Solani 763: White and Black

A firm favourite of mine. The toasty, earthy backbone provided by the Virginias and the black cavendish (which I like JimInks, believe must be unsweetened) is very well balanced with the delicate smokiness of the latakia. In the absence of Oriental leaf, this blend takes on a very different character than an English blend. Although the latakia presence is prominent, it is still subtly balanced so that the latakia compliments and supports the Virginias, rather than taking a leading role. As many of the other reviews have mentioned, there's a lightly added (but easily detected) casing or topping that reminds me of berries or a sweet wine. This goes surprisingly well with the tobacco flavours, and doesn't taste like added flavour in the way that most added flavours in aromatic blends do. The broken flakes are good to go after a light rub. I pack this slightly on the loose side.

Btw: The first two times I smoked this one, I didn't like it and didn't see why I would ever bother trying it again. But the mouth is a strange organ and no smoke is similar to another. Solani 763 is to me a reminder that giving up too quickly on a blend may cause you to miss out on an absolute favourite.

Solani - 763: White and Black.

An early review I decided to delete and do again. When I re-read I didn't think it was too helpful.

The blend's a mixture of dark and medium browns, and unlike the current description it's a broken flake. The moisture of the tin for this review was perfect.

The tobaccos seems well balanced, none of the them particularly race ahead of the others. The Latakia gives a woody flavour, with some fruity Virginia, all brought together by the black Cavendish. Although the B.C. is quite sweet, it seems a little more rustic than some: not 'sticky'. As others mention, there seems to be a light topping present, giving a slight berry sharpness, and a touch of acidity/sharpness. I don't find the burn too good: yes, it's stable and consistent, but unless the pipe's puffed with ease the temperature can creep quite high.

Nicotine: medium. Room-note: not a fan.

763: without the topping this would get a higher rating, but it reduces the score to two stars:

Somewhat recommended.

Being a primarily VaPer smoker, I wanted to try something different. I'm not the biggest fan of English blends, though I do enjoy them from time to time, mainly in the winter. My tobacconist suggested that I tried this. He knows my tastes quite well so I trusted his judgement and bough a tin. Not only that, but I trust Solani as a whole - their 633: Virginia Flake with Perique is my favorite blend ever.

First things first, the tin. Very attractive, as are most Solani tins. Opening it up, I was greeted by very handsome broken flakes. While it indeed is a broken flake, they're not too broken. You can actually pick out pieces, construct a flake, and pack it that way, too. Which is exactly what I did - it's like the tobacco was hinting at me on how to pack it.

Smells absolutely divine. I can definitely smell a bit of berry in there along with the sweet Virginia's and Syrian Latakia's, which I was to discover shortly afterwards, are simply outstanding.

This blend is out of this world good. I wouldn't classify it as an English blend. I certainly wouldn't classify it as an aromatic. It's just a very high quality, supremely good tobacco. Blended masterfully. The Virginia's are definitely there, the Latakia adds a sweet smokiness, and the Black Cavendish provides further smoothness and backbone to this blend. It's absolutely amazing.

At first I thought it smoked a bit hot. Then I realized that it was just me, puffing too often and too fast because of just how delicious this is. I fully rub out the flakes now, so I get a more consistent burn, and it behaves perfectly.

I cannot say enough good things about this blend. It's rich, complex, and just downright delicious. Everything I've smoked from Solani has always been gold, and this is no exception. I plan on returning to my tobacconist with the sole purpose of buying every tin he has left of this.

763 White and Black smokes like a sweet Virginia. I don't taste the Syrian and my knowledge of Cavendish is too limited to describe its influence on the blend. It's tasty, and has a bit of that Turkish spice, though there isn't any in here (aside from the Latakia), I feel a tingle in my nose.

I picked this blend up mistakenly believing it was an English--the tin note proclaiming, "English Black Flake with Latakia." This is no English. Not even close. In the tin you'll see dark, broken flakes, in the same kind of presentation as a McClelland Virginia.

The tin itself is beautiful, a lovely glistening silver metal attractively paired with white and black graphics depicting ancient lizard people of some sort, reminiscent of Maurice Sendak's wonderful children's tale, "Where the Wild Things Are."

