Sutliff Tobacco Company Apple #208

I was sent this blend as a sample. I would never have bought an "apple blend" but as I have it I thought I would see how it smoked. I expected a sickly sweet and tart tobacco. It was a shag cut with mottled colors running from light to dark, and was not as wet as a lot of Altadis blends, which was a good sign. It packed well into my pipe with no stickiness at all on my fingers. It lit and stayed lit all the way down to the bottom of my pipe, leaving no goop at the bottom and it never created a gurgle like a lot of aromatics do. I was awarded with a very nice mellow smoke, very burley which I like, and a very pleasant room aroma. Aroma and taste never did reveal apple however. Just a good, clean, pleasant smoke. I really do not know where to rate this. It is a good smoke and I will finish the pouch as I received a good pipe experience and enjoyed it. A lot of pluses here really in this type of blend. But, as I did not get apple at all, I can't rate it too high as it does not live up to it's name and therefore let many down if they want apple taste. So I am giving it a two star, but really it's a nice smoke and people ought to give it a try if they are burley smokers.

Sutliff Tobacco Co. - Apple #208.

First things first, it's not a shag (as currently described). It's actually coarse cut. Sadly it arrived virtually wet, it was properly sodden. The last apple aromatic I recollect having was Solani 127 Green, and that only got two stars, but I find this a little better. Better, after a LONG airing!

The apple is a notable flavouring in the smoke, albeit not as strong as in the Solani. It gives an identifiable character, without taking over. The Cavendish adds extra sweetness, and smoothes the taste. It tends to burn too warm, but I find little problem with the speed.

Nicotine: mild. Room-note: nice enough, I suppose.

I don't find the flavour bad, but I can't deny there's one or two mechanical issues:

Somewhat recommended.

I remember in the 70s being a tin of "Apple" that was greenish, with a burgundy label, maybe a cream colored lid. It's just been too long to be clear. I do remember it having a considerable apple tin odor, and noticeable apple odor to the room note. Although honestly, I never smoked that blend so I can't comment to flavor. I assumed though that the basic same tobacco was what I was ordering. It evidently wasn't. For this Sutliff Apple, I have to agree with others that this is in NO means the apple that I would expect. Not like Middleton Cherry is cherry, or Super Value Peach is peach, for example. Its more like 'Walnut' tasting like Walnuts. Of course it doesn't. Who knows, maybe they were trying to copy "Apple" plug chaw. I chewed that in the 80s and I assure you it didn't taste like apple either. There is a faint odor of apple in the bag. I would believe this was an attempt to capture the codger method of adding a slice of apple to their tin of C.Hall, Granger, etc. on occasion. I will add that it burned smoothly and evenly. Actually, even though it turned out this wasn't the jolly rancher apple-riffic explosion I kinda braced myself for, I actually liked the smoke. It was definitely enjoyable. It also, passed the nose test of my mizzeruz, who basically just has a "pass/fail" system. She did say "that smells like a nice tobacco", when I lit up, which is about all you can hope for. If you're gonna give it a try, just order 1 or 2 ounces.

Let’s face it, as humans our common reaction to an experienced pleasure is not mere satisfaction, rather it is an insatiable craving for more slices from the very pie that delighted us in the first place. For some reason I’ve been Jones-ing for some old sweet aromatic favorites from yesteryear. Not sure why because I’m really an English and Burley patron truth be known. However, I was a LONG running smoker of Middleton’s Apple blend. Unfortunately, you can’t get it nowadays. So, I bought a sample ounce of Sutliff’s Apple from P&C just to see if it had game. The reviews were mixed frankly, good on P&C, not so good on TR.

This coarse cut mixture of assorted Burley and Cavendish splashed with apple flavoring offers a light-hearted run. The nose fragrance is vague sugary note of typical Cavendish that seems reminiscent of an apple but nothing too substantial. Underneath this muted scent is the woody cigarette-like smell of Burley. Nonetheless, it is very attractive looking specimen consisting of warm hues of rich brown-black tobaccos; very dense in mass.

The additives ride herd on the overall taste; gentle and moderate in tone. Essentially one gets the subtle taste of tart-sweet apple equivalent to a Jonathon varietal if I were to speculate. There is a consistent brown sugar accent and just a fleeting hint of cinnamon as well. The base note presents itself as caramel-nutty Cavendish. A distinguishable taste of Burley is nowhere to be found in the registration.

The room note is personified is light tart smell of baked apples (small ones at that). Slow sip this mix as tongue bite will definitely spoil your day.

Mild in taste/strength and medium body is the conclusion. Sutllff’s is nowhere close to my old favorite. As the benchmark standard, Middleton’s essence of apple was glorious by comparison. If you know a better apple blends, then please share the love. If not, Middleton appears to be a ghost from the past at this point, rats! For all the aromatic fans, this mellow smoke might tickle your fancy for a fruity delight all the same