Torben Dansk Black Velvet
(3.10)
A mild and pleasant mixture blended only from the best leaf of bright and dark tobacco grades. Made with a special manufacturing process in which the tobacco is pressed, and sprayed during maturation with Guinness stout and champagne. A sort of light English/aromatic crossover.
Details
| Brand | Torben Dansk |
| Blended By | Dan Tobacco |
| Manufactured By | |
| Blend Type | Aromatic |
| Contents | Latakia, Virginia |
| Flavoring | Alcohol / Liquor |
| Cut | Ready Rubbed |
| Packaging | 50 grams tin |
| Country | Germany |
| Production | Currently available |
Profile
Strength
Mild to Medium
Extremely Mild -> Overwhelming
Flavoring
Medium
None Detected -> Extra Strong
Room Note
Pleasant
Unnoticeable -> Overwhelming
Taste
Medium
Extremely Mild (Flat) -> Overwhelming
Average Rating
|
3.10 / 4
|
Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 13 Reviews
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Feb 07, 2008 | Mild to Medium | Medium to Strong | Medium to Full | Tolerable to Strong |
I like a good story, and I like all the lore of pipe tobacco. Take for instance the brief lil history of Presbyterian Mixture. I mean that is just sorta nifty to hear how a blend was concieved and for who and you know what now I can see what the old reverend was all so fired up about all these years later and ta da we are a part of the story of the blend.
I do not know the story behind this blend but I imagine I'd like to hear it. I mean were the folks at Dan just out of flavors one day and just went around the blending room asking hey what'd you drink last night.
"Really? Guiness stout and your wife had champagne.... hey lets spray it on this tobacco." Maybe someone wrote in and thought it'd be a great combo. I suppose we will never really know but you know it works for me.
I do not believe I would of figured the topping out on my own but after I read the note above it was obvious. The flavor is not so much strong though I put that in my notes for it is a bitter flavor but not all that unpleasent... sorta like a glass of Guiness! I like it you might not but it is a different flavor and for Dan tobacco to use it well out and out rather amazing. I do not know about that note on english aromatic crossover if so it seemed to me closer to aromatic which is probably why I like it.
Now I give this a cautionary endorsement for those english tobacco lovers out there. I am not one of your ilk though I like a latakia blend now and then. I know whiskey, vanilla, orange, pineapple, apple, nougat, coffee, chocolate, cinnamon, honey, scotch, wine, clove, whatever that stuff is that Lakeland tobacco use, deer tongue, anise, mint, myhrr, or whatever to you folks is just not desirable in your pure tobacco. I know I know goopy pipe flavor never leaves ya da ya da ya da day. This to me seemed a lil different and grownup for an aromatic. I think if you have to try a aromatic because of the better half is boycotting your preferred blends well this may be worth a try. Hey maybe just maybe the unique bitter taste may match your disposition (did I say that?) I mean taste and leave you with a happy home and a ok room note. Please note I was an early (and constant) lover of Bluenote so take the above suggestion with a grain (boulder) of salt.
I do not know the story behind this blend but I imagine I'd like to hear it. I mean were the folks at Dan just out of flavors one day and just went around the blending room asking hey what'd you drink last night.
"Really? Guiness stout and your wife had champagne.... hey lets spray it on this tobacco." Maybe someone wrote in and thought it'd be a great combo. I suppose we will never really know but you know it works for me.
I do not believe I would of figured the topping out on my own but after I read the note above it was obvious. The flavor is not so much strong though I put that in my notes for it is a bitter flavor but not all that unpleasent... sorta like a glass of Guiness! I like it you might not but it is a different flavor and for Dan tobacco to use it well out and out rather amazing. I do not know about that note on english aromatic crossover if so it seemed to me closer to aromatic which is probably why I like it.
Now I give this a cautionary endorsement for those english tobacco lovers out there. I am not one of your ilk though I like a latakia blend now and then. I know whiskey, vanilla, orange, pineapple, apple, nougat, coffee, chocolate, cinnamon, honey, scotch, wine, clove, whatever that stuff is that Lakeland tobacco use, deer tongue, anise, mint, myhrr, or whatever to you folks is just not desirable in your pure tobacco. I know I know goopy pipe flavor never leaves ya da ya da ya da day. This to me seemed a lil different and grownup for an aromatic. I think if you have to try a aromatic because of the better half is boycotting your preferred blends well this may be worth a try. Hey maybe just maybe the unique bitter taste may match your disposition (did I say that?) I mean taste and leave you with a happy home and a ok room note. Please note I was an early (and constant) lover of Bluenote so take the above suggestion with a grain (boulder) of salt.
