Sutliff Tobacco Company Match Revelation

This has a very light contribution of Latakia, but there the similarity to the HOW version of Revelation ends. In fact, I find Altadis's own Count Pulaski closer to the HOW Revelation version of a light "American-English" style (albeit with a mild topping of anise) than this "Revelation Match". Like Revelation, CP has a base of cube Burley, with some darker broken flake Virginia and a slight touch of Latakia. "Revelation Match" on the other hand is primarily coarse cut light and medium brown leaf and I don't detect any "fruit/citrus" tones as advertised. I can't say how close it is to the original Phillip Morris Revelation since I don't recall ever having that old classic but it is certainly nothing like the Revelation I know (of which I still have a few tins).

In comparison to most Altadis blends my sample had little casing or PG and the tobacco arrived loose and fairly dry, somewhat like a C&D blend. I thought that looked promising at first. However, the smoke is on the harsh side and can even bite occasionally which the HOW version of Revelation never did. As light, almost-English-style tobacco goes, this is not a terrible blend, but it is certainly not a Revelation match.

Spicy. Maybe its perique and kentucky or maybe the virginias are a bit harsh. Dont detect any flavor but there is a fruity aroma. Burns well. A spicy burley blend. Meh.

I gave this a try cuz my dad used to smoke Revelation. No bite or gurgle. Smoky, campfire like room note. Fairly dry and easy to keep lit. I didn't detect any fruit flavor.

Match Revelation is a mellow mix that is not quite an aromatic, but not quite an english blend. It is priced really nice.

Of note, I saw old advertising from the 1940's that markets Revelation and Bond Street (Match Bourbon Street) together. The ad suggested that some users blend the two. I did this, and dang it, if it didn't turn out better than each mixture on its own.

I never had the occasion to try the original when it was available. I wish I had. Unfortunately as a callow lad in the early days of my pipe smoking I was drawn to other likely more advertised products. t seems that I re-discovered "drugstore blends" too late. The fact that Revelation was Einstein's favorite makes smoking even the Altadis analog fun. This is not a "tobacconist's blend". I would deem it a top of the line old school "drugstore blend". It has a light slightly aromatic very Americanized English blend flavor. If smoked intelligently it doesn't bite the tongue and is smooth and light textured in the mouth. There are only ghosts of Latikia and Perique fencing in the background but along with the harmonious Burley/Kentucky/Virginia blend and enhanced by a kind of plummy topping it creates a taste that for me works. I've smoked it filtered and unfiltered. I find it most enjoyable when smoked in a Vauen 9mm filter pipe as it can get overly juicy otherwise. When I have a hankering for a top notch old school, drugstore blend I'll have a go at this stuff. For some reason I especially enjoy it while driving, puffing away as I negotiate traffic. April 29th 2013: I'm lowering my rating of this blend to two stars. Since I originally posted my review I've tried other blends of this style such as "Man's Best Friend" also put out by Altadis and the incredibly delicious and exceptional Beverwyck put out by Hearth and Home (pipesandcigars.com). After those smoking experiences the Revelation blend has been revealed to be lacking in appeal and has made it's way to the I don't smoke this anymore bin. Therefore the reduction in stars.

I have to review this one in comparison to the C&D Epiphany which also attempts to match Einstein's favourite blend. I enjoyed both, but the C&D version offers more complexity. I tried these both side by side for 2 weeks, and it was apparent every time that the C&D version had the edge. As Einstein loved this blend for the contemplation it gave him via the intricate blend of so many tobacco varietals, the nuances matter. I cannot compare to the original since I am too young to have been able to acquire it, but between the two C&D is superior; thus I give this a 2/4.

I have never had the original revelation smoking mixture. When I opened this I smelled Latakia tobacco mainly. When I smoked this I tasted fruit and the smokiness of the Latakia and maybe just slightly the perique tobacco. I was intrigued that Einstein liked this blend.