Details
| Brand | Japan Tobacco |
| Series | Smoking Mixture |
| Blended By | Japan Tobacco Inc. |
| Manufactured By | Japan Tobacco Inc. |
| Blend Type | Virginia/Burley |
| Contents | Burley, Oriental/Turkish, Perique, Virginia |
| Flavoring | Alcohol / Liquor, Caramel, Fruit / Citrus, Other / Misc |
| Cut | Ready Rubbed |
| Packaging | 50 grams pouch, 100 grams tin |
| Country | Japan |
| Production | No longer in production |
Profile
Strength
Medium
Extremely Mild -> Overwhelming
Flavoring
Mild
None Detected -> Extra Strong
Room Note
Pleasant
Unnoticeable -> Overwhelming
Taste
Medium
Extremely Mild (Flat) -> Overwhelming
Average Rating
|
3.32 / 4
|
Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 19 Reviews
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 27, 2005 | Medium | None Detected | Medium to Full | Pleasant |
MOMOYAMA is the epochal name of a period in Japanese Art and Architecture around the turn of the XVII century. To name a tobacco thus, would be the equivalent of our naming one "Renaissance".
It is therefore particularly appropriate that I should have discovered this delightful mixture while walking through Greenwich Village, on my way to see what turned out to be a very entertaining production of Shakespeare's Cymbeline. I popped into "Village Cigars", in the corner of Hudson and Christopher streets?a corner indelibly associated with in- and UNdescribable souvenirs?et voilà ! A new face beckoned.
I was initially taken with the Zen-elegant tin design: a crisp silver background, with a red border. In the centre, the stylised silouette of a galleon, also red, main-masts square-rigged, lateen-rigged over the aftercastle. The name MOMOYAMA in almost Cyrillic-looking lettering.
As I opened the tin, a smell like overripe apples?a smell I abhor?wafted out. This soon dissipated, though, and something like the perfume of red wine remained. Périque! Also, the unmistakable yeasty-smoky scent of Latakia. There is ribbon-cut mahoganny Virginia here too, and a bigger, wild-cut yellowish leaf as well, too greenish for bright Virginia, too lush-looking for Burley: Lemon Virginia?? The whole thing looks top quality, inside a perfectly-ruffled thick paper sleeve. MOMOYAMA is obviously put together by people who know.
I pinch-fill my Tsuge Ikebana?what else??with it, and light in one movement with Spanish Bamboo foco-locos. Catches easily. Big smoke.
I taste the red Virginia first: semi-sweet, smooth, sec. Not much Latakia depth, although, after a few moments, the taste gets bigger, graver. After some 2 minutes, Périque comes to the fore...in a big way. The taste keeps getting bigger, spicier: I am beginning to LOVE it. Never overbearing, always well balanced, this mixture keeps my attention nevertheless, even though it burns problem-free. Very flavourful.
To say that MOMOYAMA is Early Morning Pipe with Périque would be accurate, but misleading. The perfect balance suggests EMP, but this has a more interesting, less bland cast. The Périque gives it real pizzazz without going over the top. Nevertheless, this is very much for the Périque lover; a light virginia-latakia mix, but with a definitely "with Périque" cachet.
A surprising and delightful discovery.
PS 1/'03
I have been smoking this for several months, now, and have grown to like it even more. When the tobacco dries out a bit inside the Mason jar, it integrates better in flavour and becomes really deliciously smooth. I am, by the way, not at all sure that there is any Latakia here after all. I am a vampire and sleep in a coffin. The subtle smoky-yeasty nose (and flavour) are more like dark-red Virginia. Delightful.
It is therefore particularly appropriate that I should have discovered this delightful mixture while walking through Greenwich Village, on my way to see what turned out to be a very entertaining production of Shakespeare's Cymbeline. I popped into "Village Cigars", in the corner of Hudson and Christopher streets?a corner indelibly associated with in- and UNdescribable souvenirs?et voilà ! A new face beckoned.