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 16, 2015 | Mild to Medium | Medium | Full | Tolerable |
Let's get started reviewing pipe tobaccos by talking about the very first blend I've ever smoked. As a newbie smoker, this blend was at first not so recommended by the tobacconist, but frankly, I ignored his advice and purchased a tin, and I’m grateful to myself I did!
Crack up the tin and sniff : you immediately get a bold smokiness that, at the time, I assigned to the Stout beer topping. Only a few days after I came to know it contained Latakia: you have to forgive me, it was my first Latakia blend after all…
In the bowl it develops a nice, thick, delicate and velvety smoke. In the mouth tastes bold, full and satisfying, never tiring or heavy on the tongue. Exhaling though the nose you get a more distinct and pungent note of smokiness and earthiness that tickles your soft palate, alongside with the fresh, bitter, roasted coffee-like aftertaste typical of a Stout beer. Focus a little more, and you’ll spot that fizzy hint of champagne lurking in the background.
I believe the winning factor of this blend is the perfect synergy that take place between the natural aroma of the Latakia and the right amount of topping that shows off its best mainly in the Stout beer aftertaste. A wisely aromatized Va-Lat blend, I’d say ideal for those who fancy to shift from aromatics to Latakia Bay.
Combustion not so uniform, not a clean smoke. Still, easy to keep lit. Just a few relight and you’ll be fine.
After a smoke of this, I used to crave for more, and that’s a distinct sign that a blend is good for me. Yet, I wouldn’t cellar this in order to age : I find it gives its best when fresh, or within 6-8 months from opening.
Cheers everyone Brandr ODS
Crack up the tin and sniff : you immediately get a bold smokiness that, at the time, I assigned to the Stout beer topping. Only a few days after I came to know it contained Latakia: you have to forgive me, it was my first Latakia blend after all…
In the bowl it develops a nice, thick, delicate and velvety smoke. In the mouth tastes bold, full and satisfying, never tiring or heavy on the tongue. Exhaling though the nose you get a more distinct and pungent note of smokiness and earthiness that tickles your soft palate, alongside with the fresh, bitter, roasted coffee-like aftertaste typical of a Stout beer. Focus a little more, and you’ll spot that fizzy hint of champagne lurking in the background.
I believe the winning factor of this blend is the perfect synergy that take place between the natural aroma of the Latakia and the right amount of topping that shows off its best mainly in the Stout beer aftertaste. A wisely aromatized Va-Lat blend, I’d say ideal for those who fancy to shift from aromatics to Latakia Bay.
Combustion not so uniform, not a clean smoke. Still, easy to keep lit. Just a few relight and you’ll be fine.
After a smoke of this, I used to crave for more, and that’s a distinct sign that a blend is good for me. Yet, I wouldn’t cellar this in order to age : I find it gives its best when fresh, or within 6-8 months from opening.
Cheers everyone Brandr ODS
Age When Smoked:
Fresh, 1yo and 2yo.
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 13, 2021 | Mild to Medium | Medium | Mild | Tolerable |
I picked up a tin of this about five years ago after a friend of mine declared it his favorite tobacco. I figured following such high praise I owe it to him to try it some time. I finally got around to opening the tin I purchased and was pleased. I would not rate it as high as he, but it was definitely a pleasure to smoke through.
The smell of this is great. I get the champagne on the nose. I can't really say I could even identify the smell of Guinness on tobacco, but I know I don't really like drinking it. Overall the sweet notes coming from the topping really play well with the musty campfire smells of the latakia.
This tobacco is somewhat moist, but does not need any dry time. It performs great as it is when opened, at least my tin did. As far as the taste, I didn't get a strong presence from the virginia, but it had to be present or the latakia would just be too much for me. I felt the topping did overwhelm the Virginia a little, but not the latakia. Nothing can overwhelm latakia.
I found the latakia noticeable and above a light condimental addition. I think this is would be a great crossover for someone coming to english blends from the Aromatic world even if this is as far as they venture into Latakia. For me and most others it is a nice change up. three stars as I feel there is a little bit of everything in this and it is hard not to like.
The smell of this is great. I get the champagne on the nose. I can't really say I could even identify the smell of Guinness on tobacco, but I know I don't really like drinking it. Overall the sweet notes coming from the topping really play well with the musty campfire smells of the latakia.
