John Middleton, Inc Prince Albert Choice Blend
(3.48)
Similar in look and taste to regular Prince Albert, but smoother w/ no bite.
Notes: Discontinued by Altria after purchase of John Middleton, Inc.
Details
| Brand | John Middleton, Inc |
| Blended By | John Middleton, Inc. |
| Manufactured By | John Middleton, Inc. |
| Blend Type | Burley Based |
| Contents | Burley |
| Flavoring | |
| Cut | Ribbon |
| Packaging | 5 ounce zip-lock plastic bag |
| Country | United States |
| Production | No longer in production |
Profile
Strength
Mild to Medium
Extremely Mild -> Overwhelming
Flavoring
None Detected
None Detected -> Extra Strong
Room Note
Pleasant
Unnoticeable -> Overwhelming
Taste
Mild to Medium
Extremely Mild (Flat) -> Overwhelming
Average Rating
|
3.48 / 4
|
Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 Reviews
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Apr 04, 2010 | Mild | Extremely Mild | Mild | Pleasant |
Update 5/3/2020
Smoking this now and decided to check out the reviews. Regarding the person that called John Middleton and was told this is the same as regular PA but in a bag instead, I imagine JM's response went something like this:
"Yes, it is just regular PA in a bag instead of the pouch or tin. However, we are a bit nonplussed to learn that someone noticed how we are duping our customers. We try very hard to be discreet about it. Granted, we're not doing anything that our competitors don't do, but it's still a bit embarrassing to be caught in a bald-faced fabrication. But since you've pointed it out, we freely admit our malfeasance to you so that you can advise the rest of the pipesmoking public of same. We believe this will generate more goodwill and profitable business".
ORIGINAL REVIEW
I took Pipestud's advice below and compared the look and smell of this and regular PA, as well as the taste. I came to an identical conclusion - the two are not the same. This is better.
Regular PA is a fine smoke, although not something I could include in my regular rotation. It starts off well enough but then turns harsh and ashy-tasting. PA Choice stays nutty and natural throughout the bowl. It burns cleanly and does not bite in the slightest. If you overpuff, it will turn sour - so don't overpuff! 🙂
Natural, unflavored burley taste. There are other OTC's I prefer but this one is where the "codger burley" starts. It's a step up from regular PA and I find it also preferable to Carter Hall. It's not that easy to find but when you find it, you'll very likely have bought your last tin of PA regular.
Smoking this now and decided to check out the reviews. Regarding the person that called John Middleton and was told this is the same as regular PA but in a bag instead, I imagine JM's response went something like this:
"Yes, it is just regular PA in a bag instead of the pouch or tin. However, we are a bit nonplussed to learn that someone noticed how we are duping our customers. We try very hard to be discreet about it. Granted, we're not doing anything that our competitors don't do, but it's still a bit embarrassing to be caught in a bald-faced fabrication. But since you've pointed it out, we freely admit our malfeasance to you so that you can advise the rest of the pipesmoking public of same. We believe this will generate more goodwill and profitable business".
ORIGINAL REVIEW
I took Pipestud's advice below and compared the look and smell of this and regular PA, as well as the taste. I came to an identical conclusion - the two are not the same. This is better.
Regular PA is a fine smoke, although not something I could include in my regular rotation. It starts off well enough but then turns harsh and ashy-tasting. PA Choice stays nutty and natural throughout the bowl. It burns cleanly and does not bite in the slightest. If you overpuff, it will turn sour - so don't overpuff! 🙂
Natural, unflavored burley taste. There are other OTC's I prefer but this one is where the "codger burley" starts. It's a step up from regular PA and I find it also preferable to Carter Hall. It's not that easy to find but when you find it, you'll very likely have bought your last tin of PA regular.
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 01, 2018 | Mild | Very Mild | Mild to Medium | Very Pleasant |
The very nutty, earthy, woody, mildly sweet and savory burleys also have a very light topping, though I can’t tell what it is. They also sport a touch of cocoa and a few grains of sugar. The strength is mild, while the taste is a step or two past that mark. Has a very mild nic-hit. Won’t bite or get harsh. Burns fairly cool and very clean at a slightly fast pace with a consistent flavor, that unlike the regular PA, doesn’t change near the finish. Leaves little dampness in the bowl, and requires few relights. Has a short lived, pleasant after taste and room note. An all day smoke.
The regular PA has bourbon and cocoa toppings, which this does not. They fade in PA toward the finish. This blend doesn’t get cigarette-ish as PA could do, and lacks the chemical note of PA as well. Plus, no PG, and this is a little smoother than PA. It’s been reported that Middleton says this is regular PA, but I respectfully disagree, and I’d need to see the respective formulas before believing otherwise.
