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Countryside is our medium English blend. A Virginia base with Latakia and select Orientals. It is a delicious, smooth-bodied blend with no tongue bite. A wonderful balance for an enjoyable all-day smoke.
Brand | Boswell Pipes & Tobacco |
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Blended By | JM Boswell |
Blend Type | English |
Contents | Black Cavendish, Latakia, Oriental/Turkish, Virginia |
Flavoring | Alcohol / Liquor, Other / Misc |
Cut | Ribbon |
Packaging | 2 ounce tin, bulk |
Country | US |
Production | Currently available |
Favorite Of 5 Users
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Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
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DoctorThoss (146) | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Mild to Medium | Mild to Medium | Medium | Very Pleasant |
I can't say that I'm a huge fan of Boswell's aromatics at this point, but I can say they know how to make a phenomenal "American English" blend (or, if you prefer, a "crossover" English).
Whatever you call it, Countryside is a remarkably tasty smoke. I also must say that I'm not sure I believe that it actually contains Virginia, Latakia, Oriental and Cavendish as the ingredient list on this page says. If I were called to guess, I'd say it contains burley, cavendish, latakia and perhaps a splash of some bright Vas. I don't taste any specific flavoring agents, but it's clearly been topped with some type of sauce that manages to add sweetness rather than flavor. The effect actually brings out some of the tobacco flavor, which is one reason I suspect there is burley in here -- it's a warm, nutty flavor that I normally associate with burley blends.
The latakia is applied with a light hand but is still definitely noticeable. In fact, the latakia taste is heavier here than in, say, GL Pease's Chelsea Morning or Dunhill's Early Morning Pipe. On the downside, there is no complexity to be found here and there is relatively little nicotine. The moisture level and texture of the tobacco signal the presence of some PG, but not an absurd amount. It doesn't impact the flavor much, and this stuff lights and burns like a dream. I've detected no bite with it, even when it burns a little bit hot.
Basically, Countryside seems to be an archetypal American English blend, that fading genre of OTC pipe tobaccos that once included the likes of Revelation, Blue Boar, and Barking Dog. Of course, if it contains no burley it can't really be counted among those blends, but I have my doubts as to the accuracy of the ingredients list supplied on this Web site. In any case, if you have a fondness for sweet latakia blends or the American English genre, give this a shot. I'm not sure you could do better and I guarantee you could do a lot, lot worse.
19 people found this review helpful.
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Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
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tntrush (3) | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Mild to Medium | Mild | Mild to Medium | Pleasant to Tolerable |
The best Latakia mixture I have smoked.
I very much enjoyed its sweet earthy latakia taste, which I have been searching in other tobaccos such as Dunhill - My Mixture 965, or Samuel Gawith - Skiff Mixture. Countryside, is my choice.
It has rich and round taste, the smoke will treat the throat very gently and the overall experience is very neat and enjoyable as you can expect from a high quality mixture.
Countryside, is a light smoke without much nicotine. There is, however, Northwoods which can serve as the stronger version of this tobacco for more “advanced” smokers.
Pipe Used: Briar
Similar Blends: Boswell Pipes & Tobacco - Northwoods, Sutliff Tobacco Company - Dunhill's My Mixture 965 Match, Samuel Gawith - Skiff Mixture.
14 people found this review helpful.
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Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
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McKNooB (35) | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Mild to Medium | Mild to Medium | Mild to Medium | Pleasant |
Agreed, a tad lighter than Northwoods but every bit as good. Yet another English that has me wondering how long I'll have all these aros kicking around for?!?!
First tried in a fairly wide bowl and it was nice. Real nice. Smooth with very little detectable bite potential. This is more of an all day smoke (I think). Next tried in a taller chimney and it just got better and better the deeper into the bowl.
I detect an earthy undertone, more so than I'm able to detect in Northwoods. I'm a rook for sure. I am starting to understand (and detect) the latakia element however and I can really see how people eventually make the move away from aros to the HEnglish.
Lit easily, burned evenly right to the bottom. I should mention that I do let the bags breathe for a bit before packing. Burned very cool as well. Not picking up on the liquor element (as described above) just yet.
The War Department approves.
I love it!!!
12 people found this review helpful.
