Hearth & Home Black House
(3.55)
The winning blend from the Chicagoland Pipe Show 2011. Virginia, Kentucky, Turkish, and some black cavendish.
Details
| Brand | Hearth & Home |
| Series | Marquee Series |
| Blended By | Russ Ouellette |
| Manufactured By | Scandanavian Tobacco Company |
| Blend Type | Balkan |
| Contents | Black Cavendish, Kentucky, Latakia, Oriental/Turkish, Perique, Virginia |
| Flavoring | |
| Cut | Ribbon |
| Packaging | 1.5 ounce tin, bulk |
| Country | United States |
| Production | Currently available |
Profile
Strength
Medium
Extremely Mild -> Overwhelming
Flavoring
None Detected
None Detected -> Extra Strong
Room Note
Pleasant to Tolerable
Unnoticeable -> Overwhelming
Taste
Medium to Full
Extremely Mild (Flat) -> Overwhelming
Average Rating
|
3.55 / 4
|
Reviews
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Displaying 21 - 30 of 114 Reviews
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 19, 2020 | Medium | None Detected | Medium to Full | Tolerable |
When I first tried Latakia mixtures I had Old Dublin, MM 965, and Stokkebye's Luxury English. I liked these enough to try a tin each of White Knight, and Black House. To say that I like them is an understatement. Since trying these I have come to find out that the world of Balkan blends is vast. There is enough choice out there to make any latakiaphile giddy. So without further ado, here is Black House. The tin seems pretty unassuming. As some of the best things are in life, the less adornment you find on the outside the better you'll find the product. As an aside I used to go to a Lebanese restaurant like this when I was in college. It looked like a run down building outside, but when you came inside it was like walking into a welcoming home.
As you open your tin, you get a full-bodied aroma. When I first opened it it smelled like ketchup to my untrained nose. Now I smell wood, earth, and smoke from the Latakia, a barbecue spice, and nuttiness from the Dark Fired. There is a tang and slight sourness from the Orientals, coupled with the hay-like sweetness from the Virginias. The cut is more of a coarse ribbon and to be perfectly honest it was smokable out of the tin. It loads well and lights well. Keeps a flame with only minor relights.
The first taste I notice is the Cyprian Latakia, smokey, woody and earthy it carries all the other ingredients along. Next up for me is the Orientals they give the smoke a typical Balkan vibe. Incense like, sour, herbal and floral, the Orientals especially the Yenidje marry perfectly with the Latakia. The Dark Fired helps with body giving nuttiness and spice. I can feel the perique in my nose, and it gives a dark fruit note every now and again. I can taste the Virginias in the background and they are citrusy and hay-like.
This is a very well balanced, complex blend. There is always a new taste to find as you puff. As complex as it is I could easily sit back with this and puff away my worries. The taste in this one is a medium-full the smoke coats my mouth with flavor. Lady N is here to take you on the average date, nothing special. I'd say the strength is a solid medium. Even as a VaPer fan this blend is an all-day smoke for me. Complex, Creamy, Spicy, Smokey: this has everything I want
As you open your tin, you get a full-bodied aroma. When I first opened it it smelled like ketchup to my untrained nose. Now I smell wood, earth, and smoke from the Latakia, a barbecue spice, and nuttiness from the Dark Fired. There is a tang and slight sourness from the Orientals, coupled with the hay-like sweetness from the Virginias. The cut is more of a coarse ribbon and to be perfectly honest it was smokable out of the tin. It loads well and lights well. Keeps a flame with only minor relights.
The first taste I notice is the Cyprian Latakia, smokey, woody and earthy it carries all the other ingredients along. Next up for me is the Orientals they give the smoke a typical Balkan vibe. Incense like, sour, herbal and floral, the Orientals especially the Yenidje marry perfectly with the Latakia. The Dark Fired helps with body giving nuttiness and spice. I can feel the perique in my nose, and it gives a dark fruit note every now and again. I can taste the Virginias in the background and they are citrusy and hay-like.
