Solani 779: English Mixture
(3.00)
A mixture of Virginias, Oriental tobaccos and Syrian latakia. A hearty blend which is easy on the tongue.
Notes: Sometimes referred to simply as "Gold Label."
Details
| Brand | Solani |
| Blended By | R.L. Will |
| Manufactured By | Kohlhase & Kopp |
| Blend Type | English |
| Contents | Latakia, Oriental/Turkish, Virginia |
| Flavoring | |
| Cut | Ribbon |
| Packaging | 50 grams tin |
| Country | Germany |
| Production |
Profile
Strength
Medium
Extremely Mild -> Overwhelming
Flavoring
None Detected
None Detected -> Extra Strong
Room Note
Tolerable
Unnoticeable -> Overwhelming
Taste
Medium
Extremely Mild (Flat) -> Overwhelming
Average Rating
|
3.00 / 4
|
Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 16 Reviews
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 17, 2014 | Mild to Medium | None Detected | Medium | Pleasant |
I was very excited to try this for many reasons: Solani makes high quality products, the usage of Syrian Latakia and it was considered to be a "tribute" to Sobranie.
Moisture level of the tin is very good. With just a little drying I think you could pack it with just 5 minutes of patience. The ribbon cut is very uniform and there weren't many stems or stalks in it. Every Solani tobacco has been up to this par (I guess that's why they cost a bit more, huh). I don't know if it's the Syrian Latakia or what, but this just smells like a Balkan Blend to my nose when taking a whiff of the tin.
I would go ahead and say that if you're looking for a heavier fuller flavored English, this is probably not going to be enough for you. If you want a Latakia bomb, check out Star of the East Flake or even a G.L. Pease blend like Odyssey.
This blend has a very mild yet consistent variety of flavors. The VAs are there but they just kind of support the Orientals and the Latakia. The interplay between the former two is what makes this blend interesting. Some puffs and you're getting the fragrant Turkish and behind it comes the Syrian Lat. What's nice about this blend is that it's just like they advertise it, easy on the tongue. This tobacco can be an all day smoke because it doesn't leave your mouth raw like some Lat bombs do. It's a nice smooth smoke that some may find boring, but I would call it refreshingly consistent and smooth.
I know the components are different and this is considered an "English" blend, but Peter Stokebbye's Balkan Supreme and this are very similar. Both of them, in some circles, are compared to the infamous Balkan Sobranie.
My one complain with Solani is that they don't sell in bulk and you're always paying for their quality tobacco, plus the price of the tin : (
Moisture level of the tin is very good. With just a little drying I think you could pack it with just 5 minutes of patience. The ribbon cut is very uniform and there weren't many stems or stalks in it. Every Solani tobacco has been up to this par (I guess that's why they cost a bit more, huh). I don't know if it's the Syrian Latakia or what, but this just smells like a Balkan Blend to my nose when taking a whiff of the tin.
I would go ahead and say that if you're looking for a heavier fuller flavored English, this is probably not going to be enough for you. If you want a Latakia bomb, check out Star of the East Flake or even a G.L. Pease blend like Odyssey.
This blend has a very mild yet consistent variety of flavors. The VAs are there but they just kind of support the Orientals and the Latakia. The interplay between the former two is what makes this blend interesting. Some puffs and you're getting the fragrant Turkish and behind it comes the Syrian Lat. What's nice about this blend is that it's just like they advertise it, easy on the tongue. This tobacco can be an all day smoke because it doesn't leave your mouth raw like some Lat bombs do. It's a nice smooth smoke that some may find boring, but I would call it refreshingly consistent and smooth.
I know the components are different and this is considered an "English" blend, but Peter Stokebbye's Balkan Supreme and this are very similar. Both of them, in some circles, are compared to the infamous Balkan Sobranie.
My one complain with Solani is that they don't sell in bulk and you're always paying for their quality tobacco, plus the price of the tin : (
Age When Smoked:
3
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 16, 2020 | Mild to Medium | None Detected | Medium | Tolerable |
Ho comprato questa miscela in Svizzera, posso dire che la dicitura Luxury è sparita dal etichetta probabilmente perchè non utilizzano più latakia siriano ed in effetti durante la fumata si sente che il latakia è cipriota . Questa miscela viene descritta come un "clone" del famigerato 759, posso dire avendo fumato anche di recente il 759 originale ed avendone ancora qualche carica in cambusa , che non c'entra nulla con la miscela che cerca di imitare. Rimane comunque un ottimo tabacco dalla ottima qualità , taglio ribbon un pò grossolano, contiene poco latakia quindi non è una bomba latakiosa, sul dolce che verso metà fumata diventa più saporito e si fanno sentire di più gli orientali . Può essere un fumo tutto giorno senza troppi problemi . Miscela nel complesso ben strutturata e bilanciata.
