Tobaccos Smokers' Haven - Krumble Kake

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Pipestud (1829)	2008-03-02		Medium	None Detected	Medium	Pleasant

I have recently been enjoying an old stock tin of Krumble Kake from Smoker's Haven (this batch was produced by Germain & Son). It is a very nice smoke.

This Krumble Kake looks exactly like Penzance in the tin, and of course, both almost melt in your hands as they are crumble cakes rather than flakes. There is quite a difference in taste, however. While Penzance is more of an Oriental blend with a little Latakia in it, Krumble Kake is Latakia heavy and your palate will get a good belt of the stuff.

Like Penzance, Krumble Kake is pure tobacco with no added flavoring or casing. It will make its Latakia presence known from start to finish.

If you are a "krumble kake" fan and prefer English style blends with no extras, you might want to give this one a try.

12 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Fumatore (49)	2008-06-07		Medium	None Detected	Medium to Full	Overwhelming

I smoked a ton of this tobacco in the late 1960's and 1970's as I worked in downtown Columbus and always got my tobacco from the old Smoker's Haven. Last year I ordered a half-pound from the new store in hopes that it would still be as tasty. I must confess that my taste buds cannot remember what the old blend was like, but as near as I can recall this is very close. This one gets a three star rating for taste (smoked on it's own), it might deserve more consideration for it's blending characteristics. I have found that I can take just about any 2 star English blend and turn it into a 3 star with the addition of from 20% to 50% this blend. It really enriches, deepens, and smoothes out even the worst of blends. I do believe it contains the hard to find Syrian Latakia, so the SH supply may be small.

IMO, the only thing it has in common with Penzance is that they are both great tobaccos and have lots of Latika.

As to room note, beware. Back in the 70's, when we were allowed to smoke in offices, the women in the office banded together and offered to buy all of my tobacco if I would switch blends.

9 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Emeritus Account (30171)	2010-12-15		Medium	None Detected	Medium	Pleasant

Nice dark black oily crumble cake, that basically disintegrated in my hands, so loading was the 3-step method. Lots of latakia in this one but not so much as to make the smoke "dusty" for the first half-bowl. Latakia is not only a spicy, smoky tobacco - it's also somewhat sweet, and the sweetness really stepped forward. Excellent tasting... in the first half-bowl.

Oddly enough, this one turned ashen and cloudy from about the halfway point through the end, getting worse as I progressed. That phenomenon never failed. I'd get a wonderful first half with typical latakia-blend goodness only to get a mouthful of ashy taste in the 2nd half. I haven't smoked Penzance in awhile so I can't make too many comparisons, but I did not get this from Penzance. The only other tobacco to do this to me regularly is SWR. However, I don't see this problem among the other reviewers so, as usual, it's probably me rather than the tobacco at fault.

Undaunted, I smoked the last of this one in a parfait with a few other blends as an experiment. It performed best as the top half of a Krumble Kake/GLP Meridian parfait. The oily sweetness of the KK merged nicely with the impeccable balance of the Meridian and the smoke was memorable (although Meridian needs no help!). I'm splitting the difference on my recommendation between the top half (4) and the bottom half (1) and awarding this 3 stars. The extra half-star is due to the graciousness of Premal Chedda (my spelling is undoubtedly wrong) who was kind enough to send me a free tin with a pipe purchase. No way do I reward that kindness with a grade less than 3!

8 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	JimInks (3047)	2016-11-21		Medium	None Detected	Medium	Tolerable

The smoky, woody, rather sweet Cyprian latakia also sports a very light incense-like taste that seems slightly more obvious by the half way point. Some dry, wine-like woody Syrian is also present, though it is hard to determine how much is here. Either way, latakia is the star component. The woody, dry, buttery, creamy sweet and mildly spicy, floral, sour Turkish sits in the strong support position. The grassy, citrus sweet Virginia is just a little more than a background player. The nic-hit is closer to mild than it is to medium. Won’t bite or get harsh. Has no dull spots, but the the last third of the experience is not as complex or as pleasing as the earlier part of the smoke. The krumble kake literally falls apart in your fingers as you prepare it. Burns at a moderate pace with an inconsistent flavor as previously noted, though it does have a richness all the way through. Needs an average number of relights, and leaves just a little moisture in the bowl. The after taste is a little bitter and unattractive. Not an all day smoke.

