Just For Him Shortcut To Mushrooms
(3.49)
This is the fourth blend in the Middle Earth Pipeweed Series! Rich, dark Latakia is blended with mushrooms straight from Farmer Maggot's field to produce a truly unique smooth, creamy, earthy smoke with a hint of sweetness.
Details
| Brand | Just For Him |
| Series | Middle Earth Pipeweed |
| Blended By | Bob Schafer |
| Manufactured By | |
| Blend Type | Aromatic |
| Contents | Black Cavendish, Latakia |
| Flavoring | Other / Misc |
| Cut | Ribbon |
| Packaging | Bulk |
| Country | United States |
| Production | No longer in production |
Profile
Strength
Mild to Medium
Extremely Mild -> Overwhelming
Flavoring
Mild to Medium
None Detected -> Extra Strong
Room Note
Pleasant
Unnoticeable -> Overwhelming
Taste
Medium
Extremely Mild (Flat) -> Overwhelming
Average Rating
|
3.49 / 4
|
Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 62 Reviews
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 20, 2014 | Mild to Medium | Extremely Mild | Medium to Full | Pleasant to Tolerable |
I've tried all of JustForHim's Middle Earth Pipeweed blends, and frankly, I find them all great. The very premise of a line of Tolkien-inspired tobacco blends strikes most as a bit of a kitschy novelty, but being a snob isn't worth it if it causes you to miss out on something great. Embracing your inner geek especially pays off with Shortcut to Mushrooms, which is pretty easily the best blend of the entire line. It has become a staple of my cellar, and one of my favorite blends.
The bag note is mouthwatering, and gives you some idea of what you have to look forward to: Some nice, smokey Latakia and some sort of vanilla casing. Virginias aren't mentioned in any descriptions I've read, but I swear I can see and smell hints of it. To say that this is a sweet, dark, and earthy blend would be a defensible summary. It wouldn't do the stuff justice, though, because so many flavors fade in and out, as though it were the handiwork of some Middle Earth wizard. The black cavendish and latakia paired with the casing play a lot of games together. At times, it's easy to understand where the name came from, because you'll taste something earthy and somewhat bitter, reminiscent of mushrooms. Sometimes you'll get a sweet and bitter taste reminiscent of coffee. In its finest moments, the flavor reminds me of kettle corn. A remarkable flavor, thick clouds of delicious white smoke, a room note that won't offend most, and an easy burn down to a fine, salt and pepper ash put Shortcut to Mushrooms on the very short list of aromatics I find enjoyable. It's a perfect companion for a nice, sunny day outside. I highly recommend this to aromatic smokers looking to branch out, or to people like me who don't mind the occasional vanilla aromatic, but would prefer not to feel as though they stuffed a cupcake into their bowl.
The bag note is mouthwatering, and gives you some idea of what you have to look forward to: Some nice, smokey Latakia and some sort of vanilla casing. Virginias aren't mentioned in any descriptions I've read, but I swear I can see and smell hints of it. To say that this is a sweet, dark, and earthy blend would be a defensible summary. It wouldn't do the stuff justice, though, because so many flavors fade in and out, as though it were the handiwork of some Middle Earth wizard. The black cavendish and latakia paired with the casing play a lot of games together. At times, it's easy to understand where the name came from, because you'll taste something earthy and somewhat bitter, reminiscent of mushrooms. Sometimes you'll get a sweet and bitter taste reminiscent of coffee. In its finest moments, the flavor reminds me of kettle corn. A remarkable flavor, thick clouds of delicious white smoke, a room note that won't offend most, and an easy burn down to a fine, salt and pepper ash put Shortcut to Mushrooms on the very short list of aromatics I find enjoyable. It's a perfect companion for a nice, sunny day outside. I highly recommend this to aromatic smokers looking to branch out, or to people like me who don't mind the occasional vanilla aromatic, but would prefer not to feel as though they stuffed a cupcake into their bowl.
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 25, 2013 | Mild | Mild | Medium to Full | Pleasant to Tolerable |
I very much enjoyed this. I like Latakia but was looking for something that wouldn't drive the women in my life away (wife and daughter). This fit the bill nicely. The room note started sweet but settled down toward a friendly campfire/earthy smell that we all found pleasant (since we like camping anyway). The taste is hard to describe: a bit of vanilla Latakia with earthy under tones, autumnish. I think the mushroom some are tasting is the background earthy/musty (but not unpleasant) note... And frankly mushrooms taste earthy musty. I suppose other blends that are earthy in taste, if called mushroom in the name, would get others to note it.
