Tobaccos Hearth & Home - Steamroller

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	JimInks (3022)	2015-10-23		Strong	None Detected	Medium to Full	Tolerable

The burleys are nutty sweet with a little molasses, and generally takes the lead with some boldness. The red Virginia is a little tangy and dark fruit sweet with a mild earth note, and well compliments the burleys. Every so often, it’s a little more noticeable, too. The smoky, woody Cyprian latakia is a supporting player, but usually a little obvious. The perique offers more spice then it does raisins and plum, while it plays back up. The unflavored black cavendish rounds out the components, creating a nice smoothness. Overall, it’s not very sweet, and I occasionally get a hay note, too. It’s strong in strength, taste and nicotine, so I can’t classify it as an all day smoke by any means, as the name implies. Burns well with few relights, and isn’t harsh or dull, though I recommend sipping this a little. Leaves little moisture in the bowl. Your friends won’t care much for the room note.

-JimInks

5 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Emeritus Account (30125)	2014-04-29		Medium to Strong	None Detected	Medium to Full	Pleasant to Tolerable

Blind test blend #1. Recently participated in a blind test of 5 blends, one of which I've already commented on here. Thankfully, I guessed it correctly so I didn't embarrass myself! Based on 5 bowls of each blend. This one was interesting. Mostly dirty brown with hints of black. Bag aroma was musty with an "old book" scent - sort of old school OTC. Reminded me of C&D Haunted Bookshelf. Loaded and lit easily. Cut was sort of a quasi-ribbon with a chop cut that seemed much less haphazard than what I'm used to from C&D.

Flavor was of several different tobaccos in a mostly harmonious exchange. The black was clearly latakia but I found out here that there is also black cavendish to "take the edge off". It may have done its job, as I didn't find any edge to this one. It was fairly potent, but not rough. The predominant flavor came from the burley with some added sweetness and tang from the red virginia. I thought I may have noticed perique, but couldn't be sure, as I'm not as sensitive to it as I am to the presence of latakia. The latakia was subtle and took a clear backseat to the burley and VA. Basically this one tasted like a Bob Runowski invention to me, as it smacks of those things that Bob seemed to enjoy... strength, nicotine, OTC-like flavor and depth of flavor. It was rich tasting but controlled rather than over the top - strong but not obscenely so. It would definitely satisfy all but the most nicotine tolerant among us and did so without using a club to drive the nic in. Complexity was definitely there but it too was a bit subdued. Overall a nice tasting smoke that does everything right but doesn't ring my personal chime enough to stock it. I encourage all burley/va lovers to try it, however. It's a winner, and I'm sure this will have a nice share of the market for strong tobaccos that are also smooth.

Pipe Used: meerschaum

Age When Smoked: New

3 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Pipestud (1829)	2017-03-03		Medium to Strong	None Detected	Full	Pleasant

When I first tried Steamroller, I enjoyed it greatly, but while the depth of flavor was outstanding and the various elements provided strength, too, I was not a fan of the way Perique finished the presentation. When Russ O. (the blender), heard this, he sent me about eight ounces of Steamroller without Perique. I fell in love immediately and appreciated Russ's gesture. I think this was as stout a blend without giving me the hiccups that I had ever tried. All kinds of flavor from the Virginia & Latakia and strength from the Burley, combined with the fullness provided by the unflavored Black Cavendish, steamrolled me, boys!

2 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	cobacco (52)	2014-04-04		Medium	None Detected	Mild	Tolerable

I purchased 4 oz bulk from P&C and I'm not so sure that there might not be a problem. First of all, there's an inconsistency with moisture levels between the individual components as if the mix was blended to order and although the bulk of the mix is bone dry, there's little soggy bits, probably cavendish here and there. I have the impression that some ingredients have gotten dry or stale, while others are fresh. Then there's the complete lack of the notorious strength. Id say what I was smoking was barely medium strength and I've never been a cigarette smoker, so it doesn't take much N to impress me. About the only thing positive I have to say is that the moisture level overall is ready to smoke, but this might be part of the problem... If this tobacco is relying on the virginia or burley for the supposed kick, then something has gone off, gotten too dry, or gone by the wayside. I thought about throwing it out but I decided to cellar this 4oz of Steamroller for six months and see what happens. As it is, this stuff is uninspiring and I'd rather not waste my time smoking it. Perhaps Ill report back in the Fall.