-JimInks

6 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	cmhpipesmoker (21)	2009-09-01		Medium	None Detected	Medium	Tolerable

I have to agree with Philo Beddoe's review below. The folks at Smokers' Haven on High stated this is just a cake form of their Our Best Blend. I have never tried a cake blend before, always considering myself to be too lazy to rub out the tobacco. However, since they've been out of OBB (and Exotique Mixture) since forever, I decided to give this a try.

This really didn't remind me much of OBB but I found it to be a very enjoyable smoking experience. If anything, it's a darker side to OBB. It has somewhat of a creamy component like OBB but not the "buttery" quality that both OBB and Exotique mixture have. Even though on the smokier side, it is probably one of the most smooth and refined moderately heavy Balkan blends I've smoked to date. Moderately heavy meaning stronger than Balkan Sasieni but not as strong as Butera's Vintage Latakia No. 1 or Bill Bailey's BB. There's also no aftertaste or that overwhelming affect some heavier Balkan or English blends can give. Recommended.

5 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Emeritus Account (30171)	2006-02-22		Mild to Medium	None Detected	Medium to Full	Pleasant to Tolerable

I've had this tin in my cellar for awhile now and initially was hesitant after I heard it compared to an Esoterica blend that I've decided not to waste anymore time trying to find the wonderful experience others write about. This is an excellent mottled flake that burns evenly, doesn't leave a large amount of residue in the bowl and delivers a quality smoke from start to finish. True, it is for Latikia smokers, but it is the almost coffee like overtones of the Turkish that drive this blend's experience. If you are careful, it can be smoked in the slice. The Virginia adds a silky sweetness to an otherwise buttery smooth delivery. Rich and satisfying, it provides me with a cool burning blend of robust yet refined character. The art of the blender's task has been realized in this sublime flake.

Meerschaum Man Smoking a CAO Bacchus

4 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	RCUSElder (244)	2004-06-09		Medium to Strong	None Detected	Full	Very Strong

Many have stated that this is just Penzance with another label, but I don't think so. My review will give you some reasons to consider.

Appearance: Ahh, crumble cake in a small tin a la' Penzance, but not as dark and oily. Same krubly slices that fall apart as you grab them.

Tin Aroma: Mana!

Packing: easy, except that this literally crumbles as you grab the slices. I found it good to pack your pipe over a sheet of wax paper so you can save what ever doesn't make it from tin to pipe. I found a light sprinkle in the pipe and a slight tamp before lighting works best.

Lighting: If packed as above, normal 3-4 lights total.

Initial Flavor: Delicious, but a little sweeter than Penzance.

Mid-Bowl: We are as close to tobacco heaven as you can get folks. The three types of leaves are playing a beautiful fugue for your senses.

End of Bowl: It is over too quick, ash is grey and fine, but you do feel satiated as the flavor is definitely on the full English/Balkan side.

Overall: another winner from JF Germain. It seems to fall between Penzance and Special Latakia Flake on the fullness scale. Cons: Room note is a killer to those who don't like latakia, and this leaves its odor on everything around it.

Rating: 5 out of 5 points, a true Reformer, Tulip, and Calvinist blend, Enjoy...

4 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Emeritus Account (30171)	2007-05-10		Mild to Medium	None Detected	Medium to Full	Pleasant

Sorry, but though made by Germain, this is NOT the same as Penzance. It totally lacks the layers of complexity and refinement. It's not as briny and earthy. It also crumbles dryer and lacks the oilyness of the real article. Something happened from the time it got from Jersey Island to Columbus, Ohio. (Perhaps red states will do that to you). I sampled this at the recent Chicago P & T, and was very disappointed, especially after hearing all the hype about it. I was also upset by the people running the booth. They didn't want to talk to anyone and they weren't very friendly. I know pipe smokers can be a rather introspective lot, but these gents were downright cantankerous. If I want the very best full English mottled flake, I'll stick with Penzance.

One of five stars

----------------------------------- update 2007 - I apologize for my last KK review, though several things may have happened here: Penzance is not currently in production, Old Ironsides became less appealing, Pirate Kake is too hot and oily or KK just plain got better. Whatever the case, this is really excellent and I will be purchasing some the next time I order a tin of the excellent Exotique from Smoker?s Haven. Unfortunately, they were out of virtually everything I wanted at the Chicago Pipe Show 2007. They brought samples, but had nothing for sale. A strange aspect of the show this year was an excellent, boutique variety of the world?s finest pipes by some impressive artists, but an absolute dearth of fine tobaccos. I?ve indicated in a previous review that I?m done with Russian roulette guessing games from C & D. MacBaren doesn?t do anything for me. McClelland had nothing to offer this year in addition to its ?charming? owner being even more irascible, drunk and obnoxious than usual. Perhaps KK is not so great as the fact that so many other things got worse and my patience for incivility wears thin. Whatever the case, I will be ordering a small tin of this Germainy blend with its own distinct personality. If it remains consistent, I will be purchasing a bulk pack if and when I attend the Columbus Pipe Show in late August.

