Hearth & Home Old Tartan

I don't think I've had a tobacco I've vacillated on more than this, but it has grown on me consistently over time. Some reviewers have detected perique, but I don't, nor is there any in the manufacturer's description. However, it might make a great addition, as my main complaint is a lack of complexity.

This is an easy smoke, but personally I'd prefer more punch. Recently, I was informed via Pipes & Cigars (I think) that this blend no longer contains deer tongue, but a close substitute, which is perhaps why I've not enjoyed it more. While I've not studied the room note enough, I think it tastes like potpourri should smoke. Finishes in a vacant way with barely any dottle. Two stars.

UPDATE My vacillation continues. Having smoked this several more times I find two stars to be too high. Just not enough notable going on here. One Star.

A blend I was very interested in for a while. I was actually suprised how mellow and mild it was. The flavors weren't out of control, but it was still a good complex smoke.

Burns even and another recommended.

Really unique blend. Tin note is mostly anise/black licorice; there's a nutty banana bread hiding behind them and faint honey-like smell from the deer tongue. (I sometimes stick my nose in the tin for a little pick me up.) Crazy mix of cuts (shag plus cubes??) and nice range of colors.

Packs and lights well. (Another reviewer's suggestion to pack a bowl and leave it for several days is interesting; will have to try that.)

This is one of the few blends I've tried where the smoke smells and tastes a lot like the tin note. The room note is incredible. (But I enjoy smelling of campfires and burning tobacco, so what the hell do I know?)

The burley, cavendish and latakia play in a way that almost tastes like a spicy oriental at first, go figure. That soon gave way to the nicotine-laden burley, with a taste that reminded me of baking bread and hot cocoa.

The deer tongue is dancing on top almost the entire time. Try to imagine standing outside a bakery that's cooking something chocolate while you're chewing on a mouthful of black licorice. The deer tongue adds another dimension to the aftertaste and tongue coating that isn't entirely pleasant. But like everything else about this blend, it's different.

It's not for everybody, and as with any burley-based blend, it can start to go sour the longer it's heated up. But Russ has done a masterful job with this one, imo. I'd give it 3.5 stars if I could.

3/4/2014 - The more I get to know this blend, the more I like it. Upping to four stars. This is really good stuff.

If you have wished for someone to package the smell of an old tobacco shop, wish no more, here it is! 'Nuff said.

This is one of the most unique blends I have ever tried. The deertongue stands out - in the tin, in the nose, and in the mouth! I've only smoked a few bowls of this, one in a meerschaum, one in a corn cob (Missouri meerschaum, of course), and one in my Peterson bulldog. It was a little dry, so I rehydrated it. It still tastes about the same: somewhat smoky, slightly nutty and buttery from the Burley, and the deertongue is present from start to finish. It is hard to describe the deertongue; it would be like trying to describe the taste of chicken: it has its own flavor. Once I get through my tin, I'll add a further note. As of right now, I'm enjoying this blend.

5/3/11 Here is my additional note. I still like this blend, though the reaction from others has been somewhat negative regarding the room note. I have smoked this while drinking a good beer and for some reason, unlike most other English blends, it was not a good combination. However, when I smoked it with a cup of good English tea, it proved an excellent combination. It is a good smoke and has smoked well in all of my pipes. This is one to be enjoyed in private, or in the company of other smokers who do not mind the stronger traditional blends.

This one is rather bland for me. It does not really do much for me personally. It lights easily enough and stays lit. It does produce a decent amount of smoke and burns down to a nice ash at the bottom of the bowl. But just not might cup of tea. I'll finish up the sample I have, but won't be ordering it.

To be brief: this half the amount of deertongue, this would be my favorite burley mixture. Excellent tobaccos, great smoke. Just a bit too overflavored.

Still recommended.

This blend is very mild in taste, the presence of Latakia is nearly imperceptible, even visually bag received the Latakia is not seen. Burn very smooth, it leaves a very slight aftertaste of hazelnut. As the first morning smoke, especially in my opinion, with a warm climate, is a good option. But I do not know if I buy it again.

At first light this tobacco seemed odd, different. It was very dry out of the bag and that worried me. After I packed it into my Peterson and gave it a light it seemed tasteless at first. i went lightly on it at first due to it being so dry. After a few puffs I was greeted with a lovely aroma and an off sweet taste. The smoke billowed from my pipe and it became a very nice experience. One I didn't expect.

I have been smoking a pipe less then a year, but I feel I have been able to try lots of different tobaccos. This one was a nice surprise. I will keep it around for when I am looking for that something different.

It is very, very, nice.

Note: Significant other thinks the room note does not smell as nicely as many of my other tobaccos.