J. F. Germain & Son Germain's Mixture No.7

Mulled wine and chocolate. It is indeed a Planta-made mixture, which is more an OTC blend than something legendary. I never tried the original (so the pre-Planta version), but considering the price and the smoking qualities of this tobacco, it is a recommended blend - I had smoked much worse blends (not that this should be a measure). The No.7 is not an all-day/everyday smoke, because it's taste profile is very special and different. It is the quickest smoking mixture I ever had, so if you prefer quick smokes you should give it a try. It was also very easy to smoke, needed no attention at all, and it left an acceptable room note. 2.5 of 5 stars for the mixture per se, and add a half star for its price.

I am not an aromatics man, but this blend is borderline and while it's a little too light for a rich evening smoke, it makes for a lovely daytime and summer smoke. With just the right moisture content it smolders away at just the right rate. I really enjoy the subtle dried fruit taste I get from this and the slight special sweet/spicy/musty nose I get from the bowl when a good blend like this burns slowly.

I've been curious about this blend for quite some time. My regular all day (aromatic) smoke is Mac Baren Mixture and I noted Dry11's comments that this was comparable. On this basis I bought a 50g pouch to try and can confirm this.

To smoke it is very similar in flavour to MB Mixture but much smoother and dare I say, tastier. It burns evenly down to a grey powder. It has much more of a honey smell in the pouch and this does translate into the flavour. Very easy going as an all day smoke.

For fans of Mac Baren Mixture that don't like the bite that some associate with their products this can be recommended. Also recommended in it's own right as a good quality 'non sticky' aromatic smoke.

I'm impressed with this one and will probably get more. I've been smoking it in the same pipes that I use for MB Mixture (Falcon filters) and found no problems with crossover.

One surprise is that given this tobacco is manufactured in Jersey it cannot be found in the UK. I got mine from Germany.

My tobacconist told me this bakkie was the number 1 seller in Germany.

For Schnapps drinkers, this tobacco is quite mild. Golden for the most part, very few dark leaves, loose cut.

Bland, boring. Nice quality though. For the lightly aromatic lover who prefers mild blends.

I'll stick to the Schnapps.

I cannot say that I was overwhelmed by any of its qualities. However, I kept reaching for the pouch again and again. Overall, I prefered the experience to my so far steady mate, MacBarren Mixture - Scottish Blend.

The aroma is intriguing - people around find it aggreeable. My pipe never got hot and when the smoke was over, some fine gray ash was left behind. No goopy residues, no need for re-light no..,no... etc.

Why not 4 stars? Mostly because I did not get the one great smoke that I craved for and because it lacks personality.

Like all Germains, this is a tobacco to be reckoned with. Whether or not you like this type of taste, like Islay malt, it's distinguished, and once you taste that smoky, almost medicinal quality ala Bowmore or Lagavulin, you never forget it. This is a beautiful, speckled, moist ribbon cut of blacks and golds in the tin. It's probably several types of Virginia with just the right amount of sweetness. It's briny like 1820 or King Charles with a bit of honey, heathery texture, as noted in the distinguished gentleman's review. I also agree that if you pack a bowl, smoke it right away. Do not apply DGT, as this stuff burns hot on the tongue the next day and you will be nipped for anything else you try to smoke. Also, avoid Listerene. Ouch!!! I much prefer the Royal Jersey Latakia blend, but I might partake of this every now and again. Hey, distinguished gentlemen, can I bum a bowl off ya?

Three of five stars