Pipe Used:
Vari
PurchasedFrom:
Dubini
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Jan 05, 2010 | Mild to Medium | None Detected | Mild to Medium | Pleasant |
This is absolutely the smoothest latakia blend I have ever smoked. That may be an overbaked statement for this tobacco, but it's true. In fact, I found that I could puff a little more vigorously than I usually do and not make this stuff bite or go bitter. Doing so actually brought out some additional flavors, although it did rough up the smoothness a little.
I like the term "English Luxury Mixture" because that's a good description of how I felt while smoking this. It's very luxurious and relaxing. Sometimes I found myself craving a little more flavor and robustness but then I have other blends to satisfy those needs. This one I think I'll keep around as a blend to kick back with and relax. It doesn't call much attention to itself - just a nice, smooth light latakia and oriental blend. Recommended for those who wear smoking jackets - it just seems to fit the profile. 🙂
I like the term "English Luxury Mixture" because that's a good description of how I felt while smoking this. It's very luxurious and relaxing. Sometimes I found myself craving a little more flavor and robustness but then I have other blends to satisfy those needs. This one I think I'll keep around as a blend to kick back with and relax. It doesn't call much attention to itself - just a nice, smooth light latakia and oriental blend. Recommended for those who wear smoking jackets - it just seems to fit the profile. 🙂
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 05, 2014 | Medium | None Detected | Medium | Pleasant to Tolerable |
Another english blend, another blend that someone find similar to the myth (Balkan Sobranie). Another brand which is lacking enough orientals to make it any special. Another blend with excellent latakia and blended carefully, perfectly lighting up. Not so strong, not so mild. But not memorable. Simply, too many other blends around are all very similar each other. This is not any special.
Pipe Used:
savinelli champagne
PurchasedFrom:
Dubini, CH
Age When Smoked:
2 y
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Apr 26, 2009 | Medium to Strong | None Detected | Medium to Full | Tolerable |
Preface: I have been smoking Dunhill Standard Mixture Medium for near-on 30 years, believing that it has no equal anywhere on earth. But it is gone now, and so I begin a quest for my Holy Grail: A substitute to replace the standard on which all English tobaccos are based:
779 is a good, honest, medium to full English blend. For once, a tin description has it right: "A hearty blend which is easy on the tongue". The tin aroma is rich and wonderful. The tobacco was a bit too dry for my preferences, but nothing on the scale of some newer American blenders who shall remain nameless. Burning too fast, just when we were getting started, the trip was over. It doesn't have the time to develop something wonderful, which would give it the 4th star. For drier tobacco enthusiasts looking for a good honest English, this would be a fine place to start. Slightly fuller than Squadron Leader and King Charles, but in the same vain, save for the dryness. The strength is perfect for an after-meal smoke. 779 contains none of the harshness associated with the more robust Balkan blends. Decidedly English.
It is also relatively expensive, which will likely have an impact on it's popularity.
779 is a good, honest, medium to full English blend. For once, a tin description has it right: "A hearty blend which is easy on the tongue". The tin aroma is rich and wonderful. The tobacco was a bit too dry for my preferences, but nothing on the scale of some newer American blenders who shall remain nameless. Burning too fast, just when we were getting started, the trip was over. It doesn't have the time to develop something wonderful, which would give it the 4th star. For drier tobacco enthusiasts looking for a good honest English, this would be a fine place to start. Slightly fuller than Squadron Leader and King Charles, but in the same vain, save for the dryness. The strength is perfect for an after-meal smoke. 779 contains none of the harshness associated with the more robust Balkan blends. Decidedly English.
It is also relatively expensive, which will likely have an impact on it's popularity.
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 30, 2023 | Medium | None Detected | Medium to Full | Pleasant to Tolerable |
Well-balanced flavor, predominantly earthy and smoky, with a faint fruity background and some nutty notes in the aftertaste. The Latakia is a forward player, without this blend being a Lat-bomb; the Oriental definitely provides solid support, supplementing the characteristic Latakia smokiness with a faintly fruity earth flavor. The Virginias round out the blend with some faintly nutty notes of good Alfalfa hay.
This is a solid English blend, that I will be smoking again. Recommended.
This is a solid English blend, that I will be smoking again. Recommended.