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Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
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albfneto (184) | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Very Mild | Extremely Mild | Mild | Unnoticeable |
This is a good tobacco for morning smoking, for pipe smoking begginers, and it seems to contain only a small ammount of Latakia. May be good for people that is curious about Latakia containing mixtures, but not can, at first time, to be submitted to the strong Latakia flavour. In the general tast and flavour the Oriental Tobacco totally surpasses the Latakia scent. May be considered good for smokers that enjoy Oriental Tobacco,but not so good for people experienced with the strong Latakia mixtures.
8 people found this review helpful.
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Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
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LV9 (85) | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Mild | Mild | Mild | Pleasant to Tolerable |
This a crossover blend for people that are just atarting to develop a taste for Latakia, it' easy to pack, and forgiving with over aggressive puffing, this blend contains the vanilla/cavendish taste that most boswell blends have, but is only noticeable towards the bottom of the bowl, the latakia is always on the background, overall it's kinda of a boring blend if you are not a aromatic smoker, very good quality if you are a aromatic smoker. Overall would I buy this again: NO, I already did my time in the aromatic department and this blend offers nothing that wants me to go back.
6 people found this review helpful.
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Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
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Stinkypipe (155) | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Medium | Mild to Medium | Mild | Very Pleasant |
Countryside or as I would call it "Northwoods lite" is just another outstanding blend from the artist at Boswell. For those of you who feel Northwoods is a little too strong or aggressive then countryside should suit you perfect. Railroad Station is a blend for those who want something stronger than Northwoods and Countryside is just the opposite. It is a very nice mild blend that you could smoke all day or all night. Just another great blend from Boswell that simply can't be outdone by anyone in the industry. It burns very cool and has a wonderful room note. Frankly I don't think any tobacconist can touch Boswell's English blends period!
Pipe Used: Nording freehand
Age When Smoked: Fresh from tin
Purchased From: www.boswellpipes.com
5 people found this review helpful.
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Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
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gladi8tor96 (143) | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Mild to Medium | Medium | Medium | Pleasant to Tolerable |
Excellent...excellent...excellent! The Boswells have great pipes, great service, and obviously great tobacco. I love their Northwoods blend and I have tried their Bear Blend. This one seems to be a milder version of an English blend. It's almost a combo of an aromatic and an English. I swear I caught hints of chocolate while smoking. It burns perfectly with lots of creamy smoke. It is an English though without a doubt...there are the hints of Latakia and orientals throughout the smoke. It's wonderful and automatically became one of my favorites.
Cheers Boswells!!!
Pipe Used: Billard
Age When Smoked: New from store - 1-3 months
Purchased From: http://www.boswellpipes.com/
Similar Blends: Hearth & Home - Fusilier's Ration (Marquee Series), Boswell Pipes & Tobacco - Northwoods.
5 people found this review helpful.
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Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
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Talltree (31) | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Mild to Medium | Mild to Medium | Mild to Medium | Pleasant to Tolerable |
After smoking the Boswell English blends I started not to like the casings which give them sweetness. But I've noticed that I'm starting to dislike most aromatics, with the exception of Germain's Plum Cake Mixture which is starting to grow on me.
I don't know. I guess this review is pretty subjective, but I find I just don't like it. On the other hand, MacClennan Frog Morton's Cellar is excellent.
Pipe Used: Dr. Grabow Omega bent
Age When Smoked: a couple of month old
Purchased From: Boswell
3 people found this review helpful.
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Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
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tleek (51) | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Medium | Mild | Medium | Pleasant to Tolerable |
Fantastic medium english. This is something special. Rich and creamy, sweet and smoky. A little oriental mustiness in the back ground.
Very complex and incredibly smooth. Light on the latakia but very flavorful. Cavendish sweetness is very prominent, possible lightly ased with vanilla. The tobacco is very nuanced.
Overall a very sweet and creamy tobacco with a little blast of latakia in the forefront which fades on the exhale.
A must try!
Similar Blends: Boswell Pipes & Tobacco - Northwoods, Samuel Gawith - Perfection.
3 people found this review helpful.
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Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
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TotoPipeDreams (44) | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Medium | Mild to Medium | Medium to Full | Pleasant |
Better than Northwoods! More English in character with bigger body and complexity than NW (imo). This blend is still sweet and I’d consider it an aromatic English but if you’ve had 965 it’s pretty much a sweeter version of that.
Won’t have a place in my regular rotation but it’s a welcome treat in the wintertime. If you’re an English smoker considering Northwoods, be sure to pick up Countryside as well.
2 people found this review helpful.
