Hearth & Home Sunjammer

You do know that there are few things in this life that are as sweet as the drone of a well-played Scottish pipe, correct? Even figuratively, I dare say. Of course, it might be that I stand a wee bit opinionated about that matter. Regardless of that most probable fact, I would like to nevertheless take the opportunity to relate to you the jigs and hops of my latest reel with yet another one of these fancifully inspired Scottish tobaccos.

As to be expected, with the elusive nature of the given genre, the flashing weave that streams throughout the tartan on the blend of discussion proudly regales with the clannish shades of its own makings. And like a true Scot at that, this admixture has developed an enthusing manner as to the expression of its distinctions, so do kindly allow me to proceed with the details of that lively dance.

First and foremost, I love the apparent backstory on this one in particular. It is a charming tale rooted in peril, passion, promise, and well-timed providence it does seem. Our saga originates from the city of Belfast, to once again, relive those gloomy days of the early 2000s. For it was at that time that the then long-standing Murry, Sons and Limited, a recognized producer for popular pipe tobaccos of the day, announced the pending closure of its factory doors. Inasmuch, this disclosure foresaw the ending of a bright tradition that had stood successfully for almost two centuries. As consequence, the sun went down on many an unsuspecting piper on that day. This tragic development mounted a plague wretched in the embittered trials of coming to grips with the sudden discontinuance of their beloved Dunhill My Mixture 965, a flagship product of that particular facility.

Learning of the rising emotional disdain that soon followed, the aspiring brand of Hearth & Home stepped up with an opportunity to intercede in the dilemma. In responding to this heart-felt loss, by showing the credibility of customer focus while capitalizing upon its sole mission to produce and sell tobaccos, master blender Russ Ouellette began working directly with a particular 965 enthusiast with the vision of a possible remedy. And through those collaborative efforts, as I understand it, came the inception of the subject Sunjammer. Legend holds that the blend was affectionally named in circumstance to a short story that appeared in a 1964 edition of the prized Boy’s Life magazine. Perhaps my particular rendition of the facts takes a narrative spin, but hey, it makes for an entertaining story for we pipers, yeah?

And so, the redemptive Sunjammer is an adapted fabrication conceived in the finest Scottish traditions with, of course, a tad of differentiation hanging upon its Caledonian laurels. As a mildly intense, medium-bodied alternative, Sunjammer affords the piper with a sweetly spiced combination of deepened Latakia, assorted Oriental, expanded Virginia, and softening Cavendish. Just as with My Mixture 965, Hearth & Home has essentially incorporated Oriental leaf of the Macedonian sort, while uniquely opting for unflavored toasted Black Cavendish in lieu of the original’s Brown configuration.

A coarse cut plaid of colorfully jagged tobacco greets the eager piper with the unveiling of this blend. The ensuing collection of variable pieces exhibits a crisscrossed weave of random shapes and sizes. In the reflections of its earthy tinted kilt, Sunjammer presents a primed showing of reddish-browns, copper, tan, chocolate, and fawn that are supported by the blackness common to an iron knocker. At surface appearances there seems to be an equitable distribution of the assortment of major ingredients as to the balancing ration of supplemental Cavendish.

Expressly, the pouched aroma is graced by a celebration of cultured airs in fact. Rather than an overly bold persona, a sampling of the rested aroma fills this sense with a quickened aura of tarty wood intertwined with campfire tar and the smoky resinous sweetness produced by the searing of timber. More discreet inhales evoke the stimulated presence of bright complex spices, mildly sour pungency, a flash of distance citrus/darker fruit and the callings of natural sugars. A very comforting pronouncement given the vitality of the constituents rolling within.

Suffice to say, Sunjammer tables as yet another well contrived original from the likes of Russ Ouellette. Generally speaking, the assessment demonstrates this blend scores admirably on both flavor and leaf attributes. Overall, the tobacco achieves a nicely balanced and rounded profile within the experienced registration. As such the complexity of its standard character builds a savor that is most enjoyable if not simply charismatic.

Positioning quite respectfully to the essential “must-haves” of the related genre, Sunjammer surfaces a combination of a base woodiness, brilliant accents of moving exotic spice, and an even-tempered lower middle commenting of seasonal tangy fruitwood. Still, it may strike you as a uniquely sweeter Scottish alternative, but honestly, I have partaken ones much sweeter, especially those modified by the induction of subtle coatings. Do keep in mind however that the sugared quality of Sunjammer has been skillfully achieved through natural means. And with that, the tobacco is undeniably an honorable alternative to the span of its peers, including the fabled My Mixture 965.

Essentially, each tier of the primary taste bands has been administered to selectively arrive in their contribution of importance. This crafted arrangement leads to a persona that consistently aligns with the intended end result of a genuine Scottish delight. I would further suggest that the mood of Sunjammer is a tad darker in feel and depth comparatively. But, as I previously stated, plenty of deference is shown to the vital role of offsetting spicing and a gentle calming sweetness.