This is a very well balanced, complex blend. There is always a new taste to find as you puff. As complex as it is I could easily sit back with this and puff away my worries. The taste in this one is a medium-full the smoke coats my mouth with flavor. Lady N is here to take you on the average date, nothing special. I'd say the strength is a solid medium. Even as a VaPer fan this blend is an all-day smoke for me. Complex, Creamy, Spicy, Smokey: this has everything I want
Pipe Used:
Peterson Standard System XL315
PurchasedFrom:
Pipesandcigars.com
Age When Smoked:
1 year
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 25, 2020 | Medium | None Detected | Medium | Tolerable to Strong |
Having enjoyed White Knight a lot, and finding it a decent "clone" of Balkan Sobranie Original Mixture, I expected to enjoy Black Horse just as much. It didn't happen.
First of all: this has no resemblance whatsoever with Balkan Sobranie 759, to which it is supposed to be a homage. I have smoked every version of BS 759, from the rich and spellbinding '70s version, to the less complex but still very rich version from the '80s, to the weaker, softer but still fascinating pouch incarnation of the late '90s. This doesn't taste like ANY of them. A much better reminiscence of 759 can be found IMHO in GL Pease Blackpoint.
That said... what about judging this blend according to its own merits? It burns great, but the thing that puzzles me is how it changes from pipe to pipe. Sometimes it can be described as an all day Latakia mixture, medium in body and taste, and perfectly satisfying although not stellar. Much more often, it tastes on the flat side, a bit cardboardy and empty. And say what you wish, but to me the addition of Kentucky does NOT belong in a "Balkan" blend, and it sticks out like a sore thumb.
I can't say this is a bad blend: quite simply, half of the time I find it flat and predictable, while the other times I find it enjoyable. The complexity is there, but the "meat" often is not.
Personal rating would be around 2.5 stars. Since this is not possible, and since there are similar blends that I very much prefer and which provide more consistent flavour, I will be "strict" this time with a 2 star rating.
First of all: this has no resemblance whatsoever with Balkan Sobranie 759, to which it is supposed to be a homage. I have smoked every version of BS 759, from the rich and spellbinding '70s version, to the less complex but still very rich version from the '80s, to the weaker, softer but still fascinating pouch incarnation of the late '90s. This doesn't taste like ANY of them. A much better reminiscence of 759 can be found IMHO in GL Pease Blackpoint.
That said... what about judging this blend according to its own merits? It burns great, but the thing that puzzles me is how it changes from pipe to pipe. Sometimes it can be described as an all day Latakia mixture, medium in body and taste, and perfectly satisfying although not stellar. Much more often, it tastes on the flat side, a bit cardboardy and empty. And say what you wish, but to me the addition of Kentucky does NOT belong in a "Balkan" blend, and it sticks out like a sore thumb.
I can't say this is a bad blend: quite simply, half of the time I find it flat and predictable, while the other times I find it enjoyable. The complexity is there, but the "meat" often is not.
Personal rating would be around 2.5 stars. Since this is not possible, and since there are similar blends that I very much prefer and which provide more consistent flavour, I will be "strict" this time with a 2 star rating.
Pipe Used:
Le Nuvole, James Upshall, Viprati, Dunhill
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| May 21, 2020 | Medium to Strong | Mild | Full | Pleasant to Tolerable |
This blends competition, Blue Mountain, is one of my favorite Balkans of all time. I'm glad I had the foresight to stock up.
I was utterly shocked when I opened this tin and inhaled the aroma...….. All I could smell was an amazing sour fermented note from the Virginia. Not dissimilar to a fresh tin of Escudo. It literally overrode any latakia that may be present in here! I thought this was a Balkan!!!!
Appearance light and brown leaf, speckled with dark Latakia and cavendish. Very unevenly cut, some long strings, and some large chunks. Found more than enough veins in the first tin.
Moisture level seems right, as this is a fresh tin. Loads and packs well, let's get it lit!
