Gawith, Hoggarth & Co. Black Irish X Unsliced
(2.80)
All Gawith & Hoggarth twist tobacco varieties are manufactured by the same spinning process using dark fired wrapper leaves. The filler for Black Irish X is predominantly dark fired leaf with the addition of a small percentage of dark air cured Indian leaf. They are therefore strong tobaccos. Black Twist, because the cooking process removes some of the stronger tar and nicotine elements, provides a mellower smoke than the brown twist.
Details
| Brand | Gawith, Hoggarth & Co. |
| Blended By | Gawith, Hoggarth & Co. |
| Manufactured By | Gawith, Hoggarth & Co. |
| Blend Type | Virginia/Burley |
| Contents | Burley, Virginia |
| Flavoring | Maple, Sweet / Sugar |
| Cut | Rope |
| Packaging | Bulk |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Production | Currently available |
Profile
Strength
Very Strong
Extremely Mild -> Overwhelming
Flavoring
None Detected
None Detected -> Extra Strong
Room Note
Strong
Unnoticeable -> Overwhelming
Taste
Full
Extremely Mild (Flat) -> Overwhelming
Average Rating
|
2.80 / 4
|
Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 16 Reviews
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 28, 2014 | Overwhelming | None Detected | Extremely Mild (Flat) | Very Strong |
"It looks like a turd, smells like a campfire, and tastes like beef jerky"
While searching for any tobacco that had "Irish" in the name, I came across GaHoCo's "Irish X", a name that made me think of a thick Irish brogue exclaiming "We dinnae land on Plymouth Rock, Plymouth Rock landed on us" or "Say it loud, yer black an prrroud". That alone prompted me to purchase this tobacco knowing nothing other than it looked like a poo.
Being that I've never knowingly smoked a turd, I was a bit overwhelmed when I received it, and immediately did what all fortunate, Internet-connected folks do when the desire overtakes them to become an expert in 4-6 minutes, I searched youtube for a video on how to prepare and smoke said turd.
Coming from the cigar world, I was expecting this nubian death stick to be sweet and creamy, not unlike a maduro cigar... but it was nothing like that at all, the smoke being mildly salty, dry, roasted beef and not a lot of complexity. The so-called "Room Note" was that of a campfire and roasted meat. As the bowl worked it's way down, it did start to sweeten up slightly but the strength of the nicotine increased with every draw. Another unfortunate side-effect of my cigar smoking days, I performed a brief and very painful French inhale, which on lighter pipe tobaccos and most cigars results in a depth of flavor that I really appreciate. This was more like subjecting the internal caverns of my bulbous nose to a small army of wallclimbing ninjas. Eventually a decent light developed and ended my need to constantly relight - allowing some better experiences in the flavor department, mostly very faint tastes reminiscent of the smell of leather, a little dried fruit, and walnuts. There was no tongue bite whatsoever. Towards the end of the pipe the room started to spin, as the nicotine content was considerably higher than anything I had experienced prior, even after a nice filling meal, I was overwhelmed.
I'll give this another try, I only have a small amount, but as of right now I'll say it's not the best thing I've ever smoked - by a long shot. It smokes cool and dry, has a unique (and not wholly unpleasant) flavor, but the flavor is consistent (from char to dottle) very single-note.
Re-Review: After giving this a second try, but changing a few variables, I have to say I can see the appeal of this tobacco (although it still isn't for me). After smoking in a very small apple-bowled meerschaum, and making sure to thoroughly rub the disks to a rough ribbon, the flavor profile (woodfire and roasted meat) didn't change much, but the harshness was greatly reduced. If you smoke this, I strongly suggest a small bowl, meerschaum if you have it, and rub it to the finest consistency you can, you will get the most out of this tobacco. I am changing my review to "Somewhat Recommended" and there it will stay. The main benefits of this tobacco remain, it is a very cool smoke, it burns very clean (no dottle and a fine ash), and it is basically the polar opposite of a sweet tobacco (these days even non aromatics are very sweet, compared to this twist).
While searching for any tobacco that had "Irish" in the name, I came across GaHoCo's "Irish X", a name that made me think of a thick Irish brogue exclaiming "We dinnae land on Plymouth Rock, Plymouth Rock landed on us" or "Say it loud, yer black an prrroud". That alone prompted me to purchase this tobacco knowing nothing other than it looked like a poo.
Being that I've never knowingly smoked a turd, I was a bit overwhelmed when I received it, and immediately did what all fortunate, Internet-connected folks do when the desire overtakes them to become an expert in 4-6 minutes, I searched youtube for a video on how to prepare and smoke said turd.
