Esoterica Tobacciana Margate
(3.31)
A classic English mixture done in the "old style" of many of the fine tobaccos that have now disappeared from the market place. Choice Orientals, matured Virginias, and generous quantities of premium Cyprian latakia keynote this rich, full bodied blend. A well balanced, robust and eminently satisfying smoke.
Details
| Brand | Esoterica Tobacciana |
| Blended By | J.F. Germain & Son |
| Manufactured By | J.F. Germain & Son |
| Blend Type | English |
| Contents | Latakia, Oriental/Turkish, Virginia |
| Flavoring | |
| Cut | Shag |
| Packaging | 2 ounce tin, 8 ounce bag |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Production | Currently available |
Profile
Strength
Medium
Extremely Mild -> Overwhelming
Flavoring
None Detected
None Detected -> Extra Strong
Room Note
Tolerable
Unnoticeable -> Overwhelming
Taste
Medium to Full
Extremely Mild (Flat) -> Overwhelming
Average Rating
|
3.31 / 4
|
Reviews
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Displaying 21 - 30 of 116 Reviews
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 18, 2012 | Mild to Medium | None Detected | Medium | Tolerable |
I bought a tin of Margate in my search for the perfect Latakia mix. I've sampled so many in the past few years, and there are few that I return to on a regular basis. Nightcap, 965, and London Mixture have hit the heavy rotation with Dunhill's return to the American market, and I was looking for a strong Oriental counterpart to London Mixture for the sake of comparison.
Esoterica makes excellent tobacco, and in the esteem for Penzance, there are several in the line that have become sleeper blends for me. Margate fits that description. It is heavy on the Orientals and quite full, whereas most in that category are somewhat wimpy.
Browsing the reviews some time ago I came upon the astonishing claim that the blend is entirely composed of Oriental leaf and its smokier variety, Latakia. I just couldn't believe it--a Latakia heavy blend without any Virginias? I immediately pulled out my tin and began smoking away, curious whether this could be true. When evaluating the Oriental component, I make it a habit to pull the smoke through the nasal cavity to check for spiciness. In return, I was rewarded with a full onslaught of peppery spice. My appreciation for Margate hit a new high, and I dutifully consumed my remaining tin in short time.
Margate is an excellent counterpart to both London Mixture and Sam Gawith's Skiff Mixture, blends big on the Orientals. It lacks some of the sweetness that both exhibit due to the apparent lack of Virginia leaf, but it never feels light, or overwhelming. If you're mourning the inability to score a tin of Penzance, check this out...I think you'll find it a novel substitute, held to the same high standards of the entire Esoterica line.
Esoterica makes excellent tobacco, and in the esteem for Penzance, there are several in the line that have become sleeper blends for me. Margate fits that description. It is heavy on the Orientals and quite full, whereas most in that category are somewhat wimpy.
Browsing the reviews some time ago I came upon the astonishing claim that the blend is entirely composed of Oriental leaf and its smokier variety, Latakia. I just couldn't believe it--a Latakia heavy blend without any Virginias? I immediately pulled out my tin and began smoking away, curious whether this could be true. When evaluating the Oriental component, I make it a habit to pull the smoke through the nasal cavity to check for spiciness. In return, I was rewarded with a full onslaught of peppery spice. My appreciation for Margate hit a new high, and I dutifully consumed my remaining tin in short time.
Margate is an excellent counterpart to both London Mixture and Sam Gawith's Skiff Mixture, blends big on the Orientals. It lacks some of the sweetness that both exhibit due to the apparent lack of Virginia leaf, but it never feels light, or overwhelming. If you're mourning the inability to score a tin of Penzance, check this out...I think you'll find it a novel substitute, held to the same high standards of the entire Esoterica line.
