Esoterica Tobacciana Peacehaven
(2.96)
An elegantly flavored flake comprised of six Virginia tobaccos, light in color and rich in taste. Exceedingly mellow and easy to rub out.
Details
| Brand | Esoterica Tobacciana |
| Blended By | J.F. Germain & Son |
| Manufactured By | J.F. Germain & Son |
| Blend Type | Straight Virginia |
| Contents | Virginia |
| Flavoring | |
| Cut | Flake |
| Packaging | 8 ounce bag |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Production | Currently available |
Profile
Strength
Mild
Extremely Mild -> Overwhelming
Flavoring
None Detected
None Detected -> Extra Strong
Room Note
Pleasant
Unnoticeable -> Overwhelming
Taste
Medium
Extremely Mild (Flat) -> Overwhelming
Average Rating
|
2.96 / 4
|
Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 Reviews
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 11, 2017 | Medium | None Detected | Medium | Unnoticeable |
Peacehaven comes as a flat slab of tightly compressed flakes in a plastic tray, sealed in a metalized plastic pouch. The honey brown flakes are approximately 5½” x 1” x 1/16th”, and are quite difficult to separate without breakage. That’s not a problem if you like broken flake or you normally rub out flakes; but if you insist on folding flakes, have a spatula-like tool at the ready to pry the individual flakes apart. Even then it will be touch-and-go. This is not to suggest that the tobacco is overly moist, for it lights and burns well as it is, but many folks will prefer some drying. The flakes rub out into a shag with a variety of ribbon widths, some of which are so thin they resemble dill weed, giving a clump of this stuff a rather mossy appearance.
The bouquet of the blend is strong with the sourness of fermentation (as opposed to vinegar) and is resplendent with the aroma of sweet apricot, pungent green olives, and the zesty odor of moldering hay. Despite the sourness and pungency, the aroma suggests something sweet and fruity without being sugary; and it all translates quite well in the smoke stream. Upon lighting, the blend's flavors are joined by a subtle citrus taste, and just a hint of something licorice-like. The finish lingers on the palate in the same way chocolate does, but the taste is not exactly the same.
I usually categorize a Virginia blend as either fruit-like or grassy; the former being sweet, wine-like and buttery, the latter sharp, zesty and piquant. Peacehaven incorporates the characteristics of both. On balance I would call this a sweet, mildly sharp Va. blend with pungent, fruity complexity and above average nicotine strength. It is among the more complex blends on the market and exudes character and sophistication. It produces a good volume of cool, dry, chewy smoke that is a joy to play with in the nose and sinuses.
I find this very satisfying, so I can’t imagine smoking this more than once or twice a day – it is certainly not an all day/every day smoke; but there is something about it that leaves my taste buds yearning for just another taste – one more bowl. I think Shakespeare expressed the craving best when he described Cleopatra’s irresistible allure:
Age cannot wither her / Nor custom stale her infinite variety / Other women cloy the appetites they feed / But she makes hungry where most she satisfies...
The bouquet of the blend is strong with the sourness of fermentation (as opposed to vinegar) and is resplendent with the aroma of sweet apricot, pungent green olives, and the zesty odor of moldering hay. Despite the sourness and pungency, the aroma suggests something sweet and fruity without being sugary; and it all translates quite well in the smoke stream. Upon lighting, the blend's flavors are joined by a subtle citrus taste, and just a hint of something licorice-like. The finish lingers on the palate in the same way chocolate does, but the taste is not exactly the same.
I usually categorize a Virginia blend as either fruit-like or grassy; the former being sweet, wine-like and buttery, the latter sharp, zesty and piquant. Peacehaven incorporates the characteristics of both. On balance I would call this a sweet, mildly sharp Va. blend with pungent, fruity complexity and above average nicotine strength. It is among the more complex blends on the market and exudes character and sophistication. It produces a good volume of cool, dry, chewy smoke that is a joy to play with in the nose and sinuses.
I find this very satisfying, so I can’t imagine smoking this more than once or twice a day – it is certainly not an all day/every day smoke; but there is something about it that leaves my taste buds yearning for just another taste – one more bowl. I think Shakespeare expressed the craving best when he described Cleopatra’s irresistible allure:
Age cannot wither her / Nor custom stale her infinite variety / Other women cloy the appetites they feed / But she makes hungry where most she satisfies...
