Watch City Cigar The Churchwarden
(3.42)
This is a full Balkan comprised of 30% Orientals and 30% latakia with cigar leaf, Green River black [cavendish] and perique. This is a wonderfully rich and balanced blend suitable for fly-fishing or intense contemplation.
Details
| Brand | Watch City Cigar |
| Blended By | Ernie Q |
| Manufactured By | |
| Blend Type | English |
| Contents | Black Cavendish, Cigar Leaf, Kentucky, Latakia, Oriental/Turkish, Perique |
| Flavoring | |
| Cut | Krumble Kake |
| Packaging | 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
|
3.42 / 4
|
Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 11 Reviews
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Feb 06, 2009 | Medium | None Detected | Medium | Pleasant to Tolerable |
In the Tin/Pouch or Mason Jar:
First off, this is no longer a ribbon cut but was received in a cake for home crumbling, slicing, dicing or just rubbing out. A delightful block that reminds of a chunk of particle-board soaked in oil or possibly some fine stout. Funny thing, their website states Ribbon Cut but as a bulk. It does state that in Crumble Cake format it is available in tins. I ordered tins but received an email saying they weren't available so they sent along a few bags.
The smell is deep in the orientals and Latakia with that tasty campfire goodness that always sets my mouth a watering! It is dark and rich with a decent moisture level; that is for a block. Breaks easy with some bending and crumbles out fairly well. If it dries in large chunks you might need a blender or mortar and pestle.
Advertised as a Balkan with cigar leaf and Green River Blk Cav. and some Perique. Just a hint of the Perique in the aroma, no detecting cigar leaf over those Orientals and that sweet smelling Latakia. I ain't picked out the pipe yet I'm already drooling!
Packing and Lighting:
Sprinkled it in to the bowl of an EX Sav for total tasting pleasure. Gave it a good crumbling and let it sit to dry about 90 minutes. The remaining big chunks were harder but broke up between the palms. You could over crumble and make dust so pay attention.
Lighting was more effort but after those first few charring tries this baby took hold and simmered to the end! I don't mind a slow start when it rewards with that even consistent burn to the bottom.
First Impression:
Right up there with Stokkebye Balkan Supreme but even a greater depth and darkness. Can't single out the cigar leaf or the Perique, at first, but it is there adding the tobacco equivalent of the subwoofer range.
Damn this is nice!
That Louisiana spice is just tickling the tongue and back of the nose as the first third expires and I find myself urgently puffing.
No bite, no bark, no bitch. This one is a real trooper smoldering on regardless how bad I abuse it.
This is a keeper. A real rotation clean-up kind of hitter. Reggie Jackson in the Series sort of powerhouse!
Overall:
Room Note; who cares! Let them go outside, but my sweety loves this smokey, dark, syrupy-deep, evil lusciousness; so beware. If your SO or CINC-Spouse or whatever can't take 6 campfires during s spring shower, then take your efforts outside!
I likes me Balkans; as well as me VaPer's, and other variants for a Latakia delivery.
But this, wow!! This rates as a Super Balkan. Order some, order some now or I'm going to cellar the whole damn production run. Wooohaaaaa Haaaaahoooo woo!
No really, try it, if you dare! 6 stars out of 4!
First off, this is no longer a ribbon cut but was received in a cake for home crumbling, slicing, dicing or just rubbing out. A delightful block that reminds of a chunk of particle-board soaked in oil or possibly some fine stout. Funny thing, their website states Ribbon Cut but as a bulk. It does state that in Crumble Cake format it is available in tins. I ordered tins but received an email saying they weren't available so they sent along a few bags.
The smell is deep in the orientals and Latakia with that tasty campfire goodness that always sets my mouth a watering! It is dark and rich with a decent moisture level; that is for a block. Breaks easy with some bending and crumbles out fairly well. If it dries in large chunks you might need a blender or mortar and pestle.