I was initially taken with the Zen-elegant tin design: a crisp silver background, with a red border. In the centre, the stylised silouette of a galleon, also red, main-masts square-rigged, lateen-rigged over the aftercastle. The name MOMOYAMA in almost Cyrillic-looking lettering.
As I opened the tin, a smell like overripe apples?a smell I abhor?wafted out. This soon dissipated, though, and something like the perfume of red wine remained. Périque! Also, the unmistakable yeasty-smoky scent of Latakia. There is ribbon-cut mahoganny Virginia here too, and a bigger, wild-cut yellowish leaf as well, too greenish for bright Virginia, too lush-looking for Burley: Lemon Virginia?? The whole thing looks top quality, inside a perfectly-ruffled thick paper sleeve. MOMOYAMA is obviously put together by people who know.
I pinch-fill my Tsuge Ikebana?what else??with it, and light in one movement with Spanish Bamboo foco-locos. Catches easily. Big smoke.
I taste the red Virginia first: semi-sweet, smooth, sec. Not much Latakia depth, although, after a few moments, the taste gets bigger, graver. After some 2 minutes, Périque comes to the fore...in a big way. The taste keeps getting bigger, spicier: I am beginning to LOVE it. Never overbearing, always well balanced, this mixture keeps my attention nevertheless, even though it burns problem-free. Very flavourful.
To say that MOMOYAMA is Early Morning Pipe with Périque would be accurate, but misleading. The perfect balance suggests EMP, but this has a more interesting, less bland cast. The Périque gives it real pizzazz without going over the top. Nevertheless, this is very much for the Périque lover; a light virginia-latakia mix, but with a definitely "with Périque" cachet.
A surprising and delightful discovery.
PS 1/'03
I have been smoking this for several months, now, and have grown to like it even more. When the tobacco dries out a bit inside the Mason jar, it integrates better in flavour and becomes really deliciously smooth. I am, by the way, not at all sure that there is any Latakia here after all. I am a vampire and sleep in a coffin. The subtle smoky-yeasty nose (and flavour) are more like dark-red Virginia. Delightful.
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Jul 07, 2011 | Mild | Mild | Mild | Pleasant |
Review is of a 10 year old tin. I recall smoking this in the 1990's when it was readily available in the States, and I recall it being wet in the tin. This was at perfect smoking moisture. A mostly light colored ribbon cut with the tin aroma of a light aromatic blend, but dry to the touch.
I think most of we pipe aficionados would like to think of ourselves as purists, but I admit that I love certain tobaccos with noticeable flavorings, including St Bruno and many of the Lakeland flakes. This is a flavored tobacco, and it is excellent. The dark fruit flavor enhancer really brings out the high quality of the virginia and perique leaf (never noticed any latakia), even though the concoction sounds like something a purist would balk at smoking. It is sweet, but not that much sweeter than a straight lemon virginia. The room aroma is such that friends and family would enjoy it, but does tend to "take over" a room - best smoked outdoors. I did not notice any high levels of nicotine but the flavor was hard to ignore. This is a great aperatif or dessert tobacco, but can be smoked all day long (assuming you could find enough!). This may be one of the most perfect tobaccos around, great for any time of day, and satisfying in most every way tobacco needs to be.
If you like a naturally sweet tobacco, or if you're looking for an aromatic that isn't drenched in casing, or if you want a great room note with something that won't gag you with the taste of cherries, this is your tobacco. I don't know if this is around even in Japan, but it needs to make a comeback in the U.S. Excellent tobacco!
I think most of we pipe aficionados would like to think of ourselves as purists, but I admit that I love certain tobaccos with noticeable flavorings, including St Bruno and many of the Lakeland flakes. This is a flavored tobacco, and it is excellent. The dark fruit flavor enhancer really brings out the high quality of the virginia and perique leaf (never noticed any latakia), even though the concoction sounds like something a purist would balk at smoking. It is sweet, but not that much sweeter than a straight lemon virginia. The room aroma is such that friends and family would enjoy it, but does tend to "take over" a room - best smoked outdoors. I did not notice any high levels of nicotine but the flavor was hard to ignore. This is a great aperatif or dessert tobacco, but can be smoked all day long (assuming you could find enough!). This may be one of the most perfect tobaccos around, great for any time of day, and satisfying in most every way tobacco needs to be.
