Gallaher Limited Condor Long Cut (Brown)
(3.30)
The Condor Flake is a full-bodied pipe tobacco blended from air cured Virginia, which has been top dressed with a secret liquor flavoring before been cooked under pressure to form a cake which has been thinly sliced ready for rubbing down. This provides an even cooler, slower burning and richer smoke.
Notes: Was made in Ireland, now made in Poland.
Details
| Brand | Gallaher Limited |
| Blended By | Japan Tobacco International |
| Manufactured By | Japan Tobacco International |
| Blend Type | Straight Virginia |
| Contents | Virginia |
| Flavoring | Alcohol / Liquor |
| Cut | Flake |
| Packaging | 50 grams pouch |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Production | Currently available |
Profile
Strength
Medium to Strong
Extremely Mild -> Overwhelming
Flavoring
Medium to Strong
None Detected -> Extra Strong
Room Note
Pleasant to Tolerable
Unnoticeable -> Overwhelming
Taste
Full
Extremely Mild (Flat) -> Overwhelming
Average Rating
|
3.30 / 4
|
Reviews
Please login to post a review.
Displaying 11 - 20 of 81 Reviews
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 29, 2017 | Strong | Very Strong | Full | Tolerable |
Condor is crude. It is overpowering and assertive, it is coarse and inelegant; it is all these things, and unashamedly so, for what it lacks in finesse and nuance it makes up for with its own loutish charisma. In short, this is a blend that makes its presence known, whether you like it or not. Fortunately, there are those of us who can appreciate a bold, outspoken character, that knows its place in the world; and for those who identify as such, keep reading, this may just be what you have been looking for.
From the second the seal is broken one cannot help but swoon slightly under its pungent, heavy handed Lakeland aroma of citrus and stewed berries—and what to my nose resembles a soapy, almost menthol background note. Though somewhat maligned, I have to say, the soapy/citrus pouch note is probably my favourite thing about this tobacco. It is fresh and invigorating, and has a charm that can only be described as suis generis. Granted, this is not the charm of a suave, city slicking dandy, but more akin to that of an outlandish, mildly un-PC uncle—who’s scandalous dinner table regalements' are none the less considered endearing.
I have heard Condor described as being ‘bland’ in the VA department when smoked, and I’m not entirely unsympathetic to that charge; it is not a blend that revels in complexity, but then, it is not designed to be. There are tobaccos for thinking and tobaccos for doing, both have their time and place, though this is without equivocation a member of the latter camp. It is a hard-nosed, old school VA, in the Anglo-Irish tradition; as such it is strong, both in topping and nicotine content. Personally, I very much enjoy the subdued, fruity VA notes, underneath the heavy-handed Lakeland topping—though I can see why this would divide opinion. The smoke is always cool and smooth, in a way that belies its true potency; some caution is therefore required, as this will creep up and set about you like a drunken navvy, should you let your guard down and take liberties. Even as an ex cigarette smoker with a high nicotine tolerance I have had occasion to get on its bad side, receiving a brutish clout round the ear as a result. Best then to take your time, sip slowly, and treat it the respect it deserves; you will be rewarded for your trouble with a robust, fruity smoke that never bites, and is always consistent, from one pipe to the next.
To call this a mans-mans blend is, I think, an understatement. That is to say, Condor makes John Wayne look like a wine sipping, Guardian reading stamp collector, with all the virility of a poached egg. This is a flake created for men who spend their days heaving rocks around in the bowels of the earth, or forging monstrosities from iron and steel. It exhibits what the Spaniards call ‘cojones’, and it does so by the bucket; yet it is never arrogant. It courts both the masculine and the homely, in the manner of a pugnacious old Yorkshire gent—hard but fair. It is easy to see why Condor remains a stalwart of the everyman pipe smoker, if only for its consistency; this is one of the few tobaccos that follows through on its pouch note into the bowl (for better or worse) from start to finish. Granted, this is not a tobacco for everyone, and if you are looking for a clean, natural flake, you will almost certainly be disappointed. However, I think every smoker owes it to themselves to try Condor at least once, for its own sake if nothing else. You may just like it.
