Hearth & Home Frenchy's Sunza Bitches

This is a Perique lovers blend, and if you like Haddos, Bayou Night, etc. , you'll like this. It is somewhat simpler than the above mentioned blends, lacking the deep notes of BN or the high notes of Haddos, yet this is a very good smoke. It is somewhat lighter in body too, yet the strength is nearly there. My sample was at the right moisture level and needed no aging to smoke. The Bourbon topping is very discreet, to the point where I could barely make it out (a little more Bourbon please) and the cut ( a kind of wild cut) encourages slow burning. Absolutely without bite, and a bit of a bargain, this is one of my favorites in the H&H line.

Whoooo! Perique to the max in this blend. This tobacco is peppery for sure. If you like perique in large doses, which I don't, this stuff is for you! I love perique in a blend, but on a much smaller scale such as with Solani 633 or something of that sort. This is a pleasant smoking tobacco but I couldn't really detect the presence of the Wild Turkey used in it's topping. If it was there, the perique covered it up entirely.

Not my cup of tea.

Entering for your offended consideration, comes a boisterous specimen of presumed arrogance and self-serving bombast. In making my case in particular, allow me to introduce one such jerk from the abundant collection of quality Hearth & Home tobaccos. Swaggering forward with affronting presumptuousness is their very own coarse mannered Frenchy’s Sunzabitches.

Originally constructed for the appeasement of one understandably colorful pipe restoration expert, this blend of stoney mixed Burley and full Virginian leaf heartedly combines with a respectable portion of that audacious Louisiana Perique, while being further dressed in just a shred of Black Cavendish.
Officially touted as a Virginia/Perique, there is nothing remotely conventional in the tobacco’s bawdy constitution. Thereby in their efforts, Hearth & Home has clearly presented an offering centered on the amazement of a deliberate novelty.

In tapping into his impressive blending knowledge, Russ Ouellette created and satirically named this mixture based upon its uniquely inspiring customer. In deference to Russ’s own words, Frenchy’s Sunzabitches further assures extended liveliness in being effectively splashed with the sensible inclusion of “high quality bourbon”.

Upon gazing at this willful mass of tobacco, even with the most modest eye of discernment, the dependable impression rendered is unabashed disorderliness. By merely suggesting that its appearance is unique would be far too simple to arrive at a fair depiction. And so with preposterous extremes, this moist rough neck’s gnarled features display a crudity of jumbled pieces, ridiculously massive braids, twisted compressed fragments, wayward ribbons, and a seething speckling of jagged micro slivers. Of murky complexion, the swarthiness of its pallor bridges lighter fawn, soiled red brown, tarnished gold, fermented stove umber-brown, and intimidating blackness. With the cautionary touch of the finger, Frenchy’s Sunzabitches feels exceptionally toothy and generally agitated in its rested state.

As a matter of circumstance, I jarred my sample ounces for a short interval before engaging in the smoking trials. Quite plainly, upon breaching the security of the lid, a bullish foray of spice, stinging tart, and fetid sourness attacked my unsuspecting senses. The magnitude denoted is so resonant, deep-biting, and decidedly funky, it imparts a tenacity common to the cigar with its punchy, seething headiness. Moreover, a fusty main body of air fashions a hardened earthiness and musty pungency that swirls profusely, accented by a determined herbaceous tang. Still, resting atop this vibrato the absorbing whiffs of classic bourbon coalesce seasonably assisting in the aromatized grandeur. With that jolting, I could easily foretell that the blend was going to be a true force of reckoning.

In pre-summarizing my trials, I must state that this medium-full blend demonstrates a nice degree of charisma and appealing complexity. Specifically, there is considerable movement in the characterization as the differing elements make known their agenda for recognition. This interesting divergence in veritable colorfulness has Frenchy’s Sunzabitches living up to its exaggerated namesake throughout the entirety of the bowl. Furthermore, the blend tends to evolve unfurled richness with the progression of time and continuous stoking.

All that being stated, it is true that for an original Virginia/Perique, the Acadian clearly outshines all the other ingredients’ remarking. What is more, the overtone and nuance of this recipe’s persona is different in that it is much heavier in girth as compared to others within the genre. It did seem to me, however, that the prime Virginia and equally present Burley contest earnestly for secondary importance, with the Burley gaining the upper hand with some regularity. The unmitigated humor of the registration is darker, spicier, and gently sweet, conveying a feel in the mouth that is notably weighty.