Ahhh, there's the Latakia! Still, not as forward as I would've imagined. Initial flavors of sweet dark fruit, spicy Perique, and the Dark Fired are the most prominent. Thick, rich, chunky clouds of smoke envelope me while I relax in my chair. This is one of the strongest Balkans I've smoked nicotine wise.
The further down the bowl, the more Latakia and Turkish come forward, as the Virginias step aside. This blend is fairly complex, and I wouldn't expect it not to be with the myriad of tobaccos. I'll be curious what some age and airing out of an opened tin does to this blend. I still can't wrap my head around this being a traditional Balkan...….
I was utterly shocked when I opened this tin and inhaled the aroma...….. All I could smell was an amazing sour fermented note from the Virginia. Not dissimilar to a fresh tin of Escudo. It literally overrode any latakia that may be present in here! I thought this was a Balkan!!!!
Appearance light and brown leaf, speckled with dark Latakia and cavendish. Very unevenly cut, some long strings, and some large chunks. Found more than enough veins in the first tin.
Moisture level seems right, as this is a fresh tin. Loads and packs well, let's get it lit!
Ahhh, there's the Latakia! Still, not as forward as I would've imagined. Initial flavors of sweet dark fruit, spicy Perique, and the Dark Fired are the most prominent. Thick, rich, chunky clouds of smoke envelope me while I relax in my chair. This is one of the strongest Balkans I've smoked nicotine wise.
The further down the bowl, the more Latakia and Turkish come forward, as the Virginias step aside. This blend is fairly complex, and I wouldn't expect it not to be with the myriad of tobaccos. I'll be curious what some age and airing out of an opened tin does to this blend. I still can't wrap my head around this being a traditional Balkan...….
Pipe Used:
several
PurchasedFrom:
smokingpipes.com
Age When Smoked:
fresh
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 29, 2017 | Medium | None Detected | Full | Pleasant |
Hearth & Home - Black House (Marquee Series).
The ribbons are medium in size, the blend appears to contain an equal amount of each colour, on the low side it's a bit dry, and includes a few twigs.
The Latakia takes the lead, but doesn't render the other ingredients redundant. The smoke's given a soft touch by the black Cavendish which reduces some of the sharpness from the Lat'. The fire-cured Kentucky gives a flavour which is easily notable, but if I'm honest it lessens the enjoyment by providing a caustic character which isn't placated too well by the black Cav'. The Turkish adds a woody-fragrant note, which is subservient to the Lat'. The Virginia's the lighter of the ingredients, the tame Va flavour struggles to compete with the bold flavours of the Lat', Kentucky, and Turkish. It burns reliably but a bit quick due to the dryness. Overall I'd describe the flavour as rich.
Nicotine: medium. Room-note: quite pleasant.
I won't highly recommend this mainly because of the hydration. I won't recommend it because of the Kentucky. So that said I can only somewhat recommend it:
Two stars.
The ribbons are medium in size, the blend appears to contain an equal amount of each colour, on the low side it's a bit dry, and includes a few twigs.
The Latakia takes the lead, but doesn't render the other ingredients redundant. The smoke's given a soft touch by the black Cavendish which reduces some of the sharpness from the Lat'. The fire-cured Kentucky gives a flavour which is easily notable, but if I'm honest it lessens the enjoyment by providing a caustic character which isn't placated too well by the black Cav'. The Turkish adds a woody-fragrant note, which is subservient to the Lat'. The Virginia's the lighter of the ingredients, the tame Va flavour struggles to compete with the bold flavours of the Lat', Kentucky, and Turkish. It burns reliably but a bit quick due to the dryness. Overall I'd describe the flavour as rich.
Nicotine: medium. Room-note: quite pleasant.
I won't highly recommend this mainly because of the hydration. I won't recommend it because of the Kentucky. So that said I can only somewhat recommend it:
Two stars.
