Gawith, Hoggarth & Co. Balkan Mixture
(3.17)
Gawith, Hoggarth & Co. takes the finest Virginia tobacco and dark fire-cured tobacco from India and expertly blends them with Latakia to give the smoker a unique taste and aroma for this Balkan Mixture.
Details
| Brand | Gawith, Hoggarth & Co. |
| Blended By | Gawith, Hoggarth & Co. |
| Manufactured By | Gawith, Hoggarth & Co. |
| Blend Type | Balkan |
| Contents | Latakia, Oriental/Turkish, Virginia |
| Flavoring | |
| Cut | Mixture |
| Packaging | 50 grams tin, bulk |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Production | Currently available |
Profile
Strength
Medium
Extremely Mild -> Overwhelming
Flavoring
None Detected
None Detected -> Extra Strong
Room Note
Pleasant to Tolerable
Unnoticeable -> Overwhelming
Taste
Medium
Extremely Mild (Flat) -> Overwhelming
Average Rating
|
3.17 / 4
|
Reviews
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Displaying 21 - 30 of 33 Reviews
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 11, 2010 | Medium | Extremely Mild | Medium | Pleasant to Tolerable |
This is a very thin ribbon cut or shag cut if you prefer that term. Mostly brown and black tobaccos with some light blond smattered in there for a little bit of color it almost seems. A deep whiff of the tin reveals... hints of smokiness and an ever so slight twist of Virginias with a floral note. To be honest I was expecting far more smokiness from the latakia but I think the Orientals seem to mute the smokiness with their spicy and floral note.
I've been breaking in a Peterson Army mount (102) billiard and to be honest the first few bowls are to be discounted due to the fact that new pipes don't really give you a feel for a blend. I've made that mistake in the past and refrain from reviewing ANY blend in a new pipe until it's properly broken in. Once I got to the point where I was comfortable the pipe was past the tannin notes of sourness and beginning to sweeten up nicely I realized I was smoking quite a good blend.
At first match I thought I was going to be smoking a latakia powerhouse. It was a full on rush of latakia both in taste and room note. I enjoy latakia immensely and was slightly disappointed when it faded far into the background. The Virginias took over along with the spice from the Orientals and a very faint floral note. My disappointment was quickly replaced with elation at the fact that this blend is so well integrated. Sure, it doesn't change much throughout the bowl but I'm not always looking for a blend like that. This blend smokes quite smoothly and even does well in a smaller bowled pipe if you are short on time.
A few words of caution. Don't smoke this blend when it's right out of the tin. Give it a little bit of time to air out. It's moist and you'll feel cheated if you smoke it while it's still moist. You'll get nothing but steam, no flavor and a hint of floral topping. Packing this can be a little bit of a challenge at first. Pack it too loose and it burns hot and fast. Pack it too tight and it takes a large number of re-lights. I've found that drying it for about 15 minutes followed by rolling it into a "log" of sorts that will fit in your pipe works best.
I highly recommend this blend either from bulk or in the tin. I haven't noticed any difference between the two. If you're looking for an all day blend in the English spectrum then this may fit exactly what you're looking for. Some may pass over it due to being too "light" and that would be a mistake. I enjoy very full bodied blends but still find myself quite attracted to this blend due to it's interesting taste integration and smoothness. My hat is off to Gawith & Hoggarth on this one.
I've been breaking in a Peterson Army mount (102) billiard and to be honest the first few bowls are to be discounted due to the fact that new pipes don't really give you a feel for a blend. I've made that mistake in the past and refrain from reviewing ANY blend in a new pipe until it's properly broken in. Once I got to the point where I was comfortable the pipe was past the tannin notes of sourness and beginning to sweeten up nicely I realized I was smoking quite a good blend.
At first match I thought I was going to be smoking a latakia powerhouse. It was a full on rush of latakia both in taste and room note. I enjoy latakia immensely and was slightly disappointed when it faded far into the background. The Virginias took over along with the spice from the Orientals and a very faint floral note. My disappointment was quickly replaced with elation at the fact that this blend is so well integrated. Sure, it doesn't change much throughout the bowl but I'm not always looking for a blend like that. This blend smokes quite smoothly and even does well in a smaller bowled pipe if you are short on time.