From the second the seal is broken one cannot help but swoon slightly under its pungent, heavy handed Lakeland aroma of citrus and stewed berries—and what to my nose resembles a soapy, almost menthol background note. Though somewhat maligned, I have to say, the soapy/citrus pouch note is probably my favourite thing about this tobacco. It is fresh and invigorating, and has a charm that can only be described as suis generis. Granted, this is not the charm of a suave, city slicking dandy, but more akin to that of an outlandish, mildly un-PC uncle—who’s scandalous dinner table regalements' are none the less considered endearing.
I have heard Condor described as being ‘bland’ in the VA department when smoked, and I’m not entirely unsympathetic to that charge; it is not a blend that revels in complexity, but then, it is not designed to be. There are tobaccos for thinking and tobaccos for doing, both have their time and place, though this is without equivocation a member of the latter camp. It is a hard-nosed, old school VA, in the Anglo-Irish tradition; as such it is strong, both in topping and nicotine content. Personally, I very much enjoy the subdued, fruity VA notes, underneath the heavy-handed Lakeland topping—though I can see why this would divide opinion. The smoke is always cool and smooth, in a way that belies its true potency; some caution is therefore required, as this will creep up and set about you like a drunken navvy, should you let your guard down and take liberties. Even as an ex cigarette smoker with a high nicotine tolerance I have had occasion to get on its bad side, receiving a brutish clout round the ear as a result. Best then to take your time, sip slowly, and treat it the respect it deserves; you will be rewarded for your trouble with a robust, fruity smoke that never bites, and is always consistent, from one pipe to the next.
To call this a mans-mans blend is, I think, an understatement. That is to say, Condor makes John Wayne look like a wine sipping, Guardian reading stamp collector, with all the virility of a poached egg. This is a flake created for men who spend their days heaving rocks around in the bowels of the earth, or forging monstrosities from iron and steel. It exhibits what the Spaniards call ‘cojones’, and it does so by the bucket; yet it is never arrogant. It courts both the masculine and the homely, in the manner of a pugnacious old Yorkshire gent—hard but fair. It is easy to see why Condor remains a stalwart of the everyman pipe smoker, if only for its consistency; this is one of the few tobaccos that follows through on its pouch note into the bowl (for better or worse) from start to finish. Granted, this is not a tobacco for everyone, and if you are looking for a clean, natural flake, you will almost certainly be disappointed. However, I think every smoker owes it to themselves to try Condor at least once, for its own sake if nothing else. You may just like it.
Pipe Used:
F&T dublin, Jeantet rhodesian,
PurchasedFrom:
Supermarket
Age When Smoked:
6 - 12 months (going by packaging)
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| May 01, 2021 | Strong | Strong | Full | Very Pleasant |
Year's ago when I was a nipper Condor Long Cut came in tins of two ounces and the one-ounce was wrapped in foil and encased in a cellophane sealed cardboard box. At that time Condor came as Pigtail too and some of the old lads at the local coal mine where I started work both chewed the aforementioned and also smoked it. This pigtail was virtually pure black in colour as was the also available condor plug, these last two Condor variants tasted nothing like Condor, there was also a milder brown pigtail too. Anyway, the pigtail and plug is now consigned to another age, but fortunately one can still readily buy Condor Long Cut, but even this variant is now proving to be hard to get from over the counter, as none of my local supermarkets stock it, though thankfully the ready rubbed is still for sale, but for how much longer is anyone's guess?
So onto the review...For my money nothing out there compares to Condor, Condor is totally unique in its casings and hence the flavour. One slice in a Dunhill group three lasts me over an hour and burns to a very fine ash. The Condor moment can at times be elusive to the inexperienced smoker, but once tasted that moment is never forgotten. The trick with Condor is to smoke it gently to a point where your pipe seems unlit, only then will you attain that Condor moment. The room note is very pleasant and even my non-smoking friends let me smoke this blend in their houses. If I could choose just one tobacco to smoke for the rest of my life, that tobacco would be Condor. On opening the packet one is greeted by the divine smell, then lighting up its onto the sweet, satisfying, unique taste, a tobacco that's unbelievable and a kind of a dream-inducing blend. I personally cannot recommend any other tobacco as highly, yes I do rotate with Irish Slices, but when I return to Condor it is with a great expectation that Condor never fails to sate. A must try tobacco, that like Marmite you'll either love or hate. Footnote... I hate Marmite but love Condor.
