4noggins Chipman Hill

Two bowls down in a smallish-bowl Sach's Canadian. Same prep as before, one thing I've noticed thusfar with the 4Nog blends is that the cut is really good for codger scoop or sprinkle+tamp.

Smell in the pouch? Earthy, stinky latakia - leather, boot polish (but in a good way), and campfires. Char and inital light is a flood of smokey, rich, and savory. Where my previous sample's subtlety put it in the range of a very mild English, this one is definitely more on the "Lat Bomb" side of the spectrum. Dark and brooding smokey, with an almost curry like spice on the tail end of the exhale, and this doesn't change throughout the bowl. As I've mentioned with other lat-forward tobaccos in the past, I compare this to sumatran coffee vs. columbian, cello vs. violin, or Grieg vs. Beethoven... it may be one note, but that note is incredibly rich, deep, dark, and enjoyable. I did get the "burning tires" comment from the wife so the room note is, well, latakia.

Nicotine was mild on this one, nowhere near what Button Bay put me through.

One of Rich Gottlieb's masterpieces, Chipman Hill is an outstanding English blend with big smoky woody flavors. Not overpower in latakia, rather balanced and no harshness. Best English blend in 4 noggins in my opinion. 3 and half star but wait to see how it ages.

I, too, received a 1 oz. sample with a purchase from 4noggins. I was pleasantly surprised with Chipman Hill--a tobacco of which I had not previously been aware. An English blend, it emphasizes balance between the components as none predominate. As such, CH is perfect for an all-day English if you are so inclined. It won't knock your socks off but will act as a rich companion through your hours. Next order to 4noggins will include some. Recommended.

This is a well behaved English blend, fairly simple and classic in the flavors. The Virginias in it aren't overwhelming, neither is the latakia. The orientals add structure. It's got a bit of spice without being too much. Not sweet, burns clean and relatively dry. Somewhat stringy cut, almost shag. If left out will quickly shed moisture to the desired level.

I like it, but prefer other English blends from other blenders. From the same blender, I like Britt's Balkan more. (Balkan with vanilla overtones, yum...)

I won't say that this tobacco is bad, but I've found it rather tasteless. Of course you can taste the latakia, but not so marked. I like it (of course, I like all english blends), but it's surely not my favourite. It's good for whom wants to try english blends because it's not strong. For those like me who like marked latakia taste, it's not for you. Or just to try a new blend...

A nice well rounded English. I've noticed with my samples from 4Noggins that free tobacco tastes just a little bit sweeter than paid for tobacco.