Rich's Old Perth

This is a smoke with out edges, complex and smooth like JohnnyWalkerBlue. To say its 'full bodied' doesnt quite do it: Its just that little touch more. Packs, lights and smokes easy yet never lets up, its body and taste remains through the entire bowl.

Superb.

If you enjoy latikia I believe you will appreciate this mixture though I dont think lat is in the recipe. The scent is more herbal-earthy than smokey, as is the taste. It seems Books enjoys a little mystery at times.

These blends are availabe only at the shop or by telephone, there is no web ordering. If you take the time add OldPerth to your list.

Highest recommendation.

H

let me start off by saying not only is steven books an amazing blender, he is an all around great guy, kind patient informative, makes everything about your shopping expirience pleasent, and always happy to let you sample some tobaccos. now to the review.

I really really like old perth, it has a nice thick smoke and a taste that reminds me of camping. everytime i light up a bowl i have flash backs to my childhood, sitting around the campfire with my family and friends. i give it the tolerable on the room note simply cause the wife...not a wife pleaser at all.

A substantial and delightful medium, English/Oriental blend. The formula and copyright for this blend are proprietary to Steven Books, Master Blender. Rich's is the vendor ONLY for this blend. Old Perth is a successful recreation of the original Rattray's Red Raparee, which was for years one of my favorite tobaccos. IMHO, it does this better than the KK&C version. In Old Perth the Turkish varietals are more distinct, the latakia better melded throughout, and it is less sweet.

This is a blend of Syrian Latakia, three Turkishes, Macedonian Drama, and Red Carolina VA which is aged for a minimum of two months. The spiciness of the Turkish tobaccos can be enhanced by additional aging or smoking this blend in a meerschaum.

The pouch aroma is lightly smoky and herbal with subdued resinous notes. Upon lighting the Red Carolina gives a mildly sweet, not sugary taste, with the Syrian Latakia imparting a subtle smokiness. The Turkishes start in the background, then become spicier with slightly rough edges that feather the tongue. This is not unpleasant and merely let?s you know they are there.

Smoking quality is rich, mouth-filling, and not wet. The taste remains consistent from start to finish, with lingering notes of smoke, spice, and sweet. What?s left is a clean ash with very little dottle. Like the Steve Martin routine I smoke this in the late-mid-early morning, the afternoon, and in the evening. Even at dusk.

I appreciate this as a good, smoke-everyday English/Oriental. The smoky, sweet, herb, and spice qualities are seamlessly integrated. No single component overpowers the others or overwhelms your taste buds. If you never experienced the original RRR, I highly recommend this blend.

***update 7/7/07*** One thing that this was missing was a touch of citrus, sharp notes to the Virginia. On Mr. Books recommendation I have added a small quantity of Lemon Bright Virginia to this and let it rest for a week. While not substantially sweetening the blend it has brightened the flavor, like adding a squirt of citrus to a salad. The downside is that it can now bite in some meerschaum shapesand benefits from DGT. Perhaps aging or sticking to briars will defang it. It has also slightly diluted the turkish/latakia which I will remedy by adding additional Drama and turkishes, as suggested by the dstnguishdgntlmn.

I loved this stuff! This is truly an English/Oriental mixture sans Latakia. It has a very rich and almost chewy quality to it. Heavier on the Virginias than the Orientals though.A satisfying and delicious afternoon or early evening treat This is far superior to Fox's "Campanile" or Pease's "Cairo" in every way.". AS A VERY IMPORTANT SIDE NOTE- THIS MIXTURE BENEFITS GREATLY FROM THE ADDITION OF McCLELLAND'S "BLENDING ORIENTAL". Add about one half ounce to the 2 oz bulk bag and this will transform from a 4 star to a 5 star English /Oriental mix! One of the most unique products in its genre on the market. A work of blending perfection! P.S. Burns cool as a cucumber!