Smokers' Haven Exotique Mixture

Some said Exotique is the same thing of Esoterica Margate. They do share some similarities, because they are made by the same J.F. Germain. However I find Exotique is more latakia and a bit fuller taste. They are more like brothers rather than twins and both share the same unique classic English blend characteristics.

I often feel as though these smaller blends take on a status that are perhaps disproportionate from their relative merits, driven in part by their 'exotic' quality, being a different label (a bit like craft beer) from the usual, and particularly because of the scarcity of their availability -- which thus makes them seem somehow more desireable.

I'd certainly put this blend in that category. It is a fine blend in what I think of as the Scottish tradition and I'd be happy to have it in my cellar, but it is essentially the same as My Mixture 965, Father Dempsey or Aperitif; latakia and that incense like flavour. Is it any better (or worse) than any of those? No. I'd say its on par. But the point here is that for the difficulty of getting the blend, you can pretty well turn to those old standby's to get it.

That said, I do believe its worthwhile supporting these smaller house blends, so do go ahead and give them your support. But you can take your ease in knowing that if you're smoking any of the other blends I've mentioned, you're not really missing out on anything flavour wise.

I received this along with six other sample packs from Smokers Haven. As with all the other samples this was extremely moist and required a lot of dry time. The ribbon cut IMO is simply the best for packing,lighting and staying lit. Exotique is an exceptionally rich blend. The bellows of smoke are intoxicating and the Latakia invades your nose at first light.The Virginia in this is well balanced and of good quality.The Turkish makes it's presence known but not obtrusively. This blend really borders on a Balkan but lacks the tartness. The price is steep at $5.50 an ounce and you only save a little when you buy the large can. Other then the issue of price,this is one of the best blends from Smokers Haven and is part of my daily rotation.

This is my third review today of a Germain’s blend and from what little bit I had this one is excellent. I do not know how old the tin is but I believe this to be a re-release as the site says this was out of production for some time. Regardless, I am hoping to be able to try more of this blend to give it a proper review at the next pipe club meeting. With that being said, if you can find this one purchase it.

This is a really nice oriental mixture. I find it tangier than Sobrianie or the John Cotton Smyrna (both of which I really enjoy, by the way) and less sweet than the Balkan Saisani (which I do NOT enjoy). The orientals have a nice rich spiciness to them to offset the sweet-sour tanginess, and the latakia provides an appropriate smokiness when you get the mixture correct.

I'd probably give this four stars but-for one problem -- the granulated latakia separates easily from the ribbon-cut orientals. As a result, every time you take a pinch of the mixture the latakia falls off. When I jar it, I find all the latakia pooled at the bottom of the jar after just a few weeks. And, to load it, I have to pour most of the jar out and make sure I'm getting an appropriate mixture of latakia and ribbon in each bowl.

That construction flaw brings a four-star balkan to a three, just for the hassle factor. That said, once mixed correctly in the bowl, its a lovely smoke when I'm in the balkan mood.

Yes, much better! This is another fine Germain blend with exotic touches. The Turkish really brings out the smoky, musky qualities. Again, if this were offered in smaller packages and the people running the shop were a bit more amenable to the public, they'd have a loyal fan. One of the things I definitely like about Smoker's Haven is their tin art. Fantastic! I love the designs they use, especially that 1950s prototypical man reclining in his favorite arm chair relaxing with his pipe. Exotique has that Arabian Nights calligraphy and Cognac has an almost Magritte like touch to it. I might purchase these tins one day for the artwork alone.

Three and a half of five stars

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2007 - Revisiting this again at the Chicago PT a year later, it?s an excellent blend. Heavy, though not overpowering on the Orientals, it?s tempered by Germain brininess and a tangy, bittersweet flavor. Smoker?s Haven only had a sample tin available, as they are currently awaiting a new batch. I will be ordering this lovely tobacco when it is available. It's consistent, and in this sleight of hand world, I enjoy consistency.

Four of five stars

This is a very pleasant, easy tobacco on the milder end of the Balkan spectrum.

As has been noted, the moisture content right out of the tin is a little much, and if you're too impatient to dry it out before smoking, lighting can take several trys.

Good Turkish flavor dominates this blend, with the Virginias and Latakia vying for second place.

In the Balkan range, I prefer GLPease Odyssey or C&D's Star of the East, but they are both a bit too heavy to qualify for all-day smokes. Exotique Mixture, on the other hand, would fit the Balkan desires of early-morning or mid-day smokers very well.

The first thing I noticed when popping the tin was the smell. I always say something about the tin note in my reviews, but this one really deserves mentioning. It is rather pungent. I'm reminded of being in the woods growing up - a general "outdoors-y" smell, dirt, decaying leaves, an old tree trunk that fell years ago and is crumbling with rot. I know that doesn't sound particularly appetizing, but it is positively intoxicating. I really want to stick my face on the tin and inhale and dream of playing hide and seek among the trees as a child (minus the mosquitos and poison ivy). WONDERFUL!

It's a rather long and thin ribbon cut. Not overly wet at all, but a bit on the moist side. I've found that it needs to be packed a little on the loose side for best results, and doesn't need any drying if the pipe is packed with a light touch. Personally, I'd prefer a shorter and wider cut for easier filling, but that's a minor quibble, really....and drying it a little might completely alleviate that for me.

In the pipe, latakia makes its presence known, but this isn't a lat bomb. There's a heavy oriental presence too, and a nice Virginia sweetness. I'm reminded of Dunhill MM965, in style if not in execution. Definitely sweeter than 965 (which I found almost astringent), and overall just plain better than 965 IMO. Yes, it tastes like it smells - grass, trees, rotting leaves, dirt...with just a hint of sweet from the Virginia to keep it in balance.

Interesting, complex, chock full of flavor, full and rich, thick and heavy on the palate, yet very well balanced. English and Balkan fans are doing themselves a serious disservice if they don't try this stuff. The heavy oriental presence prevents this from being a favorite... nothing wrong with it, it just isn't my preferred flavor profile.

I have enjoyed several smokers haven tobaccos and surprisingly this one is one of my favorites. There is a striking resemblance to Balkan Sobranie 759 in this blend. I think that is a definite plus. This blend is very similar to the Smokers Haven our best blend, which is rarer than hens teeth anymore. The main difference between the two blends is this one is a bit more reserved on the Latakia front. The orientals shine a bit more here. That being said the only problem I have with this blend is that the very fine cut can make for a scorching hot smoke. Experienced smokers only.