So onto the review...For my money nothing out there compares to Condor, Condor is totally unique in its casings and hence the flavour. One slice in a Dunhill group three lasts me over an hour and burns to a very fine ash. The Condor moment can at times be elusive to the inexperienced smoker, but once tasted that moment is never forgotten. The trick with Condor is to smoke it gently to a point where your pipe seems unlit, only then will you attain that Condor moment. The room note is very pleasant and even my non-smoking friends let me smoke this blend in their houses. If I could choose just one tobacco to smoke for the rest of my life, that tobacco would be Condor. On opening the packet one is greeted by the divine smell, then lighting up its onto the sweet, satisfying, unique taste, a tobacco that's unbelievable and a kind of a dream-inducing blend. I personally cannot recommend any other tobacco as highly, yes I do rotate with Irish Slices, but when I return to Condor it is with a great expectation that Condor never fails to sate. A must try tobacco, that like Marmite you'll either love or hate. Footnote... I hate Marmite but love Condor.
Pipe Used:
Dunhill Bruyere Beehive
PurchasedFrom:
Blakemar Briars
Age When Smoked:
New
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 23, 2014 | Medium | Medium to Strong | Mild to Medium | Pleasant to Tolerable |
I really enjoy this aromatic. I first tried it when visiting a forum friend in Florida who gave me a bowlful in my Altinok Canadian. I was eager to try, but was not expecting to like it, after my first whiff of it filled my nose with that soapiness common to British aros. Not being much the fan of that floral essence, I figured I would detest the bowl that was to follow.
My friend could tell by the expression on my face that I was, indeed, enjoying it, and he was correct. This was in March. A few months later he surprised me with a good sample in the mail. I, once again, got to enjoy several more bowls and finishing it yesterday. This time I was able to sample it in a briar as well. And enjoyed it out of a few, but the blend really sang out of my meerschaum.
I really wish this was more available in the US, but being resourceful, I have a pouch heading to me right now that I am anxious to receive. To the tobacco, it is aromatic, no doubt. But it is a pleasurable aroma to my taster. Similar to St. Bruno, but I found St. Bruno to be lighter topped and much more aggressive in the nicotine. Normally I would prefer this trait, but for some reason, I prefer the Condor to the St. Bruno as the topping is just more to my liking than is St. Bruno's. And the Condor certainly supplies enough Nicotine to satisfy my needs. When I smoke a blend such as this, I am not looking to get steam rolled as St. Bruno is apt to do.
The condor is lighter fare, yet it is not like smoking hot air. It is a really good aromatic and the brits are lucky to have it in their stores as common a site as the horrid Captain Black that sits in our stores. I highly recommend this tasty aromatic treat.
My friend could tell by the expression on my face that I was, indeed, enjoying it, and he was correct. This was in March. A few months later he surprised me with a good sample in the mail. I, once again, got to enjoy several more bowls and finishing it yesterday. This time I was able to sample it in a briar as well. And enjoyed it out of a few, but the blend really sang out of my meerschaum.
I really wish this was more available in the US, but being resourceful, I have a pouch heading to me right now that I am anxious to receive. To the tobacco, it is aromatic, no doubt. But it is a pleasurable aroma to my taster. Similar to St. Bruno, but I found St. Bruno to be lighter topped and much more aggressive in the nicotine. Normally I would prefer this trait, but for some reason, I prefer the Condor to the St. Bruno as the topping is just more to my liking than is St. Bruno's. And the Condor certainly supplies enough Nicotine to satisfy my needs. When I smoke a blend such as this, I am not looking to get steam rolled as St. Bruno is apt to do.
The condor is lighter fare, yet it is not like smoking hot air. It is a really good aromatic and the brits are lucky to have it in their stores as common a site as the horrid Captain Black that sits in our stores. I highly recommend this tasty aromatic treat.
Pipe Used:
Altinok Canadian, Peterson Donegal Roky B11
PurchasedFrom:
Gift from friend
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Mar 08, 2013 | Medium to Strong | Medium | Medium to Full | Tolerable |
Very nice tobacco. Similar to Samuel Gawith No.4 Rope, but with an interesting casing reminiscent of rum, dried fruits, and perhaps a hint of tonquin and licquorice.