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Apr 09, 2001 | Medium to Strong | Medium to Strong | Full | Tolerable |
I received from Mr. Ed Mitchell a can of Margate, as a result of an inquiry a few days ago (ask and ye shall receive!). Margate is from Esoterica, and promises "Best Full English" on it's label. Appearance: Nice oily wrapper, inside a bit more monochromatic than I expected. Checked the date... AH HA! Mr. mitchell is a connoisseur, who cellars his weed. The can had been aging a couple of years, diminishing the gold on brown contrasts that I'm used to seeing on most Latakia blends. The tobacco, unfluffed, has an almost "gelled" appearance, with a mirror flat surface and a slight sheen. Fluffing the same reveals a gorgeous, soft, yet wiry tobacco with just the right amount of moisture. Packs wonderfully. Lets take 'er for a spin.... Test Drive: Butane hits weed releasing a wonderfully complex smoke, with earthy undertones similar to an Imperial Grade Pu-Erh tea. Virginias more than hold their own in this blend, lending multilayered complexity to the whole. In the tradition of the very best Englishes, each puff reveals a little more of one aspect, and withdraws another. Slightly sweet, overtly "Va", segueing into rich Latakia perfume, shifting to hints of a garden after a light spring shower. Overall, I'd have to judge the strength as a med-full rather than a full. I deliberately let the smoke go out, and fired it again, 1/2 hour later. Still great, slightly less complex, but more intriguing than the majority of Latakia blends you are likely to run in to. She's a winnah! Overall, highly recommended. 9 out of 10 Bear claws
Bear
Bear
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 03, 2022 | Medium | None Detected | Medium to Full | Pleasant to Tolerable |
The wax paper that covers the tin appears soaked in tobacco oils, as is often the case with Esoterica Tobacciana tobaccos, although in this case it is also justified because a few years have passed since the packaging date. The crystallization of the sugar can be seen in all the strands of the different ingredients that make it up, including the latakia. In the pipe it performs like a good quality tobacco: it burns very well, it does not generate moisture, it does not bite at all and the general flavor of the whole is very rich. As you can see, I find no fault with Margate. That said, I would like to clarify that given the enormous difficulty in Europe to acquire Esoteric tobaccos, I will not suffer as much for not obtaining this one as with other tobaccos. Just as I consider Dorchester, Dunbar or Tilbury, of the same brand, irreplaceable, I can find other English blends on the market that replace Margate. But this may also be because, although I like latakiada blends, my favorite tobaccos are virginias and va/per. As always I recommend, try it and decide for yourself. What is certain is that you will not go wrong...
Age When Smoked:
11 years
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 13, 2017 | Medium | Very Mild | Medium to Full | Pleasant |
Margate reminds me of Bach’s Goldberg variations in the way the tobaccos interplay as the flavors are consistent yet dynamic. The Virginias are grassy sweet and citrus exuding quince and plum notes and are in the background. The premium Cypran latakia is dry, silky smooth and redolent of hickory smoke. The select Orientals are spicy, slightly floral sweet and nutty. There is a light topping, perhaps plum, which has a harmonizing effect on the blend. Slightly moist and may need dry time, the ribbon cut is easy to pack and keep lit requiring few relights as it burns evenly to a salt and pepper ash. No harsh or dull spots and won’t bite your tounge. A must try Oriental forward English blend.
Age When Smoked:
Fresh
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 06, 2017 | Very Mild | Mild | Medium | Pleasant to Tolerable |
Another sumptuous treat from the Esoterica line. This is a full flavored English mixture that distinguishes itself from a field of strong competitors. A most unique blend. Firstly, i must say that the oriental component here imparts a very exotic, pungent, and lush element to the flavor. My guess is that this is augmented by a top note, but if so it is deftly done, and its possible that the varietals themselves are solely responsible for the piquancy. Latakia is employed perfectly, it is rich and cool and woody. There is an anise/licorice note throughout that melds softly with the latakia in an incense-like way. The lack of virginia sweetness results in a dry, fragrant, muted smoky depth that is unique in its class. I have 2 pipes dedicated to the blend, both small bowled. Try this if you favor unique English blends driven by oriental bases. It is a wonderful smoke. Light on nicotine, this is one i savour for its scent and flavor alone. A deep, lovely well crafted mixture for contemplative moods, one that i keep an 8oz stock of and smoke only very rarely. I have a tin of its relation pembroke that has been in my cellar for nearly 3 years and have yet to open it...i find it hard to imagine margate being better with added cognac, but one of these days i will give it a spin and find out!
Pipe Used:
Briars
PurchasedFrom:
Smokers Haven
Age When Smoked:
New to 2 yrs
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Sep 04, 2012 | Mild to Medium | None Detected | Very Full | Tolerable |
The tin I smoked had nearly a year on it before it was opened. Absolutley amazing flavours, smooth, soft and 'buttery'. The taste is similar to 965, but without the ciggie notes, delicate but full, enough nicotine for me, only just..
I have smoked a lot of nice tasting stuff, but this takes the cake. It could only be improved by making it a touch stronger. I'm gonna stock up.
I have smoked a lot of nice tasting stuff, but this takes the cake. It could only be improved by making it a touch stronger. I'm gonna stock up.
