Esoterica Tobacciana Stonehaven
(3.55)
A marriage of air-cured leaf and Burley with selected dark Virginia. Hard pressed and aged to produce brown flakes with dark undertones. A traditional English flake favored by experienced pipe smokers.
Details
| Brand | Esoterica Tobacciana |
| Blended By | J.F. Germain & Son |
| Manufactured By | J.F. Germain & Son |
| Blend Type | Virginia/Burley |
| Contents | Burley, Virginia |
| Flavoring | Other / Misc |
| Cut | Flake |
| Packaging | 2 ounce tin, 8 ounce bag |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Production | Currently available |
Profile
Strength
Medium to Strong
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 31 - 40 of 217 Reviews
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 20, 2019 | Mild to Medium | Extremely Mild | Medium | Pleasant to Tolerable |
This took me a long while to review, despite scoring a few bags about a year ago. Stonehaven bag/jar note is very pleasant. Germain has a way of making everything smell like it was found in an ancient vault beneath a 17th Century museum. It smells well aged, sweet, almost like a composting tobacco bail. It also has notes of some topping that I cannot identify, it is nothing like RDF in the nose, but they do smoke similar...but I will get to that later. Prunes, apricots, some leaf compost and leather blend to give a very unique bouquet. Very nice.
Flavor...this is where I had trouble. From a fresh bags and two bowls, I found this literally unsmokable. It literally filled my mouth with the flavor of wet ash, like 3 of your friends put cigarettes out in your beer and you took a big swig... that bad. Knowing that Germain tobacco's as a rule are to my liking and that Burley and I have an odd relationship, when it is good it is very good, when it it is bad it is very bad, coupled with my reading about everyone this one needs even more age to be enjoyed properly, I decided to jar this up and come back to it in 6 months or so. After 7-8 months of aging I popped the jar and tried again. Voila! This is some good stuff. Whew! I really wanted to like this. I mentioned RDF earlier and I have heard these are very similar. I do see the similarity but they are like cousins rather than brothers to my taste. RDF I like a bit more, but that is another review. Stonehaven, is rich, broody and fairly complex for a Burley. Chocolate, dark fruit (mainly apricots), leather and woody notes are the main flavors that come and go throughout the smoke. It is fairly consistent from top to bottom of the bowl but it does get a bit richer toward the bottom. If you start puffing too hard past the half way point you may get a harsh ashy flavor so try to keep your cadence. This blend went from zero to hero for me with some age on it. I am glad I stuck with it, this is a truly great blend and worth the purchase when you can find it.
Flavor...this is where I had trouble. From a fresh bags and two bowls, I found this literally unsmokable. It literally filled my mouth with the flavor of wet ash, like 3 of your friends put cigarettes out in your beer and you took a big swig... that bad. Knowing that Germain tobacco's as a rule are to my liking and that Burley and I have an odd relationship, when it is good it is very good, when it it is bad it is very bad, coupled with my reading about everyone this one needs even more age to be enjoyed properly, I decided to jar this up and come back to it in 6 months or so. After 7-8 months of aging I popped the jar and tried again. Voila! This is some good stuff. Whew! I really wanted to like this. I mentioned RDF earlier and I have heard these are very similar. I do see the similarity but they are like cousins rather than brothers to my taste. RDF I like a bit more, but that is another review. Stonehaven, is rich, broody and fairly complex for a Burley. Chocolate, dark fruit (mainly apricots), leather and woody notes are the main flavors that come and go throughout the smoke. It is fairly consistent from top to bottom of the bowl but it does get a bit richer toward the bottom. If you start puffing too hard past the half way point you may get a harsh ashy flavor so try to keep your cadence. This blend went from zero to hero for me with some age on it. I am glad I stuck with it, this is a truly great blend and worth the purchase when you can find it.
Age When Smoked:
>6 months
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Apr 22, 2019 | Medium to Strong | Mild | Full | Pleasant to Tolerable |
Sampled from a three year old Mylar bag when purchased in 2010. The large flakes are neatly arranged in a clear plastic tray inside the bag. It is very dark & thinly sliced... needs drying out for sure. They were very moist from this eight ounce pouch. An interesting flavor this one has... I tasted a little chocolate. This is & probably always will be my favorite VA/Bur. It is unquestionably the BSOM of VA/Bur blends.
It's a tangy, zesty, sweet smoke with a mild topping that enhances the flavor and allows it to deliver a cool, sweet, chocolate flavor that doesn't detract so much from the tobacco taste. Whatever, the smoke tasted good & I felt a cool, tingly sensation on my palate that felt... soothing. It left a pleasent aftertaste in my mouth.