If you like a naturally sweet tobacco, or if you're looking for an aromatic that isn't drenched in casing, or if you want a great room note with something that won't gag you with the taste of cherries, this is your tobacco. I don't know if this is around even in Japan, but it needs to make a comeback in the U.S. Excellent tobacco!
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 14, 2020 | Medium | Medium | Medium to Full | Pleasant to Tolerable |
The woody, earthy, floral, spicy, herbal, vegetative, sweet and sour, fragrant, incense-like Orientals are the lead component most of the time. The red Virginia provides a burst of tangy ripe dark fruit, earth, wood, bread, some sugar, light floralness and spice. Occasionally, it edges out the Orientals. The peppery, earthy, woody, plumy, raisiny perique is in the third slot most of the time. The nutty, earthy, woody, molasses sweet burley is occasionally a tad more obvious than the perique. Usually, it’s behind the perique by a razor’s edge. The tart and tangy citrus, grassy, bready, sugary, floral bright Virginia plays below the level of the burley. At most, it’s a condiment. Sometimes, I think I notice a touch of Cyprian Latakia, but I believe the Orientals cause that. The lead topping appears to be a fruity, sweet and sour Japanese plum wine. I also observe a little caramel in the background. The toppings moderately sublimate the tobaccos. The strength and nic-hit are medium. The taste level is a couple of steps past that mark. There’s no chance of bite or harshness present. Has a few minute rough notes. It burns cool and clean at a reasonable rate with deeply rich, sweet, floral, mildly spicy, lightly sour, inconsistent, very complex flavor that extends to the pleasantly lingering after taste. The room note is a notch stronger. Leaves little dampness in the bowl, and requires a few more than an average number of relights. I seldom give four stars to a blend with this much variability of flavors, but I am making an exception in this case.
-JimInks
-JimInks
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 20, 2003 | Medium | Very Mild | Medium | Pleasant |
Wow! Just for fun, I purchased a tin of that Japanese tobacco, Momoyama, a couple of months ago. I popped the tin tonight and am in absolute heaven! It is short, ribbon cut with some cubes that are almost black. Most of the leaf is dark and the smell in the tin is of ripe figs and some kind of alcohol with a very slight Perique smell as well. The wrapper has turned a musky brown in color from whatever the additive is in this stuff along with the unusually dark bits of cube cut. It is strong in nicotine content and is certainly a heavy rather than light blend. The taste is more sweet than bitter, and it burns as cool as any Virginia/Burley I've ever smoked. I know the description does not include Burley, but I detected a hint of that leaf during the smoke. At the midway point of the bowl, I detected a hint of Perique, but it was so far in the background that it was hardly noticible. Near the bottom of the bowl, no doubt about it -- Perique. I looked at www.tobaccoreviews.com to check out what others had to say here. Anyway, every reviewer consideres this blend to be exemplary. I guess this is a sleeper pick because I have not heard much about this Japanese tobacco but it is simply wonderful and unique. I don't know when the last time was that I enjoyed a new tobacco as much as this stuff.
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 05, 2012 | Medium | Mild to Medium | Medium | Very Pleasant |
**UPDATE** After smoking more of this I can absolutely get wisps of Latakia. I was surprised when it dawned on me. This was a blend that has a flavor that is hard to describe, but the smokiness of latakia is subtly present but just enough to give the blend a perfectly complex flavor. It goes well with whatever topping casing was added...amazing! There is perique in the blend as well because that typical perique spiciness comes out and tickles the back of the throat from time-to-time. There is a bit of an N kick as well that most other aro's don't have. This is top notch stuff!!