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 15, 2010 | Medium | Extremely Mild | Medium | Pleasant to Tolerable |
I think this is a sleeper blend that gets lost in the limelight of its siblings Penzance and Stonehaven. I really like this as a medium-strength english blend with lots of flavor. Apparently it has no Virginia leaf, but it does not suffer in the arenas of sweetness or strength. A very tasty blend, it's one that I want to cellar, and it's actually readily obtainable!
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 25, 2020 | Medium | None Detected | Full | Unnoticeable |
Opening up this Bag of Margate it looked like almost all the tobacco was black Latakia . I was a little afraid I had made a mistake buying this . I did not ! Fairly wet The Tobacco was I loaded up immediately . Latakia blends and shag cuts for me smoke better moist . The Latakia is forward in this blend but the Orientals are right there with them . The Virginias are on the light side but do contribute to this overall nicely balanced blend . Very rich smokey and salty. . A little spice , sour and buttery , creamy flavor . floral and incense Aromas . Just a tad bit of sweetness and citrus . A nice aftertaste lingers pleasantly. 3 1/2 stars . Now maybe the Tobacco Gods will bless me with some Penzance and Stonehaven !
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Nov 08, 2019 | Medium | Extremely Mild | Mild to Medium | Pleasant to Tolerable |
As of this writing there are 182 reviews giving it a 3.3 average so I'll keep this short. If you can find it buy it! This is a luxurious blend in the traditional English style. Wonderful complexity and depth with all the tobaccos playing together nicely. As much as I like Pembroke (Margate with cognac topping), from time to time I like this - the untopped version. It's in my top 3 English blends and it is most enjoyable.
Pipe Used:
Dunhill 6103
PurchasedFrom:
Updown Tobacco
Age When Smoked:
New and Aged
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 28, 2018 | Medium | None Detected | Mild | Tolerable |
Update 2020-09-03
Here it is two years later and I just opened a tin of 2017 Margate. The number of blends I've had the chance to enjoy has increased along with my appreciation of English style blends.
Margate is still one of the "forgotten" it seems of the Esoterica lineup. Everyone scrambles for Penzance (even if just to flip it) but many times Margate and Pembroke are available for the asking.
Comparing Margate to other English blends now I find that main point that is offers is a creamy/buttery feeling to the rich smoke it produces. When sipped, it combines a nice sweetness, with a touch of sour and smokiness through the bowl. It's a very cool smoke with enough nicotine to know it is there without being overwhelming. I can honestly say that it is my favorite traditional English blend now and I work to keep it in the rotation. Pembroke is a great treat, being Margate with a Cognac topping added for extra sweetness.. making it a great desert where Margate can be a day long main course.
2018-08-28
Pembroke is my favorite Esoterica blend but I also find myself reaching for Margate quite frequently. Funny when I found out this is Pembroke minus the Cognac topping.
I find that I enjoy Margate the best when it is a little on the dry side. I find myself comparing most other English style blends to this one. Nice sweetness from the Virginias complimented with the spice of the orientals. The smokiness of the Latakia is not overwhelming.
This might be one of the more "underrated" Esotericas as I find it easier to find in drop shipments. I also use it sometimes to "stretch" my Pembroke by adding 10-15% to that favorite of mine.
Here it is two years later and I just opened a tin of 2017 Margate. The number of blends I've had the chance to enjoy has increased along with my appreciation of English style blends.
Margate is still one of the "forgotten" it seems of the Esoterica lineup. Everyone scrambles for Penzance (even if just to flip it) but many times Margate and Pembroke are available for the asking.
Comparing Margate to other English blends now I find that main point that is offers is a creamy/buttery feeling to the rich smoke it produces. When sipped, it combines a nice sweetness, with a touch of sour and smokiness through the bowl. It's a very cool smoke with enough nicotine to know it is there without being overwhelming. I can honestly say that it is my favorite traditional English blend now and I work to keep it in the rotation. Pembroke is a great treat, being Margate with a Cognac topping added for extra sweetness.. making it a great desert where Margate can be a day long main course.
2018-08-28
Pembroke is my favorite Esoterica blend but I also find myself reaching for Margate quite frequently. Funny when I found out this is Pembroke minus the Cognac topping.
I find that I enjoy Margate the best when it is a little on the dry side. I find myself comparing most other English style blends to this one. Nice sweetness from the Virginias complimented with the spice of the orientals. The smokiness of the Latakia is not overwhelming.
This might be one of the more "underrated" Esotericas as I find it easier to find in drop shipments. I also use it sometimes to "stretch" my Pembroke by adding 10-15% to that favorite of mine.
Pipe Used:
various
PurchasedFrom:
Smittys Cigars - Gainesville GA
Age When Smoked:
new to 5+ years
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