Three and a half to four of five stars

3 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Emeritus Account (30171)	2006-04-16		Medium to Strong	None Detected	Medium to Full	Overwhelming

This was the very first pipe tobacco I smoked and it came as a free sample with a high end briar I bought from the gents at Smokers Haven. Not knowing what to expect I popped the tin and was really puzzled by the appearance...later I found out about cake. Krumble is perfect to describe my efforts to get this in my new pipe... now I'm getting kinda mad wondering if this whole pipe thing was worth it. Finally getting my pipe career underway I was pleasantly surprised with a mellow, full bodied, musky smoke that was entirely satisfying. That was the good news...the 'ol ball and chain took one wiff of this stuff and threatened legal action.Now I'm off to investigate lighter fare...God help me.

Peterson bent brandy.

3 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Emeritus Account (30171)	2004-09-07		Medium to Strong	None Detected	Full	Very Pleasant

I received a generous portion of this tobacco at the 2004 NASPC show courtesy of the Smokers' Haven team. (Glad I only live 90 minutes away!)

If you're not sure what Latakia smells like, have a whiff. Latakia has rented the whole Tobacco Hotel and invited its friends Turkish and Virginia to stay in the Honeymoon Suite. This is a whopper of a blend: full-on English goodness with a hint of Balkan influence. Krumble Kake is huge -- HUGE, I SAY!

The folks at J.F. Germain have squeezed the life INTO this stuff. Could they shoehorn any more depth into Krumble Kake? No.

Krumble Kake comes moist, so it's probably best to take what you need for the bowl in hand and let that portion dry out. I've smoked it wet (for laughs), and it doesn't bite or smoke too hot; however, the experience isn't as memorable as when it's just right

Sure, you get loads of Latakia in Krumble Kake. Luckily, it's of extremely high quality. No doubt about that. Same goes for the Turkish and Virginia leaf that manage to stand out in this Latakia Lovefest. Could a blend like this still offer some notes beyond the musty, earthy, leathery, and spicy Latakia? It sure can! Welcome to the top of the second third of the bowl, where the Latakia takes a breather and hands off the baton to the VAs and Orientals. Yes, the rest of the bowl is more than happy to send your tastebuds into a tailspin of swirling flavors. Sure, the Latakia is always there; however, the fact that the other components can hold their ground is nothing less than a testament to the good taste displayed by Smokers' Haven and the processing and preparing prowess of J.F. Germain.

Krumble Kake is magnificent. Give it a smoke!!

3 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	TallPuffO'Burley (633)	2017-03-07		Mild to Medium	None Detected	Very Full	Tolerable to Strong

I was lucky enough to gain an opened tin of this in a trade with someone who didn't like it so much. I happened to like it a lot. I found it to be very smooth and creamy, a must for me in a latakia blend. I would categorize this as full latakia blend. Its smokiness is unique in that it combines both Syrian and Cyprian latakias and both their taste profiles can be picked out throughout the smoke.

The Turkish is not the star, but has a slightly sour taste that is elevated by the Virginia. The latter of which was pretty sweet. This blend is for the person who likes a contemplative smoke with shifting flavors. I found that this blend is not a good blend for the early morning. At least for me it wasn't nor could it be an all day smoke for me, but this is pretty common for me for full latakia blends. They tend to give me, what I refer to as, lat mouth. Usually I can only do a bowl of any of these blends every two to three days, but when I do, they taste so good.

This is one of the finer examples of this type of blend that I have tried. I am happy to have acquired a couple more tins of this as I am not sure it will ever be available again. It certainly hasn't been available from Smoker's Haven the entire five plus years I have been smoking a pipe.

2 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	SteelCowboy (685)	2011-09-06		Medium	Extremely Mild	Medium to Full	Tolerable

Krumble Kake is "Our Best Blend" in pressed form. Strangely, I find OBB a better blend. I chose to rub out the flakes and I enjoy it most in a group three size bowl.