A few words of caution. Don't smoke this blend when it's right out of the tin. Give it a little bit of time to air out. It's moist and you'll feel cheated if you smoke it while it's still moist. You'll get nothing but steam, no flavor and a hint of floral topping. Packing this can be a little bit of a challenge at first. Pack it too loose and it burns hot and fast. Pack it too tight and it takes a large number of re-lights. I've found that drying it for about 15 minutes followed by rolling it into a "log" of sorts that will fit in your pipe works best.
I highly recommend this blend either from bulk or in the tin. I haven't noticed any difference between the two. If you're looking for an all day blend in the English spectrum then this may fit exactly what you're looking for. Some may pass over it due to being too "light" and that would be a mistake. I enjoy very full bodied blends but still find myself quite attracted to this blend due to it's interesting taste integration and smoothness. My hat is off to Gawith & Hoggarth on this one.
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 30, 2008 | Mild to Medium | None Detected | Mild | Tolerable |
When I first received my order of Balkan Mix I wasn't impressed. After a month to 6 weeks, I tried it again and this time found it more then acceptable. A bit lighter then some of the English/Balkans that I am used to but.....the slight aging/drying out seems to have brought out a nice flavor and I can smoke 3 bowls in a row without ever the slightest hint of a bite.
Enough nicotine to satisfy without being as strong as Dark Flake and enough flavor to want more when the bowl is finished.
A keeper for me.
Enough nicotine to satisfy without being as strong as Dark Flake and enough flavor to want more when the bowl is finished.
A keeper for me.
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Sep 01, 2004 | Medium | Extremely Mild | Medium | Tolerable to Strong |
When Balkan Sobranie died in the UK, G&H came up with their substitute... but it certainly isn't such a thing! It's a good lightweight Balkan, with some of the typical tastes and aromas of the recent incarnations of Sobranie (particularly the dry, spicy taste, the slight woody bitterness of the orientals and latakia) but which isn't a substitute by a long shot. The cut is very stringy, with thin and long ribbons, and the humidity in the tin is ridiculously high: you feel like you could squeeze the tobacco and juice would come out of it! Some drying to the open air is recommended, otherwise you will find it difficult to keep lit, soggy, and absolutely bland. If this precaution is taken, you will be rewarded by a nice very English smoke: while it's not a very full Balkan (let's say it's slightly fuller than GLPease Kensington), the right flavors are there. A pleasant tobacco, with a great nutty spiciness if exhaled through the nose and some rich nuances that speak a lot about the quality. I prefer GLPease balkans, but this one is a little more "English". But, please, don't compare it with Sobranie...
2012 Update: Since then, I have experienced several times the version in a pouch (sold in the UK as "Kendal tobacco - Balkan Mixture Latakia Blend", although inside the name Gawith & Hoggarth is clearly stated). No more to add to what I had previously said, as it is very consistent in quality. Moisture in the pouch is lower, at a perfect level for smoking. What I still complain about after many many bowls, is the overall lack of subtlety, the slight roughness of taste and the relative lack of backing creamy sweetness from the Virginias. While this one is good in "modern" terms, it sure is no Balkan Sobranie. With some effort, it might be compared to the last Balkan Sobranie pouches sold in the early '80s... certainly not to the older ones.
2012 Update: Since then, I have experienced several times the version in a pouch (sold in the UK as "Kendal tobacco - Balkan Mixture Latakia Blend", although inside the name Gawith & Hoggarth is clearly stated). No more to add to what I had previously said, as it is very consistent in quality. Moisture in the pouch is lower, at a perfect level for smoking. What I still complain about after many many bowls, is the overall lack of subtlety, the slight roughness of taste and the relative lack of backing creamy sweetness from the Virginias. While this one is good in "modern" terms, it sure is no Balkan Sobranie. With some effort, it might be compared to the last Balkan Sobranie pouches sold in the early '80s... certainly not to the older ones.