Pipe Used:
Atinok Meerschaum
PurchasedFrom:
4noggins
Age When Smoked:
9 months
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 27, 2016 | Medium | None Detected | Medium to Full | Pleasant |
Big surprise on opening the tin: The first deep breath instantly beamed me back into my smoking memories of the good old “Sobranie 759”. Oh boy, I was not prepared for this. I never had this sensation with any other mixture. Now, this raises my expectations. In fact I was just looking for a full and heavy, Latakia forward English Blend, not specifically for a copy of Sobranie’s. Although the “Balkan Sobranie” and its sibling “Sobranie 759” were my top favourites at the time, I never lost my time searching for copies. I am very happy with the vast choice of excellent mixtures on the market.
Moisture in tin is perfect. Mixed, mainly medium-broad Ribbon Cut. Pleasant colour variety of tobaccos. Excellent stuffing, lighting and smoking conditions. Burns fast. I do call BLACK HOUSE an English Mixture, although I now, in a strict interpretation this is wrong. A traditional English Blend does not comprise Burley (here Kentucky), nor Black Cavendish.
First observation: BLACK HOUSE is milder than the tin note suggests. It is not an overwhelming, deep, heavy, killing mixture, nor a Lat-bomb at all. But, no doubt, it is a very tasty, delicious blend with ample Latakia and Kentucky that are more smoky and far less leather and “horse-stable” like, as I normally prefer. A pleasant, subtle touch of sweetness from Black Cavendish accompanies the smoke. Although it’s Latakia/Kentucky forward, it does not suffocate the robust Virginias. The spicy Orientals (here Turkish) work and support more from the back seat. BLACK HOUSE is a spectacular blend and a “must try” for all English/Latakia aficionados.
As I read in descriptions of BLACK HOUSE, the goal was, to produce an imitation of the good old Sobranie’s. The Chicago Pipe Show in 2011 judged BLACK HOUSE to be the closest overall. Well, in my opinion and my memories of the Original, it does not get that close to it – and I don’t mind. I take BLACK HOUSE for an independent blend and don’t take it for a copy of Sobranie’s (as the tin nose-note may have suggested). I am now adding this mixture to my favourites.
Moisture in tin is perfect. Mixed, mainly medium-broad Ribbon Cut. Pleasant colour variety of tobaccos. Excellent stuffing, lighting and smoking conditions. Burns fast. I do call BLACK HOUSE an English Mixture, although I now, in a strict interpretation this is wrong. A traditional English Blend does not comprise Burley (here Kentucky), nor Black Cavendish.
First observation: BLACK HOUSE is milder than the tin note suggests. It is not an overwhelming, deep, heavy, killing mixture, nor a Lat-bomb at all. But, no doubt, it is a very tasty, delicious blend with ample Latakia and Kentucky that are more smoky and far less leather and “horse-stable” like, as I normally prefer. A pleasant, subtle touch of sweetness from Black Cavendish accompanies the smoke. Although it’s Latakia/Kentucky forward, it does not suffocate the robust Virginias. The spicy Orientals (here Turkish) work and support more from the back seat. BLACK HOUSE is a spectacular blend and a “must try” for all English/Latakia aficionados.
As I read in descriptions of BLACK HOUSE, the goal was, to produce an imitation of the good old Sobranie’s. The Chicago Pipe Show in 2011 judged BLACK HOUSE to be the closest overall. Well, in my opinion and my memories of the Original, it does not get that close to it – and I don’t mind. I take BLACK HOUSE for an independent blend and don’t take it for a copy of Sobranie’s (as the tin nose-note may have suggested). I am now adding this mixture to my favourites.
PurchasedFrom:
Internet, www.smokingpipes.com, USA.
Age When Smoked:
New, out of the tin.
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 03, 2016 | Medium | None Detected | Full | Pleasant to Tolerable |
This is as good as it gets folks! I've tried countless of English blends and this is everything I have ever wanted in a smoke all wrapped up in a nice little tin. It's sweet (naturally), smooth, spicy and masterfully blended. The tobacco is ready to smoke right out of the tin, not too dry not too moist and burns down to a dry, white ash. Perfect blend to warm you up in the winter time. Essential purchase!