Coming from the cigar world, I was expecting this nubian death stick to be sweet and creamy, not unlike a maduro cigar... but it was nothing like that at all, the smoke being mildly salty, dry, roasted beef and not a lot of complexity. The so-called "Room Note" was that of a campfire and roasted meat. As the bowl worked it's way down, it did start to sweeten up slightly but the strength of the nicotine increased with every draw. Another unfortunate side-effect of my cigar smoking days, I performed a brief and very painful French inhale, which on lighter pipe tobaccos and most cigars results in a depth of flavor that I really appreciate. This was more like subjecting the internal caverns of my bulbous nose to a small army of wallclimbing ninjas. Eventually a decent light developed and ended my need to constantly relight - allowing some better experiences in the flavor department, mostly very faint tastes reminiscent of the smell of leather, a little dried fruit, and walnuts. There was no tongue bite whatsoever. Towards the end of the pipe the room started to spin, as the nicotine content was considerably higher than anything I had experienced prior, even after a nice filling meal, I was overwhelmed.
I'll give this another try, I only have a small amount, but as of right now I'll say it's not the best thing I've ever smoked - by a long shot. It smokes cool and dry, has a unique (and not wholly unpleasant) flavor, but the flavor is consistent (from char to dottle) very single-note.
Re-Review: After giving this a second try, but changing a few variables, I have to say I can see the appeal of this tobacco (although it still isn't for me). After smoking in a very small apple-bowled meerschaum, and making sure to thoroughly rub the disks to a rough ribbon, the flavor profile (woodfire and roasted meat) didn't change much, but the harshness was greatly reduced. If you smoke this, I strongly suggest a small bowl, meerschaum if you have it, and rub it to the finest consistency you can, you will get the most out of this tobacco. I am changing my review to "Somewhat Recommended" and there it will stay. The main benefits of this tobacco remain, it is a very cool smoke, it burns very clean (no dottle and a fine ash), and it is basically the polar opposite of a sweet tobacco (these days even non aromatics are very sweet, compared to this twist).
Pipe Used:
Corncob, Meerschaum
PurchasedFrom:
PipesandCigars.com
Age When Smoked:
Unknown (purchased 3/2014)
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 07, 2014 | Strong | None Detected | Full | Tolerable |
I enjoy the occasional rope, twist and strong tobacco, especially those from Gawtih Hoggarth. When it comes to Black Irish X, there is good and not so good here for me personally. The good is that it delivers the strength that I had expected. It burns very cool and it is one very smooth tobacco. The bad is pretty simple, I am not a fan of the burnt flavor. It’s as simple as that. While I enjoy strong blends, Lady N isn’t at the top of my list of “must haves.” First and foremost, I have to like the flavor. I just don’t care for the flavor of this one verses others of the genre. I do think that Black Irish X should be on the “must try” list for all lovers of ropes, twists and strong flakes.
Age When Smoked:
New
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Jun 25, 2021 | Very Strong | None Detected | Very Full | Strong |
My wife likes to take a little sniff of my lit bowls to take in some of the aromas of my tobaccos. This one had her reeling and we had to revive her.
It tastes like beef burning on a BBQ inside a tyre factory. If you were to tell me it was laced with badger fat which was stored in burnt newspapers I would nod and agree with you.
It burns very well for a rope and requires less preperation than you might think. The char-light sends the tobacco immediately white and I suspect this would be a joy to burn.
However I must confess, I have never made it to the bottom of a bowl. Everytime I try to smoke this it's not long before I put it out and make the sign of the cross. I find it extremely difficult not to choose it's cousin Brown Irish Twist and it's eminently more smokeable profile. I am however not yet thoroughly convinced I cannot like this.
As we become more experienced pipe smokers, our tastes develop and change. I've found myself enjoying more and more complex and refined tastes the more I discover. This tobacco reminds me of my earliest experiences pipe smoking where once certain blends were beyond the pale and have since become favourites.
I fear that this might be my everest. I suspect that somewhere in this tobacco is the 'umami' of chargrilled badger meat accentuated with the finest of tobaccos.
I will update this review when I find the magic. Failing that I'm going to chop it up and throw it at people I don't like.
It tastes like beef burning on a BBQ inside a tyre factory. If you were to tell me it was laced with badger fat which was stored in burnt newspapers I would nod and agree with you.
It burns very well for a rope and requires less preperation than you might think. The char-light sends the tobacco immediately white and I suspect this would be a joy to burn.
However I must confess, I have never made it to the bottom of a bowl. Everytime I try to smoke this it's not long before I put it out and make the sign of the cross. I find it extremely difficult not to choose it's cousin Brown Irish Twist and it's eminently more smokeable profile. I am however not yet thoroughly convinced I cannot like this.
As we become more experienced pipe smokers, our tastes develop and change. I've found myself enjoying more and more complex and refined tastes the more I discover. This tobacco reminds me of my earliest experiences pipe smoking where once certain blends were beyond the pale and have since become favourites.
I fear that this might be my everest. I suspect that somewhere in this tobacco is the 'umami' of chargrilled badger meat accentuated with the finest of tobaccos.
I will update this review when I find the magic. Failing that I'm going to chop it up and throw it at people I don't like.