Based on what I've heard, I was expecting the casing to be over the top, but it's actually very well suited to the base tobacco, and for me is supportive of the tobacco rather than overshadowing it. The 'tin' note was significant, but the casing is quite mellow in the smoke. While it might ghost a pipe, I tend to smoke Lakelands mostly, and I think Condor will be the least of my worries in that regard.
I first tried rubbing out completely, which left a very nice, easy to pack ribbon, but I found the flavour to be somewhat 1-dimensional that way, actually quite similar to when I tried smoking white ox in a pipe (in fact, white ox is probably much closer to the base tobacco flavour of Condor than the No.4 rope is). The second pipe, I used my usual method, which is to fold the flake a couple of times and rip small pieces off the resulting 'log' and sprinkle them into the bowl. This provided a much more complex flavour, and the casing became more noticible.
Condor burns evenly and requires few relights straight out of the pouch.
While I prefer the Samuel Gawith and Gawith Hoggarth tobaccos, I could see myself buying this one again, as it has a certain rugged charm.
Based on what I've heard, I was expecting the casing to be over the top, but it's actually very well suited to the base tobacco, and for me is supportive of the tobacco rather than overshadowing it. The 'tin' note was significant, but the casing is quite mellow in the smoke. While it might ghost a pipe, I tend to smoke Lakelands mostly, and I think Condor will be the least of my worries in that regard.
I first tried rubbing out completely, which left a very nice, easy to pack ribbon, but I found the flavour to be somewhat 1-dimensional that way, actually quite similar to when I tried smoking white ox in a pipe (in fact, white ox is probably much closer to the base tobacco flavour of Condor than the No.4 rope is). The second pipe, I used my usual method, which is to fold the flake a couple of times and rip small pieces off the resulting 'log' and sprinkle them into the bowl. This provided a much more complex flavour, and the casing became more noticible.
Condor burns evenly and requires few relights straight out of the pouch.
While I prefer the Samuel Gawith and Gawith Hoggarth tobaccos, I could see myself buying this one again, as it has a certain rugged charm.
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Mar 02, 2013 | Medium to Strong | Mild | Medium to Full | Pleasant to Tolerable |
Splendid tobacco!
Condor Brown is even better than the Green! As where the Green unveiled mostly a good old Lakeland taste that was progressively replaced by solid, well - aged dark VAs, this unveils some liquor/alcohol taste and is stronger, richer than its sibling.
I am smoking it in a brand new MM Great Dane, for a change, which unleashes all its flavours. Surprisingly, I have a tendency to relate to SG's FVF when I smoke Condor Brown - they have the same creaminess -, but with an alcohol topping, more vitamine N and which behaves much better in its burning qualities.
Gents, this is one fine dark VA flake, with some golden VAs, that you must absolutely try if you can.
As far as I am concerned, Condor Green and Brown will be part of my regular rotation.
Condor Brown is even better than the Green! As where the Green unveiled mostly a good old Lakeland taste that was progressively replaced by solid, well - aged dark VAs, this unveils some liquor/alcohol taste and is stronger, richer than its sibling.
I am smoking it in a brand new MM Great Dane, for a change, which unleashes all its flavours. Surprisingly, I have a tendency to relate to SG's FVF when I smoke Condor Brown - they have the same creaminess -, but with an alcohol topping, more vitamine N and which behaves much better in its burning qualities.
Gents, this is one fine dark VA flake, with some golden VAs, that you must absolutely try if you can.
As far as I am concerned, Condor Green and Brown will be part of my regular rotation.
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 07, 2012 | Medium to Strong | Medium to Strong | Full | Pleasant to Tolerable |
In the early 1960's I smoked this in both plug and flake form. I prefered the plug form overall, but since that is no longer available, I smoke the flakes whenever I can get them.
I travelled in Europe extensively in the 1980's- 2002, and has been suggested, this tobacco is available everywhere. I hadn't smoked any of this in the last 10 years until I found a friend who would send it to me on request.