Edit* (7-16-16) I was left with no choice but to take away a star. In the above review I said, this was as good as it gets, well, I was wrong! I have since discovered Smokers Haven Exotique and in my honest opinion, that is as good as it gets. Don't get me wrong, I still very much enjoy Black House but it's just not as good as Exotique (in my book).
Edit* (7-16-16) I was left with no choice but to take away a star. In the above review I said, this was as good as it gets, well, I was wrong! I have since discovered Smokers Haven Exotique and in my honest opinion, that is as good as it gets. Don't get me wrong, I still very much enjoy Black House but it's just not as good as Exotique (in my book).
Pipe Used:
Nording Signature, Savenilli bent, Black Dog Briar
PurchasedFrom:
Smokingpipes.com
Age When Smoked:
Right out of the tin
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 31, 2015 | Medium | None Detected | Medium to Full | Pleasant to Tolerable |
I was very happy to have tried this blend. I'm a big fan in general of the work that Russ does, and this is no exception.
For me the blend starts out with a big blast of Latakia. That quickly gives way to the Virginias and a little Cavendish, the tail end being brought up by the Orientals. After the initial few puff the flavors all start melding into one cohesive flavor. I can still pick out the individual flavors, but they're so well blended that I find myself just enjoying the overall effect more.
It finishes out for me on a sweet note. No gross dottle taste, and it did surprise me by burning to the heel with no hesitation.
A fantastic medium strength, medium to full flavor smoke.
For me the blend starts out with a big blast of Latakia. That quickly gives way to the Virginias and a little Cavendish, the tail end being brought up by the Orientals. After the initial few puff the flavors all start melding into one cohesive flavor. I can still pick out the individual flavors, but they're so well blended that I find myself just enjoying the overall effect more.
It finishes out for me on a sweet note. No gross dottle taste, and it did surprise me by burning to the heel with no hesitation.
A fantastic medium strength, medium to full flavor smoke.
Pipe Used:
Savinelli 320
Age When Smoked:
fresh
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 18, 2015 | Medium | None Detected | Medium to Full | Pleasant |
Leaf: A nice soft ribbon cut, Medium-dark brown, with golden flecks throughout and good touches of dark and black leaf all over. Medium length and thickness to the ribbons. The moisture from the tin was spot on.
Tin aroma: Smokey Latakia deliciousness, lovely woody campfire smell, sweet and sour with tangy orientals. The smokeyness abates slightly and lets the freshness and sweetness shine through, with the earthy, leathery kentucky popping it's head in to check the score. Is this what heaven smells like?
Taste: Is this what heaven TASTES like too?! I hope so, unless I don't go, then I hope it sucks. Right off the light it is very oriental forward, slightly spicy, tangy, very rich but super smooth. It quickly sweetens up, just right where it needs to be, the Cavendish is perfect. The Latakia shines through and takes centre stage along side the Orientals, with the Cavendish and Virginia now in support. The Kentucky turns up shortly afterwards and helps keep the flavor full and earthy. The dense flavor continues throughout the entire bowl, there is not a dull moment, the taste dance constantly between sweet and spicy, and smokey and earthy. The smoke is thick, velvet smooth and rich, and it never bites. This is the result that I always imagine when I first go to try a new Balkan. Massive flavour that touches all the bases, but still remains very approachable, no mental strain necessary attempting to analyse the nuances, just light it and puff and it does the work for you, you won't miss a thing.
Smokeability: Packs, lights and stays lit like a dream. Never needed drying, always burnt down to a barely existent white ash, probably because I enjoyed it so much I never stopped puffing.
Summary: This is a next level Balkan. There is a tonne of flavor here, and it is perfectly balanced, sufficiently complex, never falters, and really scratches every itch a Balkan Fiend could have. One of the best blends I have smoked so far. I recently reviewed McClelland Blue Mountain, and it felt slightly lacking, if you felt the same way, this is your saviour, I think this is what I expected, and I am glad I found it here. This could easily be my new all day smoke.