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Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
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Dr. Dunhill 23 (39) | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Mild to Medium | Medium | Mild to Medium | Pleasant |
Boswell's Countryside is a solid American or Crossover english. The Latakia is prevalent but does not over power the more delicate Orientals. I enjoy smelling this tobacco as much as I do smoking it. Vitamin N to me is right in the middle and is most noticeable at the bottom of the bowl.
It's not what I would call an all day smoke but a great English crossover on the more mild side. It's in my rotation for now.
It gets 3.75 stars from me
Pipe Used: Dunhill 3103
Age When Smoked: < 1month
Purchased From: Where else?
2 people found this review helpful.
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Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
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Phi89 (1) | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Very Mild | Mild | Mild | Pleasant |
Great mild English Excellent for a morning to all day smoke Excellent for a beginner English Very little nicotine No bite detected Little to no drying time Burns clean till the end with 2 re-lights on both occasions tasted the same IMO Tasted great till the end of the bowl Left no moisture in the bowl Has made it into my rotation for sure.
Pipe Used: Boswell free hand
Age When Smoked: Fresh out of the tin
Purchased From: Boswell's Chambersburg PA
2 people found this review helpful.
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Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
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TXBulldog (74) | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Medium | Medium | Medium | Pleasant to Tolerable |
This is a nice English blend put together by BP&T. This has a nice balance that allows you to enjoy the smoke. If you get worn out on the heavy latakia blends and need a mellower note, this may be it. If you're an aro fan looking to bridge over and find your way toward English - have at this one. This is an enjoyable smoke that is hard to complain about. It has balance and fills a gap in the genre. Based on other reviews you can see where it fits. Love my Northwoods, Night Cap, Potlatch, and Squadron Leader - I find no complaints with this one. It is a nice smoke and I'll recognize it for what it is, another fine Boswell blend.
Pipe Used: La Strada Bulldog, Rossi Sitter
Age When Smoked: new, 6 mos, 1 yr
Purchased From: Boswells
2 people found this review helpful.
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Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
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robsm2013 (9) | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Mild to Medium | Mild | Mild to Medium | Pleasant to Tolerable |
A nice, flavorful - light blend - Agree with all the reviews below: A good all day smoke; perfect for morning - good quality tobacco's; easy light - no bite - just all round good!
2 people found this review helpful.
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Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
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Emeritus Account (30125) | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Mild to Medium | Mild to Medium | Mild to Medium | Tolerable |
Love both Countryside and Northwoods, it just depends on what type of mood I'm in and Bacci qualities I'm looking for; CS more of a subtle sweetness where NW there is none...Both great blends from Boswell, grab some!
2 people found this review helpful.
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Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
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hambone71 (4) | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Mild to Medium | Mild to Medium | Mild to Medium | Tolerable to Strong |
This was my first English and I've been smoking it for a couple of months now. I have since tried several other English blends, most of which I have grown to appreciate. But I keep coming back to Countryside. It is a really nice and fairly light English. Seems to be really well balanced. No tongue bite to speak of. Just enough latakia to know its there. If you're just getting around to smoking English blends then give Countryside a try. It won't disappoint.
2 people found this review helpful.
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Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
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Emeritus Account (30125) | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Mild to Medium | Medium | Medium | Tolerable |
Another winner from JM Boswell, His newest English, Countryside. Its stronger than his Mild English but still retains smoothness. Its a VA base with Lat and some Oriental leaf, lights easily and the room note is tolerable for a Lat blend. Its a bit lighter than his Northwoods Countryside is full enough to satisfy regular Latakia smokers yet smooth enough for those looking to try a true English blend. This will be a regular in my rotation
2 people found this review helpful.
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Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
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Mijnnif (126) | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Mild | Very Mild | Mild to Medium | Pleasant to Tolerable |
The bag note really confused me on this blend. All I was smelling was the cavendish It smelled so sweet that I went and smelled some straight Latakia just to make sure my nose was still functioning properly especially after all the other reviews. After lighting it things changed completely I smoke mainly English blends many from Wilkie , most are heavy Latakia so my expectations were probably a bit skewed. Defiantly an all day smoke. All the flavors come out in this Latakia, oriental, Virginia and cavendish. It is a very balanced smoke. I don't get the Latakia forward it has some sweetness as I suspect this is the Virginia. Only one light was required dry ash at the finish. Smoked in a Paronelli that has only seen English. If you like light English this is a great one. Sincerely. Update on this review The blend picks up lot of flavor and sweetness after the 1/2 way point.
