The Smoker Saratoga
(3.00)
A ready rubbed blend of various Virginias which creates a wonderful complexity of flavor that is spry, tart and fairly sweet. The different Virginias meld together to produce a rich, full taste. This blend is for the Virginia smoker who enjoys a tobacco with a bit of bite and lots of flavor.
Details
Brand | The Smoker |
Blended By | Mel Feldman |
Manufactured By | Sutliff Tobacco Company |
Blend Type | Straight Virginia |
Contents | Virginia |
Flavoring | |
Cut | Ready Rubbed |
Packaging | 2 ounce tin, 4 ounce tin |
Country | United States |
Production | No longer in production |
Profile
Strength
Medium
Extremely Mild -> Overwhelming
Flavoring
None Detected
None Detected -> Extra Strong
Room Note
Pleasant
Unnoticeable -> Overwhelming
Taste
Medium
Extremely Mild (Flat) -> Overwhelming
Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 Reviews
Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 16, 2016 | Mild to Medium | Mild to Medium | Medium | Pleasant |
Mostly light tan but with some mahogany and black chunks, this is a chop cut with some wide ribbons and a sweet aroma of what appears to be coconut and perhaps some kind of alcohol, with a dark fruit scent underneath. The smell was pleasant but forbidding, as it reminded me of various pipeshop aromatic house blends which usually result in a less desirable smoking experience.
In the pipe this is indeed an aromatic but with the tobacco flavor front and center - not buried in flavorings and humectants. The aromatic essence was noticeable but, as usual, I couldn't tell what it was. It was a mild enhancer but I could have done without it altogether. The dominant flavor was a tangy, tart red Virginia with some additional lemon VA sweetness. The spicier stoved flavor was well underneath but provided some balance. There was a moderate amount of complexity, particularly in the last half-bowl or so when the flavoring backed off further and the lemon and red Virginias melded nicely into a coherent whole. It became almost buttery at that point, and "creamy" would be a good descriptor. Not much nicotine, and it also took and held the match wonderfully. Once dried out to allow the tobaccos to shine, I don't think I relit this more than once through the entire tin. Not enough flavor depth (gauged through snorking, which is the only way to ascertain a blend's full measure) for my personal taste but recommended to Virginia smokers looking for some added flavor and scent, as well as to aromatic smokers looking for more tobacco flavor and less goop.
In the pipe this is indeed an aromatic but with the tobacco flavor front and center - not buried in flavorings and humectants. The aromatic essence was noticeable but, as usual, I couldn't tell what it was. It was a mild enhancer but I could have done without it altogether. The dominant flavor was a tangy, tart red Virginia with some additional lemon VA sweetness. The spicier stoved flavor was well underneath but provided some balance. There was a moderate amount of complexity, particularly in the last half-bowl or so when the flavoring backed off further and the lemon and red Virginias melded nicely into a coherent whole. It became almost buttery at that point, and "creamy" would be a good descriptor. Not much nicotine, and it also took and held the match wonderfully. Once dried out to allow the tobaccos to shine, I don't think I relit this more than once through the entire tin. Not enough flavor depth (gauged through snorking, which is the only way to ascertain a blend's full measure) for my personal taste but recommended to Virginia smokers looking for some added flavor and scent, as well as to aromatic smokers looking for more tobacco flavor and less goop.
Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 17, 2013 | Medium | None Detected | Medium | Pleasant |
I don't feel entirely qualified to leave this review, but since there have been no others, I figured what the hell. I recently acquired a 15-year old tin at the NY Pipe Show last weekend. So please keep in mind that I have just started my journey with this tobacco.
Having said that, I would classify Saratoga as a quality Virginia with loads of now very mature red and yellow Va. leaf in an interesting coarse cut. Flavors of hay, cream, and a nice spicy edge comes to the forefront at mid-bowl. The end is very nice and well balanced. Overall a winner and I can see why it was tinned in the first place. Great job, Mel!
Having said that, I would classify Saratoga as a quality Virginia with loads of now very mature red and yellow Va. leaf in an interesting coarse cut. Flavors of hay, cream, and a nice spicy edge comes to the forefront at mid-bowl. The end is very nice and well balanced. Overall a winner and I can see why it was tinned in the first place. Great job, Mel!