Pipe Used: MM Pride

Age When Smoked: Fresh bulk

Purchased From: pipesandcigars

2 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	SecretAgentMan (27)	2013-12-04		Very Strong	None Detected	Full	Tolerable

I've smoked 3 bowls of this on 2 successive nights through an MM General. Mine arrived moist, not dry as others have experienced, and so required a fair amount of drying. Smoked moist everything was dull and uninteresting. But when I dried it to my satisfaction, I found an astonishingly-good tobacco. Smooth, with a nicotine concentration that builds gradually until you're fair across the border of "Gawithland" (although you're still not in the 1792 area code). The flavor is low-toned but distinct, unpretentious, friendly, comfortable, and rich. I didn't detect any flavoring. The experience gave me the strongest memories of smoking, many years ago, Sobranie's No. 10 Virginia. I expect if I mixed in some "choicest cigar leaf" the resemblance would be uncanny, but the taste and smoke of Steamroller are very close to perfect now. The flavor and strength make this a fantastic "firesisde" tobacco, best smoked in the evenings. I can't praise it highly enough.

Pipe Used: MM General

Age When Smoked: 10 days after purchase.

1 person found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	crapgame1967 (61)	2017-10-23		Medium to Strong	None Detected	Very Full	Overwhelming

All treble and no base! This tobacco left me wanting more... much more! I was expecting to be bowled over with flavor and aroma but instead I fell asleep with boredom and the wife asked me if I was done yet every 15 minutes.

I lit the bowl and was greeted by a very dry smoke. Unlike most VA blends this blend's smoke left a sourness inside my mouth that sucked the moisture from inside my mouth. I poured some Crystal Light and after a long drink I lit the bowl and searched for the heavy machinery this blend was named for. After 45 minutes of smoking, two quarts of Raspberry Ice Crystal Light and my wife asking if I was done with "that" I realized there was nothing more this blend offered me except a very dry mouth. The only Steamroller here is the feeling of being "steamrolled" into thinking there was more to this blend other than a dry mouth and a "pucker factor" of 8/10.

I give it one star due to there being nothing more than some VA tobacco that offers a mouth drying nic kicking smoke.

Pipe Used: mm country gent

Age When Smoked: "Very Vintage"

Purchased From: Gifted Sample

Nobody has rated this review yet.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	DrumsAndBeer (217)	2016-05-16		Medium to Strong	None Detected	Full	Tolerable

Steamroller is no longer in production and that's quite unfortunate. I should've stocked up on this stuff a long time ago. This is a beautiful, heavyweight American English.

I am savoring the last bit of a small sample that a friend sent me and I really wish that I had invested in some. With age, we're talking 4-5 years, it smokes like a dream. It's very creamy and the flavor is nutty, full, sweet & tangy. The Latakia creates a perfect amount of nuance, lending a touch of smooth smokiness to the finish. The perique lends more sweetness than spice but is definitely there in strength.

Steamroller is a full flavored blend with a lot of depth to it. It really hits it stride around mid-bowl with subtle hints of coffee and bittersweet chocolate notes from the burley that are nothing short of delicious.

Steamroller is stout but in all the right ways. This isn't strong for the sake of being strong, in fact everything is perfectly balanced, so much so that the actual strength of this blend can easily ambush you.

I love a good American English, and this is a massive one. It's blends like this that reaffirm my love for pipe smoking.