Within Sunjammer’s milky smooth profile the forward position is held by the determined Latakia, which demonstrates a wholesome run of the standard varietal attributes. In general the leaf is well seasoned and exceptionally darker in its advancing mood. The prime dusky character that forms is personified as a dense sour musty char joined with an unfailing tart herby woodiness. Further pigmenting this decisive nature are honorable tinges of bittersweet creosote, cooked fruity undertones, a modest degree of soiled pungency, and some supportive embellishment of smoky incense airs.

Although penetrating in spirit, the overall presentation is aptly clean and precisely metered so that the magnitude is enough to build an admirable Cyprian savor but not so much to be overpowering to the point of distraction or excess. Undoubtedly the grade of leaf deployed is a key factor in this development. But then again, it also speaks to the craftmanship achieved in arriving at a distinct featural lead element that balances adeptly with the remaining ingredients.

Up front gamboling with the established Latakia, the confluence of the assorted Oriental leaves play out with a splendid aromatic quality. Their encouraged influence rides in the top rear sphere and spools outwardly with each drawl as a finish of beautifully bundled spice. Given the manufacturer’s descriptive blend notes referencing Macedonian strains, imaginably the host of possibilities is quite diverse. Yet, I am thinking the experienced remarking tends to lean more towards the taste properties of Basma, Samsun, and Smyrna by association, which is, of course, my own interpretive impression. Either way what manifests is a multitude of distinct and exotically spirited colorfulness.

As these buttery Oriental strains agreeably collude, the relish that is experienced unfolds as a consistently moving variant of compounded seasonings. As I can best describe it, the mingled nuance that avails itself as the fundamental core is a tossing and creamy mesh of sweet paprika, thyme, and softer hints of oregano, interestingly drawing and absolutely animated. Moreover, tincturing this base at a secondary level is a definite edge that is decidedly piney in flora as well as a cardamom-like ambience that I generally associate with Half & Half of all things. And of that were not enough, traces of lemony tea notes, toasty nuttiness, and a softer resilient pepperiness are also denoted.

Unlike perhaps more common takes on the scripted Scottish genre, Sunjammer proceeds to place lesser weighting upon the extended Virginian element. Practically the order of importance has the Red variety genuinely afforded the third ranking of emphasis within the overall profile. The complementing Bright strain, although apparent in the blended scope, is much more removed cajoling in the background in a reduced capacity.

Summarizing the Virginian inspiration, the tobacco seems to project considerable tang being categorically mandarin like in energy. What stands out is a fairly sweeter mix of seasonal boldly spiced fruity wood and distant reserved citrus/vanilla-toned grass. At times, the Red’s larger push offers an almost pickled flair or greenish herbal tone and engaging caramel, whereas the Bright counters with a little lemony dressing and a decent threading of sour dough breadiness.

As to the Black Cavendish, although unflavored it does nonetheless compound the cumulative sweeter quality found in the blend’s undertone. Seeing that the leave has in fact been toasted, that progressed quality is nicely recorded in the projections as well as some incremental zestful woodiness. Although I make no allusion to being an expert on the art or science of blending, I sense there is a strategic reason that Russ has chosen not only the specific grade but also the preparatory processing option of the particular Cavendish leaf used within the recipe. What is more there might have been a sought-after variable relating to a common American Burley-based varietal versus that of the Virginian, who is to say? Beside the functional values that Cavendish naturally brings to the smooth fusion of the differentiated streams, I have to believe that the extenuated boost in natural sugars wrought by the toasting operation was within his designed thinking. Just a fun guess on my part.

As Sunjammer burns, fortified bursts of meaty blueish-gray plumes dance gingerly in their swirling ascent. Formally, the smoke texture itself renders a pleasant feeling as it rolls over the broader palate. As one measures out slow plentiful drawls and easefully releases the same, both the experience and the fragrance emitted are nothing short of enchanting, well at least to us sordid “Scottish” types. Deep heavy impressions of charred latakia and singed wood form the main essence as a soft envelope of sweetness and general herbaceous spice lilts upon the rim. The essence residuals are somewhat commanding in presence and elect to loft about for a length of time, suggesting that, by judgement, the aroma’s impact is most likely tolerable at best.

What more can I tell you than to simply state that, mechanically, this blend performs like an Edinburgh beauty. A constancy of soothing cooler temperatures and evenness of flaming help to maintain a graduated exercise of relaxed smoking comfort. There is only a modest inference of felt nicotine that comes about with this clean, dry burning tobacco. And given the mellowness of the general presentation, Sunjammer certainly makes for a welcome all-day companion.

So as I bring this reel to its final whirl, needless to say, it is not necessarily true that one has to be a Scotsman to appreciate and hold within your heart that which is Scottish. And if you want to understand where your heart truly lies, then as the Scottish will tell you, just sit back to observe wherever the mind wanders when going about its way. If in that very discovery you are taken to the accompaniment of a fine blend such as Sunjammer, that my friends is a bonnie braw thing indeed.

Objective Scoring: (basis: flavor, standard genre/leaf attributes & mechanicals): 185/206 ? 2.9 WAVG.

Subjective Rating: (factored for likeability & cost): 3.6 Pipes.