Hearth & Home Virginia Spice
(3.21)
Virginia, perique, and cigar leaf. For the pipe smoker who really enjoys the clean, sweet spiciness of a mixture of matured Virginias, but who wants something a little different. The difference comes from the use of cool smoking perique for a bit of plum and pepper, with cigar leaf added for a hint of round richness.
Details
| Brand | Hearth & Home |
| Series | Signature Series |
| Blended By | Russ Ouellette |
| Manufactured By | Sutliff Tobacco Company |
| Blend Type | Other |
| Contents | Cigar Leaf, Perique, Virginia |
| Flavoring | |
| Cut | Coarse Cut |
| Packaging | 1.5 ounce tin, bulk |
| Country | United States |
| Production | Currently available |
Profile
Strength
Medium
Extremely Mild -> Overwhelming
Flavoring
None Detected
None Detected -> Extra Strong
Room Note
Pleasant to Tolerable
Unnoticeable -> Overwhelming
Taste
Medium to Full
Extremely Mild (Flat) -> Overwhelming
Average Rating
|
3.21 / 4
|
Reviews
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Displaying 31 - 40 of 47 Reviews
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Feb 13, 2006 | Strong | None Detected | Overwhelming | Tolerable |
A friend of mine who regularly reviews here firmly believes that if there are certain types of tobacco or blending styles you don't like or that are not your taste, i.e., latakia, perique, krumble kake, etc., you shouldn't review them. I tend to agree with that opinion. The same can apply to food. If you don't like steak or Baked Alaska, don't pan a steakhouse for serving them! After all, if you really hate a certain type of tobacco, why bother reviewing, let alone trying it in the first place? In any case, the only reason I am reviewing Virginia Spice is to affirm to myself once and for all as well as to others the following: if you have an allergic reaction to Virginia/Perique blends, DO NOT smoke this! If this tobacco did anything, it proved beyond the shadow of a doubt that I should not be smoking VA/PQs, and that my other unpleasant experiences with Elizabethan and Haddo's Delight were not just my imagination. This and Canadian Plug literally make me gag and choke while causing my eyes to water. This is probably quality stuff for people who can handle it, but if you can't, stay away! I think there might be some McClelland rubbed out matured Virginia flake based on the intial sweetness just prior to gagging. Too bad I can't smoke this, as I absolutely love Mr. Ouelette's wonderful Old Tartan and Count Pulaski, now part of my staple rotation.
One of five very teary-eyed, highly subjective stars
One of five very teary-eyed, highly subjective stars
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Feb 09, 2006 | Medium to Strong | Extremely Mild | Medium to Full | Pleasant |
I do not like Virginia,Perique,or Cigar blends! I really do however like "Virginia Spice". This is the best Va/P blend i think I have ever tasted.It is as complex as Haddo's Delight but without all the confusion associated with that blend. Upon opening the bag,one is greeted by a natural sweet tobacco aroma unlike any other.The cigar cannot be detected by the nose at all. At first light ,it is pure Virginia. It is actually a little astringent.After about 1 minute of gentle puffing the blend settles down into a really unique smoking experience. I believe there is a portion of lightly cased black cavendish here that gives this a little extra sweetness.The Perique is applied with a very gentle hand as is the cigar leaf. All three components seem to blend together in forming a slightly rough yet creamy smoke. The taste of all the components meld into a raisin - like plum pudding flavor. This will be appreciated by fans of Kingfisher or Haddo's Delight. This is not a blend for the Three Nuns or Elizabethan crowd. This is a wonderful change of pace for both aromatic and English smokers. I think this is one of those blends like Old Tartan that everyone should try. Please do not compare it to an English or aromatic tabac. It has a taste entirely unto itself. When you order from P&C get an ounce.I think you'll enjoy it.
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Nov 15, 2005 | Medium | Medium | Medium to Full | Pleasant to Tolerable |
This is one of the better Virginia/Perique blends I've smoked.
The medium matured Virginias dominate the smoke but do not overwhelm the other tobaccos. Perique has been applied lightly and is noticeable but never overshadows the sweetness of the Virginias. The cigar leaf is also applied lightly and is noticed more in the taste than in the aroma, but it adds a richness and reinforces the creaminess of the Virginias. I detected no toppings.
It's easily my favorite of Russ Ouellette's blends, although I like several.
The medium matured Virginias dominate the smoke but do not overwhelm the other tobaccos. Perique has been applied lightly and is noticeable but never overshadows the sweetness of the Virginias. The cigar leaf is also applied lightly and is noticed more in the taste than in the aroma, but it adds a richness and reinforces the creaminess of the Virginias. I detected no toppings.
It's easily my favorite of Russ Ouellette's blends, although I like several.
