J. F. Germain & Son Balkan Sobranie

I have decided it is the proper time to do this. I am still a bid reserved, but if I don't review this now I probably won't have another chance. Which one have I smoked? I don't know, I don't know how old it is, I don't know which iteration, and I don't even know whether the latakia is Cypriot or Syrian. I never actually ever had enough of this blend in order to feel comfortable to make an objective review. I never owned a full tin, I never know the full history of the smoke whenever somebody gifts me a few grams. I don't even know why it only rates 3.25 on this website, and no, I am still not able to offer you an unbiased review. To me .. this the #1 ever latakia based bled. Before I even knew how rare it was, it spoke to me in a unique manner. It is the epitome of ballance. Nicotine wise very balanced, not over the top not under rated, flavor wise .. the perfect amount of latakia vs oriental vs virginia, moisture wise.. well I was lucky on all accounts, fine ribbon cut, fine nose lit or raw, just great. I was always a big fan of english/Orientals smoking them to refuse.. I can never get tired of this. Well, give me unlimited supply and I might. Seriously now, the only 4 star rating without any hold back. An all time classic ! Take the best out of squadron leader, consumate gentleman, artisans blend, Presbyterian, commonwealth, and my mixture, and you get this guy .. it's a personal weakness of mine, and I understand if you don't agree with me.

Alright! So, the legendary Balkan Sobranie! Finally smoked and reviewed. Is it that good or is it just a hype or nostalgia of others? Lets see!

First things first, the tin note. Not very strong anymore, it’s a medium strength of the tin note, presenting woody and incense notes, peaty, musty, leather, some herbal notes but not very pronounced. A fine smelling tin note I’d say.

Aspect is great. Very well cut medium ribbons, a balanced color palette, with mostly dark brown, black and just a few dark gold ribbons. The moisture is there, and would require a bit of drying time, depending on your preferences.

Now for the most important part. Taste and flavor.
First match and first notes. Medium-sweet, incense smoky, leathery and ‘bazaar’ spices on the background. Its has some herbal, tea-like flavors a bit as well. It is very balanced, not heavy, not stinky, not stingy, but not soft and silky either. Each tobacco can be tasted here if paying attention. The virginia is hay and grass with tea notes.
Some more smokes after, just a little spice and wood notes comes to complete the other notes mentioned above.
I can tell this is made by J.F. Germain & Son since it resembles a lot of the Esoterica blends like Penzance and especially Margate and Pembroke. Quality tobacco, balanced taste.

This stayed for about a month in a jar, and I can say it has become milder since I first opened the tin and smoked it. At first, i was blown away. It was much bolder. Now it has tamed down to a more balanced medium taste (first it was medium to full). The strength is mild to medium.

Overall, this is quite a good tobacco. A maximum score here from me. It is one of the best balkan blends I’ve tried so far and it gets in my favorites list. Too bad it’s hard to get. I would definitely buy more of this.

Yes I reviewed this rerelease. It was a proper English as it should be .I found the blend well balanced with all the virginia’s and Orientals making a very memorable experience for this Burley/ cavendish lover.I was glad to finally get to try this after all of the years of being a burley cavendish and aromatic smoker.