Smokers' Haven Krumble Kake
(3.41)
So versatile you can carry a month's supply on you at all times. Choice Virginia, latakia and Turkish tobaccos blended and then compressed & sliced for the smoker who likes a rich taste but doesn't like to mess around.
Details
| Brand | Smokers' Haven |
| Blended By | J.F. Germain & Son |
| Manufactured By | J.F. Germain & Son |
| Blend Type | English |
| Contents | Latakia, Oriental/Turkish, Virginia |
| Flavoring | |
| Cut | Krumble Kake |
| Packaging | 2 ounce tin, 8 ounce foil pack |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Production | No longer in production |
Profile
Strength
Medium
Extremely Mild -> Overwhelming
Flavoring
None Detected
None Detected -> Extra Strong
Room Note
Tolerable
Unnoticeable -> Overwhelming
Taste
Medium
Extremely Mild (Flat) -> Overwhelming
Average Rating
|
3.41 / 4
|
Reviews
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Displaying 11 - 20 of 27 Reviews
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 07, 2017 | 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.
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.
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 06, 2011 | 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.
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.
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Dec 20, 2007 | 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.
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Feb 03, 2007 | 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.
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.
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 27, 2006 | 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.
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Jun 10, 2005 | 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 .
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Feb 12, 2004 | 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.
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.
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Feb 06, 2004 | 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.
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.
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 21, 2022 | 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.
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.
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Nov 29, 2020 | 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
PurchasedFrom:
Friend
Age When Smoked:
5 years
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