I've noted the inconsistent reviews, but I can't fault this blend for anything. The body is medium, sugary, and a bit tangy. Wine and berries, some have mentioned--perhaps. Bottom of the bowl intensifies in taste and strength, culminating in a spicy, incense like dance. A popular celebration, probably not, but a sleeper, sure.

Four of Five

Sorry, I just don't get this one. For that matter, I haven't had any VA/Lat combos (except GLP Picadilly - with Perique - that ring my taste meter, so keep that in mind in this review.

The tobacco is obviously high quality, mostly dark, and the tin aroma is great. Moisture level was high, this does need drying before smoking. If taken right from the tin, it will smoke wet, and can be hard to light. Care is needed to avoid bite. Even after drying out, it finishes with a damp bowl. The taste is just ok, early on it has a nice, sweet caramel flavor, but there just isn't enough Latakia to cool the dominant VA. The cavendish doesn't add anything, and the Syrian is overwhelmed. On the whole, I think it would appeal to a VA enthusiast looking for a change, but for Balkan/English buffs like myself it just doesn't cut it. A big disappointment, especially in view of it's super premium price.

Unfortunately my tin was primarily cavendish. I sure wish I tasted some Syrian.. any at all. Nada, none. It's okay, but after reading the other reviews I understand the mistake. A true pity.

Tobacconists in Quebec city tend to stock up on Peterson and Solani. On a whim, i decided to go for White and Black, due to the rather unusual mix of VA / Cav / Syrian Lat. The 1st time i smoked it, i found it to be pleasant, but nothing special. The tin aroma also seemed ''meh'' to me, mostly sweet with a hint of smokiness.

But by the second time ive smoked it, it has grown on me. Maybe due to a different state of mind, but i found it both very well balanced AND nuanced. I mostly get the fruity VAs, the mouth feel has the creamy/vanilla aspect of Cavendish, and if i look for it, i can taste the Latakia.

This latakia seemed of the ''incensy'' kind, which when combined with the Va, really evoked churches and old confessionals. Old, resinous things in general. I like the fact it can be smoked casually and not require too much attention (i find it really well behaved), its pleasant room note won't offend, but if you take time and are in a meditative mood, it has enough layers to satisfy.

Still have to go through my tin, so i cannot comment on the quality control issues... mine was GREAT

Tin note; Sweeter than I expected from an English, earthy undertones Appearance; Black with flecks of reddish brown, broken flake. Very moist in tin am drying it out now. Ten minutes. A note before tasting; I know I should have cobs around here or break out a meerschaum but, you know, what's the point in collecting fine smoking instruments if you're not going to use them, right? I mean if I had four figure S. Bangs and the like I'd keep them in a glass cabinet for show, but my nicer three figure Dunhills and Beckers I bought for their smoking qualities. Nothing about this blend suggests it will ruin a good pipe, so first impressions will be me at my best and the tobacco at it's best. I've married on first impressions (granted I've been divorced twice now, but that's not the point). So, I'm trying this out in my favorite bent brandy becker let's call it a group 4 maybe 5 and in an hour or so let y'all know what I think. First third --- I like this, I'm going to partially agree with another reviewer that if you want a different English blend this is it. I'm not sure I'd sign my name to calling this an English blend at all, it tastes more like a stoved and fermented VA with a thing or two to help it burn cooler. I really don't taste a topping so I'm calling the sweetness just from the VA, but it might be a very well made topping too subtle to give off that chemical goopiness that keeps me from aromatics. Second third --- Same taste a little darker, earthier. Last third --- No variation, burns to fine gray ash no dottle, even more evidence this is unlikely cased, no goop, no dottle. If I were to compare this anything else, and I won't name drop, it's like a well cellared stoved broken flake Virginian. The taste hardly varies at all, but then again when you eat Crème Bulee you don't expect it to change halfway through into a snickers bar. I'm not sure if I will smoke this often or always need to have it on hand, but giving it less than three stars would be insulting; it's quality tobacco. It's possible I received an off tin or something, one with just the Virginians and Cavendish (though I don't really like Cavendish when I can taste it) I mean my review seems different.

I believe this is Solani's best offering.

This broken, very dark flake is incredible.

I have recently opened a 3 year old tin and spent exceptional moments smoking no 763.

You must try it!