Hearth & Home Sunjammer

Sunjammer is a solid, somewhat rich English blend. I think there may be some McClelland tobaccos used in part of this blend. The moisture content is perfect and it burns cleanly. I would disagree that there is any simalarity to mm965. I actually find it closer to Magnum Opus also by the same blender. Those that like MO or McClelland English blends should give this one a try. Another well done tobacco by Russ Ouellette. Recommended.

My review is from a generous 2 ounce tin sample with a recent order that was sent to me. A mix of browns and blacks without being overly moist. Tin aroma was very pleasant. It is interesting that I enjoy the smell of Latakia from the tin, but never have been a big fan when it comes to smoking it in a mixture. This one, however, was tolerable for me. I found it true to a more traditional blending tradition without the use of any flavoring agents, but relying solely on the various leaf mixtures. Loading and lighting was without problem and it smoked clean and dry in the heel. It had a subtle sweetness throughout which really made it a winner for me. What I did not experience was the excessive dryness in mouth feel that I usually experience with blends containing Latakia. That was a plus. For me, very similar to other blends in the genre. The pungent taste of the Oriental leaf (not the Latakia) made itself known from time to time - never taking center stage. Overall a tasty, but generic, tribute to Scottish blending. Recommended, and although not the normal fare in my line up, a very nice change of pace from time to time - similar to Balkan Sasieni for me, but sweeter and more enjoyable.

My sample has a few months on it and has become a little on the dry side, but this has not damaged the review. Packed well and took to the flame like a pro. Being a little on the dry side actually helps it not to go out without regular puffing. Very nice tobacco, and to be honest I did not expect it to be at all.

In contrast to others who have stated this reminds them of 965, to me there is little similar between the two. Then again, I came to 965 after the switch, so it may be like the older blending.

Overall, a nice smoke and would happily take a bowl if offered. Recommend this to those who enjoy a middle of the road English with just the right amount of Latakia!

A sweet English, and one of the best of its kind.

Never had the original 965 that this is a match for, this is 5 times as good as the 965 reincarnate though.

Its a medium/heavy English with good doses of strong components, but a solid Black Cavendish tingles this into that composite of sweet and heavy. The VA's and the BC offset a strong Lat presence, and all in all, it makes for a nice Autumn English smoke.

Could be an all day English, I like it as a wander through the park in Autumn one though.

Not much could be improved, very nice.

I find this blend does remind me of Dunhill's MM965. It seems to be just right on the moisture level. It smells great in the bag and lights quite easily and stays lit. It produces a nice amount of smoke for me. The wife didn't throw anything my way when I smoked this, so it gets the pleasant rating on room note. It smokes down to a nice ash in the bottom of the bowl. It smokes dry for me without a gurgle even coming close. Definitely recommended.

I picked this one last in my sampler and I almost didn't. I am glad I did. It is lighter in taste and body then most of my others, but it is good. Someone else described it as "refreshing". I would agree. I have found I enjoy it in the morning with coffee/tea. I completed a home project and smoked it all day and I never got tired of it. Tasted liked a light English.

For the price I would give it a try. If you prefer more flavor and a heavy body this might not be for you. But to mix things up a bit it is perfect.

UPDATE 3/20/10

I haven't had much of this since my first review. I got a new pipe so I thought I would give it another try. I am glad I did. It is still a morning tobacco to me, but the flavors have melded together a bit more and it is much smoother. Burns cool if you don't smoke to hard/fast. Always been my problem. I would still highly recommend this tobacco for something on the lighter side or maybe you prefer aro's and want something light and unflavored.

Enjoy, Z

I like all of the blends by Russ Oulette which I have tried, and certainly Sunjammer is no exception. I normally prefer English and Balkan blends that are a bit more "rich" than this smoke, as such this is my favorite "hot weather in the summertime" tobacco. It has multiple layers which are very engaging, but it is not heavy on the Latakia, and it is "refreshing", not overpowering. It packs easily, stays lit, and burns fairly cool. I need to do more "research" on this blend, and am not yet ready to give it four stars. After a few more ounces, I may upgrade it to that, from the 3-1/2 stars which I give it today.

This is the second blend from pipesandcigars that I have tried and I am impressed. It arrived dry, and straight out of the vaccum packed bag there was a bit of an edge to the smoke. Allowed time to breathe Sunjammer proved to be a delightfully satisfying smoke. It is full without being rich or opulent. I have smoked it all day in briars, meerschaums and cobs, and it has delivered consistently. Where I live temperatures have gone past the 40 degree Celsius mark and it is usually time to move to lighter blends, but Sunjammer remains enjoyable, and is the perfect hot weather Balkan.

It can hold its own against blends priced twice as much. It does require care in smoking, giving its best at low burning temperatures. Three and a half stars.

This is what an all day blend should taste like. Easily packed, lit and smoked.