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Sep 15, 2005 | Medium to Strong | Medium to Strong | Very Full | Pleasant to Tolerable |
Virginia Spice consists of light, red and brown Virginias, dark Perique and flakes of cigar leaf. Pretty mixture. Smells naturally sweet. The ribbon cut is easy to pack in the pipe. I've tried this in 5 different pipes with similar results.
At first I usually taste/smell the sweet Virginias. This smoke offers some high notes and nice medium Virginia taste. Quickly there are notes of the cigar leaf the provide fullness and smokiness. About mid-bowl, I notice the Perique - sort of raisin or fig which blends so nicely. There is a rush of flavors - very full taste with the spicy components. The last third of the bowl it all melds together into a rich, satisfying smoke.
This blend smokes dry and I noticed no bite at all.
Grade = A- (most enjoyable and one to stock up on. I feel certain that this will age very well).
4 stars. 9-15-05
At first I usually taste/smell the sweet Virginias. This smoke offers some high notes and nice medium Virginia taste. Quickly there are notes of the cigar leaf the provide fullness and smokiness. About mid-bowl, I notice the Perique - sort of raisin or fig which blends so nicely. There is a rush of flavors - very full taste with the spicy components. The last third of the bowl it all melds together into a rich, satisfying smoke.
This blend smokes dry and I noticed no bite at all.
Grade = A- (most enjoyable and one to stock up on. I feel certain that this will age very well).
4 stars. 9-15-05
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| May 03, 2021 | Mild to Medium | None Detected | Mild to Medium | Very Pleasant |
I opened a tin from 2006. First this tin is not ribbons. Far from it. Many, many years ago on a trip to Germany I ended up in Munich and visited two of what i would call the best tobacco blenders ever. I purchased several tins from each and continued to travel. Once home and smoking these several blends, several which included syrian, I learned several things. First, back then, they were some of the best. Yes dunhill was up there. But back to this blend. It is something different. First, there are no crystal sugar stars. Next, it is , at least in this 2006 blend, not ribbons. What I learned from the Munich tobacco was the term-torn leaves or torn tobacco. This 2006 blend is beautiful torn leaves. Perfume. Wonderful smoke. Great taste. Really can’t describe it. I don’t know what the current version is like. But let’s just say “I met her one night and I will always remember that night”. There will be others but not that night.” So. This is not syrian, not current production, etc. but my tins are not ribbons. Far from it. And if you haven’t had a torn tobacco I think you have missed something.👍👍👍 As to cigar. I think it is not here
in this 2006 there is no cigar. Not that I can discern and I am a pretty good discerner. I love some of the cigar blends, specialty the warped. In those you can in some certainly smell, taste the cigar. I can’t distinguish any cigar at all in this 2006 blend.
in this 2006 there is no cigar. Not that I can discern and I am a pretty good discerner. I love some of the cigar blends, specialty the warped. In those you can in some certainly smell, taste the cigar. I can’t distinguish any cigar at all in this 2006 blend.
Pipe Used:
Several
PurchasedFrom:
Don’t know
Age When Smoked:
15
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 10, 2019 | Medium to Strong | None Detected | Medium to Full | Tolerable |
Hearth & Home - Virginia Spice.
On Sundays I usually enjoy an aromatic or a lighter blend. Going from the name, Virginia Spice, I assumed this was either a Va or aromatic. But, the write up here has it categorized as Cigar Leaf Based. This would often deter me, however in VS the smoke isn't governed by dry, bitter and obdurate cigars; each leaf has it's say.
The blend's constructed of all manner of ribbons; from some tiny pieces, to bigger, leafier ones. The bigger pieces are a lighter shade yet the small ones are extremely dark. I ordered from bulk and although the moisture's good if you order a tin it might differ!
The smoke? Maybe not for the 'Faint Hearted'! The Cigar Leaf has more capacity for the initial quarter bowl. But, once the Perique joins in the smoke becomes more buoyant; spicy, peppery, sharp. I get a good strength of flavour from the Virginias: fruity, sweet, red VA, and fresh, sprightly, bright Va. I see no problems mechanically, it burns steady and doesn't bite.
Nicotine: above medium. Room-note: a 'low' point.
Virginia Spice? It's made a nice change, to my usual Sunday aromatics. Also, for my fellow UK smokers, I've enjoyed it immensely outside in the cold winter air! I think this, easily, deserves four stars:
Highly recommended.
On Sundays I usually enjoy an aromatic or a lighter blend. Going from the name, Virginia Spice, I assumed this was either a Va or aromatic. But, the write up here has it categorized as Cigar Leaf Based. This would often deter me, however in VS the smoke isn't governed by dry, bitter and obdurate cigars; each leaf has it's say.