For me, the taste is indescribably delicious. I like to fully rub out the flakes to remove the little stems. It burns relatively slow & delivers a soft, mild smoke, is totally biteless & forgiving. Good flavor, for me, anyway & this should satisfy any demanding pipe smoker. Varying flavors & nuances derived therein will perk up your palate
Seems to take on a little sweeter note as the bowl progresses and Brother Burley's flavor becomes more dominant near the end. Can't see why anyone wouldn't like this. The nicotine content is fairly substantial... you'll be doing fine long before the bowl is finished.
I was fortunate enough to obtain two 8 oz. bags for $75.00 just before Esoterica blends became almost impossible to acquire. What might they be worth today with 13 years of age? This is an excellent VA/Bur. Therefore, IMHO & because I liked it so much, Stonehaven, without question, merits four stars+.
It's a tangy, zesty, sweet smoke with a mild topping that enhances the flavor and allows it to deliver a cool, sweet, chocolate flavor that doesn't detract so much from the tobacco taste. Whatever, the smoke tasted good & I felt a cool, tingly sensation on my palate that felt... soothing. It left a pleasent aftertaste in my mouth.
For me, the taste is indescribably delicious. I like to fully rub out the flakes to remove the little stems. It burns relatively slow & delivers a soft, mild smoke, is totally biteless & forgiving. Good flavor, for me, anyway & this should satisfy any demanding pipe smoker. Varying flavors & nuances derived therein will perk up your palate
Seems to take on a little sweeter note as the bowl progresses and Brother Burley's flavor becomes more dominant near the end. Can't see why anyone wouldn't like this. The nicotine content is fairly substantial... you'll be doing fine long before the bowl is finished.
I was fortunate enough to obtain two 8 oz. bags for $75.00 just before Esoterica blends became almost impossible to acquire. What might they be worth today with 13 years of age? This is an excellent VA/Bur. Therefore, IMHO & because I liked it so much, Stonehaven, without question, merits four stars+.
Pipe Used:
Dunhill 2S Shell Briar, Stanwell Size 2
PurchasedFrom:
Iwan Ries
Age When Smoked:
Three to four years
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 03, 2018 | Medium | Very Mild | Medium to Full | Pleasant to Tolerable |
This review is based on a modest and well aged sample kindly provided by a friend. Practically impossible to find in this part of the world, and nearly so in the parts of the world where it is being sold, by the looks of it. So take that for what it's worth and please excuse the in parts crude review, as I wasn't able to spend as much time with it as I normally would.
The flakes bear a striking resemblance to Germains Rich Dark Flake, but the aroma is more akin to that of cocoa and coffee beans with faint earthiness and grass. I smoked most of the flakes simply folded and stuffed, which yielded a rich, sweet, incredibly tasty and cool smoke. Consistent in taste pretty much from start to finish.
I rubbed out a few of the flakes, but found the taste to be better when simply folding and stuffing. Rubbed out, the character of the blend changed a little and became somewhat drier and even slightly woody in the aftertaste. Not bad, but I liked the consistency and depth of it better when not rubbed. That made it just perfect for thinking about other stuff and not the pipe.
Part of me was hoping that this blend would be just hype and I wasn't missing out on anything special. But sadly all evidence points to the contrary. Sure, I am sometimes guilty of hyperbole when there's something new in the pipe, but here I genuinely loved every second of every smoke from start to finish. And that is something very rare. I would gladly smoke this daily for the rest of my days if I could. But oh well, better to have loved and lost and all that, right?
Highly recommended.
The flakes bear a striking resemblance to Germains Rich Dark Flake, but the aroma is more akin to that of cocoa and coffee beans with faint earthiness and grass. I smoked most of the flakes simply folded and stuffed, which yielded a rich, sweet, incredibly tasty and cool smoke. Consistent in taste pretty much from start to finish.
I rubbed out a few of the flakes, but found the taste to be better when simply folding and stuffing. Rubbed out, the character of the blend changed a little and became somewhat drier and even slightly woody in the aftertaste. Not bad, but I liked the consistency and depth of it better when not rubbed. That made it just perfect for thinking about other stuff and not the pipe.
Part of me was hoping that this blend would be just hype and I wasn't missing out on anything special. But sadly all evidence points to the contrary. Sure, I am sometimes guilty of hyperbole when there's something new in the pipe, but here I genuinely loved every second of every smoke from start to finish. And that is something very rare. I would gladly smoke this daily for the rest of my days if I could. But oh well, better to have loved and lost and all that, right?
Highly recommended.
Pipe Used:
Northern Briars billiard, Savinelli 804 KS.
PurchasedFrom:
Gift.
Age When Smoked:
Unknown (many years in a jar).
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 21, 2014 | Medium to Strong | None Detected | Full | Pleasant |
In reviewing this blend, I tried not to be biased by the fact that this stuff is in very high demand. This is only because for some reason, supply is very short. Germain must not want anyone to smoke any of their tobaccos. Ever.