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 20, 2018 | Mild | Mild | Mild to Medium | Very Pleasant |
I love Germain tobacco. If I was asked off the cuff I was an aromatic smoker I'd say no. This is an aromatic and most if not all Esoterica adn Germain aromatic's are not what most folks attribute to an aromatic. These are subtle and truly enhance the flavor of tobacco vs masking the flavor. Peacehaven is a wonderful smoke and is more an aro than say Dunbar or Dorchester but it is a Virginia and a damn good one. I will also add that may Esotrica blends are merely copies of J.F Germain blends under a new name in the US (there may be VERY subtle differences but they are so small that I would rather just say they are the same). Peacehaven is the US equivalent of Medium Flake (and maybe even Goldleaf ready rubbed). The tin note is sweet Virginia along with dark fruit and an obvious orange topping. I also get "bubblegum" which is just an amalgam of cherry, banana and strawberry). The tobacco comes pretty wet like most/all Esoterica and JFG blends, but it is a light flake that will dry quickly in the open air, 15-20 minutes is perfect. The smoke is not very complex but is delicious from the first puff until the last. This will burn to a fine white ash with one light (after the char). The flavors I get are citrus and a caramel like sweetness. I am not sure what VA's constitute this blend but they convey grassiness along with the sweetness but I get mostly grapefruit, orange and lemon grass. There is an ever present freshness of cut grass, but it is in the background. The last quarter of the bowl brings some breadiness and some dry rye toast which is very subject to smoking cadence. I found that if I puffed hard and fast, which is easy since this is so tasty, but the result of freight train puffing is a harsher smoke in the bottom of the bowl. When sipped or just puffed slowly the last 25% of the smoke does add some complexity in the flavors I previously mentioned. This sings in a meer or clay pipe but is wonderful in any pipe, and I suspect would taste great if you smoked it from an old shoe.
Pipe Used:
Briar's, meerschaum and cobs
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Nov 24, 2014 | Mild | Extremely Mild | Mild to Medium | Pleasant |
I honestly don't know why the guys rate this tobacco so lowly! I find it very pleasant, delicious, in fact. The aroma emitted from the opened bag is citrus, better than that of OGS with which it is compared. It rubs out easily, packs easily and lights without a problem. Right from the start the tangy taste, assossiated with virginias, is there. I just LOVE it. No bite. And if you really want to enhance the sweet tangy taste, put the pipe down after a couple of puffs, let it go out, wait a couple of minutes and relight. WOW! This is good stuff man. Highly recommended to virginia lovers
Pipe Used:
Sasieni and Savinelli
PurchasedFrom:
4noggins
Age When Smoked:
Fresh out of the bag
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 19, 2015 | Mild | None Detected | Medium to Full | Pleasant |
Yet another underrated gem that has been overshadowed by its peacock siblings Penzance and Stonehaven.
Tips for maximum enjoyment, dry it out. Rub then pack in a normal fashion. Then sip slowly.
Bright VA taste and aroma. Mild in strength yet full in flavor if you push a touch out the nose on its way out your mouth.
A+ tobacco if you're a Virginia lover as I am.
Tips for maximum enjoyment, dry it out. Rub then pack in a normal fashion. Then sip slowly.
Bright VA taste and aroma. Mild in strength yet full in flavor if you push a touch out the nose on its way out your mouth.
A+ tobacco if you're a Virginia lover as I am.
Pipe Used:
Peterson Ebony
PurchasedFrom:
Beehive Cigars
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| May 27, 2003 | Mild to Medium | None Detected | Medium | Pleasant |
I can really only recommend this tobacco to veteran smokers and seasoned Virginia lovers, as the threat of tongue bite with this weed is right up there with some of the MacBaren or McClelland's offerings. Of course, veterans may ask themselves if it's worth this amount of concentration on technique to enjoy a bowl...? Well, I do! With that said, the weed is lovely four inch mottled flakes that rub out easily, and while I can't say they are moist, they did have a resiny feel and some may want to air the stuff out. The flavour IS very very good: fresh and bright, grassy/oaty with an abiding fruitiness and mild citrus overtones. The flavour progresses somewhat through the smoke but not dramatically. I believe that a well-aged version of this tobacco would smoke like an absolute champ and I wish it came in a vacuum sealed tin! There are Va flakes that aren't as demanding, but this one is worth it!
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Apr 08, 2002 | Medium | None Detected | Medium | Pleasant |
Here is another winnner from Esoterica. The first time I smoked this tobacco I fell in love with it. This is a straight virginia flake and is very easy to smoke with no bite and wonderful flavor. Easy to rub out and fill your pipe and lighting up is easy as well. I find it goes out frequently initially but then does not present a problem. I have not heard any complaints about the room notes and find it pleasing myself. This is probably one of the best tasting virginia flakes I have come across. Burns nicely to a grey white ash and I find at the end of the bowl I want to fill up again. Four stars.
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 13, 2022 | Medium | Extremely Mild | Mild | Pleasant to Tolerable |
Sample bag:
Aroma is tart, citrus, pungent. I smell anise, plums, and dark figs, like a fruit preserve. The flakes rub out into a shag cut tobacco. Packs and lights effortlessly. The aroma is very strong and is it a foreshadowing of what is to come?