**Original Review** Strange the description mentions Lat. and Per. I didn't detect any from the smell out of the tin or in the smoke. This is by far the best Aro. I have ever had the opportunity of smoking. I have a relative that lives in Japan and they brought me a few tins on their last visit. What a treat! Plums, figs, somebody mentioned wine in another review... I can pick that up as well. It smokes wonderfully into a nice white ash. Doesn't leave a sticky residue like most aro's. Not any bite when smoking it either and it leaves a pleasant aroma. I highly recommend this... especially since I'm not a huge fan of Aromatics.
**Original Review** Strange the description mentions Lat. and Per. I didn't detect any from the smell out of the tin or in the smoke. This is by far the best Aro. I have ever had the opportunity of smoking. I have a relative that lives in Japan and they brought me a few tins on their last visit. What a treat! Plums, figs, somebody mentioned wine in another review... I can pick that up as well. It smokes wonderfully into a nice white ash. Doesn't leave a sticky residue like most aro's. Not any bite when smoking it either and it leaves a pleasant aroma. I highly recommend this... especially since I'm not a huge fan of Aromatics.
Pipe Used:
Bent Billard, Dublin, Egg, Acorn
PurchasedFrom:
Gifted
Age When Smoked:
New from store - 1-5 years
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 16, 2011 | Mild to Medium | Mild | Medium | Pleasant |
Momoyama begins with an outstanding tin aroma. Plums,figs and raisins come to mind. A scent typical of a well aged Vaper (even though it isn't a Vaper). The addition of the topping adds to the sweetness. In the strict sense of the word it could be considered an aromatic, however, I would not call it such. The tobacco is rich and I find the flavors very similar to some of the old Dunhill blends. I find it to be very similar to Dunhill Ultra Mild although Momoyama is a bit better. If there is Latakia in this blend, it was added with the lightest of hands as I can't find the Latakia flavor at all. I don't think this blend is produced any longer or is not available in the US which is a shame. A quality tobacco such as Momoyama belongs in the marketplace. Highly Recommended!
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Jul 28, 2008 | Medium | None Detected | Medium | Pleasant |
Although I had travelled to Japan, and bought tobacco there, I learnt of Asuka and Momoyama from this site. My better half got me some of both in 2004, and this review is based on those tins. They are Mac Baren made and actually say Momoyama II. I conjecture a distinction is being made between the original and the incarnation.
On opening the tin the paper insert was soaked through, though the tobacco was adequately moist. There were sourish, winey top notes - somewhat reminiscent of Stonehaven and University Flake - with a basso profundo note (if I may mix metaphors) of good tobacco. I smoked it in pipes previously used for Escudo and Deluxe Navy Rolls. It packed well, and burnt well to a fine ash without leaving any dottle.
There is definitely perique in the mixture, and very well applied, too. The top notes disappear during the bowl. There is an aftertaste that lingers pleasantly in the mouth. In wine-speak, Momoyama has a long finish.
I have put down `none detected` for flavouring because the top notes do not survive putting match to tobacco.
I like Momoyama very much, but I do wonder if minus the exotic origin my reaction would be exactly the same.
On opening the tin the paper insert was soaked through, though the tobacco was adequately moist. There were sourish, winey top notes - somewhat reminiscent of Stonehaven and University Flake - with a basso profundo note (if I may mix metaphors) of good tobacco. I smoked it in pipes previously used for Escudo and Deluxe Navy Rolls. It packed well, and burnt well to a fine ash without leaving any dottle.
There is definitely perique in the mixture, and very well applied, too. The top notes disappear during the bowl. There is an aftertaste that lingers pleasantly in the mouth. In wine-speak, Momoyama has a long finish.
I have put down `none detected` for flavouring because the top notes do not survive putting match to tobacco.
I like Momoyama very much, but I do wonder if minus the exotic origin my reaction would be exactly the same.
