Owl Shop Harkness Tower

I know the Owl Shop in New Haven pretty well, but this was before I started smoking a pipe. So first off, I think it is the only place in CT that one can have a drink and smoke in public, although that has led to something of a dilution of the store as a pure tobacconists. But-- Harkness Tower is a masterpiece.

It is so easy to smoke, if you like Balkans, that you can almost forget you are smoking it at times if other things take over you attention, and they invariably will when you pack this wonderful mixture into a larger bowl. Lush and creamy, mildly peppery with a great burn from start to finish.

I'm rating this above the two other Balkans I've been smoking a lot of recently. Above Gawith, Hoggarth & Co's Balkan Mixture, which is excellent, and Peter Stokkebye's Balkan Supreme.

The balance is just right for my palette on the Latika (and the Perique?), but I did find it biting a little towards the end of the bowl, when I detected a very "meaty" aroma. Not so strong on nicotine, so possibly an all-day smoker.

I'm lucky enough to still have friends in town, and also near their other store in Worcester MA... so I will be buying a boat load of this for the cellar.

After enjoying bowls of Bancroft Tower, and wanting more Latakia, I tried Harkness Tower, and it's terrific. I have not had the pleasure of smoking Balkan Sobranie, and most likely never will, but Harkness Tower was a wonderful introduction to Balkan blends. It is medium in strength and full on flavor with a nice lingering, tangy finish. The room note is pleasant, too.

This blend from the Owl Shop in Worcester, Ma. is a blend that I can smoke all day and everyday. Blended by George Photakis for decades, it is a tasty and smooth English blend that will take you to a realm where latakia and oriental dance the forbiden dance. Its sold on the dry side, which IMO adds to the easy pack, easy lighting of this tobacco. almost no tongue bite, even with excessive puffing. smokes steady to the bottom, where you are greeted by bone white ash, mottled with dark grey specks. Get yerself to Worcester, and seek out this local delight.

I first smoked this back in 2006 when a forum friend sent me a few oz, claiming this was his favorite Balkan Blend. I smoked about half of what he sent and forgot about the rest. I did remember it being a terrific fall blend.

Fast forward, I had a friend visiting the Owl Shop send me 7oz of this when he stopped in. When it arrived, it was like Christmas Day to me. It does seem to have much more moisture than I recall. I specifically remember my friend telling me it is fairly dry, and he likes to hydrate it a bit before smoking. I will say, this this stuff is super pricey. Like 83.00 for 14oz. Probably one of the most expensive production tobaccos out there.

The tin aroma cannot be beat. The sweet Virginias, coupled with the smoky Latakia and floral Orientals, make this incredible blend. There are some long strings, and some short ribbons as well. The blend packs super easy and is the perfect moisture to smoke on arrival.

Initial light is sweet, bready and smoky. The Latakia isn't overwhelming, not does it take center stage. It's a condiment. The Orientals are high quality and offer terrific floral notes. The room note is one of the best you'll find from a Balkan. Wife even loves the room note.

I say with 100% certainty that this is in my top 5 Balkan blends, if not #1. Yes, its expensive but soooo worth it!

A friend allowed me a bowl of this marvelously delicious blend. It was years old but the aroma was to die for. The opening aroma was outstanding and the flavor.....oh the flavor was simply perfect. I guess this is no longer available as per my friends opinion. That is a shame as this is one of the best blends I have ever smoked. I hated to see this smoke end. If you can find this get as much as you can because it is simply outstanding!!