This tobacco is somewhat moist, but does not need any dry time. It performs great as it is when opened, at least my tin did. As far as the taste, I didn't get a strong presence from the virginia, but it had to be present or the latakia would just be too much for me. I felt the topping did overwhelm the Virginia a little, but not the latakia. Nothing can overwhelm latakia.
I found the latakia noticeable and above a light condimental addition. I think this is would be a great crossover for someone coming to english blends from the Aromatic world even if this is as far as they venture into Latakia. For me and most others it is a nice change up. three stars as I feel there is a little bit of everything in this and it is hard not to like.
Age When Smoked:
5 years 2 months
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 22, 2017 | Mild to Medium | Mild | Mild to Medium | Pleasant |
This is a very interesting tobacco. It is a mostly Virginia blend with some Latakia and spread throughout is some cube cut Black Cavendish misted with some kind of Malt Liquor and Vanilla maybe? The presentation was slightly sweet and smoky, with some strength added by the Virginia leaf. As fine an English style aromatic as I've smoked.
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 08, 2013 | Very Strong | Medium to Strong | Medium to Full | Very Pleasant |
I had high hopes on this blend but it simply did not delivered.
Upon opening the tin, you will find a very dark blend. Eventhough Latakias is said to be present, it is not apparent on the tin aroma, and could not be tasted on the smoke either.
As with other Dan Pipe tobaccos, this is a very sweet rich aromatic. Is is somewhat complex, evolving a bit while it is being consumed.
But alas! the nicotine punch of this blend is too much for me. This is uncalled for, as it is a true aromatic, and no trace of the latakia can be perceived, not even too much of the virginas. Yet, no matter the pipe, time of day or previous meals, this tobacco makes me flip all the time. Probably its just me and my system, but I will stick to others Dan blends.
Upon opening the tin, you will find a very dark blend. Eventhough Latakias is said to be present, it is not apparent on the tin aroma, and could not be tasted on the smoke either.
As with other Dan Pipe tobaccos, this is a very sweet rich aromatic. Is is somewhat complex, evolving a bit while it is being consumed.
But alas! the nicotine punch of this blend is too much for me. This is uncalled for, as it is a true aromatic, and no trace of the latakia can be perceived, not even too much of the virginas. Yet, no matter the pipe, time of day or previous meals, this tobacco makes me flip all the time. Probably its just me and my system, but I will stick to others Dan blends.
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 17, 2011 | Mild to Medium | Mild to Medium | Mild to Medium | Pleasant |
I tried this along with Dan's Da Vinci. Both were similar in overall flavor and taste. Black Velvet had a caramel-like tin note which translated into the taste - albeit minimally. If I didn't know there was Latakia, I wouldn't have guessed. However, knowing it is present is probably accountable for the slightly musty (but pleasant) taste. It was not the taste of Latakia in the traditional sense, so if that's what you're after, look elsewhere. A mostly dark offering and in many ways reminded me of Dunhill's Royal Yacht in appearance but not in taste. The smoking characteristics were fine - not hot, no moisture or gurgle. never ashy or cigarette-like. A very pleasant change of pace aromatic. Bittersweet, with the slight bitterness (in a good way) that I attributed to the Guinness. I could not detect any champagne in the tin note or while smoking. Along with Da Vinci, both are solid aromatic offerings and a go to for when one wants an aromatic that still retains tobacco flavor with Black Velvet having slightly more in the tobacco flavor department. Neither are candy-like in any way during the smoking experience.
UPDATE 2-17-12: It's exactly a year since my first review of this tobacco and I would have to say my favorite for when I want a cased/topped aromatic smoke. This is no Tinder Box type aromatic. It has a very tobacco-like presence which adds to the pleasant smoking experience. As I said a year ago, it is not candy-like. I prefer this to Dan's Da Vinci and Stanwell's Melange. Both of those are pleasant enough smokes, but Black Velvet gives you a fuller tobacco experience. For its genre, I prefer it to Sillem's Black (too Latakia dominant for me). Smoking this now from a tin that I opened 2-25-11 and let sit. With Irish Flake being a regular favorite, lighter fare usually doesn't do, but Black Velvet can hold its own for me. It is very nice indeed - mellow, no harshness, beautiful side stream aroma/room note, and very flavorful. It could become a regular smoke for me but I would not want it to wear out its welcome over time. However, it never fails to satisfy for that "change of pace" smoke.
