Jack's Tobacco Mongrel Dog

Objective: This was a gift from a dear friend who had some of this from a 2008 lot. Perfect smoking moisture. Packed, lit and smoked as well as any tobacco I have yet to encounter.

Subjective: This was a wonderful Balkan/English. Quite mild, but delightful in its nuance. I was able to enjoy all the separate elements and also as they joined into one, outstanding! This is one of the nicest smokes I have enjoyed in quite a while. Nutty, musty, smokey, slightly salty, just done so well.

This mongrel dog would have found a home but unfortunately it is no longer in production. My thanks to Joe Harb for being my friend firstly and secondly being the kind, generous soul he is. I got some of this about 4 years ago and have been miserly with it. This is a little perique heavy, but I love it as a shock to the system...it truly satisfies. The latakia, orientals and vas are in perfect harmony and the perique just shows you who is boss...lol. This packs well, lights well and yields a great volume of smoke. I find myself bowing to a master of blending and thank the kennel of JH for this excellent blend. HMLJHMFMSA

Mongrel Dog is a blend that is unmistakably from Jack's. I have found that the balance and overall smoothness of their blends is somewhat of a trademark. A lot of work obviously goes into each blend.

Mongrel Dog isn't a powerhouse blend like Pirate Kake or Penzance, but it isn't something that lacks flavor either.

No one leaf really dominates the blend, and this trait is even more evident when it is smoked in a narrow bowl, such as a Stanwell #64. In fact, in this pipe, you get much more definition of flavors as the focus moves from one blend to another. Perique can be overdone quite easily, especially with Syrian Latakia in the blend, but the Dog keeps a nice level of subtly spicy flavor throughout. The Virginia tends to stay in a more supporting role, just adding a bit of sweetness to the smoky/spicy overall taste.

For those days when I don't want a heavy Latakia blend, the Dog will do nicely. I only wish it was more readily available, but with the recent demise of the Syrian leaf, it looks like it will be a while before we see any more of it floating around.

Kirk is right. This is another masterpiece from Jack's. Mongrel has perhaps the best balance of perique and Syrian I've every found. In fact, if you've never had perique, but are familiar with traditional English blends, this a good blend to start out with perique experimentation.

The Mongrel is superb in that the perique is apparent, but not allowed to take over. Other blenders should take note of this possibility. Most perique blends are overwhelming and smokers either hate them or love them. This is like having the perfect amount of tobasco on your eggs.

Even with the perique, this is still a wonderful Syrian blend. Great natural sweetness and more smooth than mild, the Mongrel has a wonderful finish.

Mongrel Dog. April 2004. Mongrel Dog is very easy to light & maintain.Requiring only one match. No need,to let this blend dry a little before lighting. When first puffing I am aware of the latakia, then the turkish kicked in to announce its presence,followed by the virginia and perique. Nothing nasty hidden here,straight forward and steady as she goes. Each tobacco is individually tasted as you smoke your way down the bowl. The latakia remains in the background and does not overtake the perique,turkish or virginia throughout the bowl.The perique is just right,to add a suttle spicy pepper taste,but not over done in anyway. No goo here at all,pipe is left nice and dry for a change at the finish. Tobacco burns down leaving a nice clean white grey ash. This is a most enjoyable change and well worth a try.