It did burn down to a white ash and it burned very cool with no tongue bite. So cool in fact that I decided to try and abuse it, myself, and the pipe. So I puffed two bowls of this really hard and fast and I could not get it to bite, not even nip, and it would only came up to a medium warm on my bowl... Fantastic! Since I do absent-mindedly find myself puffing away pretty hard.
This is well on the way of becoming the standard in my pipe.
It did burn down to a white ash and it burned very cool with no tongue bite. So cool in fact that I decided to try and abuse it, myself, and the pipe. So I puffed two bowls of this really hard and fast and I could not get it to bite, not even nip, and it would only came up to a medium warm on my bowl... Fantastic! Since I do absent-mindedly find myself puffing away pretty hard.
This is well on the way of becoming the standard in my pipe.
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Jun 25, 2014 | Mild to Medium | Mild | Medium | Pleasant |
Like many aromatics, rather damp when it first arrives, but well worth the wait to let it dry out a bit. This is an unusual aromatic, in a very good way. I find many aromatics to be lacking in flavour, most of the perceived flavour actually coming from the aroma, or from being very heavily cased. Whereas this tobacco has a phenomenal flavour... it literally tastes like a very high quality fresh wild mushroom soup, or even sautéed mushrooms of the kind you'd put atop a piece of steak. Not so surprising because it actually has bits of mushrooms in it. It is an aromatic for those who prefer something more earthy and meaty than saccharine sweet. I could smoke this every day. It does not bite, even with some vigorous pulling. Especially through my churchwarden the smoke stays very cool. (I didn't actually intend on using the churchwarden because of the whole Lord of the Rings reference thing... it was more based on what I expected from the tobacco.) Another unusual quality to it as an aromatic is that it has a decent amount of nicotine, a very pleasant strength, akin to that of Cornell and Diehl Autumn Evening. A few friends of mine who have tried it now smoke this almost exclusively. I have certainly gone through well over a pound and will continue to keep it in my rotation.
Pipe Used:
Stanwell Hans Christian Andersen
PurchasedFrom:
Just for Him website
Age When Smoked:
new
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Jun 20, 2013 | Medium | Medium | Medium | Pleasant |
If there could only be one, this would be it. It satisfies the English craving with a side note of an aromatic. Such great liturgical, contemplative overtones (there are those who understand), and a room note that has everyone's attention and approval. So far I have dedicated two Stanwells and a Peterson to this wonderful blend. Order plenty.
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Feb 24, 2019 | Mild | Mild to Medium | Medium | Very Pleasant |
So let me start like this...I live in Germany and I traded a few Germains tobacco with a guy down in Chicago. He sent me a generous sample of this out this world baccy with the C&D's and some GL Pease tins ! Me as a latakia lover fell in love instantly cause this delivered my craving for latakia and added a sweetness to satisfy my sweet tooth too! This tobacco unites an aromatic with latakia in a really special way. The taste is out of this world! Period!!! Now I got a serious problem! It is easier to find 500 bucks under a rock while taking out your dog for a walk than finding this baccy in Europe and secondly it's been discontinued! So if you read this desperate message go ahead and DM me on insta (@the_cigar_parloir) if you are in for a intercontinental trade!
Pipe Used:
Cobs, yellow bole, briars
PurchasedFrom:
Traded on Instagram
Age When Smoked:
Unknown
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Sep 12, 2017 | Medium to Strong | Medium to Strong | Full | Very Pleasant |
Great tobacco, room note is extremely pleasant, taste is very unique it's damp on first arrival (letting it sit out wouldn't hurt) the Latakia is very subtle but defiantly there. The black cavendish adds a mild sweetness and the topping is very mushroomy it taste like carmelized smoked mushrooms is the best way I can describe it. Even the wifey tried it! After your done smoking it leaves the room smelling like smoked mushrooms. It Burns evenly and leaves no dross in the bowl. Quality tobacco. Highly recommended.
Pipe Used:
Missouri meerschaum ozark trail hardwood
PurchasedFrom:
Justforhim.com
Age When Smoked:
One week
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Jul 25, 2018 | Mild to Medium | Medium | Medium to Full | Pleasant |
I must say, this is my all time favorite blend -Ever. The sweet notes of black cavendish play well with the latakia in a perfect harmony. It is almost as if Frog Morton found his mushrooms. I puff faster than most, but this blend has never bitten me once. In addition to the perfect meld of black cavendish to latakia you taste the mushrooms. It isn't an overpowering flavor and I can only really taste the mushrooms when I push the smoke through my nostrils. Absolutely delicious! I've tried all the middle earth series and like most other reviews Shortcut to Mushrooms is my favorite. I have been aging this tobacco since 2014 and it only gets better with Age. I've purchased SEVERAL pounds for my cellar. Shortcut to Mushrooms is not only an All Day Smoke- It is an All Day Everyday Smoke. Hats off to Just For Him, Hats Off.