Pipe Used:
Briar
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 07, 2023 | Medium | None Detected | Medium | Tolerable |
Tin note of smoky sour wine. Tobacco is a ribbon cut of brown and dark brown with a little tan and black mixed in. Moisture content is great. Burns moderate with few relights. The strength is medium and nic is mild. No flavoring detected. Taste is medium and moderately consistent, with notes of herbal floral, spices, smoky, sugar, bread, wood, peaty vegetation, mild incense, sour hay, spicy, earthy, leather, sweet grass, orange peel/zest, mildly savory, a tart citrus background note, and a peppery retro. Oriental/Turkish is leading with Latakia and Virginia supporting. Room note is tolerable, and aftertaste is great.
Pipe Used:
1991 Ashton Old Chruch XX Prince
Age When Smoked:
5 years
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 29, 2018 | Mild | None Detected | Medium | Strong |
This is a fine English blend. But, the Orientals seem to take over and at times, since they tend to be crisp and spicy, a slight tongue bite may happen. Nicotine level is low and the tobacco burns well but it might require a couple of lightings. The tobacco out of the tin is on the dry side. Don't leave it too much exposed to the air.
Pipe Used:
Peterson churchwarden
Age When Smoked:
new
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Mar 26, 2010 | Mild to Medium | Mild | Medium | Tolerable |
This has to be scented. Can't put my finger on what it is, but I've smelled it in another tobacco before. When first opening the tin, I wasn't sure I liked the smell. But now that it's been opened a week or so, it's actually very nice. Maybe just sugar, but I can't describe. But, definatly not just Syrian Latakia, Va and oriental weeds.
Onto the smoking. This is a moderate English in my opinion and the leaf is of high quality. If you are wanting a full, smoky Cyprian type blend you are going to find this flat. If you would like a blend that allows the Va and orientals to let themselves be known, and like Syrians lighter and spicy quality I think you'll like this one. But, don't get me wrong, you can taste Syrian in all its beauty just not a sledgehammer. I find the Latakia more prevalent in the mid-bowl phase to be more precise. But this is fine, very flavorful weed that will be in my cellar always.
Why three instead of four stars? I think McClelland's "Three Oaks Syrian" has this one beat and what I will judge all Syrian blends against. I'll keep this around because the taste/scent is different enough to make this Syrian blend unique. Recommended!
Onto the smoking. This is a moderate English in my opinion and the leaf is of high quality. If you are wanting a full, smoky Cyprian type blend you are going to find this flat. If you would like a blend that allows the Va and orientals to let themselves be known, and like Syrians lighter and spicy quality I think you'll like this one. But, don't get me wrong, you can taste Syrian in all its beauty just not a sledgehammer. I find the Latakia more prevalent in the mid-bowl phase to be more precise. But this is fine, very flavorful weed that will be in my cellar always.
Why three instead of four stars? I think McClelland's "Three Oaks Syrian" has this one beat and what I will judge all Syrian blends against. I'll keep this around because the taste/scent is different enough to make this Syrian blend unique. Recommended!
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Mar 11, 2010 | Medium | None Detected | Medium | Pleasant |
Update jan 2011: After smoking a lot of Dunhill's, Synjeco's and Sam Gawith, the Solani casing has become a little bit off putting for me, still a good tobacco, still recommended, but knocked of one star. Have 4 tins aging, will report how they fare after they have some years on them.
Update: In january /february this became my favourite after-dinner smoke. However since the good weather started in june, I have not touched it. Now I smoke mostly Virginia flakes, plugs and twists. I start to discover that my taste changes with the seasons... Anyone else has that as well?
Original test:
Nice looking gold coloured tin. Alas, here in Holland half of the beautifull "Sobranie" style engraving stamped on the lid disappears under a very ugly anti- smoking slogan. Do sticky labels really improve public health?
The tobacco is pleasantly clean to the touch although the tinnote is a bit too syruppy for me. The smooth salty tobacco taste lingers on in a nice way after smoking.
Being a lover of Latakia I like the roomnote, but as ever my girlfriend hates it 🙂
This Solani offering has become one of my favourite Latakia tobacco's.
Update: In january /february this became my favourite after-dinner smoke. However since the good weather started in june, I have not touched it. Now I smoke mostly Virginia flakes, plugs and twists. I start to discover that my taste changes with the seasons... Anyone else has that as well?
Original test:
Nice looking gold coloured tin. Alas, here in Holland half of the beautifull "Sobranie" style engraving stamped on the lid disappears under a very ugly anti- smoking slogan. Do sticky labels really improve public health?
The tobacco is pleasantly clean to the touch although the tinnote is a bit too syruppy for me. The smooth salty tobacco taste lingers on in a nice way after smoking.
Being a lover of Latakia I like the roomnote, but as ever my girlfriend hates it 🙂
This Solani offering has become one of my favourite Latakia tobacco's.
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