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
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Displaying 21 - 27 of 27 Reviews
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 30, 2009 | Medium to Strong | Medium to Strong | Full | Pleasant to Tolerable |
The pouch says..."Break seal gently...for that Condor moment." I didn't notice that admonition until the second or third helping, and I think I missed the moment. This is the Original Condor Long Cut flake in the brown 50g pouch.
The flake is soft, pliable, and moist, about 1.0" x 2.5", very thin, dark with a few lighter streaks. As for the pouch aroma, I thought of several mild to medium English blends. I was expecting something like Ennerdale after reading a number of warnings in the Condor Ready Rubbed reviews.
Initially, an extremely cool, sweet, Lakeland whammy. There is more of that Lakeland essence than is suggested by the pouch, but it is no Ennerdale. By the way, I like Ennerdale. Mid-bowl it is still predominately sweet and very cool, but slightly bitter, in a good way. My wife makes a soup out of a green, cucumber-sized, hard and bumpy object that contains white pumpkin seed sized seeds that she hollows out and stuffs with ground pork, black flat mushrooms (fungi?), clear noodles, onions, and black pepper. The broth (pork) is delicious, but the melon, she calls it bitter melon soup, is, well, bitter. If you have spent time in SE Asia you probably encountered this soup. Condor is that kind of bitter, not nearly as bitter, but that kind of pleasant bitter taste. Yet, sweet.
Condor, in this flake format, burns cool and dry to a powdery off-white ash. No tongue bite, no palate coat, no overwhelming nicotine, no negatives for me.
The Lakeland essence does not disappear like I predicted it would. So you end up with a sweet English/Balkan with Lakeland essence, and this interesting, mildly bitter finish. It is full and medium to strong, but no ringing of the ears like with 1792 and some twists or ropes. I think I taste a mature and sweet VA, Orientals, a little Latakia, a little Turkish, and of course, the Lakeland essence.
Condor is easily obtained from an Otley, UK internet tobacconist, and several other UK shops. Condor, St. Bruno, Warrior Plug, Yachtman Navy Plug, Mick McQuaid Plug, and more delivered to your door in one week. I overlooked the Revor Plug, dangit. Note to self: must try the Black XXX Gawith Hoggarth twist.
07/27/09 UPDATE: I am revising some of my reviews. I have given out more 4 star ratings than anything else. That practice is probably not helping. So, I am reducing Condor to 3 stars, not because I like it less than I did before, but because I am limiting 4 stars to fewer than 25% of all my reviews. One day I may use the 4 star rating to designate my top five.
The flake is soft, pliable, and moist, about 1.0" x 2.5", very thin, dark with a few lighter streaks. As for the pouch aroma, I thought of several mild to medium English blends. I was expecting something like Ennerdale after reading a number of warnings in the Condor Ready Rubbed reviews.
Initially, an extremely cool, sweet, Lakeland whammy. There is more of that Lakeland essence than is suggested by the pouch, but it is no Ennerdale. By the way, I like Ennerdale. Mid-bowl it is still predominately sweet and very cool, but slightly bitter, in a good way. My wife makes a soup out of a green, cucumber-sized, hard and bumpy object that contains white pumpkin seed sized seeds that she hollows out and stuffs with ground pork, black flat mushrooms (fungi?), clear noodles, onions, and black pepper. The broth (pork) is delicious, but the melon, she calls it bitter melon soup, is, well, bitter. If you have spent time in SE Asia you probably encountered this soup. Condor is that kind of bitter, not nearly as bitter, but that kind of pleasant bitter taste. Yet, sweet.
Condor, in this flake format, burns cool and dry to a powdery off-white ash. No tongue bite, no palate coat, no overwhelming nicotine, no negatives for me.
The Lakeland essence does not disappear like I predicted it would. So you end up with a sweet English/Balkan with Lakeland essence, and this interesting, mildly bitter finish. It is full and medium to strong, but no ringing of the ears like with 1792 and some twists or ropes. I think I taste a mature and sweet VA, Orientals, a little Latakia, a little Turkish, and of course, the Lakeland essence.
Condor is easily obtained from an Otley, UK internet tobacconist, and several other UK shops. Condor, St. Bruno, Warrior Plug, Yachtman Navy Plug, Mick McQuaid Plug, and more delivered to your door in one week. I overlooked the Revor Plug, dangit. Note to self: must try the Black XXX Gawith Hoggarth twist.
07/27/09 UPDATE: I am revising some of my reviews. I have given out more 4 star ratings than anything else. That practice is probably not helping. So, I am reducing Condor to 3 stars, not because I like it less than I did before, but because I am limiting 4 stars to fewer than 25% of all my reviews. One day I may use the 4 star rating to designate my top five.