I completely agree with DK in that the first half of the bowl is terrific but it becomes muddled as the bowl progresses. The first half of the bowl is sweet and smokey but, unlike Our Best Blend, it seems to lose some of the complexity in the latter half of the bowl as for me the Latakia takes too dominate of a role. Krumble Kake is a quality blend, but for me, I prefer it in ribbon form. Recommended.

2 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Emeritus Account (30171)	2007-12-20		Mild to Medium	None Detected	Medium	Tolerable

This is another home run from Smokers' Haven, it's packaged in either 2oz tins or an 8oz foil sealed pack, I've purchased both. Krumble Kake resembles Penzance, they're both produced by Germain, but the use of Syrian rather than Cyprian Latakia results in a more refined and somewhat more delicate blend. The tin aroma is not as fragrant as OBB or Exotique, the flakes are fragile and not too moist. I crumble two or three of the flakes in my palm with my thumb and fill my larger bowls and after several lights I'm off for a long, fine smoke. The flavor is a bit more briney than OBB, somewhat sweet, but darker tasting. 10 out of 10 stars.

2 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Emeritus Account (30171)	2007-02-03		Mild to Medium	None Detected	Medium	Tolerable

Although I have never tasted Armpit Shavings I am fairly certain of two things. Smoker's Haven's Krumble Kake is neither composed of those, nor is it supposed to be Penzance. I am no expert, of course, nor am I very distinguished in any way, but my tiny tongue tells me this is a fairly tastey blend. Penzance is, for sure, more elegant and creamy with orientals, but not by much. Smoker's Haven's Krumble Kake ( I really don't like these 'k's, they seem so English--sorry UK) is in it's own right very cream-sweet and less latakia than many Penzance copys. I have to wonder, Why would Germain possibly try to copy itself for a local blender?? Well, whatever I think is unimportant, as always, and what the funk is so important about what anyone has thunk? Try it. If you likes it, it may like you too.

I for once, can deal with the Germain crumble format, because this one, more than Penzance, is worth it.

p.s. my sample has a bit of age, though I'm not sure how much. Your armpits may vary.

2 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Pipepundit (168)	2006-01-27		Mild to Medium	None Detected	Medium	Pleasant to Tolerable

The Latakia in Krumble Kake is applied with greater discretion than in - say - Pirate Kake. That permits the flavours of the orientals to come through. Rather than being a bully, the Latakia in this is a friend and a responsible companion. A very well balanced composition.

2 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	kbosi (16)	2005-06-10		Mild to Medium	None Detected	Medium to Full	Pleasant to Tolerable

Knowing ahead of time that this was not to be a copy of Penzance, I enjoy this tobacco very much. I tend to enjoy this much more than Penzance .

2 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Emeritus Account (30171)	2004-02-12		Medium	None Detected	Full	Tolerable to Strong

When I used to work at the old Smoker's Haven, in Worthington - the one on Gay Street was a bit before my time - the owner found a whole sleeve of old Krumble Kake. Well I snapped up four or five tins right off the bat.

I just finished smoking a bowl full - half a bowl really, because it burns so slow I didn't have time to finish it over lunch. Oh well. A nice pipe for the ride home then!

What a wonderful smoke. Full of sweet rich latakia. Yum! The Virginia and Turkish are there in the background, and occasionally chime, but its latakia what hold the spot light for this show. And its delicious!

I honestly would give this 4 stars, but to say I smoke this regularly would be a lie. Its too prescious to smoke regularly.

2 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Emeritus Account (30171)	2004-02-06		Medium	None Detected	Very Full	Strong

Krumble Kake from Smoker's Haven was only the second blend containing latakia that I tried...and I loved it. It remains as one of my favorite change of pace blends when aromatics start to get a little dull.

It packs well but it a bit on the moist side, so I highly recommend that you make it a point to pack it lightly.

The taste is somewhat difficult to describe. Somewhat nutty and creamy. The latakia is obvious but not overwhelming. However, be advised that this smoke does not leave a pleasant room note. Most non-smokers will quickly let you know about it.

2 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	WorkingClassChap (197)	2022-01-21		Mild to Medium	None Detected	Mild to Medium	Tolerable to Strong

Gifted a few flakes from 1999.

White powder on them. Smells like Latakia.

So after 20 plus years wow has this mellowed out. It’s not that it’s not flavorful it’s just smooth and easy. The herbal smokey Latakia is the main component but it’s far less pungent. The retrohale is very easy and nice. The Virginias are deep, dark, earth, sweet. The orientals are woody and tangy. I’m sure this was good back in 1999 when I was in high school. But it’s great now. Really mellow mouth feel and a wonderful flavor. Age has done wonders for it.