Advertised as a Balkan with cigar leaf and Green River Blk Cav. and some Perique. Just a hint of the Perique in the aroma, no detecting cigar leaf over those Orientals and that sweet smelling Latakia. I ain't picked out the pipe yet I'm already drooling!
Packing and Lighting:
Sprinkled it in to the bowl of an EX Sav for total tasting pleasure. Gave it a good crumbling and let it sit to dry about 90 minutes. The remaining big chunks were harder but broke up between the palms. You could over crumble and make dust so pay attention.
Lighting was more effort but after those first few charring tries this baby took hold and simmered to the end! I don't mind a slow start when it rewards with that even consistent burn to the bottom.
First Impression:
Right up there with Stokkebye Balkan Supreme but even a greater depth and darkness. Can't single out the cigar leaf or the Perique, at first, but it is there adding the tobacco equivalent of the subwoofer range.
Damn this is nice!
That Louisiana spice is just tickling the tongue and back of the nose as the first third expires and I find myself urgently puffing.
No bite, no bark, no bitch. This one is a real trooper smoldering on regardless how bad I abuse it.
This is a keeper. A real rotation clean-up kind of hitter. Reggie Jackson in the Series sort of powerhouse!
Overall:
Room Note; who cares! Let them go outside, but my sweety loves this smokey, dark, syrupy-deep, evil lusciousness; so beware. If your SO or CINC-Spouse or whatever can't take 6 campfires during s spring shower, then take your efforts outside!
I likes me Balkans; as well as me VaPer's, and other variants for a Latakia delivery.
But this, wow!! This rates as a Super Balkan. Order some, order some now or I'm going to cellar the whole damn production run. Wooohaaaaa Haaaaahoooo woo!
No really, try it, if you dare! 6 stars out of 4!
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 23, 2021 | Medium to Strong | None Detected | Very Full | Pleasant to Tolerable |
Tin note 5/5 Berry, BBQ vinegar, earth, smoke
Cut and pack: 5/5 I love this presentation. Thick chunky brownie-esque slices. Very similar presentation to SPC crumble cake. You can rub it out or cut it but either way works really well.
Taste: 5/5 Very very similar to SPC Pp Suuuper creamy and thick thanks to the cavendish. Smooth with the 30% oriental and Latakia. Not a Lat bomb IMO. This blends sounds far more intense and scary than it really is.
There’s an earthy aftertaste due to the pinch of cigar leaf but it does not in any way taste like a cigar. I was concerned about this component but it’s nothing to be afraid of. It adds a nice earthy, dirty (in a good way) element that’s missing in SPC-PP
Perique is noticeable on the retrohale and when puffed hard. Not much bite from the cavendish but this blend is meant to be smoked like you’ve got all night to sit and ruminate slowly on the tobacco.
Overall: 5/5 For lovers of SPC PP this is worth a try if you’ve not found anything similar. It’s rich and earthy and complex, just enough sweet, just enough kick, and smooth like butter.
Compared to a food item this would be a thick meaty winter stew with fire roasted veggies and peppers with an added kick of tobasco spice and vinegar.
Cut and pack: 5/5 I love this presentation. Thick chunky brownie-esque slices. Very similar presentation to SPC crumble cake. You can rub it out or cut it but either way works really well.
Taste: 5/5 Very very similar to SPC Pp Suuuper creamy and thick thanks to the cavendish. Smooth with the 30% oriental and Latakia. Not a Lat bomb IMO. This blends sounds far more intense and scary than it really is.
There’s an earthy aftertaste due to the pinch of cigar leaf but it does not in any way taste like a cigar. I was concerned about this component but it’s nothing to be afraid of. It adds a nice earthy, dirty (in a good way) element that’s missing in SPC-PP
Perique is noticeable on the retrohale and when puffed hard. Not much bite from the cavendish but this blend is meant to be smoked like you’ve got all night to sit and ruminate slowly on the tobacco.