In summarizing the Perique element, this strain charted truly favorable in the overall assessment consistently projecting a pleasing buttered sweet quality. Its base endowment is centered as exceptionally woody and rich in musty dark prune notations. Further attributes are the becoming relish of salty umami, a node of general pepperiness and native charred pungency bordering on an impression of raw hides of leather. The leaf’s stimulating contribution holds steadfast in the flavor, posturing to appease those most avid Perique aficionados.

Deferring to the recipe’s rank order of importance, the assorted Virginian component extends an umbrella of general weathered tanginess. In describing its individualized details, the registration favors a tart, sour fruity citrus much like the sharpness of a white grapefruit. There is a substantial floral affluence that records as rather piney in nature, with the core influences of fermented sweet wood and toasty aged hay. Last, passive accenting of caramel and bread pleasantly fill the spectrum, as well as a nice taunting of stoved earthen spice.

Coming around to a reflection on the comprised Burley, the mixture endowed a sweeter walnut flair co-mingled with softer oak. Expanding this chord were the trimmings of eased sourness, common zest, and strong highlights of brown sugar, rolled with a weaker tinge of cocoa-anise. Like the Acadian, the Burley rated fairly substantial in the experienced leaf attributes. With a finishing detail that leaned on a bitter herbal-tannic seasoning, the strain added a nice full mid-bodied complement to the overall taste profile. Finally, when this described Burley element clearly melds with the encouraging Perique, lovely glimpses of a docile cigar ambience surfaces with tasteful robustness.

As if there were not quite enough happening, Frenchy’s Sunzabitches shows evidence of a consistent embellishment attributable to the presence of caramelized bourbon that resounds in a malty wave-like pattern of varying intensity, especially on the top tiered finish. As a general observation, this spirited additive is not overly bold in demeanor yet one cannot deny is garnishing spice. Additionally, the smoking denotes some extra that is reminiscent of burnt cinnamon and a very subtle underpinning of a sweet fringe that is vanilla tempered but not actually quite so.

The combustion of this blend generates a satisfying body of cheery smoke that is of medium thickness and mellowing creaminess. At best, the tobacco elicits a consumed essence that is foreseeably tolerable to most, as its standard fragrance is rutty and decidedly affixed for a duration. Namely, the aroma is vegetal and softly sweet in tone, yet endows colorful streams of charred zesty spice, diminished tang, and the dominance of the musky fruitiness of the Perique. Furthermore, an offsetting aspect of seasoned Virginian hay and earthen Burley gusto nicely round out its brassy soul.

As to a functional perspective, this medium-high nicotine blend performs with good marks on the essential metrics. Namely, the average burn configures with a notably slower pace affording the smoker with the leisure of an extended session. Setting aside some minor moisture challenges, which necessitates a bit more preparation all be it, Frenchy’s Sunzabitches does hold consistent ignition. With that the witnessable temperature is well regulated, if sipped with reasonably sane pacing.

Not that it is a compelling detraction, I should clarify that the tobacco does manifest a bit of roughness on the mid-tongue while sensitizing the upper palate with raw tingling effects. Is it an actual bite per se? Certainly not, but a shallow degree of rancorousness it is. Occasionally the transitions of the streams can be a bit bumpy, but again, you are dealing with a bona fide SOB keep in mind. Given the blend’s vibrancy, at the close of a single bowl there is a feeling of true fullness. Therefore, engaging in two successive stints pushes the threshold of comfortable tolerance. As such, I would rate this one as an occasional smoker given its standing no-nonsense temperament.

And on a final point, always remember that your kindness is a language that even the deaf can hear and the blind can see, so strive to keep the SOB strictly within the confines of an obliging briar, my good pipers. Hearth & Home Frenchy’s Sunzabitches, with its distinct rendition of a Virginia/Perique, is well-positioned to fulfill that exception quite suitably it seems.

Objective Scoring (based upon standard genre attributes, mechanicals, and cost): 131/156 @ 84% ? 3.3.

Subjective Rating: 3.3 Pipes

I have had some of this in storage for 5+ years now and just found it again. It is freakin fantastic! This is an awesome blend. I wish Frenchy was still around, I miss him. He ran a straight up business and he was a hell of a guy! Hope ya are enjoyin retirement my friend!

This is a good VaPerBur, Burley is not out front like OJK, I don't get any strong Bourbon topping but it does add some hint of McClelland Vinigar. Not cheap if you only buy a few ozs. but you do get a nice Bulk price break after ordering about 8 ozs.. Plenty of N here and the Perique is out front with a nice sweet Virgina background, not a first smoke of the day.