In my recent re-discovery of this traditional British flake, I very much enjoy this smoke. Certainly not as refined as others available today but a tobacco that seems to never leave my senses. The moment I opened the 50 gr. pouch, it was like an old friend coming home. It is a strong tobacco for many, although I class it as a full body medimum smoke. I smoke it moist and never have trouble keeping it lit.
The floral scent is present and its one of the few scents I have no issues with. Perhaps because of my early smoking experience with this tobacco, and its difficult to get here in the US, I like this tobacco very much and will keep it in my tobacco rotation.
I give it 4 stars because it meets all my criteria for what I consider a great smoke. I smoke this in a group 3-4 size bowl and even though it may "ghost" to some extent, what taste or flavor it does leave, it does not interfere with smoking other strong tobaccos.
...a pipe is to be savored...
I travelled in Europe extensively in the 1980's- 2002, and has been suggested, this tobacco is available everywhere. I hadn't smoked any of this in the last 10 years until I found a friend who would send it to me on request.
In my recent re-discovery of this traditional British flake, I very much enjoy this smoke. Certainly not as refined as others available today but a tobacco that seems to never leave my senses. The moment I opened the 50 gr. pouch, it was like an old friend coming home. It is a strong tobacco for many, although I class it as a full body medimum smoke. I smoke it moist and never have trouble keeping it lit.
The floral scent is present and its one of the few scents I have no issues with. Perhaps because of my early smoking experience with this tobacco, and its difficult to get here in the US, I like this tobacco very much and will keep it in my tobacco rotation.
I give it 4 stars because it meets all my criteria for what I consider a great smoke. I smoke this in a group 3-4 size bowl and even though it may "ghost" to some extent, what taste or flavor it does leave, it does not interfere with smoking other strong tobaccos.
...a pipe is to be savored...
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Jun 12, 2009 | Medium to Strong | Medium to Strong | Full | Tolerable |
I have taken advantage of a short holiday in Amalfi to study three products:
- Orlik Golden Sliced
- Condor Long Cut
- McBs HH Vintage Syrian
Here my impressions about the second one.
Two pouches of CLC came to me from JJFox in London (alongwith a couple of St. Bruno and one of Players Navy Flake). I have strongly desired to taste these oldies again, and still remember the small rectangular tins of Condor, Sweet Dark Honeydew (not to name the pure Latakia) and their rusted inner edges. They still were under the Gallaher's brand... and I was just twenty. The latest experience I got with Condor was with the RR form in the very beginning of the nineties. So, the new meeting with CLC was simply a sentimental matter, a very pleasant situation.
CLC comes in a sealed plastic pouch of brown colour (the tin was greenish), the rear showing a terrific photo of a wide open devastated mouth at a dentist! After the breaking of the seal, the inconfondible aroma: soapy, flowerish, fruity. The colour is dark and very dark brown with bright specs inside. Some 20/25 flakes, thin and quite short. I guess that if offered in loose cut, CLC would be a shag.
I have prepared a couple of slices and had them airing out for half an hour, folded them and rubbed a bit, loaded into an old sandblasted Savinelli Punto Oro no. 105 (small bowl billiard), which was previously used for University and Irish Flake. Just the shape of pipe a true Englishmen would use for CLC... Upon lighting the tobacco surface has a violent reaction and need a couple of energic tamperings, relight and&peaceful slow, cool smoke.
A soapy smoke, or better, the perfumes we do associate with soap on a sweet base. Very refreshing indeed, with citrusy notes over a flowery base. This is steady through to the end of the pipeful. A deserving experience, maybe not for the summer season. We are talking of a scented flake of old school, strong but no too much strong (it starts understatingly medium and steadily proceeds - puff after puff - just to the strong, never reaching the brutality of and Irish Flake).
Regarding the weed, I guess we are talking of heavily stoved Va's, but I suspect some Ky is also in the play. Who cares ? It's the whole thing which counts here. Dedicated pipe(s) is a must, Condor will be indelibly ghost your pipe. Daily use? Not for me, thank you. Do you drink liquors daily ?
Scented flakes is a genre of its own, if I am to rate it for the TR community guide, I would give two stars. But, I have said above this is a sentimental matter of mine, and the rating is just for my appreciation: four stars.
CLC is something love-or-hate: I simply love it.