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| May 30, 2004 | Medium to Strong | None Detected | Medium | Tolerable |
This is my second 50g pouch. I wanted something to replace the Balkan Sobrane, which I miss. This Kendal mix is just not the same. It is a bit too wet, cut in a shag style, it is ok to pack and light. It is, however a little harsh, and it burns too hot for me. It doesnt bite, but it not that tasty. It is ok, but I dont think I will buy it many more times. I much prefer the sheveringtons balkan mix which is much more similar to the sobranie Try the John Aylesbury Latakia Blend, which is not too bad. Shervingtons (337 High Holborn, WC1. Tel: 020 7405 2929) have their very nice balkan mix
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Jan 25, 2024 | Medium | Extremely Mild | Medium | Tolerable |
G, H, & Co.'s Balkan Mixture has a bag note that is smoky, creamy, and sweet. The smoke is a beautiful example of how cadence can change the flavor. On the lighting and subsequent puffing to get it going the smoke is woodsy, earthy, smoky, and spicy. So much so it touches the bottom of med. full. If one continues to puff heartily this is all that you get. However, backing off and sipping slowly, keeping it just at a smolder there is so much more. The smoky Lat. leads the way but only by a little. The Indian leaf along with it is very woody, earthy, floral, and spicy. The VA's are tart and tangy, bready, and grassy. Subtle notes of black tea and citrus move in and out along with a hint of creaminess and a slight mustiness that rounds out the smoke. The finish is med. to long with notes of campfire smokiness and earth and wood. I do get the faintest trace of Lakeland scent, but unless you just hate it, it will not take away from the smoking experience. The overall strength is at the upper end of med. The nic hit is solidly at the med. level as is the overall taste. The room note will not win any compliments from others. This is slightly different from most Balkans and does not fall into the remarkable smoke category for me but I could easily see how it would for others. If you enjoy lat. blends in general this is one to try. A solid 3 stars.
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Nov 03, 2023 | Medium | None Detected | Medium | Tolerable |
This is a Latakia forward medium Balkan. The Orientals are subsumed by the Lat. it’s tasty but … not in a ‘stand out from the crowd’ way. This blend is competent. I have a 50g tin with no discernible date. 2.5 stars rounded to 3 for solid effort. If you like Latakia then this is a good one; the other elements take a backseat.
Pipe Used:
Altinay Meerschaum
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 29, 2021 | Mild to Medium | Mild | Medium | Pleasant to Tolerable |
Preparation & Burn: 10/10 Easy, spongy ribbon.
Taste: 17/20 This is a tasty and subtle smoke. Seems aged and mellowed. Incredibly balanced and smooth.
Mildness: 7/10 My idea of a good smoke is a relaxing, low nicotine session. Therefore, the milder the better. Not much nicotine!
Total: 34/40
Taste: 17/20 This is a tasty and subtle smoke. Seems aged and mellowed. Incredibly balanced and smooth.
Mildness: 7/10 My idea of a good smoke is a relaxing, low nicotine session. Therefore, the milder the better. Not much nicotine!
Total: 34/40
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Jan 29, 2010 | Mild to Medium | None Detected | Medium to Full | Pleasant |
I'd been trying to discern whether my local tobacconist had any latakia blends (my local tobacconists never seem to know what I'm talking about when I ask for things like - "Do you have any plug tobacco?" I just get blank stares. Ho hum.) and after doing a bit or research this seems to be the only one. Given the reviews here so far that seemed quite a fortunate thing. I've only once before tried a Latakia blend, Punchbowle, and quite a few years ago that was. As soon as I opened this it hit me right away - that smell! Oh, I looooove Latakia. I seem to remember Punchbowle being pretty heavily laden with the stuff and it having a really sort of medicinal quality about it. This is of the same sort of mix I think. Lovely smell.
The smoke starts with the L right up front and it takes a few minutes for everything to round out, with quite an acidic or zesty start, I find, that sometimes seems almost bitey but I think it's just strong natural flavours flaring up. Once they merge and all the various tobaccos are in action it has a wonderful taste; complex, sweet yet dry. As for "soap" - wha'?? Though sometimes the full potential of this mix only appears fleetingly it is satisfying pretty much all the way through. It's easy to smoke, burns well and rarely needs a relight.
