Japan Tobacco Condor Plug
(3.54)
Dark in colour. Lovely aroma. Gentle taste.
Notes: Was made in Ireland, now made in Poland.
Details
| Brand | Japan Tobacco |
| Blended By | Japan Tobacco International |
| Manufactured By | Japan Tobacco International |
| Blend Type | Other |
| Contents | Virginia |
| Flavoring | Floral Essences |
| Cut | Plug |
| Packaging | 25 grams wrapped |
| 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
Unnoticeable -> Overwhelming
Taste
Full
Extremely Mild (Flat) -> Overwhelming
Average Rating
|
3.54 / 4
|
Reviews
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Displaying 11 - 13 of 13 Reviews
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 16, 2018 | Strong | Mild to Medium | Very Full | Very Strong |
This plug is top-shelf, and of the strong, dark, hot-pressed variety. It's an almost black, extremely compressed and uniform plug, not unlike Peterson 3P's or War Horse Plug. Similarities to those plugs end there. Condor is a supremely smooth and strong smoke, with a mild top flavor that I believe to be Irish Honeydew. This flavoring isn't quite as strong as what's found on dark flakes from J.F. Germain or Gawith-Hoggarth, but it is noticeable.
When thinking about its flavor profile, the word "bold" constantly comes to mind. It's reminiscent of J.F. Germain R.D.F. in that it's has that very rich taste of Virginias that have been hot-pressed. There's a mild floral essence present in the smoke—just strong enough to ghost your briar. Although Condor is bold, it's not overwhelming. Both tongue bite and harshness are entirely absent. There are many wonderfully savory and subtle flavors lingering in each puff, and these flavors stay throughout the course of the bowl. The nicotine content of this plug is medium-high.
My final words; Condor is the best plug I've ever had, period. Fresh and right out of the package it's delicious. This isn't one of those plugs that you sample and say, "Oh well, maybe it'll get better with time", or any hopeful commentary. The first time I smoked it, I started prepping more for the next pipe.
FOOTNOTE: My favorite reviewer JimInks has pointed out that Condor has changed production to Poland and has changed in a bad way. I have no way to confirm the origin of my plug, but I know it was purchased from a retailer somewhat recently. My experience with it seems to mirror his review of the original, which is confusing. Perhaps I just don't know what I'm missing!
When thinking about its flavor profile, the word "bold" constantly comes to mind. It's reminiscent of J.F. Germain R.D.F. in that it's has that very rich taste of Virginias that have been hot-pressed. There's a mild floral essence present in the smoke—just strong enough to ghost your briar. Although Condor is bold, it's not overwhelming. Both tongue bite and harshness are entirely absent. There are many wonderfully savory and subtle flavors lingering in each puff, and these flavors stay throughout the course of the bowl. The nicotine content of this plug is medium-high.
My final words; Condor is the best plug I've ever had, period. Fresh and right out of the package it's delicious. This isn't one of those plugs that you sample and say, "Oh well, maybe it'll get better with time", or any hopeful commentary. The first time I smoked it, I started prepping more for the next pipe.
FOOTNOTE: My favorite reviewer JimInks has pointed out that Condor has changed production to Poland and has changed in a bad way. I have no way to confirm the origin of my plug, but I know it was purchased from a retailer somewhat recently. My experience with it seems to mirror his review of the original, which is confusing. Perhaps I just don't know what I'm missing!
Pipe Used:
Ropp Vintage Rhodesian - bowl=0.9"D x 0.8"W
Age When Smoked:
Unknown, but its packaging alludes to fresh.
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Apr 21, 2019 | Strong | Medium to Strong | Full | Pleasant |
Back around the year 2012, give or take, I purchased a single 25g plug of Condor. I knew Gallaher Limited produced some quality stuff, so, I purchased it at a cost of one dollar per gram + shipping. I might have purchased something else along with it but can't say for sure. It had years of aging but I don't remember how long or how old it was when I purchased it but I'll just say it had long since been out of production. It did have a very good flavor, to me anyway, with tantalizing floral notes & was a strong blend... one I'd still buy today if it were available.
I whittled on this little brick for a few days and was able to acquire enough to fill my bowl about ten times & then, all of a sudden it all went up in smoke & was quickly gone. Didn't last very long as the tiny brick was only about an inch square. I really missed the flavor but moved on expecting never to be able to obtain another sample & as it turned out, I never did.
OK... so, I'm unable to explain in detail all of the subtle tastes & nuances of each varietal within the mixture. All I can say is I liked it very well because it sort of reminded me of St. Bruno Flake... one of my all time favorites & I'm glad St. Bruno is now back in production. It was a short-lived experience that I feel fortunate to have undergone because I thought Condor Plug was excellent.
I whittled on this little brick for a few days and was able to acquire enough to fill my bowl about ten times & then, all of a sudden it all went up in smoke & was quickly gone. Didn't last very long as the tiny brick was only about an inch square. I really missed the flavor but moved on expecting never to be able to obtain another sample & as it turned out, I never did.
OK... so, I'm unable to explain in detail all of the subtle tastes & nuances of each varietal within the mixture. All I can say is I liked it very well because it sort of reminded me of St. Bruno Flake... one of my all time favorites & I'm glad St. Bruno is now back in production. It was a short-lived experience that I feel fortunate to have undergone because I thought Condor Plug was excellent.
Pipe Used:
Peterson Deluxe 9S
PurchasedFrom:
Pipestud's Consigment Shop
Age When Smoked:
Estimate around 5-8 years
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Jan 01, 2019 | Medium to Strong | Medium | Full | Pleasant |
Back around the year 2012, give or take, I purchased a single 25g plug of Condor. I knew Gallaher Limited produced some quality stuff, so, I purchased it at a cost of one dollar per gram + shipping. I might have purchased something else along with it but can't say for sure. It had years of aging but I don't remember how long or how old it was when I purchased it but I'll just say it had long since been out of production. It did have a very good flavor, to me anyway, with tantalizing floral notes & was a fairly strong blend... one I'd still buy today if it were available.
I whittled on this little brick for a few days and was able to acquire enough to fill my bowl about ten times & then, all of a sudden it all went up in smoke & was quickly gone. Didn't last very long as the tiny brick was only about an inch square. I really missed the flavor but moved on expecting never to be able to obtain another sample & as it turned out, I never did.
OK... so, I'm unable to explain in detail all of the subtle tastes & nuances of each varietal within the mixture. All I can say is I liked it very well because it sort of reminded me of St. Bruno Flake... one of my all time favorites & I'm glad it is now back in production. It was a short-lived experience that I feel fortunate to have undergone because I thought Condor Plug was excellent.
I whittled on this little brick for a few days and was able to acquire enough to fill my bowl about ten times & then, all of a sudden it all went up in smoke & was quickly gone. Didn't last very long as the tiny brick was only about an inch square. I really missed the flavor but moved on expecting never to be able to obtain another sample & as it turned out, I never did.
OK... so, I'm unable to explain in detail all of the subtle tastes & nuances of each varietal within the mixture. All I can say is I liked it very well because it sort of reminded me of St. Bruno Flake... one of my all time favorites & I'm glad it is now back in production. It was a short-lived experience that I feel fortunate to have undergone because I thought Condor Plug was excellent.
Pipe Used:
Peterson Deluxe System 9S
PurchasedFrom:
Pipestud's Consignment Shop
Age When Smoked:
Estimate around 5-8 years
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