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	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	puffndave (1)	2015-05-17		Very Strong	None Detected	Mild to Medium	Tolerable

As a former cigar smoker, I have smoked my pipes more for flavor than aroma, not that I don't appreciate and sometimes desire the compliments that I've received when the blend which I'm smoking happens to please somebody's nose as much as it does my palate. Therefore, when I smoked this blend for the first time (fresh out of the bag one month ago) all I could think was "Where the fuck is the Latakia?" However, I didn't really buy my sample for that alone, I also have found that unflavored and ungooped Burley is fine stuff which smokes very clean and lights easy, despite having little more flavor than the blandest of stogies. The Virginia and Peique don't fail to come through either. Overall, I find the flavor more comparable to H&H Stogie than anything English or Balkan. Also, the flavor came through a lot better when I smoked this blend in a cob pipe, which now has me second-guessing so many recent briar purchases, despite the visual briar aesthetics which I was unwilling to live without as a relatively new pipe smoker - DAMN!!!

On to the nicotine strength...wOooOOOwwOWWWWW!!!! I was missing the great feeling that I got when smoking good cigars, and because I never smoked cigarettes, and there isn't much comparision for nicotine strength with cigars, I honestly thought the rush from cigars was in my head. I had wondered why I never got such a kick when smoking my pipes, but I sure got a good one with Steamroller! This stuff will put a big, goofy smile on your face quick, so be prepared not to do anything too demanding for awhile, and be careful when you stand up.

Pipe Used: Cob

Age When Smoked: 1 month

Purchased From: P&C

Similar Blends: More like Stogie than any Latakia blends - you will be disappointed if you buy this for Latakia taste..

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	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	codyp (65)	2014-01-27		Very Strong	None Detected	Full	Very Strong

This blend always intrigued me because of the complex blending. It's an overall heavy smoke, which I very much enjoyed. The flavor would be good, if it didn't have that odd Hearth & Homes taste and smell.

It's not something I would get more of, but I wouldn't tell anybody not to try it. Hearth & Homes is a personal disliking that I can't really describe with facts. If your looking for a strong blend that has complex flavors and aromas, I would suggest something else, but once again a good starter blend for a cheap price.

Pipe Used: Nording Freehand, Nording Billiard

Purchased From: Pipes & Cigars

Nobody has rated this review yet.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	BigWhiteWilly (10)	2013-02-02		Very Strong	Strong	Very Full	Pleasant

This blend is everything its advertised to be. The amount of latakia is just perfect as a condiment. Smoke carefully or Mistress Nicotine will dance naked before your eyes! (Which I like, but I'm a Jalapeño eating Texan).

Nobody has rated this review yet.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	SteelCowboy (685)	2012-01-04		Strong	Extremely Mild	Medium to Full	Pleasant to Tolerable

I am a big fan of Russ Ouellette's tobaccos and it's rare that one comes along that isn't a hit for me. Steamroller lives up to its billing as a strong tobacco. I enjoy strong blends and one of the things that is interesting about Steamroller is that unlike other strong blends, this one is “sneaky” strong. The strength doesn't make itself known right up front like many strong blends, but then, suddenly it's time to sit down! I am not easily bowled over by blends and this one did it to me. Steamroller, like many of Russ' blends arrives quite dry and ready to smoke right out of the pouch. I find the casing to be much less than some of the other reviewers. I don't agree that this is an aromatic either. I find Steamroller to be mainly a Burley blend. I think that there are other strong blends that simply have a better and more interesting taste profile. If you like strong tobacco, than I think Steamroller is worth a try, it's just not my cup of tea.

Nobody has rated this review yet.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Emeritus Account (30125)	2011-12-17		Medium to Strong	Medium	Mild	Pleasant to Tolerable

I'm getting some vanilla or other sweet additive in this one. It does have some strength to it but to me its not overwhelming. I guess I was expecting something a lot more natural tasting. I would put this in the category of Strong(er) Aromatic.