Pipe Used:
Vauen Auenland Hugg, Erik Nording Freehand
PurchasedFrom:
Just For Him
Age When Smoked:
Fresh, and Aged 4 years
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Feb 16, 2014 | Mild | Mild to Medium | Medium to Full | Very Pleasant |
At first smoke I was very surprised with this blend. Not too strong latakia, but still very tasty. Overall, tobacco is not very strong and is really easy to smoke. Room note is excellent, got my few friends trying out pipe smoking only because of the smell. P.S. my recommendation is to be patient and leave tobacco be for a few days.
PurchasedFrom:
Just for him, online
Age When Smoked:
As soon as package arrived
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Jan 19, 2014 | Medium | Mild to Medium | Full | Very Pleasant |
I will be honest and say that my initial interest in this blend was based in my interesting in Tolkien's Middle Earth. And yes, I was anticipating a calm, retrospective nostalgia as I smoked this in my all-wooden Churchwarden.
I expected a pretty good tobacco, suspecting that the raving reviews were from those whose opinion of the tobacco were sourced more in the name of the blend rather than the blend itself. But from the very first puff, I knew that this blend wasn't fooling around. It's simply damned good.
The thick Latakia smokiness, while in the foreground of the taste, accentuates the sweet Cavendish. I eat a lot of mushrooms, and I can taste a hint of mushrooms, for sure. (Note: if the only mushroom you've had is a baby bella on a pizza, it won't be reminiscent. But if you've had wilder mushroom, like shitake or sulfer-shelf, or even a smoked bello cap, you'll definitely recognize the flavor.) I can't tell if it's just the interesting combination of Cavendish and Latakia, but I do taste a hint of some berry. Can't quite put my finger on it.
I initially was expecting a pretty good smoke in my churchwarden. Instead, I experienced a deeply meditative flavor in a pipe built for relaxation, while reading a bit of Emerson's poetry. And a gentle niccy-buzz.
This blend will be in my collection until they stop making it.
I expected a pretty good tobacco, suspecting that the raving reviews were from those whose opinion of the tobacco were sourced more in the name of the blend rather than the blend itself. But from the very first puff, I knew that this blend wasn't fooling around. It's simply damned good.
The thick Latakia smokiness, while in the foreground of the taste, accentuates the sweet Cavendish. I eat a lot of mushrooms, and I can taste a hint of mushrooms, for sure. (Note: if the only mushroom you've had is a baby bella on a pizza, it won't be reminiscent. But if you've had wilder mushroom, like shitake or sulfer-shelf, or even a smoked bello cap, you'll definitely recognize the flavor.) I can't tell if it's just the interesting combination of Cavendish and Latakia, but I do taste a hint of some berry. Can't quite put my finger on it.
I initially was expecting a pretty good smoke in my churchwarden. Instead, I experienced a deeply meditative flavor in a pipe built for relaxation, while reading a bit of Emerson's poetry. And a gentle niccy-buzz.
This blend will be in my collection until they stop making it.
Pipe Used:
Flogglewerks Churchwarden -- Hobbit Hole Pipe
PurchasedFrom:
Just For Him Online
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Jan 03, 2009 | Very Mild | Mild | Medium | Pleasant |
I am smoking this in my Jansan as I type and my feeling is WOW! This is a great tasting blend and the least tongue bite of any Latakia English type tobacco I have ever had. It is simply delicious with just touch of sweetness and the great smoky taste of Latakia. Has an unusual slightly sour tang to the palate, which is a good thing with this blend. Smells a little sour in the pouch as well and I love the room note though not sure my wife will. I had to relight one time right out of the pouch on the day I recieved it. This could easily become one of my staples. I don't get the mushroom taste or the butter taste mentioned by others but it is rich and creamy without kocking your palate all to hell like some of the heavy Latakia blends.And as usual, the folks at Just for Him were great to work with and this is a well done smoke. I highly recommend all to try this, I may go up a star if it keeps performing for me.
Edit on Jan 17th 2011 This blend is so consistantly good that I am raising it to a four star blend. It performs wonderfully and I alway enjoy it!
Edit on Jan 17th 2011 This blend is so consistantly good that I am raising it to a four star blend. It performs wonderfully and I alway enjoy it!
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