That being said, I was very excited to try this. A friend was able to acquire some and shared some with me. I'm normally not very keen on Burley. This dark rich smelling flake has its fair share of this full bodied leaf. Now, either I've been smoking shitty Burley up till now, or Germain just knows how to do it right. The Virginia in this tobacco takes the drivers seat but the Burley adds an incredible dimension to the smoke. Every once in a while I smoke something that really WOWS me. This was one of those times. The experience was absolutely sublime.
Rich, deep, sweet, creamy, and slightly nutty. I was getting a really nice flavor of what I can only describe as Pistachio/Vanilla ice cream. The flavors were constantly changing throughout the bowl and it held my interest the whole time.
Summary- IF you ever get your hands on this stuff, save it for a time when you can sit down and think of nothing else. You will be richly rewarded. BUT, please do save some for the rest of us 🙂
That being said, I was very excited to try this. A friend was able to acquire some and shared some with me. I'm normally not very keen on Burley. This dark rich smelling flake has its fair share of this full bodied leaf. Now, either I've been smoking shitty Burley up till now, or Germain just knows how to do it right. The Virginia in this tobacco takes the drivers seat but the Burley adds an incredible dimension to the smoke. Every once in a while I smoke something that really WOWS me. This was one of those times. The experience was absolutely sublime.
Rich, deep, sweet, creamy, and slightly nutty. I was getting a really nice flavor of what I can only describe as Pistachio/Vanilla ice cream. The flavors were constantly changing throughout the bowl and it held my interest the whole time.
Summary- IF you ever get your hands on this stuff, save it for a time when you can sit down and think of nothing else. You will be richly rewarded. BUT, please do save some for the rest of us 🙂
Pipe Used:
Aldo Velani Filtro
Age When Smoked:
unknown
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Mar 02, 2014 | Medium | None Detected | Medium | Tolerable |
It's good - much of the flavor complexity can be missed if the baccy isn't slowly sipped, to pull out the flavors. Has a medium nic hit, which is plenty for me. I really like the way the burley in this balances out the VAs for flavor delivery. Complexity develops the further you go in the bowl. Very pleasant. 3+*.
Pipe Used:
Italian Basket 35+ years old.
PurchasedFrom:
Unknown; gift from BOTL
Age When Smoked:
Unknown; gift from BOTL
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Dec 27, 2012 | Medium | Medium to Strong | Full | Tolerable |
This is a very unique world class blend that is deserving of every 4 star review. The flavors are a sweet and dried fruit like with a smokey back bone. The flakes are thin and long and perfect for cube cutting. It needs to be dried usually for at least an hour before smoking to get the humidity out. If smoked too wet, the flavors do not shine. Age does this blend wonders with 3 years being the minimum for me. If you are a flake lover, this is a must for your cellar. It is worth the chase.
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 03, 2009 | Mild to Medium | Mild | Medium | Pleasant |
2018-12-27 update: Decided to break into a jar dated 2009. Just wondering if my tastes have changed and if Stonehaven is still all that and a bag of chips.
Yup. It is.
Using my trusty Nording freehand I've had for many years, one of my best smokers. Rolled up two flakes and just jammed them in there. Lit up well, minimal relights, decent amount of (but not copious) smoke, GREAT flavor. Smooth as silk, more so than I remembered. This stuff has absolutely no ability to bite. The aroma when I popped the lid was wonderful - fermented hay and a little bit of tang. Sparkling sugar crystals have formed on the flakes.
I would rate this a mild to medium smoke, both in strength and flavor. They say it's Burley and Virginias, and I typically have a distaste for Burley, reminding me too much of plain ol' cigarettes. Technically, I should not like this stuff but it's really a treat. The Virginias add enough sweetness and character to keep it really interesting and tasty. Not overly complex, just a mild, smooth smoke to take the edges off a tough day.
In the words of Ferris Bueller, "It is so choice. If you have the means, I highly recommend picking one up."
(But that brings up an important question: is it worth today's going rate? Nope. We are in a golden age of pipe tobacco, and it's my humble opinion that there are so many excellent tobaccos available that it makes no sense to splurge on something like this, unless you don't mind parting with the cash. I'm happy I have a few jars in the cellar, but I will shed no tears when it's gone.)
*** [Original review:] Yup, it's excellent stuff! I have dedicated a pipe to Stonehaven because of its unique flavor and what seems to be a light topping. I normally don't smoke aromatics, but this one doesn't have enough to matter. Perhaps its just the processing that gives it that sweetness and flavor...whatever it is, I like it a lot and I always keep some around.
Yup. It is.