-JimInks
The regular PA has bourbon and cocoa toppings, which this does not. They fade in PA toward the finish. This blend doesn’t get cigarette-ish as PA could do, and lacks the chemical note of PA as well. Plus, no PG, and this is a little smoother than PA. It’s been reported that Middleton says this is regular PA, but I respectfully disagree, and I’d need to see the respective formulas before believing otherwise.
-JimInks
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Jul 06, 2009 | Mild to Medium | None Detected | Mild to Medium | Pleasant |
This is a very nice burley, smooth and dry all the way to the bottom of the bowl. The difference I noticed between this and regular PA is that this is all natural in smell and taste where the regular PA has a sweet top note. If you like a smooth nutty burley that burns cool and dry this is a good bet.
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 25, 2015 | Mild to Medium | Extremely Mild | Mild to Medium | Pleasant |
I ordered the whole Prince Albert collection from Milan and found that Choice blend was a close second to the original in the red tub. A little more rough cut and lacking the Cocoa aroma, I did find that it reminded me of Granger, just a simple Burley blend that is perfect for putzing around the house or on the computer. I gave the original 4 stars and this is close at 3 but I do prefer the Cocoa taste and aroma that Choice was lacking. At $2 an ounce these are very good values and since John Middleton has been around forever they have access to excellent tobacco crops and their recipes have been enjoyed for over 100 years.
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 12, 2008 | Mild | None Detected | Mild to Medium | Pleasant |
I guarantee if you ever smoke PA's Choice Blend you will never go back to regular PA. I was originally turned off to the original due to the amount of PG in there. With Choice Blend you don't have to worry about that. It also tastes A LOT better than the original.
You think that the original tastes good when mixed Half and Half with Carter Hall? Wait until you try it with Choice Blend!!
It's great as an everyday smoke and cheap to boot.
It is hard to find but it is well worth the search.
You think that the original tastes good when mixed Half and Half with Carter Hall? Wait until you try it with Choice Blend!!
It's great as an everyday smoke and cheap to boot.
It is hard to find but it is well worth the search.
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Aug 11, 2008 | Mild to Medium | None Detected | Mild to Medium | Pleasant to Tolerable |
Prince Albert Choice Blend is almost identical to regular PA, with just a couple of differences. Cut, burn rate, and room note are pretty much the same. It packs easy, stays lit, and can be enjoyed with a minimum of fuss.
Top note, or pouch aroma, is one thing that is totally lacking in PA Choice Blend. It posseses an almost cigar-like, pure tobacco smell in the bag, not the chocolate aroma I detect with regular Prince Albert. Overall taste is nearly identical to the regular blend, yet a bit more robust, with absolutely no tongue bite.
Room note is traditional, old-time "pipe" aroma. The tobacco selected for PA Choice Blend seems to be of a higher grade and quality, resulting in a smoother, more flavorful smoke. The taste can get a little "ashey" towards the bottom, typical of straight Burley tobacco, but it's not too bad.
Personally, I feel PA Choice Blend is one one of the smoothest straight Burley pipe tobaccos available. Because of it's basic tobacco taste, it also blends well with other tobaccos.
PA Choice Blend can be a bit hard to find, but it's well worth the search.
3 out of 4 stars
Top note, or pouch aroma, is one thing that is totally lacking in PA Choice Blend. It posseses an almost cigar-like, pure tobacco smell in the bag, not the chocolate aroma I detect with regular Prince Albert. Overall taste is nearly identical to the regular blend, yet a bit more robust, with absolutely no tongue bite.
Room note is traditional, old-time "pipe" aroma. The tobacco selected for PA Choice Blend seems to be of a higher grade and quality, resulting in a smoother, more flavorful smoke. The taste can get a little "ashey" towards the bottom, typical of straight Burley tobacco, but it's not too bad.
Personally, I feel PA Choice Blend is one one of the smoothest straight Burley pipe tobaccos available. Because of it's basic tobacco taste, it also blends well with other tobaccos.
PA Choice Blend can be a bit hard to find, but it's well worth the search.
3 out of 4 stars
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Feb 01, 2016 | Medium | Mild | Mild to Medium | Pleasant |
Bought 5 ounces of this to try the Prince. Was a little dry when I got it. Put it in a cob and as it is burley I puffed it slow and easy. Was a good smoke. Got the nuttiness of the burley from start to finish. Won't be something I smoke everyday but in a pinch won't be afraid to buy it either. If just a bit moister it would be really good. Could use it on something that is too sweet or fruity to tone down the blend. If you like good honest tobacco without the flavorings or the smoky English blends try the Prince. It's worth the money.
Pipe Used:
Corn Cobs
PurchasedFrom:
WV Smokeshop
Age When Smoked:
1 month
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