Tin aroma: Smokey Latakia deliciousness, lovely woody campfire smell, sweet and sour with tangy orientals. The smokeyness abates slightly and lets the freshness and sweetness shine through, with the earthy, leathery kentucky popping it's head in to check the score. Is this what heaven smells like?
Taste: Is this what heaven TASTES like too?! I hope so, unless I don't go, then I hope it sucks. Right off the light it is very oriental forward, slightly spicy, tangy, very rich but super smooth. It quickly sweetens up, just right where it needs to be, the Cavendish is perfect. The Latakia shines through and takes centre stage along side the Orientals, with the Cavendish and Virginia now in support. The Kentucky turns up shortly afterwards and helps keep the flavor full and earthy. The dense flavor continues throughout the entire bowl, there is not a dull moment, the taste dance constantly between sweet and spicy, and smokey and earthy. The smoke is thick, velvet smooth and rich, and it never bites. This is the result that I always imagine when I first go to try a new Balkan. Massive flavour that touches all the bases, but still remains very approachable, no mental strain necessary attempting to analyse the nuances, just light it and puff and it does the work for you, you won't miss a thing.
Smokeability: Packs, lights and stays lit like a dream. Never needed drying, always burnt down to a barely existent white ash, probably because I enjoyed it so much I never stopped puffing.
Summary: This is a next level Balkan. There is a tonne of flavor here, and it is perfectly balanced, sufficiently complex, never falters, and really scratches every itch a Balkan Fiend could have. One of the best blends I have smoked so far. I recently reviewed McClelland Blue Mountain, and it felt slightly lacking, if you felt the same way, this is your saviour, I think this is what I expected, and I am glad I found it here. This could easily be my new all day smoke.
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 07, 2015 | Medium | None Detected | Medium to Full | Pleasant to Tolerable |
I've received another parcel at last with a second sample of one of Hearth Home's tobaccos. So this is my tobacco review of Black House; also on my YouTube channel.
The description on the tin sates that this was a winning blend fromtobacco review of black house the a pipe show in 2011 and is a tribute to a highly rated tobacco of the past - Balkan Sobraine 759. It was judged to be the closest overall to the dark balkan-type mixture it was to emulate. Its a complex blend of Kentucky, Balkans, Turkish, Virginia and Black Cavendish.
I haven't had the chance to smoke the original Balkan Sobraine or any of its successors, but enjoyed this blend a lot.
Tin: A complex smell of oriental, incense-like with notes of earthiness, smokiness, woody and a hint of cocoa beans. Just a touch of sweet flavours too.
Aroma: On first lit, it was just a wonderful balanced taste of Oriental/English. Mellow Latakia but surely English/Oriental. Sounds like a contradiction but its not; just shows how well balanced all the different components are.
Overall a very enjoyable tobacco which I will give 4 Stars.
http://youtu.be/IkUBI_kkQYw
The description on the tin sates that this was a winning blend fromtobacco review of black house the a pipe show in 2011 and is a tribute to a highly rated tobacco of the past - Balkan Sobraine 759. It was judged to be the closest overall to the dark balkan-type mixture it was to emulate. Its a complex blend of Kentucky, Balkans, Turkish, Virginia and Black Cavendish.
I haven't had the chance to smoke the original Balkan Sobraine or any of its successors, but enjoyed this blend a lot.
Tin: A complex smell of oriental, incense-like with notes of earthiness, smokiness, woody and a hint of cocoa beans. Just a touch of sweet flavours too.
Aroma: On first lit, it was just a wonderful balanced taste of Oriental/English. Mellow Latakia but surely English/Oriental. Sounds like a contradiction but its not; just shows how well balanced all the different components are.
Overall a very enjoyable tobacco which I will give 4 Stars.
http://youtu.be/IkUBI_kkQYw
Pipe Used:
Savinelli & Stanwell
Age When Smoked:
6 months
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 05, 2013 | Medium | None Detected | Medium to Full | Pleasant to Tolerable |
A very good Balkan. Not my favorite, but I could live with this one if my favorite disappeared.
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