Using my trusty Nording freehand I've had for many years, one of my best smokers. Rolled up two flakes and just jammed them in there. Lit up well, minimal relights, decent amount of (but not copious) smoke, GREAT flavor. Smooth as silk, more so than I remembered. This stuff has absolutely no ability to bite. The aroma when I popped the lid was wonderful - fermented hay and a little bit of tang. Sparkling sugar crystals have formed on the flakes.
I would rate this a mild to medium smoke, both in strength and flavor. They say it's Burley and Virginias, and I typically have a distaste for Burley, reminding me too much of plain ol' cigarettes. Technically, I should not like this stuff but it's really a treat. The Virginias add enough sweetness and character to keep it really interesting and tasty. Not overly complex, just a mild, smooth smoke to take the edges off a tough day.
In the words of Ferris Bueller, "It is so choice. If you have the means, I highly recommend picking one up."
(But that brings up an important question: is it worth today's going rate? Nope. We are in a golden age of pipe tobacco, and it's my humble opinion that there are so many excellent tobaccos available that it makes no sense to splurge on something like this, unless you don't mind parting with the cash. I'm happy I have a few jars in the cellar, but I will shed no tears when it's gone.)
*** [Original review:] Yup, it's excellent stuff! I have dedicated a pipe to Stonehaven because of its unique flavor and what seems to be a light topping. I normally don't smoke aromatics, but this one doesn't have enough to matter. Perhaps its just the processing that gives it that sweetness and flavor...whatever it is, I like it a lot and I always keep some around.
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Nov 29, 2004 | Medium to Strong | Mild to Medium | Full | Tolerable |
Stonehaven looks very similar to Dark Star in its flake form but I like it much better than DS. It has no bite but it is probably not an all-day smoke for most. Previous reviewers have noted the fine qualities of this great tobacco before me. No need to restate them.
I rate this tobacco 9.8 out of 10
I rate this tobacco 9.8 out of 10
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Oct 01, 2004 | Medium | Mild to Medium | Medium to Full | Pleasant to Tolerable |
All things considered this has to be one of the best tobaccos I've ever smoked. Plenty of flavor, medium strength, acceptable room note and doesn't bite. It comes a little damp but smokes well even in this state once it's lit. A very forgiving pleasure in a somewhat unforgiving world.
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Sep 09, 2004 | Strong | None Detected | Very Full | Tolerable to Strong |
For such a heady, heavy blend, Stonehaven is remarkably easy to smoke and digest. There are a number of full flavored, heavily stoved Virginias on the market, and this just may be the best of the bunch.
The long, thin flakes are jet black, streaked with dark brown, and rubbery enough to patch a driveway or a shoe. Sold only in bulk (damn you, Esoterica!), the smallest amount provides a long, soothing smoke. Once going, it burns quite well, and seems to go on forever.
Stonehaven lacks the tang and bite of Dark Star, and is more interesting than Dark Stoved, two fine blends themselves. It's not an all day smoke- Marlin Flake would be a better choice- but it's perfect for after dinner or late evenings, its rich smoke coating the mouth like an espresso. It's surpisingly complex on the palate for such a heavily stoved blend, and exhibits the bittersweet coffee and cocoa tones of a fine Imperial Stout.
I normally prefer a rich, heavy latakia blend for the evening hours, but this is one of the best desert smokes I've ever come across. Perfect with a glass of Vintage Port.
Addendum, 9/04: My love of this wonder continues unabated. It may be the single finest tobacco extant. Moreover, it's a cheapskate's delight! I purchased a 1/2 lb. a full year ago, and despite smoking the living shit out of it, have half a jar left. The best things in life are always expensive, but not always the most expensive.
The long, thin flakes are jet black, streaked with dark brown, and rubbery enough to patch a driveway or a shoe. Sold only in bulk (damn you, Esoterica!), the smallest amount provides a long, soothing smoke. Once going, it burns quite well, and seems to go on forever.
Stonehaven lacks the tang and bite of Dark Star, and is more interesting than Dark Stoved, two fine blends themselves. It's not an all day smoke- Marlin Flake would be a better choice- but it's perfect for after dinner or late evenings, its rich smoke coating the mouth like an espresso. It's surpisingly complex on the palate for such a heavily stoved blend, and exhibits the bittersweet coffee and cocoa tones of a fine Imperial Stout.
I normally prefer a rich, heavy latakia blend for the evening hours, but this is one of the best desert smokes I've ever come across. Perfect with a glass of Vintage Port.
Addendum, 9/04: My love of this wonder continues unabated. It may be the single finest tobacco extant. Moreover, it's a cheapskate's delight! I purchased a 1/2 lb. a full year ago, and despite smoking the living shit out of it, have half a jar left. The best things in life are always expensive, but not always the most expensive.
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