Peter Heinrichs No. 39

Smoking a bowl as I write this review. I bought this blend because I couldn't get my hands on any PH Dark Strong to try. Sometimes second choices turn out to be a really good thing! Great smell out of the tin. Nice cut, easy to pack and light. The Latakia is a predominant feature, very pleasant but not overwhelming....and I LOVE Latakia! The Orientals are pleasantly noticeable, giving a nice tingle to the tongue. No bite for me, but I suspect it can nip if one doesn't mind their Ps and Qs. Goes very nicely with a good strong cup of black coffee. If you make it a Mocha, you may have found nirvana! Glad I bought this and will definitely purchase more. Great smoke.

A very refined English. The tobaccos are well fermented and married to the extent that I have trouble separating them. I can note a few things though. There's a really nice sweetness that's counter-balanced by a sour note which seems to be from the Orientals. There's a nice nose tingle here from a mild spiciness. The Latakia is, at first, subtle then comes along nicely in balance with the other components. Very smooth and smoky. Nice and complex flavors overall.

Mildly moist from the tin, but lights right up and burns readily. Mild to medium in body. Medium in flavor. This blend reminds me a little of the Germain English blends. Just a wonderful smoking experience. I'm betting that this will age very nicely. Will be stashing some. If you like your English smooth and refined you should give this one a try.

Tin note of sour wine, tangy fruit and smoky. Tobacco is a ribbon cut of light brown, black and dark brown. Moisture content is great. Burns moderate with a few relights. The strength is medium and nic is mild to medium. No flavoring detected. Taste is medium and moderately consistent, with notes of smoky, floral, spice, sweet incense, tart and tangy citrus, mild sugar, peaty sour vegetation, zesty orange peel, wood, rich earth, mildly spicy, dry dark fruit, mildly savory, a lemon grass background note, and a peppery retro. Latakia is leading with Virginia, Cavendish and Perique supporting. Room note is tolerable, and aftertaste is great.

I picked up a couple of these large paint can 100g tins at a B&M. Special Curly and No. 39.

I quickly ordered a 2nd tin of the No. 39 where I could find it online to have a little stocked up due to the rarity of Syrian Latakia. My first experience with Latakia was with Syrian back with Frog Morton's Across the Pond.

The only other Syrian Latakia blend I found when I returned to pipe smoking was Vintage Syrian from Mac Baren. I definitely prefer 39 to the Mac Baren, hands down.

The Syrian Latakia tastes a little smoother and sweeter than the more common (now) Cyprian. It's not a huge difference, but since my first Latakia experience was with Syrian, I can taste it.

So, when you open the tin you are greeted with some top notch looking leaf. Plenty of dark latakia, but mixed with other colors. It's a pretty tobacco blend to be sure.

The main reason I prefer this to say Vintage Syrian is I'd say it's smoother. I was a little concerned with the fact it contained Kentucky, and I think that's why I don't smoke my Vintage Syrian by Mac Baren nearly enough. The bold strength of the Kentucky, I find easily interferes with my enjoyment of that blend. It doesn't do that in this blend.

I would say this is a robust English and perhaps does remind me somewhat of a Germain/Esoterica type of blend. I say that because the tobacco is really "pretty", but mostly because the blend comes together rich and smooth like so many of theirs. It really isn't easy to pick out the different tobaccos that make up the taste. There's a pretty consistent overall flavor that is nuanced by each one if that makes sense. So, I'm never tasting Kentucky that overwhelms or stands out as such. I'm not sure it is truly even in there as the can doesn't mention it. It is just so smooth for such a robust blend. That's what I love about it. Upon the first few puffs I definitely am able to discern that slightly different Syrian varietal and sense its presence throughout the bowl.

I'm not sure how anyone is keeping this stuff in stock, but there's still some out there online as of this writing.