Pipe Used: Paronelli Briar
Age When Smoked: fresh from the bag
Purchased From: Boswell direct
1 person found this review helpful.
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Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
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Ojijaak (6) | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Mild | Extremely Mild | Mild to Medium | Pleasant |
Regardless of Boswell’s description, this is a mild aromatic in my world. It is similar to a blend that I occasionally put together, and I do not often smoke aromatics. If you prefer, you can call Countryside a hybrid, American English, or English hybrid. A rose is a rose…
Label does not identify or indicate any flavoring, but there is something lurking in the deep background. It would not be bothersome to any other than the most absolute purists.
Countryside is so extraordinarily close to Northwoods that one might wonder why Boswell blends both. I suppose that they do so for people like me who genuinely like both. Overall, I prefer Northwoods, but I do think of Countryside as my aromatic, and Northwoods closer to the mild English that I love.
I cannot imagine any but the most recent pipers who have not tasted Countryside, so this is written for that group. Try it; if you don’t like it, send it to me.
Pipe Used: Petes, meers, Savinellis, Boswell, whatever.
Age When Smoked: From fresh to 6 months. I don’t maintain a cellar.
Purchased From: Boswell
Similar Blends: Northwoods.
1 person found this review helpful.
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Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
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Bushido (26) | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Mild to Medium | Mild | Mild to Medium | Tolerable |
One of my all time favorite Latakia blends. Super smooth with a hint of brown sugar sweetness that comes and goes throughout the bowl. Smokes cool. Very similar to Shepherds Pie by the Squire, but a tad sweeter, and less flavorful than Northwoods. I agree with others that this is a perfect entry into Latakia.
Purchased From: Boswells
Similar Blends: Northwoods, Shepherd’s Pie.
1 person found this review helpful.
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Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
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Polaris82 (22) | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Mild | Mild to Medium | Mild to Medium | Pleasant |
Countyside is a mild/ medium English that is enjoyable. I try to catagorieze bodies of smokes with seasons, as many smokers do. Lighter blends IMO for the warmer months and of cousre , the full body blends for the cooler months. I tried Countryside at the deer camp this year in the first days of January and still am enjoying it once a week or so going into May. If you have ever tried Boswells Northwoods, you can make a comparison, Countryside being milder and not such a noticeable latakia presence. This is shaping up to be good year round smoke and will be buying more. 3 stars.
Pipe Used: Cherry wood
Age When Smoked: New
Purchased From: Boswells
1 person found this review helpful.
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Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
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Bentlink (9) | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Mild to Medium | Very Mild | Mild to Medium | Pleasant |
My 2nd bowl of this and I really like it. Very easy to pack and light. Pleasant and mild to start, and the Latakia gets a little more prominent mid bowl. It finishes a little sweeter for me, burning dry to the bottom of the bowl. About average for relights.
My wife joined me on the porch to enjoy a rain storm, and found the aroma to her liking (at least compared my other tobaccos).
Pipe Used: Boswell, meerschaum
Age When Smoked: Fresh
Purchased From: Boswell
Similar Blends: Dunhill 965, Balkan Sasieni.
1 person found this review helpful.
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Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
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Lit a Kia (69) | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Very Mild | Very Mild | Very Mild | Pleasant to Tolerable |
Boswell's is a wonderful Pennsylvania institution. While I wish I owned more of their pipes, I've been more than satisfied with the one I have.
Their blends are quite serviceable-a Boswell pipe and Boswell blends should be more than enough to satisfy most smokers.
However, there are better English blends out there. Nothing wrong with choosing to hang out in the countryside, but I'd rather range farther and wider when it comes to blends with which to stuff my Boswell.
1 person found this review helpful.
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Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
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Emeritus Account (30125) | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Mild | Extremely Mild | Mild to Medium | Tolerable |
This is a slightly sweetened and toned down version of Northwoods in my book. This one would be good for an early morning smoke, while Northwoods may be an evening smoke. I really love the subtle sweetness that creeps in from time to time. This one is very nice.
1 person found this review helpful.
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Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
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wekers (14) | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Medium | Mild | Medium | Pleasant to Tolerable |
More mild than northwoods, but very different. may come to bite your tongue very little, but nothing that comes to bother you, don't worry about, you feel a light touch of virginia and the black cavendish do a sweet pleasant, but keeping a original english blend like others, just some little differences. you need a try. It's blend for all day.