The blend's constructed of all manner of ribbons; from some tiny pieces, to bigger, leafier ones. The bigger pieces are a lighter shade yet the small ones are extremely dark. I ordered from bulk and although the moisture's good if you order a tin it might differ!
The smoke? Maybe not for the 'Faint Hearted'! The Cigar Leaf has more capacity for the initial quarter bowl. But, once the Perique joins in the smoke becomes more buoyant; spicy, peppery, sharp. I get a good strength of flavour from the Virginias: fruity, sweet, red VA, and fresh, sprightly, bright Va. I see no problems mechanically, it burns steady and doesn't bite.
Nicotine: above medium. Room-note: a 'low' point.
Virginia Spice? It's made a nice change, to my usual Sunday aromatics. Also, for my fellow UK smokers, I've enjoyed it immensely outside in the cold winter air! I think this, easily, deserves four stars:
Highly recommended.
Pipe Used:
Erik Nording
PurchasedFrom:
Tobaccopipes.com
Age When Smoked:
2 weeks.
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 17, 2018 | Mild | None Detected | Mild to Medium | Pleasant to Tolerable |
My 2 oz. sample is at the perfect moisture content. Not really much for bag aroma other then a slight sweetness. The flavors are a semi sweet nuttiness in the first half. Unfortunately the second half is pretty flat with almost all the flavors dying out. Doesn't burn hot or give tongue bite. Its not going to be one i will get again after my sample is gone.
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 02, 2018 | Medium | Medium to Strong | Medium | Pleasant |
Summary: a Virginia blend which uses Cigar Leaf to tame its sweetness and Perique to give it a round, mellow taste under a sugary spice topping.
For starters, most will taste the topping, which seems to be a mix of nutmeg, cinnamon, clove, and ginger with a sugar syrup. Something like that, anyway; it's hard to tell because the underlying tobacco steals the show. Layers of Virginias provide a sweet background, onto which Cigar Leaf adds a warmer more molasses-like flavor before the Perique rounds it out with a brief, fruity and almost smoky flavor. This blend burns easily, although maybe a bit less topping would be nice, and delivers the "spice" flavor which melds into the choice of leaf. You could smoke this all day without bite or tongue burn and still receive a moderate nicotine experience.
For starters, most will taste the topping, which seems to be a mix of nutmeg, cinnamon, clove, and ginger with a sugar syrup. Something like that, anyway; it's hard to tell because the underlying tobacco steals the show. Layers of Virginias provide a sweet background, onto which Cigar Leaf adds a warmer more molasses-like flavor before the Perique rounds it out with a brief, fruity and almost smoky flavor. This blend burns easily, although maybe a bit less topping would be nice, and delivers the "spice" flavor which melds into the choice of leaf. You could smoke this all day without bite or tongue burn and still receive a moderate nicotine experience.
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 15, 2016 | Medium | Extremely Mild | Medium to Full | Very Pleasant |
One of the finest tobaccos that I have smoked to-date! (Probably about 500 blends so far).
This has been my “Go-To” and "All Day" tobacco for the past year and half. I’m always satisfied with this one. The VA is sweet and non-biting even when pushed hard. The Perique is subtle yet adds a very gentle balance of fig and pepper and the cigar leaf is faint yet adds rich depth to the balance.
The room not is pleasant to all including my wife (who as a child was frequently trapped with parents who both chain smoked cigarettes in the car on long road trips so she is not fond of vary many tobaccos) .. this one she enjoyed today and stayed down wind for the entire bowl.
If I were to name this one, I’d call it “Old Faithful” … Happy Smoke Trails to you if you give this one a try based on my review!
This has been my “Go-To” and "All Day" tobacco for the past year and half. I’m always satisfied with this one. The VA is sweet and non-biting even when pushed hard. The Perique is subtle yet adds a very gentle balance of fig and pepper and the cigar leaf is faint yet adds rich depth to the balance.
The room not is pleasant to all including my wife (who as a child was frequently trapped with parents who both chain smoked cigarettes in the car on long road trips so she is not fond of vary many tobaccos) .. this one she enjoyed today and stayed down wind for the entire bowl.
If I were to name this one, I’d call it “Old Faithful” … Happy Smoke Trails to you if you give this one a try based on my review!
Pipe Used:
Many sizes and types
PurchasedFrom:
Pipes & Tobacco
Age When Smoked:
Fresh to 2 years old
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Apr 02, 2015 | Medium | None Detected | Medium to Full | Tolerable |
I'm sadly almost through my tin. I'm really enjoying this VaPer because I can clearly taste the harmonious combination of sweet spring grass and tartness. With other blends of this type I mostly get a dry vegetal thing. My only knock is that this stuff was very wet in the tin and needed a week with the lid ajar to get to a smokable moisture level.
Pipe Used:
MM Cobs
PurchasedFrom:
SP.com
Age When Smoked:
New
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