Hearth & Home Larry's Blend

This is what PS Balkan Supreme aspires to be when it grows up ...

I've generally been disappointed with Hearth and Home blends, especially in comparison with similar offerings from other blenders. It not that these are bad mixtures, by any means -- they just don't agree with me. In any case, Larry's Blend is the big exception.

This is a very nice Balkan, one that manages to capture what is best about both Odyssey and Abingdon yet costs far less. It's sweet, powerful, and keeps the latakia at the forefront (where it should be). It burns well, cool, and has little or no bite. It does lack complexity, and instead of the shifting high notes and spices that grace similar mixtures by GL Pease this blend has a sustained "buttery" flavor. This is far better than most blends that are labeled "balkans," and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this to anyone who appreciates -- or wants to appreciate -- this kind of mixture. One caveat: Larry's Blend seems very young when shipped, and I aged this batch for a year before smoking.

Larry’s blend is a mellow and smooth smoke that should be enjoyed by any fan of Latakia and Orientals. When I first pop the lid off of a fresh tin of Larry’s Blend, I am greeted by the smoky Latakia, and crisp floral like Oriental tobaccos, although the aroma is much lighter than a lot of Latakia blends which is rather surprising. The tobacco is of high quality although I did find a few twiggy or woody bits in the tin. The cut is for the most part a uniform medium width ribbon which I suspect to be the lighter Orientals, mixed with a shorter cut of dark Latakia. Moisture level of the tobacco was spot on perfect, although a few friends complained that it was too dry for their liking. I had to disagree with them as the slow burning Latakia needs to be more on the dry side in order to get a better burn characteristic from the tobacco. Due to the cut and moisture level, the tobacco was easy to load into the bowl, and took a light with minimal effort. At first light, the taste is creamy and smoky like that of a campfire, yet surprisingly crisp, with none of the flavors seeming to be muddied or lost. The Orientals provide a soapy, floral, clean taste to the blend that remains through to the end of the smoke. The Latakia is never overpowering and never steals the show so to speak which is often the case with Balkan blends. The tobaccos just seem to balance each other out perfectly here. I find that the blend is slightly reminiscent of WhiteKnight, although it is a bit milder, a bit creamier. Burn characteristics were perfect, and there were no relights needed to get from the top of the bowl down to the bottom. The tobacco burned down to a fine white ash that made for easy cleaning of the pipe once the bowl had been emptied. As for the room note, those around me made mention that the room smelled like there had been a nice hardwood fire going in the fireplace, so I take that to mean that it was pleasant to tolerable. Overall, I was very satisfied with Larry’s Blend and will purchase more in the future. I would recommend this to anyone that enjoys mild to medium English blends and those that enjoy mild Balkan blends.

(Original review, see revised below)-Weird, that's what I think of this one. Upon lighting, I got a strong taste of MOLD ???? So much so, I wrote Pipes & Cigar's, Russ Ouellette, to ask if he had a problem. Russ graciously wrote back explaining that it is the high quantity of Smyrna leaf used that gave me that taste. He recommended trying Armada, which is around the same strength, but with different Orientals which are brighter in flavor.

Updated 9/14, Just tried a tin of McCellands Grand Orientals: Smyrna No.1, I love it and no mold!!!!

Updated 9/17/11, Had to try LB again after trying the McC's Smyrna #1, Yes, I get it now, the oriental Smyrna is really out front and as long as I don't THINK, "mold" , it is great, earthy. I think the description threw me off, I don't find the Latakia or Virginia that strong in comparison to the Orientals , Oriental is totally out front, sweet provolone cheeze. I also find this very similar in taste ( same Orientals) to C&D "Orient Express", but smoother. I believe the Perique in "OE" gives it a little nip ,but it also is slightly more flavorful than Larry's blend.I really feel that Ten to Midnight has more Latakia,unlike the description indicates. I really have to bump this to 3 stars.

PS Wife hates the smell,I'll make this a regular !

2/28/13- I had some "Black House" yesterday and I find the two very similar. BH might have more Latakia and flavor but it doesn't burn as well as LB, I also tried "Ambassador's blend" and I like that better than LB. It has the same flavor but the Smyrna is toned down some.

What a lat bomb.

If you are looking for the lat fix that so many people seem to crave, look no further. Huge wallop of in your face lat from the tin note, and on the char light is smells like you are beside a campfire.

Then, the background warms up, and there is a wonderful creamy fullness about the smoke. Its still big and loud, but soft around the edges. It needs no work or help, it delivers trayloads of goodness with hardly any draw, and gets bigger and louder as it goes on.

I don't get much from the accompanying band. The other elements seem to be there to smooth out the lat and give a bit of background noise, but as lat bombs go its a lot smoother, more complex and satisfying than most.

Good price too.

Winner.

I have been craving Quiet Nights the last couple of weeks as i ran out . I found a jar of this and it filled that void quite nicely. Not as pungent as QN . Larry’s blend is a heavy lat and oriental mix with Virginias in the background. Buttery , creamy and rich smoothness .Smokey wood , a good sourness and a little salty. Floral and just a tad bit of sweetness . A little bit of incense in the air smoking outdoors . Not as good as QN but close . Only complaint is a lot of Latakia crumbs in the bottom of bag . (Shake ) .

I can't say that is within my top 5 English/Balkan blends but very close. I will buy again and have some aging. All tobaccos are noticeable at various levels of the bowl, makes just interesting enough to enjoy over and over again. I would say a mild to medium in strength and taste, very pleasant to the palate and never a tongue bite .

I prefer a 320 bowl to experience the range of favors coming together, smoke slow and easy to get full effect.

Yummy with more complexity than most Latakia blends. This is a really good english blend, for a great price buying it in bulk. Packs, lights, and smokes very well. Latakia is very straight forward with enough added to give it more complexity than others. According to the wife (who rates the room note because she puts up with it), it is tolerable. The only reason I gave it three stars vs. four...is because I do think there are a few others (Dunhill blends) that are a bit tastier. Otherwise, if you enjoy a mouth full of flavor, do NOT hesitate to try this good blend.

Very good blend. Full of spicy latakia and that is a good thing for me. This was sent to me as a sample from pipes and cigars with an order. I plan to order more soon.

Strong but smooth with character. As long as you don't rush it there are no bite problems. And unlike some other blends in this series this one burns cool enough for me.

It’s a good Balkan. It’s kind of mild, but flavorful. Definitely oriental forward and light on the Latakia. If Balkan’s your thing, this’d make a great morning edition.