1 person found this review helpful.
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Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
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Emeritus Account (30125) | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Mild to Medium | Mild | Mild to Medium | Pleasant to Tolerable |
I initially expected a similar English experience as other English blends I've tried. Having forgotten this tobacco included some cavendish, I was surprised to pick up the sweetness during the smoke. That was not a bad thing. It was also not in every puff. It would come and go and made for a nice change of pace. I also picked up some taste/note of leather and dried fruit.
I did experience some tongue bite, but I'm going to attribute it to not drying the tobacco enough and the pipe I smoked it in. I look forward to remedying both of those issues next time.
I could see where this would be a regular blend in the rotation.
1 person found this review helpful.
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Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
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Emeritus Account (30125) | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Mild to Medium | Mild | Mild to Medium | Pleasant to Tolerable |
Did my research first and determined that Norhtwoods would probably be too rich for my first English. Likewise the Mild English blend from Boswell looked to be almost an aromatic. Decided to give Countryside the go ahead as my virgin voyage into the world of English Tobaccos.
Glad I made this decision. I am very new to pipe smoking but I enjoyed this blend and the stronger bolder latakia flavor very much. The bag smells like dirty gym socks but the taste and smoke is very cool smooth and relaxing. 4 star beginner English Blend!
1 person found this review helpful.
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Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
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Emeritus Account (30125) | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Mild to Medium | Mild to Medium | Mild to Medium | Tolerable |
After trying NorthWoods, I called Dan and let him know NorthWoods was a little too strong for me. He reccomended I give Countryside a try. Boy, I am glad he did. This is my favorite English and a potential all day smoke.
1 person found this review helpful.
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Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
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flagg1122 (15) | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Mild | Mild | Mild to Medium | Pleasant to Tolerable |
More people need to give this blend a go. This tobacco has been perfect for me. Most classic english blend make my head swim with the amount of nicotine, but this one I can smoke all day. Ocassionally, I wake up at night craving a bowl...so I must still be achieving my daily nicotine quota. I love it! When you visit the Boswells hompage this blend is strangly missing, I dont know why. It is available, just ask.
1 person found this review helpful.
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Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
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Emeritus Account (30125) | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Mild to Medium | Mild to Medium | Medium | Pleasant to Tolerable |
I had no idea this blend existed till i told Dan that Northwoods wasn't for me, he suggested Countryside which can not be found on their website. upon opening the bag i noticed the distinct smell of Latakia but it wasn't nearly as strong as NW. this is my regular English blend that i smoke now in the fall months.
if you're new to English or think you may want to branch out and try English then i highly suggest this blend!
1 person found this review helpful.
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Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
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Emeritus Account (30125) | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Mild to Medium | Mild to Medium | Mild to Medium | Tolerable |
Another fine tobacco from JM Boswell,this time it's a nice mild/light ENGLISH.This is a great starter for anyone getting into English Tobacco.No harsh taste, no tongue bite, easy to pack,light,and smoke.Like other smokers have said it could be a all day smoke,as it keeps calling me to load up another bowl.
1 person found this review helpful.
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Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
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JimPM (143) | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Mild to Medium | Very Mild | Mild to Medium | Pleasant to Tolerable |
From the rolling pastures of the bountiful agrarian landscape, appears Countryside a plush commixture of proud Turkish/Oriental, primary Virginia, and modest Latakia bounded in a pairing bed of sweetened Black Cavendish. As an exemplary American style blend, Boswell’s creation intertwines the standards of a proper English with soothing and tasteful aromatic culturing, as it endows a lighter bodied/mild- medium intensity experience. This mixture stands as dainty recipe of original tobaccos tendered by a minimalistic brushing of complementary accenting ingredients, (more to follow on this mystery). With customary gentility, Countryside individualizes itself as a marginally sweet blending characterized by pungent tangy floridity, spicy peat, sugared nuttiness, and charred retiring wood.
Visual inspection of this pouched bulk varietal revealed an aspect of impressive substance. An excessively darkened blanket of primely groomed ribbons encompassed posh Turkish/Oriental, aged Latakia and ample Black Cavendish encased by a base of red-golden strains of the Virginians. Merging handsomely together, these tobaccos form a dense presentation of blending opulence. Grabbing a pinch of the tobacco the feel was very supple and well textured. There was an inkling of moisture to be found, but in general, Countryside requires minimal set-up for consumption.
