Cornell & Diehl Black Frigate

This is an excellent smoke. It took a few relights, but the bowl that I smoked did take almost an hour. This is a slow burning and very satisfying blend. I think it really represents the Navy blend well, good rum flavor, but also a fine Balkan note. It kept reminding me of a satisfying cigar. The Latakia is prominent, but not all powerful. It is not the most intriguing Latakia, but it does its job well. Keeping this blend interesting and Rich.
When I say satisfying, I mean it. It has more nic then you would think. It all comes together nicely in a very consistent, rich and savory smoke. Pretty gentle on the palate too. The more I think about this blend, the more I realized I have to buy quite a bit of it. No aging required here. It needs no mellowing, and the ingredients already harmonize perfectly. This is one of those blends that seems to me like it should become one of the greats. Four stars and two thumbs way up.

Another one I've been wondering about and finally got around to trying. I had heard that it was a strong blend in terms of the nic hit, but I have to say that I certainly did not find that to be the case.

In terms of taste, it is basically a Latakia blend with rum flavouring/notes. In that regard, it is similar to things like Bengal Slices, Frog Morton's Cellar and other such "crossover" blends. Smoky meets sweet. If you like the profile of thee type of blends, you'll quite likely enjoy this one as well. I think I likely prefer some of the other choices over this one, but this is a close second.

Tin note of tart wine, mild smoky, and spices. The Krumble Kake is yellowish-brown, tan with a little black. It breaks and rubs out easily. Tobacco is moist and may need a little drying. Burns slow with few relights. The strength is medium and nic is mild. Flavoring is mild, with notes of rum. Taste is medium to full and a little consistent, with notes of mildly smoky, very woody, spices, dry earth, mild lemon, floral, musty herbs, mildly spicy, and a mildly sweet grassy background note and a mildly peppery retro. Cavendish is leading with Turkish supporting, Latakia supports when it wants too, and the flavoring jumped ship at first opportunity. Room note is tolerable, and aftertaste is great.

Smoked in the right pipe this is an interesting tobacco. I tried a variety of pipes ranging from a meer, a morta and various briars. When you hit the right combination Black Frigate is a really good smoke. A Viggo Nielsen plateau briar cracked the code and brought out the fantastic sweet cavendish which was not overpowered by the latakia and the turkish played in the background. My tobacco was rather dry in the tin, but this does not detract in any way and probably enhances it as I found it not to burn hot or bite. I had no problem getting it lit or keeping it burning. Nicotine content is present but not aggressive. Good stuff! Solid three stars!

I found this blend to be somewhere between Penzance and Pirate Kake.

Full of smoky flavor, and as mentioned before, not for someone just crossing over from aromatics!

Like others, I thought I remembered something about rum, but I re-checked, nope, no mention of it on the tin. Guess that could be why I never tasted it.

There is really nothing wrong with this tobacco, it's wonderful stuff. Not an everyday smoke though. Nice in the evening. Very relaxing.

This was a good smoke, though not what I imagined. I think everyone needs to settle on an official definition of a Navy Cavendish. No rum note, no Va. (though to C&D's credit-Its not advertised...) That said- Once I put my expectations aside- Great smoke. Very smooth and creamy- Strong and commanding taste- Has that Cigar taste that can sometimes be perfect for the moment... Don't give this to someone just getting off aromatics or Drug store swill... Makes you want to raise a flag and become a Privateer....

This has the cut and consistency of Pirate Kake, but not as luscious and nougatine. It?s a navy cavendish cake with the traditional Jamaican rum thrown in. Again, C & D uses liquor without sacrificing true tobacco taste. It?s mellower and less aggressive than Pirate Kake and not as sweet and chewy as Mississippi Mud. It?s a less memorable cross between those two laudable blends. It?s enjoyable, and I might bum a brick off a buddy now and again. Perhaps I?ll like it more after a few more tastes, though when I want a latakia overload, I?d rather turn to PK or MM.

Two and a half of five stars

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november 05 update

Yes, I tried it again. Yes, I like it more. It hits the back of the throat a little, probably due to the rum, but it's still a rich, latakia indulgence. It reminds me a little of Penzance, though not as smokey & oily as Germain's treatment. This needs to be tasted several times to be appreciated. It won't be part of my regular rotation, but I think I might keep a tin on hand for when I want something unusual & exotic.

Three and a half of five stars

This was purchased at Iwan Ries in Chicago(My favorite store)and the tin was dated 03-07-02. It had 3 years of age on it which I feel truly mellowed the flavor.This is a very unique Krumble Kake.Please do not compare it to Penzance,it is not Penzance.This has a wonderful RUM based cavendish to which Latakia and Turkish are added.The flavor is superb.A sweet Latakia! This is not FMOT either.It is not complex but rather simple and satisfying-like a cup of warm cocoa in winter.The flavor is very smooth and the 3 elements really work well together. The flavor is slightly sweet and very rich.Latakia is not dominant here,but its presence is quite known. There is nothing out there like it. The only bad point is the following-IT STINKS FROM HERE TO HIGH HOLY HEAVEN!You will not make any lady friends with this one and my lady friend loves Latkia! you are warned to keep the windows open. An excellent smoke 3.5 of 4 stars! P.S. Do not let the initial tin aroma of rum put you off. Let it breathe for 30 minutes and you will be well rewarded.

My first experience with a crumble Kake. A smooth, sweet blend which has struck a chord with me.

I've found that the larger block you manage to get going as a whole, the more even and smooth the flavors become. The rum integrates so well that it is barely noticeable...and then only an enhancement to the sweetness. While not full of varied components, the taste does have layers from musky and peppery to almost sugary as you work your way down the bowl.

One particular churchwarden I have has taken a liking to this blend, and always seems to evoke a sweet-smokey ride across the white, fluffy waves!