoky, woody, earthy, musty, incense-like, sweet Cyprian Latakia is the lead component. The Macedonia and yenidje provide a lot of spice, earth, wood, vegetation, herbs, floralness, a light dry sourness and buttery sweetness, along with a llittle leather in a vital support role. The light unflavored soda note I generally associate with yenidje is moderately present. The Virginias offer some grass and hay, some tangy dark fruit, earth, bread, and wood, and a hint of tart and tangy citrus as it forms the base of the blend. The strength and nic-hit are a slot past the medium threshold. The taste is a notch past that level. There’s no chance of bite or harshness, though it does have a few small rough edges. Well balanced, and abundantly rich with some complexity, it burns clean and cool at a reasonable pace with a fairly smooth, very consistent sweet and savory, floral, spicy, zesty campfire flavor that translates to the pleasantly long lingering after taste. The room note is stronger. Requires an average number of relights, and barely leaves any dampness in the bowl. Despite its deep opulence, it can be an all day smoke for the veteran, and easily repeatable for the less experienced. Four stars.

This was made by Germain’s in an effort to duplicate an older version of Original Balkan Sobranie White. It reminds me of the 1960s production, and is the most faithful recreation of that particular vintage that I have encountered. The only differences I notice is that this production is a step sweeter and spicier with a little more fullness.

-JimInks