Catching the swell of Countryside’s pouched essence, I was immediately greeted with a welcoming sweet tartness. Leaning into this aroma, more scrupulous acumen uncovers lush notes of smokey Latakia, floral Oriental spice, sugary native Cavendish, and a tangy grassy/sweet bread emitted by the Virginia. Additionally, there was a definite tinge of vanilla, delicate plum, and diluted vinegar intermingling in the body of scent. No apparent nor recognizable zest from an alcohol additive could be registered, however, despite the official published commentary concerning the flavorings.
Based upon the roster of composing ingredients, I would argue that Countryside is an involved recipe by default. As with any mixture of marked complexity, there is that fine line of balancing mechanical science and blending craftsmanship to arrive at a product that achieves the final targeted character. Often, with these English varietals, I experience motion in the flavor. Specifically, the streams of divergent taste cascade around randomly throughout the smoking, which is a key feature of the genre that many find appealing.
With Countryside, however, I felt that spread of the simple taste band was kept very consistent and tightly controlled. Yet at the same time the registration enfolded some refined complexity. How this plays out is contingent upon the skills of the master blender. Obviously, Boswell has made the appropriate selections for the source, age, and grades of constituent tobaccos. The art of selectively metering ideal ratios of the same disposes the achievement of the design effect. All be it well controlled and a tad simplistic, Countryside was not colorless by any degree. What it truly demonstrated was an honest core persona that endowed aromatic liveliness and charisma borne by a well-designed/well-balanced convergence of mix-faceted tobaccos.
So, what was this captivating flavor? Although essentially an Oriental-forward experience, the bottom line of Countryside’s flavor is provided by the citrusy sweet, tang of Virginian strains which favors a stoved woodiness/barn hay-like humor. As I as smoked the blend in a mixed modality of assorted pipes, the range of peripheral Virginian tones surfaced quite nicely. Sometimes prouder and others not depending upon the pipe, regardless the dominant tang was steadily spot on. In specific, rich caramel undertones, brightness, raisin, and sweet bread notes highlighted the foundation in lovely contribution.
As I stated, the Turkish/Oriental is the principal forward element, which I deemed to be so colorfully sharp on the palate. To a large extent its presence underscores one of the primary departures from Boswell’s Northwoods recipe, which engenders a parallel but heavier character. Vibrantly floral and herby in constituent, the strain also projected a bitter cruciferous vegetal air much like a soft cabbage which added notable resonance to this botanic shading. Additionally, I discerned a basic darker mushroom pungency and punchy sour spice as typical of this variety.
The amount Latakia in the Countryside was generally secondary in nature, providing a twin festive complement to the profile. With an apparently conservative balance of aged Cyprian, the registration calmly denoted a subtle leathery charred wood, gentle smokiness, and a dash of saltiness residing in the middle rear sphere of flavor as a dignified contender.
The Cavendish most likely facilitated the smooth tapering of mixed streams to achieve a gentle smoking English. As such, its presence within the overall taste was slighted, merely revealing a dash of brown sugary zest and some earthy nuttiness much like baked pecans. I felt, however, that the casing applied had some sugary plum essence to it. Although the recipe calls for the additive of alcohol, I did not overtly taste it. Conceivably this stated plum note spoke to some dilution of wine or flavored spirit? Moreover, there was a gentle soft creamy vanilla note that rode consistently as a finishing highlight. Compared to Northwoods this last flavoring was a bit more prominent, not stark but vaguely sweeter.
On a further note, halfway through the bowl, I felt the Oriental picked up steam, kicking more firmly as it served to dissipate some of the noted sweet additive flavorings. Furthermore, the blend seemed to take on more woody and earthy feel upon my palate. The cohesiveness of the tobaccos in general were extremely smooth with roundness of edges and a feathery disposition. Overall, the flavorful taste holds true for the duration of the smoking. Cob or briar, this quiet mixture proved to be enjoyable and reliably consistent.