I don't find it very strong however, and have tended to smoke this as my first pipe of the day and then can smoke it regularly and it keeps on calling me back for more. I love the taste and have dedicated a pipe and a tin to this, bought a second pack (my tobacconist stocks this in pouch form with a different design to the tin above - the one they show on the GH website) as soon as I was running low of my first and regularly have a sniff of this. Until I can get hold of other VOL tobaccos this is going to stay a regular for me. If there's one quibble it is that the orientals could come in a bit more, but I'm still getting my palatte adjusted to the VOL mix so I may not be sure what I'm tasting.
Good stuff. I like I like.
The smoke starts with the L right up front and it takes a few minutes for everything to round out, with quite an acidic or zesty start, I find, that sometimes seems almost bitey but I think it's just strong natural flavours flaring up. Once they merge and all the various tobaccos are in action it has a wonderful taste; complex, sweet yet dry. As for "soap" - wha'?? Though sometimes the full potential of this mix only appears fleetingly it is satisfying pretty much all the way through. It's easy to smoke, burns well and rarely needs a relight.
I don't find it very strong however, and have tended to smoke this as my first pipe of the day and then can smoke it regularly and it keeps on calling me back for more. I love the taste and have dedicated a pipe and a tin to this, bought a second pack (my tobacconist stocks this in pouch form with a different design to the tin above - the one they show on the GH website) as soon as I was running low of my first and regularly have a sniff of this. Until I can get hold of other VOL tobaccos this is going to stay a regular for me. If there's one quibble it is that the orientals could come in a bit more, but I'm still getting my palatte adjusted to the VOL mix so I may not be sure what I'm tasting.
Good stuff. I like I like.
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Nov 05, 2009 | Mild to Medium | Mild | Medium to Full | Tolerable |
I'd give this 2.5 stars if I could.
The shag cut is a bit difficult to work with. There are many other Balkans that are less expensive and easier to purchase. This tobacco can taste a bit medicinal.
That said, this is a very pleasant medium Latakia blend with a hint of the unique GH flavor profile.
If you like shag cuts, or like GH products, and want to try something with a reasonable amount of Latakia that isn't a lat bomb, this is worth trying.
The shag cut is a bit difficult to work with. There are many other Balkans that are less expensive and easier to purchase. This tobacco can taste a bit medicinal.
That said, this is a very pleasant medium Latakia blend with a hint of the unique GH flavor profile.
If you like shag cuts, or like GH products, and want to try something with a reasonable amount of Latakia that isn't a lat bomb, this is worth trying.
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Oct 24, 2009 | Mild to Medium | Extremely Mild | Medium to Full | Pleasant to Tolerable |
I ordered a tin of this several months ago. On opening, the solid, tightly packed mass of dark brown and black ribbons, contained in an inner plastic envelope, seemed a little moist for me. I took a couple of smokes, then set the tin aside to concentrate on some bulk blends. On going back to it after about six weeks, the moisture level had reached perfection, just slightly moist to the touch.
This is a good medium Balkan/full English style of tobacco, with a largely Latakia/Va profile. There is just a ghost of Lakeland essence, if you go hunting for it, but it is not at all off-putting. Then again, I like Lakelands.
There are very good orientals present, but they don't come to the front of this blend at any point of the smoke. The flavor has a good richness, a dry semi-sweetness with a solid Latakia bottom. Very smooth, no sharp edges. Burns beautifully for a Balkan. Last night's smoke, in a Peterson 80s Shannon, was an hour of pure enjoyment.
This is absolutely recommended. I am ordering more to cellar, and may update this review once I have some with some age on it.
This is a good medium Balkan/full English style of tobacco, with a largely Latakia/Va profile. There is just a ghost of Lakeland essence, if you go hunting for it, but it is not at all off-putting. Then again, I like Lakelands.
There are very good orientals present, but they don't come to the front of this blend at any point of the smoke. The flavor has a good richness, a dry semi-sweetness with a solid Latakia bottom. Very smooth, no sharp edges. Burns beautifully for a Balkan. Last night's smoke, in a Peterson 80s Shannon, was an hour of pure enjoyment.
This is absolutely recommended. I am ordering more to cellar, and may update this review once I have some with some age on it.
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