Kane's of New Zealand Lamb Cake Slices

I know its poor form to review a tobacco that you haven't tried but stiff. Back in the early 70?s Mum and Dad used to take us kids to visit Nanna and Pa out in the Yarra Valley of Victoria, Australia. It was the bush back then. Dry sheep paddocks, horses, worn out ute?s and tractors, left where they stopped, and outside dunnies. All 6 crammed in a Morris Major and a seat belt was what you got if you played up. I remember Pa couldn?t see too well and he accidently cracked open a tin of Ham thinking it was his Kane?s lamb slices. He sliced off a chunk, as usual, muttered expletives as he rubbed it out, as usual. It took him about 5 minutes to get it burning right in his Barnsbury billiard, which was basically a Dunhill 35 shell knockoff. Amazingly the room note was very similar to what we were used to and as described in the reviews below, but maybe slightly richer and no minty background. He seemed quite happy until he got to the dottle which promptly caught fire. He stuck mostly to Erinmore mix after this, as you can only mistake that tin for boot polish, which is another story. I can only go on childhood memories as you can?t get this tobacco for love or money, old blend or new, even this close to our cousins across the ditch (choice Bro?s). I?ll keep an eye on eBay and if I?m lucky I?ll update this review. Whenever I smell an unattended BBQ I think of old Jim and his Kane?s lamb slices. Maybe I?m being foolish, but tonight I might thinly slice some Spam, dry it and add some mint flakes and

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I?ve got to go. I?m getting all teary.

4 April 2008: It surprises me that pipe smokers around the world haven't cottoned on Lamb Cake Slices before now. Although it is one of the world's rarest (excuse the pun) tobaccos outside of New Zealand, it is well worth the effort of tracking down.

Initially I was hesitant to try a tobacco that was cased in real lamb juice, but the tin aroma is amazing, like the Sunday roasts of my childhood. While packing my pipe I actually tried chewing a flake and yes, this stuff IS good enough to eat. All the flavour with none of the calories.

The subtle lamb roast and mint flavouring comes though from the charring light and is backed up by wonderful Virginia sweetness with surprisingly little bite. A very hearty and satisfying smoak that goes well with a glass of red.

The only downside is when I'm smoaking this stuff, the dog won't leave me alone.

Now, if Kanes can come up with an Apple Pie Slices for afters, I'll be set.

UPDATE 11 April 2008: For those who've had trouble tracking down Lamb Cake Slices, Shepherds Pipes (www.shepherdspipes.com) has it in bulk for $15.99 per pound. What's more, they'll throw in a free Kane's Lamb Cake Slices pipe knife with every five pound internet order. Now that's a baa...gain.

I came across a tin of this tucked away in the chiller at my local supermarket, pleasantly surprised I added it to my trolley. Upon opening the tin at home I was greeted with s smell akin to a lamb roast- mint sauce and all!

The slices in my tin were rather fatty, so I assume a wether must have gotten into the mix somehow, be that as it may it gave the flakes a superb burning characteristic. All in all highly recommended, no need for dindins after a bowl of this, although perhaps some roast potatoes and peas on the side would add to the enjoyment of this particular blend.

(As another reviewer noted DGT is best avoided especially in warmer climes)

A kiwi friend of mine brought me a tin of this back after visiting the homeland recently. Everyone should be so lucky to have such a great friend.

My greasy hands were trembling in anticipation as I popped the top on the tin. The tobacco was moist to the touch with just a bit of coarse white hair mixed in. Lambs wool? I dunno. Anyway, I fired it up and first impressions were it was a bit minty. The wool-like stuff definitely improved the burn as it was easy to keep lit. About a third of the way down the bowl the mint taste settled down and now a deep meaty taste developed that would only increase, eventually tasting a bit like carmelized meat on the grill. Surely this is what burnt sacrifices were like in biblical times and so the whole experience was just heavenly!

Incidentally, unlike Pagercat's experience, my tin contained no "beige water-like substance" in the tin.

I must admit that I did not want to smoke this. This is THE perfect blend if you need nicotine and nourishment. Can you imagine satisfying both nicotine craving and hunger in one go? How convenient is that?

The taste is fantastic and when I smoke this I usually have a nice garnish to the top of the tobacco, I find some coriander works best. To me the taste really reminds me of having a nice juicy chop and I noticed more teeth marks on the mouthpiece of my pipe. I obviously did not know this and my wife brought to my attention that I was in fact chewing on my pipe.

The only problem I have is that this blend has to be smoked indoors. The reason for that is that the neighbourhood dogs can get really persistant when they get a whiff of this delicious blend. The other day I was smoking this while driving, when I got to the end of the street, there were tens of dogs chasing my car. There was a petite young lady walking her St Barnard that was not impressed at all since the pooch pulled her along. Weird

Do not smoke this while out in the bush somewhere, I am sure Lions will follow the scent

Thanks you Pipestud

Mo, South Africa

I have a friend from New Zealand who's name, coincidentally, is Kane. Must be a popular name there. Anyway he sent me a sample of this luscious blend and for that, I am grateful.

The base tobaccos here are top quality and, surprisingly, not at all overpowered by the ladled on topping. I admit I was afraid to try this at first knowing that it 'contains real lamb juice` (just what is Lamb Juice?) but I'm glad I did. The sweet gamey flavor compliments the leaf nicely. It could use a nic boost, but hey nothing's perfect, eh? I also recommend adding 5% crushed mint leaf. Leg of lamb in a pipe. Perfect! (almost)

p.s. I'd like to thank Pipestud for the historical information. Nearly brought a tear to my eye to think this great smoke could be lost forever.

This blend reminded me in some ways of Tyson's Gobbler Cake, which is made from pressed Virginia, Burley and cased in turkey pan drippings with a hint of cranberry added. It was a special edition blend made available throughout the holiday season in 1990 and I still have a couple of tins left.

As for Lamb Cake Slices, the mint seemed to stay in the background while the Virginia and Perique did most of the talking. Smoking it provided little in the way of tongue bite but much like the above mentioned blend, it gave me the strange urge to take a nap afterwards.

Lamb Slices is indeed an oddity, something every menthol smoker might enjoy, particularly if one felt compelled to abandon their cigarettes. For me, the mint is the most prominent component, similar to deer's tongue, which some can grow to detest. If Lamb Slices can take off, like it so deserves, perhaps we will be awarded with more blends that incorporate mint into their constitution. I think many agree that would be a good thing, a way to diversify the already wide choices available to us as pipe smokers.

I confess that my only experience with Lamb Slices was a single tin back in the seventies, and I have not tried the reincarnation that has since been brought back from the dead after the events Pipestud has thoroughly documented. I suppose this means I'll have to put in an order with Kane's for a sampling of the new batch, though I question whether it is truly possible that they could so faithfully emulate the essence of lamb as the original.

Good tobacco? Yes. Original? Definitely. How's the taste? A bit gamy.

Four Stars

Ah, I enjoyed some of this for my Easter supper, and it was absolutely delicious. A delightful spring treat for the quick witted pipester. The mildness of the flavor is such, that you may wonder if you are really smoking at all...

For a fuller, richer experience try the same blender's Mutton Cake Slices...;)