Solani 779: English Mixture

Let me first say that my experience with #779 is based on a full tin from 2005 so it will have had some changes over the years. Solani makes some high quality blends IMO so I jumped on the chance to sample an aged tin of #779. At first light, #779 was off to a great start, offering smoky, musty and slightly sweet flavors. Unfortunately as each bowl progressed, the flavor for me went downhill. As result, I messed around with this tin for nearly a year before getting through it. The Syrian does add a nice component, but not enough to overcome the overall flavor. I think there is a casing added that while not dominate, made for a poor smoking experience and for me that was the difference. I can see why it seems to be a love or hate blend for folks, I find myself in the latter group so there won’t be a second tin in my future.

Just the fact that the tin resembles the Balkan 759 one can be considered quite offensive. The blend itself is an abuse to the word "English mixture". Syrian latakia? Sure, but after a bleach treatment. It burns too hot and the taste lasts for a few puffs, then disappears making place to a sour taste. Not for me.

The Latakia is a bit weak but adequate. The Virginias are a bit weak but adequate. The Orientals are exceedingly sharp. If you can make it to the 3/4 point the sharpness rounds off and it becomes a decent smoke. The problem I have with that is I paid for the whole bowl, not just the last one quarter. Not recommended.

I totally agree with you PersianBaccy, a pale imitation of the English mixture. Like so many imitations that are oggi.direi. There's much, much better in the international market to try. But this I would say no!

A flat tasting cased English mixture, who needs this? I wonder. Not enough latakia taste, it tastes of everything and nothing. The artificial tasting casing puts me off too, when I smoked an english mixture with syrian latakia I'm not looking for candy in it. This is one of the bland, flat tasting and cased english blends to avoid. Maybe this one is blended for aromatic smokers, I don't know.

Again an old tin to clear off the cabinet.

It came about '98/'99. The friend who brought me from Switzerland said: "this is the continuation of Balkan Sobranie no 759 which is no longer produced". Oh yes, the tin shows the famous picture (not the wording Balkan which is nowadays so abused...) but the contents is visually something of the like of Standard Mixture Mild and the tin aroma also reflects a mild english mixture.

I don't know how long it will take to smoke the remainder, approximately 2/3 of the tin, not if I even will finish or throw it into the garbage (or may I bake it?)

It smokes hot and wet, bites the tongue, and poorly delivers anything worth to smoke.

I will have still a couple of bowls more, but I'm just feeling this is not for me.

I have recently purchased a couple tins of this tobacco, following a hiatus of 3 years with Golden label, and was extremely disappointed after realizing that this tobacco is radically different than what is was!

As where the leaf was in an almost rubbed-out flake state, composed of mostly medium brown, black and some golden brown leaf, this tobacco is loose cut, with a lot more golden brown and green leaf than it used to be. Also, on the tin aroma side,it used to be the smell of pure slighly sweet tobacco that was a delight to smoke despite the lack of strength; now, it is an acrid tin aroma and taste.

As where I consider Black and White to be an exceptional tobacco, Golden Label has strongly disapointted me. I don't know who modified the recipe at Solani, but it was a poor idea.

This is truly a pity!

Not recommended