Update 1/24/12 - This has been cellared for almost a year and it reminds me very much of P&C's Marguee Series Sweet & Savory. SB is stronger and not as smooth, has a ton of spice. Neither of those blends have the Burley or Kentucky out front. A touch too spicey for me.

This was like sex with an ex for me.

I had a brief but heated fling with this stuff awhile back. At one point I was convinced this was "the one" for me.

But then I started hanging out with the Latakia crowd and trying out some other VaPers and we just sorta drifted apart. Eventually I quit calling altogether.

But today I happened on a a half a jar of it and broke it out on a whim.

Damn.

I remember now why I was so In love at one time.

Really a very nice VaBurPer

I believe this incorporates mostly C&D blending components and will not be anything ground breaking for those familiar with the likes of OJK, Haunted Bookshop, Night Train et al.

But it is very nicely done. Tastes like a sweet bright VaPer but the burley rounds it out with substance. Sort of like if you rubbed out some Escudo and threw in some Prince Albert.

Anyway, a very nicely done blend I would recommend to anyone who is at all a fan of the genre.

01/06/09 - This is a "blue-collar" review from a long-time pipe smoker who is neither a connoisseur nor a gourmet. I like subtleties up to a point, beyond which I cannot detect them. There are very few aromatics that I like anymore. I love orientals, latakias, and Virginias, but burley gives me some trouble. Most of the time, I like stronger blends over weaker ones and in larger pipes than smaller ones. I have exceptions to all of the above. With that said . . .

This review is based on untinned bulk, although it is also available in tins if desired.

The tobacco is entirely brown & tan with a very faint perique aroma in the pouch. But at the match, it shouts, "Perique Is Here!" By mid-bowl, I'm having trouble tasting anything other than peppery Perique. I had a pepper stake like this once where I couldn't taste the meat! Finishes in the same manner.

VaPer lovers take note: This may be nirvana for you, but it's way too spicy for me. Believe the description!

Compares to: What?? This is the strongest perique blend I've ever tried. I prefer Renier's Long Golden Flake.

I will not be keeping this on hand, but I'm glad I tried it.

For me it rates only 3 out of 9 leaves.

Let me start by saying "Sunza Bitches". Why do I like saying that, Sunza Bitches, ya Sunza Bitches. OK I'm done, LOL Sunza Bitches. Tastey stuff, strong yet smooth. Did'nt detect the Bourbon but there is a mild vanilla type sweetness, but not much. The Perique I did detect, in fact I think it slapped me around a little, don't tell anyone, but I liked it ! As advertised it did smoke clean and cool to the bottom of the bowl with no bite. Did I mention tastey stuff, oh ya I did. That leaves only one more thing to say.... Sunza Bitches !!!

Uodate Russ what happened to this blend it became some flat and light I think you better just change the name to Bitches. I actually should have called you to return it but it was over the holidays.

UPDATED

Don't let the perique scare you away THis is really a rich good broad leaf Virginia blend. This blend is already pretty dry when you get it. But let it sit open for a few days. Then you can definelty taste the Burbon or Jack Daniels. This blend will not gunk up your pipe at all. Leaves a neat dry ash that taps out. The Jack & the Perique mix well and would be good with a tall glass of Jack. Like Jack Daniels not for the faint at heart a real mans blend. Once Again Good Stuff will add this to my rotation of blends. But probally more regularly. Russ maybe renaming this to Biker Delight, Open Road OR Harley's Smoke. Definetly a tough guys smoke. In the words of Sonny Corleone "Son of a Bitch!" What a smoke!!!! This is for a Virgina lover as well as the Perique Lover. Both leaves marry well in this mixture. The full ribbon cut sweet Virgina is at the top of this blend the Perique is there right behind it. The burley helps them both Virgina & Perique get along well in this marriage. There is a slight fig and black pepper flavor from the perique which comes through now and then. Keeping it interesting. The flavor dose not go flat throughout the bowl.As far a as the Jack Daniels it is there but if you take a clump and let it sit a day the Jack flavor will be more apparent but not over powering. The blend is on the dry side and a little hard to keep lit as mentoined let it dry a bit. Best to really pack the bowl tight. Nicotine level high but very very good. The JACK DANIELS helps keeps the room note less offenssive. This is the first blend that I have tried from Pipes and cigar. Very impressed with the service A++++++. I like this blend if for anything a change a pace from my everyday smoke. Tip Puff slow very slow to get the full flavor. This could be my everyday smoke but that would ruin the special treat of this blend being so unique. A must try my hat's off to Russ "Good old American ingenuity" This is a true American New classic. Only made in America.