Overall: 5/5 For lovers of SPC PP this is worth a try if you’ve not found anything similar. It’s rich and earthy and complex, just enough sweet, just enough kick, and smooth like butter.
Compared to a food item this would be a thick meaty winter stew with fire roasted veggies and peppers with an added kick of tobasco spice and vinegar.
Pipe Used:
Peterson Churchwarden
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| May 25, 2019 | Medium to Strong | None Detected | Medium to Full | Tolerable to Strong |
I enjoy cool smoking, slow burning tobaccos and bought this one to age. Unfortunately my 4 ounces won’t last that long. This blend pushed all my buttons. Flavorful, long lasting, and cool. No biting, no fighting. Last and orientals predominant with a great something extra to add delightful complexity.
Pipe Used:
H. Cor Meer reverse calabash
PurchasedFrom:
Watch City
Age When Smoked:
Bulk smoked on arrival
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 14, 2022 | Medium | None Detected | Medium to Full | Strong |
I bought a few of Watch City’s last June and this is one of them. This is a nice ¼ inch thick crumble cake that breaks apart into broken chunks and pieces of tobacco. PKT on this site introduced me to this company and I am glad he did. 30/30 Lat and Oriental they say. This is a smooth, velvety, yet meaty smoke that for the most part stays consistent till the end. Maybe a little stringent toward the end but nothing that noticeable. If my memory serves me correct, this sort of reminds me of SPC’s Plum Pudding. I enjoy this one quite a bit but it can get a little heavy on the tongue if that makes any sense. Not probably something to smoke all day as it is good but can over power your taste buds but not in a bad way. I had some of this in the morning but to me this is a better smoke in the evenings with the weather is cooler. Apparently prior to 2009 it also came in a ribbon cut according to some of the reviews.
Pipe Used:
Briars
PurchasedFrom:
Watch City
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 13, 2022 | Strong | None Detected | Full | Tolerable |
Dark, heavy, rich and creamy, with that tasty campfire goodness. The smoky Latakia is the leader. The herbal, buttery Orientals play a support role. The perique is fruity and ever present enhancing the overall depth of the flavor profile. The cigar leaf is smoky, earthy and slightly sweet like a good Maduro cigar but used condimentally. Flavorful, long lasting, with a cool burn.
Pipe Used:
Briar, Meer, Cob
PurchasedFrom:
Watch City
Age When Smoked:
Fresh
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Jun 28, 2019 | Medium | None Detected | Full | Very Strong |
This is big, dark, oily and creamy. I suspect the cigar leaf in combination with the Latakia is responsible for that, though I don't really taste the cigar leaf. There are flavors that are similar to the char flavor you get on a great burger cooked over a flame if that makes any sense. I also get hints of licorice towards the middle and end of the bowl. It's a bit unique. I like it quite a bit. I'd say 3.5 stars, but since that's not available, I'll round up for the great crumble cake format and bulk pricing/availability.
Recommended for fans of: Full-flavored Latakia blends. If your tastes tend towards more restrained and civilized English blends, you may not like it. If you enjoy full English/Balkan blends like some of the C&D Latakia-heavy mixtures, you will likely appreciate this. Suitable for anyone who thinks they'd like a tobacco as described, rookie or veteran.
Strength wise, this is full-flavored. I don't detect a heavy nicotine presence, though, and is likely medium or milder. on that front.
Recommended for fans of: Full-flavored Latakia blends. If your tastes tend towards more restrained and civilized English blends, you may not like it. If you enjoy full English/Balkan blends like some of the C&D Latakia-heavy mixtures, you will likely appreciate this. Suitable for anyone who thinks they'd like a tobacco as described, rookie or veteran.
Strength wise, this is full-flavored. I don't detect a heavy nicotine presence, though, and is likely medium or milder. on that front.
Pipe Used:
Peterson bulldog, MM Cob, Stanwell Billiard
PurchasedFrom:
Watch City Cigar
Age When Smoked:
Fresh From Vendor
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 28, 2015 | Medium to Strong | None Detected | Full | Pleasant |
What Plex said. This blend is absolutely amazing. Dark, rich, spicy chocolate and leather and smokes beautifully.