- Orlik Golden Sliced
- Condor Long Cut
- McBs HH Vintage Syrian
Here my impressions about the second one.
Two pouches of CLC came to me from JJFox in London (alongwith a couple of St. Bruno and one of Players Navy Flake). I have strongly desired to taste these oldies again, and still remember the small rectangular tins of Condor, Sweet Dark Honeydew (not to name the pure Latakia) and their rusted inner edges. They still were under the Gallaher's brand... and I was just twenty. The latest experience I got with Condor was with the RR form in the very beginning of the nineties. So, the new meeting with CLC was simply a sentimental matter, a very pleasant situation.
CLC comes in a sealed plastic pouch of brown colour (the tin was greenish), the rear showing a terrific photo of a wide open devastated mouth at a dentist! After the breaking of the seal, the inconfondible aroma: soapy, flowerish, fruity. The colour is dark and very dark brown with bright specs inside. Some 20/25 flakes, thin and quite short. I guess that if offered in loose cut, CLC would be a shag.
I have prepared a couple of slices and had them airing out for half an hour, folded them and rubbed a bit, loaded into an old sandblasted Savinelli Punto Oro no. 105 (small bowl billiard), which was previously used for University and Irish Flake. Just the shape of pipe a true Englishmen would use for CLC... Upon lighting the tobacco surface has a violent reaction and need a couple of energic tamperings, relight and&peaceful slow, cool smoke.
A soapy smoke, or better, the perfumes we do associate with soap on a sweet base. Very refreshing indeed, with citrusy notes over a flowery base. This is steady through to the end of the pipeful. A deserving experience, maybe not for the summer season. We are talking of a scented flake of old school, strong but no too much strong (it starts understatingly medium and steadily proceeds - puff after puff - just to the strong, never reaching the brutality of and Irish Flake).
Regarding the weed, I guess we are talking of heavily stoved Va's, but I suspect some Ky is also in the play. Who cares ? It's the whole thing which counts here. Dedicated pipe(s) is a must, Condor will be indelibly ghost your pipe. Daily use? Not for me, thank you. Do you drink liquors daily ?
Scented flakes is a genre of its own, if I am to rate it for the TR community guide, I would give two stars. But, I have said above this is a sentimental matter of mine, and the rating is just for my appreciation: four stars.
CLC is something love-or-hate: I simply love it.
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Oct 10, 2020 | Mild | Mild | Mild | Pleasant |
Hmmm, I’ve not had Condor in years, lockdown made me get some flake and see if it has changed and, as far as I can tell, it barely resembles the old Gallahers incarnation at all.
It is moist to the point of gloopy; more a broken flake than the flake that I remember my Grandad hiding under his hat so my Gran wouldn’t find it. “Break seal gently for that Condor moment” it says on the packet but, in my humble opinion, there is no Condor moment, which is a shame because there used to be one.
This seems very generic these days - it smells a lot like St Bruno, Original (Walnut) flake - a strong vinegary pouch note. I’m not getting any alcohol...just a big hit of Sarson’s. Even Erinmore seems to be going down the vinegar path these days as well - are there any UK OTC blends that haven’t changed though?
It does smoke slow and cool and it’s very easy to sip at it for a long time but there is none of the “soapy” floral ness that I remember of the old blend. I find that Gawith and Hogarth’s Spring Dew (Rich, Dark honeydew in old money) has more of the taste of the old Condor blend to me which raises the question: was it honey that gave the old stuff that floral quality that was like Marmite to so many smokers.
Condor used to be at the cheaper end on the cost spectrum but 2oz’s cost me £16 near enough which is the going rate for all OTC blends these days.
All in all: disappointing - because I remember how it was.
Without knowing the old blend what would I think? It’s alright but tastes like other blends and doesn’t have any stand out qualities. I’ll happily smoke the rest of the pouch but I won’t get through it in a hurry...unless there’s another lockdown and I’ve no other choice.
Everyone should try this but it’s not like the old beast, in my humble opinion.
It is moist to the point of gloopy; more a broken flake than the flake that I remember my Grandad hiding under his hat so my Gran wouldn’t find it. “Break seal gently for that Condor moment” it says on the packet but, in my humble opinion, there is no Condor moment, which is a shame because there used to be one.