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Sep 25, 2020 | Medium to Strong | Medium to Strong | Full | Tolerable |
This is much toned down on the sauce compared to ready rubbed which I don't like. It's like a stepped up st Bruno with added oil of cloves light edge and pine needles. You seem to get loads in a pouch because the slices are thin but they burn slow and it's great value. I personally needed to dry them out because I got gurgle when I didn't. Nicotine is there in abundance. Nothing harsh going on. Good value smoke. Can't knock it.smells nice like st Bruno but more going on. If you hate condor like me then don't overlook this it don't have nearly as much of the topping
Pipe Used:
Country gentleman corncob
PurchasedFrom:
Asda
Age When Smoked:
New
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Feb 05, 2019 | Strong | Medium to Strong | Full | Pleasant |
Nice packet note. Full strong tasting. Burns nice and slowly in the pipe for a lasting smoke. I would alternate with milder tobaccos throughout the day. Not for a beginner I would say. Full of flavour which I find hard to describe accurately but I'm enjoying it interspersed throughout the day.
Pipe Used:
Mr Brog Amigo 51
PurchasedFrom:
Asda supermarket UK
Age When Smoked:
Unknown
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Jan 18, 2018 | Medium | Very Mild | Medium | Pleasant |
To the best of my recollection my father only smoked three pipe tobaccos: Erinmore, Capstan and Condor Flake. While the smell of Erinmore will take me back 4 or 5 decades, I get no such response when Condor is in the pipe. I don't consider it to have a strong or unique aroma and in my opinion is not a Lakeland or any kind of aromatic.
Yes, it has a casing/topping; but then very few tobaccos do not. In my humble opinion the primary flavouring is a very mild strawberry. (I am open to the possibility it is rose geranium but honestly, it is so faint.) There is also perhaps some licorice and molasses. That sounds entirely counterintuitive but that is my take.
I also seem to be an outlier regarding the strength and burn of this baccy. For me it is near enough a one light tobacco and burns with little attention to a fine ash. Unrubbed, it lasts a very long time in the bowl. I consider the strength of the tobacco to be medium.
Written up in the description as being made entirely of Virginias, I am in no position to say otherwise. Do I think it might have some burley in the mix? Yes I do. I say this because even tho this is a very heavily processed tobacco, possibly punished under tons of pressure and steam and heat, the Va sharpness is still in evidence, there is also a neutral character in there as well. I don't mean that to be read as 'bland', but there is an overall broadness and even-ness here that to me suggests burley.
So, apart from the mild fruit/floral nose, there is a stewed fruit character to this tobacco, a pleasing acidity, and a very nice, almost nutty, mid palate.
A very good, no nonsense tobacco, that nonetheless lacks star quality (not that it ever assumes to be such) but is consistent, reliable and economical. Well it would be economical were it not for the tax burden applied to this baccy.
Thee stars from me, 4 if BS free tobacco is your gig.
Yes, it has a casing/topping; but then very few tobaccos do not. In my humble opinion the primary flavouring is a very mild strawberry. (I am open to the possibility it is rose geranium but honestly, it is so faint.) There is also perhaps some licorice and molasses. That sounds entirely counterintuitive but that is my take.
I also seem to be an outlier regarding the strength and burn of this baccy. For me it is near enough a one light tobacco and burns with little attention to a fine ash. Unrubbed, it lasts a very long time in the bowl. I consider the strength of the tobacco to be medium.
Written up in the description as being made entirely of Virginias, I am in no position to say otherwise. Do I think it might have some burley in the mix? Yes I do. I say this because even tho this is a very heavily processed tobacco, possibly punished under tons of pressure and steam and heat, the Va sharpness is still in evidence, there is also a neutral character in there as well. I don't mean that to be read as 'bland', but there is an overall broadness and even-ness here that to me suggests burley.
So, apart from the mild fruit/floral nose, there is a stewed fruit character to this tobacco, a pleasing acidity, and a very nice, almost nutty, mid palate.
A very good, no nonsense tobacco, that nonetheless lacks star quality (not that it ever assumes to be such) but is consistent, reliable and economical. Well it would be economical were it not for the tax burden applied to this baccy.
Thee stars from me, 4 if BS free tobacco is your gig.
Pipe Used:
Falcon
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 22, 2017 | Medium to Strong | Medium to Strong | Medium to Full | Pleasant |
Interesting tobacco! My first straight Lakeland tobacco I guess. Has a floral, slightly perfumy and fruity sweet unburnt aroma, which remind me quite a bit of St. Bruno (Mac Baren incarnation). Easy to handle flakes in good dimensions. As I had a sample of this I can't speak on the moisture when opening a pouch.
The rather intense aroma from the unburnt aroma is a bit less intense in the pipe when lit. It's floral, soapy-perfumy and somewhat fruity, with a bit of sweetness to it. It sublimates the tobaccos mostly, but a bit of the Virginia shines through with some grass and citrus and little spice.