No is the answer to the question. The taste is bready. Reminds me of the Virginias in OGS. There’s some tart citrusy notes, dark fruit, and some fermentation but it’s a bready yeasty flavor I get the most. What joy because that’s my favorite kind of Virginia. Smooth flavor, mellow, and an effortless smoke (from a straight Virginia too). Consistent flavor throughout. The retrohale is very pleasant and is not harsh to the nose. Fairly mild to medium body and flavor. I did find the nicotine to be higher than I thought, medium at least. Eat breakfast first. Slight aftertaste that’s nether nice or not. Overall it is easy going and something I wish I could sit in my rocking chair and smoke more of. It’s what I expected from an Esoterica tobacco. Would I pay $100 plus dollars a tin for it on the secondary market? Maybe. Hey if you can god bless ya. It’s good but maybe not that good however I understand wanting to sample em all.
It’s a solid 4 star tobacco.
Aroma is tart, citrus, pungent. I smell anise, plums, and dark figs, like a fruit preserve. The flakes rub out into a shag cut tobacco. Packs and lights effortlessly. The aroma is very strong and is it a foreshadowing of what is to come?
No is the answer to the question. The taste is bready. Reminds me of the Virginias in OGS. There’s some tart citrusy notes, dark fruit, and some fermentation but it’s a bready yeasty flavor I get the most. What joy because that’s my favorite kind of Virginia. Smooth flavor, mellow, and an effortless smoke (from a straight Virginia too). Consistent flavor throughout. The retrohale is very pleasant and is not harsh to the nose. Fairly mild to medium body and flavor. I did find the nicotine to be higher than I thought, medium at least. Eat breakfast first. Slight aftertaste that’s nether nice or not. Overall it is easy going and something I wish I could sit in my rocking chair and smoke more of. It’s what I expected from an Esoterica tobacco. Would I pay $100 plus dollars a tin for it on the secondary market? Maybe. Hey if you can god bless ya. It’s good but maybe not that good however I understand wanting to sample em all.
It’s a solid 4 star tobacco.
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Jun 12, 2010 | Mild | None Detected | Mild | Pleasant |
On opening the package the first time, I found the citrusy, bright virginia smell to be very much like OGS. I was really excited, because I love OGS, like everyone else. I was disappointed when I tried to smoke it, because it bit hard. I left it alone for a while, until I ran out of some of my other favorites. I put it all in a big bowl, rubbed it all out, and left it spread out on a cookie sheet to dry overnight. Since then it has not bitten once, and is a fantastic virginia blend a lot like OGS. It has the same citrus notes, a mild flavor that changes from the top of the bowl to the bottom, and from one pipe to the next. It smokes best in a large open pot shape, and smoked slowly. I'm ordering two more 8 oz. bags. One of my favorites!
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 29, 2020 | Mild | Extremely Mild | Medium | Pleasant |
esoterica seems to on the market again...thank the heavens. Peacehaven is not, as someone said, a blend that will bite (and McClelland never was one...so who knows ...taste is, uh, subjective....Im still not over the tragedy of McC going out of business)...but thankfully Esoterica is back. Peacehaven is much neglected. Its a straight virginia. What super mild topping is on it can be barely noticed. The taste has hints of wine and caramel both...but in subtle ways.It actually burns cool....( i dont recall if this used to be a flake but its more shag now). Reminds me a bit of Dan Tobacco's Hamborger Veermaster. Often such straight virginias are referred to as beginners blends and this always drives me nuts. I love LOVE peacehaven and Ive smoked pipes for forty five years. Its the highest quality stuff and nothing else on the market is better in terms of quality. Its mild in nic hit, but there still is some, and the flavor is wonderful and rich...especially if you take your time and if you dry out the flakes for twenty minutes before smoking. Naturally sweet, with that hay aroma and a touch of light fermentation. Mostly bright virginia is my guess. Overall it is simple, classic and elegant.
PurchasedFrom:
cup o joes
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 31, 2019 | Very Mild | Mild | Medium | Pleasant to Tolerable |
More than $1 per gram in China. You are not mistaken, it is more than 1 dollar per 1 gram.
Oh my mom, this is the taste of RMB.
Ok, I am ignited.
Very cool smoke, it is delicate and soft, and full. The tobacco burns very evenly and spreads with a sweet, natural Virginia atmosphere.
The strength of nicotine is very mild and it is very suitable for me.
If you can buy it at a reasonable price, I highly recommend it.
Oh my mom, this is the taste of RMB.
Ok, I am ignited.
Very cool smoke, it is delicate and soft, and full. The tobacco burns very evenly and spreads with a sweet, natural Virginia atmosphere.
The strength of nicotine is very mild and it is very suitable for me.
If you can buy it at a reasonable price, I highly recommend it.
Pipe Used:
RADICE CLEAR FF
Age When Smoked:
5 years old in bag
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