Tinder Box Philosopher Blend

Back when I got my first pipe or two, this was my first foray into anything English. I remember liking the fact that it didn't give me as much tongue bite as the aromatics that I'd started with. But, as time goes on, and you get introduced to the real quality English blends, this is just revealed for what it is - a light, monochromatic English blend. Oriental means a dash of latakia, and the Virginias are okay, but not stellar. It is what it is, folks, a reasonable English bulk product. There is a noticable, albeit mild, casing, and like most Lane bulk tobaccos, too much PG. The best I can do for this one is to somewhat recommend it. If money is a real issue, then this might be good for you. But frankly, if that were my situation, I'd smoke a lot less, and make it count, with one of the Frogs, Odyssey, or even Penzance.

I opened the bag and smelled Latakia I packed the pipe and had good feelings, but to no avail. Once lit it was a pale one dimensional light English blend. I tried it again in a meerschaum but it still did not impress. I can see no reason to revisit this tobacco again.

I found this blend a little to light for me. While I could taste the blend there wasn't alot there, or perhaps I just felt like the smoke itself was not "thick" enough. it may have been to moist, or it may have an additive of some kind on it because it left a waxy feeling on my tongue. just not enough "there" there for me.

Pretty decent for a Lane bulk English. Reminds me of Dunhill Early Morning. My only issue: too much moisture or PG right from the tobacconist's jar. It dried out, but not quite as much as it should have - indicative of PG. Aside from that; good, rich, mild / medium bodied oriental taste with nominal spiciness.

I tried this back in the early 80s thinking that it might but me in a better frame of mind to understand the writings of Bertrand Russell (a philosopher who also smoked a pipe) - but alas, didn't really help. I always wanted to like this more than I did so in 2015 while visiting a Tinder Box on a road trip I tried it once again. My pouch came rather moist and being on the road I didn't have the ability to dry it as I might have liked. Simply loaded the bowl and waited an hour before lighting.

I do not share the view that TB's Latakia blends are their strong point. So many better choices in my opinion. But, if intended as an introduction to English blends this is innocuous enough, and once the moisture issue is dealt with it has a legitimate sense of internal harmony, so I'd say it deserves three stars.

This is the blend that introduced me to the English genre, as recommended by the now shuttered Tinder Box flagship store. I have fond memories of this blend, and I rarely smoked anything else for a long time. However, once I expanded my palette I discovered there are better English blends. This blend is still perfectly fine, and an ideal choice for beginners since it is on the milder side. It has a pleasant room note that doesn’t linger for very long. I recall friends being surprised that I smoked inside as this blend is undetectable after opening the windows for a couple hours.

While I doubt I will return to this blend anytime soon, it holds a special place in my heart. Final verdict 3/4

Years ago, when I was but a young new pipe smoker I tried this blend. I remember the scent and taste of pine and not any sweetness. The blend was very woody, smokey, and fragrant. I remember enjoying it quite a bit, but was something new to my nose and taste buds. Based upon my initial impression, it doesn't remind me of any other english blend I have ever smoked. I'll have to try it again at some point to confirm my original impressions. For now I'll leave it at 2 stars.

Pretty much delivers as stated. Not a powerhouse, but not intended as such. Spiciness noted on the retrohale. Needs a little attention, but did not dry before loading. Solid 3*.

* I've just taken up the pipe, so by all means lend little credence to my humble reviews. At the moment, I'm simply using this very fine website as a sort of dossier.

Visually dark with a robust scent out of the bag --- unfortunately, it doesn't translate well to the pipe. Philosopher seems one dimensional, and is surprisingly weak and un-rounded. Not that I mind mild tobaccos, its just that I was looking for something full and that is exactly how the employee at the TB represented it. In fact, he warned that I should only fire it up after a hearty meal. The threat was definitely unwarranted.

I "somewhat recommend" because it is rather inexpensive and certainly tolerable. Being a rather broke law student, both are important considerations.