Finally with respect to the basic mechanicals, Countryside’s suppleness facilitated peaceful loading of the pipe as the assorted tobacco gracefully conformed into a dense wadding with the bowled chamber. As to the burn characteristics of this low nicotine mix, I found the cone moved splendidly along in a slow and easy manner, quite befitting the motif of its namesake. The smoke texture itself was velvety soft producing a healthy plume of blue-grey vapor that felt comfortably cool within the mouth. Substantively, Countryside delivered a thin bodied classic English spicey aroma marked with extra mellow tanginess and creamy warm sweetness
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Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
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WorkingClassChap (192) | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Medium | Very Mild | Medium to Full | Tolerable to Strong |
Bag note smells like an English blend. I do detect a slight topping, maybe some alcohol, it’s slightly sweet but I wouldn’t immediately say this is a cross over type of blend. Packs and lights just fine.
The taste is more of a proper English blend. More so than Mild English which was more sweet with a very noticeable sweet topping. Country side had a slight sweetness but not where near Mild English. Country side also has orientals making it more of a proper English blend.
The Latakia is very much present, musty herbal woody smokey. The orientals are detectable and are sour woody floral. The Cavindish and topping tones it all down a few notches. It’s quite nice. A very easy smoking all day English blend. Not I would say into the realm of a cross over, the topping is very light, a tiny bit of sweetness, while mildly retarding the tobacco flavors without imparting much other flavor. Sweeter and milder than a strong English/Balkan but not sweet or flavored like Northwoods, Mild English, or Military Force. Almost boring but in a welcome home cooked meal sort of way.
Slight mouth tingle, no bite. Retrohale is Latakia and oriental forward. Smoked as fine as a tobacco can.
Pipe Used: Meerschaum
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Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
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Gary B. (1) | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Medium | Medium | Mild to Medium | Pleasant to Tolerable |
First Boswell English blend that I have tried. Very pleased. This is a nice medium English that can very easily be an all day smoke for me. Packs well, lights well with very few relights. I do not do a very in depth review of a tobacco when I write one. Just not me. I can almost every time after smoking the first bowl of a blend if I will be buying more of it. This blend will be one of those that I will be buying more of. Plain and simple-if you like a medium English with a great taste look no further. This along with Northwoods right now are two of my favorite blends of all the other blends that I have tried. Looking forward to trying other English blends from Boswells.
Pipe Used: corn cob
Age When Smoked: fresh
Purchased From: Boswell
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Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
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Capt (339) | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Mild | Extremely Mild | Mild to Medium | Pleasant |
Not quite sure how this blend eluded review, as I thought I remembered reviewing this 2 oz pouch the same time I did the others back in April I believe. Oh well. Down to the last bowl of countryside and again, Boswell hit another homerun!
Pouch appearance is smaller, finer cut chunks than most other Boswell English mixtures. Not an issue really, the pieces are still large enough they aren't sucked through the stem when puffing. Appearance is Dark brown and black leaf, with light tans and medium brown of equal proportions.
Initial lighting does sort of have that Northwoods sweetness, but I notice a bit more toasted notes here than Northwoods. The proportionate amount of Turkish offers a noticeable floral note, which is perfect for this blend. The minimal latakia added, rounds out this blend to make it an all day Americanized English, even in the hot humid weather like we've been having in SE Michigan. I however, fail to recognize any alcohol/misc topping as stated.
Won't bite or get harsh, even when pushed. Burns clean, cool and very flavorful to the end. Very few relights. Perfect for an intro to American English blends, but really perfect for anytime/anyone/anywhere.
Pipe Used: several
Age When Smoked: 3 months old
Purchased From: Boswells
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Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
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cm1648 (106) | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Very Mild | Mild | Medium | Pleasant to Tolerable |
A few days ago I reviewed Boswells' Northwoods, stating that it was a "mild" blend. Well this would be even more mild or "lite" than its counterpart. Though the sweetness from the topping and Virginias are the main stars, the Latakia's smokiness and the Oriental's spiciness are always in play. I'm not picking up a liquor flavor however, which I am ok with; it simply comes off as a sweet addition. A solid, beginner English blend yet enjoyable for the intermediate and veteran. 7/10
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Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
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Emeritus Account (30125) | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Mild | Mild to Medium | Mild to Medium | Pleasant to Tolerable |
A love the sweetness of latakia that dominates this blend. Half way down you will start to taste the oriental as well.Smokes cool - a great way to start your English "tour"..!
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Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
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Emeritus Account (30125) | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Mild | Mild | Mild | Pleasant to Tolerable |
Nice light english. Could be an allday english. But every time I pack a bowl I crave more strength/flavor and it could just be that I am not really a mild kind of person. It is enjoyable though
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