UPDATE 2-17-12: It's exactly a year since my first review of this tobacco and I would have to say my favorite for when I want a cased/topped aromatic smoke. This is no Tinder Box type aromatic. It has a very tobacco-like presence which adds to the pleasant smoking experience. As I said a year ago, it is not candy-like. I prefer this to Dan's Da Vinci and Stanwell's Melange. Both of those are pleasant enough smokes, but Black Velvet gives you a fuller tobacco experience. For its genre, I prefer it to Sillem's Black (too Latakia dominant for me). Smoking this now from a tin that I opened 2-25-11 and let sit. With Irish Flake being a regular favorite, lighter fare usually doesn't do, but Black Velvet can hold its own for me. It is very nice indeed - mellow, no harshness, beautiful side stream aroma/room note, and very flavorful. It could become a regular smoke for me but I would not want it to wear out its welcome over time. However, it never fails to satisfy for that "change of pace" smoke.
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Mar 11, 2010 | Mild to Medium | Mild to Medium | Medium | Pleasant to Tolerable |
I have smoked some Virginia's and some English tobacco's, yet favour the aromatics by far. This tobacco seems to be the closest to an English and latakia I can get before I find them unpleasant. This is surprisingly one of my favourite smokes considering it's major competitors: W.O. Larsen's Signature Vintage Blend, Solani's 131 Red, and Lane's Black Cordial or Z-50.
I find it burns somewhat hot in the pipe and the mouth, yet smoothly down to fine ash at the bowl bottom. Full flavoured yet some sweetness. There is a good tongue tingle in the first quarter of the bowl. The more I smoke this, the more I become aware of hints of the stout and champagne throughout the smoke, yet never together.
A good after dinner smoke leaving the palate clean and fresh.
I find it burns somewhat hot in the pipe and the mouth, yet smoothly down to fine ash at the bowl bottom. Full flavoured yet some sweetness. There is a good tongue tingle in the first quarter of the bowl. The more I smoke this, the more I become aware of hints of the stout and champagne throughout the smoke, yet never together.
A good after dinner smoke leaving the palate clean and fresh.
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Nov 14, 2005 | Mild | Medium | Mild to Medium | Pleasant |
Have been an English tobacco smoker for many years (Lots of C&D "Sherlock Holmes" style tobaccos). However recently Dan Boswell of Boswell Pipes sent me a few samples of aromatics that he thought I would like. I had to travel from Washington State to San Antonio TX. Did not bring enough tobacco to cover the trip. My brother a non smoker who lives in S.A. took me to a local wine/cigar store. The only pipe tobacco they had was Dans, two flavors. This one and some other one....Being that that was all there was and I liked the color scheme of the Black Velvet label better then the other one; ended up with a $10.00 50gm tin (ten bucks for an ounce and three quarters of tobacco, ouch, but that is ANOTHER story) At first I thought,, well Blaaah. Then after the tobacco setteled in the tin a few days, it was more of an ummmm. Now I buy it in the 8oz packet. I find this to be a medium bodied not to sweet, evening smoke. A bit tastier then Blue Note, and most comfortable. Burns cool, smokes to a fine ash. Has not quiet converted me from the Oriental/English blends but it is a nice start. At least now IM willing to admit there may be SOME value to aromatic tobaccos 🙂 In that this was my first experience with primium tinned tobacco (oh what a pandoras box) it was good luck that lead me to grab the black and red tin, instead of whatever the other one was.. I think.. well one will just never know will one.
JiGB
JiGB
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 13, 2017 | Mild to Medium | Mild to Medium | Mild to Medium | Pleasant |
I love Guinness stout. I did not like the flavor of stout, or the smell of it in the tobacco. I could not detect the champagne. I did smoke the whole tin. It took quite a while. I only tasted the latakia after the tin had dried out completely. It was a mild taste at best. I like many Dan tobacco products, but I just did not get this one. For the record I don't like the whiskey flavored blends either. I think spirit flavors are better in a glass.
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 21, 2014 | Mild to Medium | Mild | Mild | Pleasant |
Tin note is wonderful. Sweet but not off putting. Dry right from the tin. A mix of ribbons and chunks of flake. The initial flavour is wonderful. Subtle sweetness and a wisp of the casing. I love Guinness so that alone got my attention. I've moved this blend to a mason jar and am hopeful that aging will make it better. Worth a try.
Pipe Used:
Several Pete's
PurchasedFrom:
Gift
Age When Smoked:
2 years tinned
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