G. L. Pease JackKnife Ready Rubbed

For what it’s worth, my comments on Jackknife Ready Rubbed in based on just a two bowl sample given to me by a pipe club friend. My feelings are almost identical to my comments regarding the plug. There is a subtle underlying sweetness that accents the very earthy tone of this blend. I find it a tad bit sweeter, but I expect that it is due to the fact that the sample was for some time prior to my encounter. The same cigar notes are there, but unlike my experience with the plug four or five years ago, I now doubt that there is any java leaf in the blend. To me, this is really a Burley blend with the Virginia playing a lesser role. JPP is somewhat reminiscent of an American version of a Gawith Hoggarth Burley Virginia. JRR is cool burning, even when pushed, however I wouldn’t recommend it unless you are sitting in the recliner!

I added this blend to the database so that reviews for it wouldn't be mixed in with the plug version and now realize I forgot to add "New World Collection" to it, thereby making it hard to locate. The best laid plans. I'll shoot an email to correct this.

As for the blend, I much prefer this sorta-broken flake to a plug any time, and I had more success loading and keeping lit than the plug version. That said, this dries out very quickly in the tin and should be jarred upon opening. The flavor is very similar to the plug, and I found the same earthy, tobacco-y upfront flavor here with the hint of sweetness. This very subtle sweet character didn't show up with each puff, however. It was fleeting. It seemed as though just about the time I was about to wear out from the deep Kentucky flavor, the lemon VA would kick in to console me. Basically this is a blend for those enamored of the taste of tobacco and aren't interested in nuances. This is a bold blend, full tasting, and robust. Not quite what I'm looking for, but well worth a try. I could use a bit more virginia in this one, but it's still a well-done blend and produces the kind of flavors that were intended.

EDIT 11-28-2016

I am primarily returning to this review to correct one misconception had on the original review. After finishing an 8 oz can of this, I can attest that there is nothing soapy about this.

A forum friend had sent me the sample below and the best I can surmise is that the baggie that he sent me must have been in close proximity to a soapy blend or perhaps in a jar that formerly held a soapy type blend.

I had never previously thought this possible, but another friend of mine despised the Ennerdale he bought and sent me the remainder of the four ounces he purchased. Along with it, he included a bunch of samples of some C&D bulks he bought. I'll be damned if every sample did not taste a little like Ennerdale. This is what I believe must have happened somewhere along the way with the first sample of JKRR that I received and reviewed below.

This is a problem with reviewing samples sent in baggies. I apologize for any confusion that caused.

ORIGINAL REVIEW 11-21-2013

I tried the plug and found that me with a knife and a plug combines to create a terrible cut of tobacco. I muscled through the two ounces I bought and wasn't super impressed, but blamed myself rather than the tobacco.

Well a forum buddy sent me some of the RR and I am glad that he did. This is much better. Odd thing that I never tasted with my attempt at the plug is a bit of a soapy taste that is there in the first quarter of the bowl or so.

Needless to say I really enjoyed it and smoked the rest of the sample while deer hunting last week. I even shot a doe while puffing on some. So maybe the ladies like it as well. I will definitely buy more of the rr and avoid the hassle of the plug.

I bought this on a whim bc I like dark fired KY and red VA.

Tin presentation is not bad. The tobacco is a thicker ribbon than normal, a lot of darker strands to it. It doesn't pack well for me without a bit of a rubbing out. I like that it has a good strong flavor like a plug, but is easier to prep.

Smells kind of sweet, but dark and earthy. Takes a good char and a rest to get it burning well. It tastes great btw, very strong manly kind of blend. Goes good with highland scotch or bourbon. I have not as yet gotten it to burn down cleanly.

I would recommend this for smokers who prefer a darker, stronger blend. It may be a bit much for those just getting started.

This nice blend of classic American tobaccos took a little getting used to, but as expected turned out to be quite good. Judging by its tin aroma, it turned out to be as rich and smoky as expected. It may not be the strongest of tobaccos, but I do find it on the strong side. Like most tobaccos, it's best to smoke gently and at a restrained pace (especially considering its high nicotine content). The room-note is very satisfying, and others have told me it has a rich, cigar-like aroma. Stronger and better overall than some other blends containing Kentucky dark-fired tobacco.