4noggins Britt's Balkan

A wonderful "tin note" upon opening tbe bag. Slight vanilla aroma, though I do not taste it much. Perfect moisture level on arrival. The orientals are rich and woody, the latakia provides a smoky backbone. The virginias make a nice base sweetness helped along by the vanilla topping, I would imagine. This tobacco was my first introduction Balkans. Since that time, I have tried at least 20 others and this remains a top 3 pick for me. This is a near perfect all day smoke. Not to strong or rich, complex and remains interesting throughout the bowl. The vanilla topping makes the room note much more tolerable to the wife than most Lat blends.

A full, rich Balkan style blend that seems to be similar to Samuel Gawith's Perfection (one of my absolute favorites). I can't say anything critical except I thought the vanilla note was a little much before letting it dry up a bit. Weeks later, after nearing the "buttered toast" point, it is near Perfection (no pun intended). BB is a very good, layered, full smoke that is at its best when you haven't smoked in a while. Try it and you'll know what I mean. There is enough nicotine to remind you why BB is not for the faint of heart, but not enough for a dizzy spell. The room note is pleasant with the vanilla, so the wife might like it, too. I enjoy this tobacco very much when I'm in the mood for a complex-ish smoke. Even though I prefer SG Perfection due to more spice and tang, BB is a well rounded, appropriate substitute.

After several bowls in different pipes, I gave up on this blend. The pain to pleasure ratio was too much. Even after drying it to a crunchy consistency it bit for two thirds of the way down the bowl. I seem to have this problem with all "ribbon cut" (shag) mixtures. Maybe after a year of aging I'll try again.

The reviews spoke so highly of this tobacco that I had to try it. The first bag needed a little drying but this bag is perfect. Some people say it has a nic hit. I am negatively affected by nicotine and can honestly say it is not strong. It has never "stung" my tongue.

I really like it. It's not a sweet tobacco but the vanilla topping does something very subtle and nice for the flavor. It's very mild and it's growing on me. I'm going to give it 4 stars because of its quality. The vanilla is an unexpected nice touch although it is only in the background. Has become a part of my rotation.

I really can't improve on what Steel Cowboy said. He nailed it.

Amazingly well composed blend. Extra creamy. Surprisingly solid latakia presence here. Like any good English or Balkan the latakia should carry the day and it does. But the slight hint of vanilla makes it all work.

Excellent mouth feel. No bite at all. (I'm smoking soem now and it's excellent despite a slightly sore tongue from yesterday's bender.

Unlike Steel Cowboy I found it burned well right out of the bag the first time but it smokes equally as well after dried a bit just from opening and closing the bag.

I simply don't see how someone could not fall in love with this stuff. You really owe it to yourself to try it.

I am an absolute sucker for a sweet Balkan/English blend. I've tried a lot of them. C&D Snug Harbor, Newminster English Luxus, Kramer's Danny Kaye, Planta Full English, just to name a few.

Opening the 1oz pouch, I was quite disappointed to find the number of twigs and stems in this blend! I'm not talking 2-3. I mean a solid dozen large stems in the minimal 1oz.

Pouch note of sweet and smoky Latakia, floral Orientals, and a sweet and tangy Virginia. It smells like love!

One thing I can really appreciate 4Noggins for is the heavy-duty quality bags they pack their bulk tobacco in. Couple that with squeezing absolutely all the air out and the quick shipping, nothing is lost from shop to doorstep.

Britt's packs with a lot of spring. But pack it on the loose side, and it will be easy to light.

From the charring light of the first bowl, I was in love. Thick, rich clouds of sweet Virginia and Latakia filled the air. When a sweet component is added to Latakia, and it's done right, it's pure magic to me. The Virginia is sweet and slightly tart, the Orientals floral and just a touch of spice. The latakia has the right amount of saltiness, and chewiness. I blasted through the pouch I ordered, and I'll definitely be ordering a pound. I have only smoked this in the summer weather both indoors and outdoors. I can't wait to smoke this blend mixed in with the sights and sounds of a Michigan October. Solid 4 stars!! (Even with the twigs. lol)

Truly a fantastic blend. The latakia is never overpowering, and the vanilla flavor goes almost unnoticed, aside from the slightest sweetness on the draw. I have put a few ounces in my cellar to see how it evolves a few months down the road, but judging by the taste on arrival, it is a terrific blend that can only get better with time.

Very nice, but a little monotone.

Standard good quality English with a very smooth and creamy delivery of the standard fare, and then in the back is just enough vanilla to add a tinge of sweetness and make this a crossover.

The English continues to evolve as the smoke goes on, the vanilla stays the same, so in essence it develops as it goes on, but not enough to stay interesting and it feels a little gimmicky at the end.

Still, very nice and smooth, and an interesting smoke.

I definately have a sensitive palate especially concerning tobacco pH, beit cigars or pipes.

This blend is a tad too alkaline for my liking; numbing the palate akin to baccy bite. Although it remains somewhat smokable I'm certain not tasting the full spectrum of this blend. Apart from that the bag aroma is very good, packs and burns very well. Alas I cannot recommend it since the combustion expereince is not enjoyable. This bag will be yet another donation to the baccy library at our local clubs haunt where I'm sure others will gladly partake and enjoy.