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
54

12

14

8

Reviews

Please login to post a review.
Displaying 11 - 12 of 12 Reviews
Reviewed By Date Rating Strength Flavoring Taste Room Note
Jun 10, 2014 Medium None Detected Medium to Full Tolerable to Strong
I Bought a tin from LJ Peretti after having heard so much about this "controversial" blend. A classic style Balkan blend. The Virginia tobacco had some noticeable plume on it so it must of had some age. I have been smoking it out of a meershcaum that I had also bought from Peretti. This tobacco smokes cool and dry with the orienatals up front followed by a mild latakia flavor. It is a good Balkan blend not the best but good for sure. I would buy it again, but I can not see it becoming a must have. Worth a try without a doubt.
Pipe Used: Meerscahum poker
PurchasedFrom: LJ Peretti
Age When Smoked: ??
1 person found this review helpful.
Please login to upvote this review.
Reviewed By Date Rating Strength Flavoring Taste Room Note
Jan 12, 2013 Medium None Detected Medium Tolerable
Nice tin artwork, the smell off the tin is very intriguing. Fast burning shag cut tobacco that packs well and burns to a white ash. The Latakia is there in a supporting role with the Virginias on the forefront and the Orientals balancing the act. If puffed too fast, a cigarette like and bitter taste shows up so be warned.

Overall, an addictive smell when unlit and even more so when puffing away. Contrary to popular belief, Balkan Sobranie is in fact a very rich English Mixture and is not really dominated by the Orientals.

Virginia lover
1 person found this review helpful.
Please login to upvote this review.

target="_blank"