Nobody has rated this review yet.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Redd (117)	2011-12-17		Extremely Strong	Strong	Extra Full	Pleasant

Ok Gents now hold onto your support hose when you light this one up. This Blend is simple Burley Latakia Perique Cavendish & Virginia all upfront at the same time Wow. I really like this blend because you can taste all the tobacco dancing in and out. The Burley has its nutty High Nicotine Voltage The Latakia is Punjent The Perique is so Peppery and Curant in Aroma The Virginia is sweet and smokey The Cavendish Softens the cool Blue Smoke. Nicotine Level is good and Strong. This is a FUll BLEND I LOVE IT I almost dont mind paying the ridiculous sales tax on this blend Better then Five Brother and Three collins Blends from years ago.

Nobody has rated this review yet.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	nesta (7)	2011-11-27		Medium to Strong	Extremely Mild	Full	Tolerable

I definitely will recommend this blend. While it contains a wide assortment of tobaccos, I personally think of it as first and foremost a burley blend. Of course it does not taste like straight burley, but that is the main flavor and driving force behind this tobacco.

There is enough latakia to spice things up and give a deeper flavor. A pinch of perique adds further intrigue and depth without stealing the show.

All in all it is a deep, rich, easy smoking tobacco with enough flavor and strength to really satisfy in most circumstances. Like most of the blends I've tried from Russ, it arrives a touch on the dry side and burns very easily, almost quickly. It also takes very well to rehydration if your tastes lean towards a moister tobacco, but it seems to be completely devoid of PG so expect it to dry out again quickly if you do not keep it in a jar appropriately sized for the amount you have on hand. While it is a blend complex in it's ingredients, I wouldn't suggest expecting a symphony of flavor. Like I said, its flavors are predominantly burley with a small helping of latakia and only a moderately noticeable amount of perique. The other tobaccos present are, of course, necessary to produce the blend as it is, but their individual flavors seem lost in the mix.

Overall this is a great go-to blend. Deep, earthy, and rich, with an agreeable level of nicotine that won't overwhelm this smoker. It's reasonably priced and brings to mind what I can only assume would pass at the top of the line for American smokers in the old days, replete with exotic tobaccos to round out and enhance their beloved burley.

This would likely be a bit strong for those whose tastes tend to gravitate towards very mild smokes, but I don't really think twice about loading a pipe with it. Then again, I'm not averse to smoking Irish Flake, Old Joe Krantz, or Kendal Dark for my first smoke of the day, so take that for what it's worth.

I ought to mention that this is one of the blends I smoke whose flavor is most dependent on the pipe chosen. In a cob, which I normally choose for this blend, it tastes most burley-forward, but in my sole meerschaum pipe the latakia becomes more notable. A briar renders a little more latakia flavor than a cob, but not nearly as much as the meer.

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	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	voodoochile62 (3)	2011-10-30		Strong	Very Mild	Full	Pleasant to Tolerable

I've been waiting for a more experienced pipester to review this blend, but after checking over the last couple of weeks, I'll dive in and be the first. Steamroller is without a doubt one of the best blends I've tried so far from Russ at H & H, and I've smoked at least a dozen of their blends. I've been looking for a higher nicotine blend with complex notes and depth of character, and, boy, have I found one! Russ not only hit a home run with this one but won the World Series in the bottom of the ninth inning. It's amazingly balanced for a blend with so many different components; I can't find any room for improvement with this one. Forgetting the nic-kick which initially caught my attention, it just tastes great! Leave it to Russ to coax the smoothness and complexity to the forefront with such a robust blend. I usually smoke this tobacco straight, as is, but also use it as a blender for much milder blends like Anniversary Kake and Ambassador's Blend when I want a little more vitamin N later in the day. That's right, it complements both VA and English Blends, at least in my humble opinion. Other reviewers that follow will have to go into more detail on the nuances and comparisons with other tobacco blends, but I will be ordering a large quantity of Steamroller this week just so I can sleep well at night and not worry about running out! To quote James Taylor from the song with the same name: "I'm a Steamroller baby; I'm gonna roll all over you..." It did! Thank you, Russ, and all at H & H, pipesandcigars.com.

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