1 person found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Cubish70 (3)	2020-11-29		Medium	None Detected	Medium to Full	Pleasant to Tolerable

An exceptional Balkan in gorgeous pressed form. In case those reading are not aware. Penzance was actually a match blend with tweaking of this tobacco and not the other way around. A Krumble Kake version of the original Balkan Sobinie. If you can find it. Don't sell or gift it, as you may never see it again. Just the right amount of smoke, spice, sour, and tart. Good after a hearty beef or lamb meal. Highly recommended.

Pipe Used: Many medium pipes

Age When Smoked: 5 years

Purchased From: Friend

Similar Blends: Penzance. Quiet Nights.

1 person found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Emeritus Account (30171)	2010-04-01		Medium	None Detected	Medium	Pleasant to Tolerable

Krumble Kake is a spicy/peppery blend, yet has a sweetness to it also. The Latakia certainly isn't lacking, but it's not too strong either. Genuine Latakia is cured in a smoke house using pine and oak to smoke the leaves. This stuff is genuine, and gives a gentle pine scent to the air. When you blow it through your nose it tastes sweet, which I found amusing. Long after the smoke is done, there is a pleasant sweet pine smell to my clothes, mustach and beard. The smell is so beautiful it leaves you wanting to smoke more.

1 person found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	CPT/VSG (72)	2009-09-13		Medium	None Detected	Medium	Pleasant to Tolerable

Krumble Kake is Our Best Blend pressed into a cake, which rubs out very easily. It differs a bit, though, from OBB, in that the Latakia is a little more pronounced. It seems a little less rich in Orientals than OBB. Being a cake, it burns easily with minimal re-lights and produces a fine gray ash.

One advantage of this fine Germain blend is that it is available in 2 oz. tins (the same tin size as Penzance) whereas the Smoker'a Haven blends are only available currently in 8 oz. tins. There is an 8 oz. foil pouch available, though.

KK is another fine Smoker's Haven/Germain product worthy of being part of a regular rotation. It is in mine.

1 person found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Emeritus Account (30171)	2009-07-07		Medium	Medium	Medium to Full	Pleasant

Fantastic with morta pipes! From beginning to end of tobacco, smoke remains a constant and balanced taste..

1 person found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Emeritus Account (30171)	2007-12-21		Medium	None Detected	Medium	Tolerable

Krumble Kake in my opinion is highly overrated and much too expensive. To be sure, it is a flavorful blend made from quality tobaccos.

However, when in the mood for a tobacco of a similar character,I go to Odyssey or Penzance which I find smoother, more flavorful and more manageable on every level.

1 person found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Emeritus Account (30171)	2007-06-06		Mild to Medium	None Detected	Mild to Medium	Tolerable

Picked this up at Chicago 07 after hearing a lot about it on ASP. I opened it today and fired it up in a Meer. Rubbing it out is easy, a little too easy a lot of it turned to dust. It did pack well, I had a little trouble getting a good light.

Taste was very mild english. Good latakia taste without overkill. Good aftertaste. I've only had two bowls and expect to learn more as I work my way through the tin.

I thought that it as a little pricey at $10 for a tin, still lots of Dunhill stuff available for 40 percent less.

__________________ UPDATE __________________________________

Just finished the first tin. Doesn't last a month, but it was very tasty. If the price was a little cheaper this could be a daily smoke.

1 person found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Philo Beddoe (221)	2007-04-04		Medium	None Detected	Medium	Pleasant to Tolerable

I was told, at Smoker's Haven, that this is Our Best Blend, which has been processed into kake form. They do indeed taste very similar to me, but Krumble Kake has a darker lining, it seems to have a bit more depth, probably due to the chopping and compressing of the tobacco to get it into the kake format.

Highly Recommended to all who like good tobacco.

1 person found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Emeritus Account (30171)	2005-05-24		Medium to Strong	None Detected	Medium to Full	Tolerable

More like Krumble Krap! I exclusively smoke Germain mixtures and I could not believe this was one of theirs. Perhaps it was the Ohio influence ( The folks fom Smokers' Haven at the Chicago Pipe Show seemed very uninterested in promoting their product)that screwed this up. I like Penzance and adore Old Ironsides,but his was just YUK!It smelled like the armpit shavings from the above mentioned blends and the taste was equally as musty. Take a pass and buy Penzance or Old Ironsides. This recieves negative 3 stars.

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