This seems very generic these days - it smells a lot like St Bruno, Original (Walnut) flake - a strong vinegary pouch note. I’m not getting any alcohol...just a big hit of Sarson’s. Even Erinmore seems to be going down the vinegar path these days as well - are there any UK OTC blends that haven’t changed though?
It does smoke slow and cool and it’s very easy to sip at it for a long time but there is none of the “soapy” floral ness that I remember of the old blend. I find that Gawith and Hogarth’s Spring Dew (Rich, Dark honeydew in old money) has more of the taste of the old Condor blend to me which raises the question: was it honey that gave the old stuff that floral quality that was like Marmite to so many smokers.
Condor used to be at the cheaper end on the cost spectrum but 2oz’s cost me £16 near enough which is the going rate for all OTC blends these days.
All in all: disappointing - because I remember how it was.
Without knowing the old blend what would I think? It’s alright but tastes like other blends and doesn’t have any stand out qualities. I’ll happily smoke the rest of the pouch but I won’t get through it in a hurry...unless there’s another lockdown and I’ve no other choice.
Everyone should try this but it’s not like the old beast, in my humble opinion.
Pipe Used:
Falcon, basket pipe, cob pipe, bulldog
PurchasedFrom:
Supermarket
Age When Smoked:
I was 40, the pouch was a lot younger.
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Aug 06, 2016 | Medium to Strong | Medium to Strong | Very Full | Pleasant to Tolerable |
I have been smoking Condor ready rubbed for over 40 years.Tried Long Cut many years ago before becoming a 'Flake man' due to finding Tobacco Reviews some years ago.Went to my good tobacconists for Ennerdale Flake....sold out.Bought Condor Long Cut.Very glad I did.To this palate there is a distinct difference between Green pack and Brown.....much deeper richer aftertaste lingering smoke than the ready rubbed.Is it due to casings dissipating somewhat due to rubbing when straight off the presses as opposed to the Long Cut still being in a compressed block albeit sliced? I don't know...maybe the casings steep more in the flake version.
Often pipe gets going on one char settling into a very slow smouldering smoke long lasting...very rich satisfying smoke verging on strong in strength...side stream more scented it seems just like old school English baccy.Stays lit when left untended for minutes sometimes.Very cool dense smoke with no hint of tongue bite....yes it's a ghoster!! But I have that many pipes -no problem.Shall be buying more of the Long Cut.Very recommended baccy for the guys who enjoy richness and strength.
Often pipe gets going on one char settling into a very slow smouldering smoke long lasting...very rich satisfying smoke verging on strong in strength...side stream more scented it seems just like old school English baccy.Stays lit when left untended for minutes sometimes.Very cool dense smoke with no hint of tongue bite....yes it's a ghoster!! But I have that many pipes -no problem.Shall be buying more of the Long Cut.Very recommended baccy for the guys who enjoy richness and strength.
Pipe Used:
Various Peterson Deluxe and Premiers
PurchasedFrom:
Local good B and M
Age When Smoked:
Fresh
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Sep 07, 2014 | Medium to Strong | Medium | Full | Pleasant to Tolerable |
My father smoked Condor all through my childhood and until his death when I was 23. By 25 I was a pipe smoker full-time and another Condor devotee. Had I not found myself in the USA, it would have been all that I cared to smoke.
Green or Brown? Green is the easier to charge and light; brown requires you to shred in your hand before loading. Brown needs more care: ensure you distribute it evenly in your pipe. With both you should be prepared to go through the light, tamp, light, ritual several times. And always use a cold pipe.
It's a slow burn and a cool smoke. A full pipe will last you hours if you put it down and relight later. Indeed it's rare that I'll smoke the whole bowl in one go.
Green or Brown? Green is the easier to charge and light; brown requires you to shred in your hand before loading. Brown needs more care: ensure you distribute it evenly in your pipe. With both you should be prepared to go through the light, tamp, light, ritual several times. And always use a cold pipe.
It's a slow burn and a cool smoke. A full pipe will last you hours if you put it down and relight later. Indeed it's rare that I'll smoke the whole bowl in one go.
Pipe Used:
Multiple
PurchasedFrom:
E-tobacco.com and Europe
Age When Smoked:
Unknown
target="_blank"