Not sure what the Orientals are, but they're the soft and rich kind that I like; no sharp hints of Camel straights here. I couldn't detect cigar leaf or much of the perique. In fact, I couldn't detect any single varietal in the smoke, despite the obvious presence of the Latakia and Orientals in the pouch. A concert of rich, mysterious flavor, this blend was as tight as James Brown's band ever was.
A masterpiece, imho. Definitely buying more.
Not sure what the Orientals are, but they're the soft and rich kind that I like; no sharp hints of Camel straights here. I couldn't detect cigar leaf or much of the perique. In fact, I couldn't detect any single varietal in the smoke, despite the obvious presence of the Latakia and Orientals in the pouch. A concert of rich, mysterious flavor, this blend was as tight as James Brown's band ever was.
A masterpiece, imho. Definitely buying more.
PurchasedFrom:
Watch City Cigar
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Feb 18, 2007 | Strong | None Detected | Full | Pleasant to Tolerable |
The description for this blend is excellent. I have fly fished while enjoying a bowl full of this. The perique is exquisite. I received an early sample of this blend and will definitely be ordering more.
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Apr 07, 2006 | Medium to Strong | None Detected | Medium to Full | Very Pleasant |
Now this is a nice tobacco and one I will be ordering more of. It is a nice full bodied English with Latakia, Orientals, cigar leaf and Perique.
It burns nicely and is easily packed. The cigar leaf adds body to the blend and the Latakia does not overpower the Orientals or the Perique. I did not detect any flavor from the cigar leaf, just the other components which work quite well together.
I have had about 6 bowls so far and find myself craving it more and more. It smokes well in medium to large bowls as well as providing a dry smoke.
The broadcut smokes well and is easy to pack. Letting a bowl DGT overnight, I found the blend to be a bit more smooth, not that it is harsh. It is pretty smooth right out of the bag and my sample was not overly moist so not much drying time was needed.
This has more body than Robusto from Mr. Pease and better than JJ Fox's The Bankers, in my opinion. If you are a fan of full bodied English blends, then you owe it to yourself to try it. Heck, you should try it anyway. It never hurts to expand your horizons...
It burns nicely and is easily packed. The cigar leaf adds body to the blend and the Latakia does not overpower the Orientals or the Perique. I did not detect any flavor from the cigar leaf, just the other components which work quite well together.
I have had about 6 bowls so far and find myself craving it more and more. It smokes well in medium to large bowls as well as providing a dry smoke.
The broadcut smokes well and is easy to pack. Letting a bowl DGT overnight, I found the blend to be a bit more smooth, not that it is harsh. It is pretty smooth right out of the bag and my sample was not overly moist so not much drying time was needed.
This has more body than Robusto from Mr. Pease and better than JJ Fox's The Bankers, in my opinion. If you are a fan of full bodied English blends, then you owe it to yourself to try it. Heck, you should try it anyway. It never hurts to expand your horizons...
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Apr 04, 2006 | Medium to Strong | None Detected | Full | Tolerable |
Watch City Cigar recently released two new latakia based blends of similar character I enjoyed "Churchwarden" most of the two and strongly echo Ken aka pipetongue's sentiments above about this wonderful blend but would like to also add that it needed to be dried quite a bit as did it's sister blend "Nor'Easter" before packing."The Churchwarden" is a dark ribbon cut tobacco in the pouch and has an absolutely heavenly aroma of rich latakia.It's got a fair bit of perique and cigar leaf as well and they work together so well that the flavors marry seamlessly throughout the bowl.I'm hard pressed to compare it to anything I've tried before but if I had to it would be somewhere between Robert Lewis "Tree Mixture" and "123 Mixture".I would also add that this blend should have truly excellent cellaring potential... HIGHLY RECOMMENDED * * * * prep 4/3/06
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