J. F. Germain & Son Balkan Sobranie
(3.27)
Balkan Sobranie Original Smoking Mixture is one of the most legendary Latakia-based blends in history. Dating back to around the 1920s, this is a combination of wonderful Virginias, excellent Orientals and enough Latakia for a robust and flavorful mixture. The balance of tobaccos gives the smoker a sweet and smoky experience, with a finish unlike anything else. The aroma is so bright that it has an incense-like scent that will thrill the senses. Since the Original has gone through a number of iterations over the years, it’s impossible to say if it will remind you of the one you smoked years ago, but it’s a terrific smoke in its own right.
Notes: IMPORTANT NOTE: This is the re-release version of Balkan Sobranie. If you are reviewing the older version, please see the entry under "Sobranie of London", here: http://www.tobaccoreviews.com/blend/1525/sobranie-of-london-the-balkan-sobranie
Details
| Brand | J. F. Germain & Son |
| Blended By | J.F. Germain & Son |
| Manufactured By | J.F. Germain & Son |
| Blend Type | Balkan |
| Contents | Latakia, Oriental/Turkish, Virginia |
| Flavoring | |
| Cut | Ribbon |
| Packaging | 50 grams tin |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Production | Re-release |
Profile
Strength
Medium
Extremely Mild -> Overwhelming
Flavoring
None Detected
None Detected -> Extra Strong
Room Note
Pleasant to Tolerable
Unnoticeable -> Overwhelming
Taste
Medium
Extremely Mild (Flat) -> Overwhelming
Average Rating
|
3.27 / 4
|
Reviews
Please login to post a review.
Displaying 11 - 11 of 14 Reviews
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 27, 2015 | Mild to Medium | None Detected | Medium | Tolerable |
I got one tin of this when I placed an order for some Stonehaven and Penzance, figuring I'd like it. I figured wrong.
There isn't really anything wrong with this blend. The Virginias are on the grassy side, leaving the bottom end of the blend open for the latakia to developed unhindered. There is a significant perfume-type note, presumably from the orientals, that I found overwrought and distracting. In short, the blend tasted disjointed. On the plus side, it burned well and the cut was convenient. It didn't dry out in the tin at all, which makes me wonder if there were some humectant in here.
I'd give this two and a half stars if I could, but then I think that I've been more or less forcing myself to smoke this from time to time. The components are of good quality, but at one year, it just seems disconnected from itself. I won't be buying more.
There isn't really anything wrong with this blend. The Virginias are on the grassy side, leaving the bottom end of the blend open for the latakia to developed unhindered. There is a significant perfume-type note, presumably from the orientals, that I found overwrought and distracting. In short, the blend tasted disjointed. On the plus side, it burned well and the cut was convenient. It didn't dry out in the tin at all, which makes me wonder if there were some humectant in here.
I'd give this two and a half stars if I could, but then I think that I've been more or less forcing myself to smoke this from time to time. The components are of good quality, but at one year, it just seems disconnected from itself. I won't be buying more.
Pipe Used:
Lots of them, but especially a GBD 1970
Age When Smoked:
One year
target="_blank"