I find it much less offensive than I would've imagined before getting my hands on it (unavailable in Germany), it's actually quite tasty! A nice change of pace and much better than the goopy, overly sweet aromatic blends we have here in Germany... Has some strenght to it both in nicotine and tast, which surprises me...where does it come from?
I enjoy it, really! Not my most favorite style of tobacco, but certainlya worthy classic
The rather intense aroma from the unburnt aroma is a bit less intense in the pipe when lit. It's floral, soapy-perfumy and somewhat fruity, with a bit of sweetness to it. It sublimates the tobaccos mostly, but a bit of the Virginia shines through with some grass and citrus and little spice.
I find it much less offensive than I would've imagined before getting my hands on it (unavailable in Germany), it's actually quite tasty! A nice change of pace and much better than the goopy, overly sweet aromatic blends we have here in Germany... Has some strenght to it both in nicotine and tast, which surprises me...where does it come from?
I enjoy it, really! Not my most favorite style of tobacco, but certainlya worthy classic
Pipe Used:
Clay Pipe
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Sep 10, 2016 | Medium | Medium to Strong | Full | Pleasant to Tolerable |
A cult classic but not my cup of tea.
From the pack, dark regular square cut flakes. Slightly oily to the touch, may need a few minutes drying time for optimum combustion.
To me it smells like rich fruit. There's a slight floral note but it's nowhere near as pungent as say GH ennerdale or rose geranium plug. No hint of soap, despite what others may have you believe.
A bit of an 'old boys' bacca, there's a traditional 'raw tobacco' scent and flavour. Would not be out of place in a good English ale house. Not for the faint hearted.
Dry burning, requires only a few relights (smoked straight from the pack) if properly prepared and evenly packed.
Starts off citrussy and even a little sharp. Mellows as you burn through leaving a rich sweet taste that resonates throughout. Burns cool but can be harsh on the throat of rushed.
Worth a spin, if not for the legend alone.
Enjoy lads!
From the pack, dark regular square cut flakes. Slightly oily to the touch, may need a few minutes drying time for optimum combustion.
To me it smells like rich fruit. There's a slight floral note but it's nowhere near as pungent as say GH ennerdale or rose geranium plug. No hint of soap, despite what others may have you believe.
A bit of an 'old boys' bacca, there's a traditional 'raw tobacco' scent and flavour. Would not be out of place in a good English ale house. Not for the faint hearted.
Dry burning, requires only a few relights (smoked straight from the pack) if properly prepared and evenly packed.
Starts off citrussy and even a little sharp. Mellows as you burn through leaving a rich sweet taste that resonates throughout. Burns cool but can be harsh on the throat of rushed.
Worth a spin, if not for the legend alone.
Enjoy lads!
Pipe Used:
Tom Phillips (UK) Stubby Lovat
PurchasedFrom:
ASDA (Walmart)
Age When Smoked:
New
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 02, 2015 | Medium to Strong | Medium to Strong | Medium | Pleasant |
I am only doing this review on a sample that a fellow pipe club member gave me yesterday, so the reader is advised. On another note, I usually don't like any aromatics, but I have made an exception with this one so that I could make this review. That is to say I did not so more smoke this tobacco out of pleasure, but due to my sense of duty and gratitude with this fellow member and friend. Having said that, I'd say the smoking experience wasn't all that bad. As a matter of fact, I think I've actually enjoyed it. This tobacco comes in flakes and will benefit from some drying time. The aromatic aspect of this tobacco is quite apparent to me and will bite your tongue if you smoke them straight out of the tin/pouch. Not sure whether it has any cavendish in it, but I'd dare to say it hasn't: it is the Virginia tobaccos that seem to predominate this blend. About nicotine content, I'd say this is a medium/strong blend with a good kick if you smoke it on an empty stomach. The taste is quite mellow as you start smoking, but will evolve quite nicely as you go past every quarter of your bowl. Flavours are difficult to describe, but the word "floral" pops up in the head. It is easy to rub and pack in your pipe if properly dried. I have smoked it at a very low pace because of the virginias in it, so it did not smoke hot at all, but I can tell it could if you don't let this tobacco dry properly. I don't think I would buy this tobacco myself, but I guess I'd have another bowl if someone gave me another pipefull for free. Not that it hasn't shown nice properties or characteristics, but it is an aromatic at the end of the day, so this is a 2 stars tobacco for me. I am not trying to put the reader off buying it, but this kind of tobacco is not my cup of tea (subjective though it is, everyone has his own preferences).
Edit 03/02/2017 I've come to really enjoy this tobacco, so I am going to upgrade to 3 stars.
Edit 03/02/2017 I've come to really enjoy this tobacco, so I am going to upgrade to 3 stars.
Pipe Used:
Meerschaum
PurchasedFrom:
a present
Age When Smoked:
?
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