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 04, 2021 | Mild to Medium | Mild to Medium | Medium | Tolerable |
I was lucky enough to have this included in a lot of tobacco that I bid on and won in an estate auction a few years back. I have no clue about the date of the tin I won, but based on the fact that nearly nothing in the auction was newer than 2005, I estimate it is no newer than around 16 years old.
I don't know when they stopped making this; in fact, I knew and still know very little about this blend, but I do know that it is unfortunate it is not made today because it is fantastic. This is my kind of aromatic, a light fruity aromatic with enough complexity to make it interesting. This is an easy four star blend; I can't think of anything bad to say about it other than it is no longer made.
The topping is lightly applied, which is good as it allows the underlying leave to shine. The oriental(s) really add a nice touch of sour citrus to the mix and the perique adds some body and spice. The Virginia and burley form the base adding and accentuating sweetness in the experience.
The cut packs nice and easy. The leaf takes to flame with no issue and stays lit for the most part with little effort. It smokes cool, no doubt, another bonus to the addition to perique and oriental. As I stated earlier 4 stars.
I don't know when they stopped making this; in fact, I knew and still know very little about this blend, but I do know that it is unfortunate it is not made today because it is fantastic. This is my kind of aromatic, a light fruity aromatic with enough complexity to make it interesting. This is an easy four star blend; I can't think of anything bad to say about it other than it is no longer made.
The topping is lightly applied, which is good as it allows the underlying leave to shine. The oriental(s) really add a nice touch of sour citrus to the mix and the perique adds some body and spice. The Virginia and burley form the base adding and accentuating sweetness in the experience.
The cut packs nice and easy. The leaf takes to flame with no issue and stays lit for the most part with little effort. It smokes cool, no doubt, another bonus to the addition to perique and oriental. As I stated earlier 4 stars.
Age When Smoked:
16 years or older
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Mar 23, 2009 | Mild to Medium | Mild | Medium | Pleasant |
I'll begin by saying that i'm reviewing Momoyama II so no one gets confused. I've never smoked the original. Momoyama II is a great tobacco. I'm not sure exactly what is in it, but mostly Virginia tobaccos from what i can detect. It is an aromatic, but the flavoring is very subtle. I would probably describe it as a Navy blend or something very similar. Very natural tobacco flavors, but with a very subtle, fruity (but a more dry fruity like a wine) top note. If i could compare it to anything else i've smoked i'd say it is very similar to Mac Baren's Plumcake. No latakia in this one, but very similar in style and flavor (both Plumcake and Momoyama II are actually blended by Mac Baren). I'd say i like this just a little bit better. I find it burns just a bit cooler than Plumcake. It might bite a little bit. For all you who can knock out an average sized bowl in, say... 45 minutes or less, you might not like this. So please, do not get this if you find a tin. Just tell me about it and i'll get rid of it for you.. Wonderful Stuff, 4 stars.
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Jun 30, 2008 | Mild to Medium | Medium to Strong | Full | Very Pleasant |
I'm reviewing the MomoyamaII blend, which maybe be a little altered from the original. Blended by Mac Baren's in Denmark, I asked a Japanese client could he please honor me with a gift of a couple of tins. Perhaps it is this sentimental story - told with the knowledge that my tin was purchased by an up and coming, young intelligent man in the advertising business that makes my tin taste so good...but I suspect not. 10 out of 5 stars...absolutely outstanding...beyond compare or comparison, possibly the best tobacco Mac Baren have ever produced...but not sold in Europe...oh the irony! Luckily I do a lot of business with the Japanese..which I find is always and honor and a great pleasure...but with a tin of Momoyama...no game...truely...an outstanding blend! Rich, a bit wet in the tin (will age superbly), plum wine, sweet - but with all so many flavours bouncing around...seaweed, sakai, caramel, red wine, perique, the smokiness of latakia, the list goes on...truley, truley amazing...Mac Baren really show their well known blending abilities with this one. Top.
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