Pipe Used:
Falcon
PurchasedFrom:
GQ
Age When Smoked:
Fresh
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 25, 2018 | Medium to Strong | None Detected | Full | Strong |
The blend has an interesting, salty smell. The taste overall is meaty, like smoking a London broil. It is a fairly strong tobacco, and the room note even more so. The room not is like a grill, mostly. I've had people mention smelling a barbecue when I was smoking it nearby. I've also been told it smells like Creepy Crawlers, and I suppose I see that.
Without some drying time, I've not had much success keeping rope tobacco lit, so it's either a wait after each time cutting it, or advanced preparation. This extra bit knocks it down a star, but if that's appealing or not a concern for you, give it a shot.
Without some drying time, I've not had much success keeping rope tobacco lit, so it's either a wait after each time cutting it, or advanced preparation. This extra bit knocks it down a star, but if that's appealing or not a concern for you, give it a shot.
Pipe Used:
SMS Meerschaum Skater
PurchasedFrom:
Smoking Pipes
Age When Smoked:
3 Months
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Jun 17, 2018 | Very Strong | None Detected | Full | Very Strong |
Black Irish twist is a tobacco that fully lives up to its intimidating appearance. This is what the Grim Reaper Himself smokes. Popeye the Sailor also. It's an absolutely genuine, authentic, no-nonsense baccy, but very much an acquired taste. Is it worth acquiring? I don't think so, myself, but I can well believe that it will have its enthusiasts. It's the kind of stuff that everybody's great- granddad used to smoke back in the day.
Positives: it's cool, slow-burning and as full-flavoured as you could ask for – almost a meal in itself, if you see what I mean. I can't imagine anybody wanting much of it during a twenty-four hour cycle. (It's not for the fastidious palate, though; notice some of the things that people have compared it to: iron, blood, salty water, fishing boats, burnt steak!) Negatives: it's excessively laborious to prepare and keep alight. It's as moist as it looks in the picture; it needs to be dried and aired quite a bit before ignition is attempted.
Wives, servants, cats and dogs be warned: the room note of this stuff is terrible; like a fire in a slaughterhouse. It will haunt your deepest dreams, and not in a good way. Not surprisingly, the ghost of Black Irish Twist is mighty hard to exorcise from whatever pipe you smoke it in.
Hell's bells, it's strong! Oh, my Lord! For my tender sensibilities, this ultra-manly tobacco is far, far too wicked in terms of nicotine content. Half way down the bowl I had to lie down and pray for deliverance. You need to be a serious vitamin N junkie to like, or even to be able to stand, it. If, however, you're looking for a robust, old-fashioned baccy that has not been tampered with in any way, have a slap at this. It's an experience and a half: no scents or flavourings or fancy dancing – just Man against Tobacco. Try it in your smallest bowl, and don't try to walk or focus on anything for some time afterwards.
To the Barbarian Hero kind of smoker, therefore, I recommend it. I swear I'll never touch it again, but I can be objective enough to see its virtues even though it half killed me. To more genteel pipemen – wimps like me – I say: stay away from this stuff; it'll make you want to sit on the floor and cry.
Thus: somewhat recommended, depending on who you are and what you like. To be on the safe side, put your affairs in order before you smoke this, and maybe fill out your organ-donor card (assuming there'd be anything left of you worth recycling).
Positives: it's cool, slow-burning and as full-flavoured as you could ask for – almost a meal in itself, if you see what I mean. I can't imagine anybody wanting much of it during a twenty-four hour cycle. (It's not for the fastidious palate, though; notice some of the things that people have compared it to: iron, blood, salty water, fishing boats, burnt steak!) Negatives: it's excessively laborious to prepare and keep alight. It's as moist as it looks in the picture; it needs to be dried and aired quite a bit before ignition is attempted.
Wives, servants, cats and dogs be warned: the room note of this stuff is terrible; like a fire in a slaughterhouse. It will haunt your deepest dreams, and not in a good way. Not surprisingly, the ghost of Black Irish Twist is mighty hard to exorcise from whatever pipe you smoke it in.
Hell's bells, it's strong! Oh, my Lord! For my tender sensibilities, this ultra-manly tobacco is far, far too wicked in terms of nicotine content. Half way down the bowl I had to lie down and pray for deliverance. You need to be a serious vitamin N junkie to like, or even to be able to stand, it. If, however, you're looking for a robust, old-fashioned baccy that has not been tampered with in any way, have a slap at this. It's an experience and a half: no scents or flavourings or fancy dancing – just Man against Tobacco. Try it in your smallest bowl, and don't try to walk or focus on anything for some time afterwards.
To the Barbarian Hero kind of smoker, therefore, I recommend it. I swear I'll never touch it again, but I can be objective enough to see its virtues even though it half killed me. To more genteel pipemen – wimps like me – I say: stay away from this stuff; it'll make you want to sit on the floor and cry.
Thus: somewhat recommended, depending on who you are and what you like. To be on the safe side, put your affairs in order before you smoke this, and maybe fill out your organ-donor card (assuming there'd be anything left of you worth recycling).
Pipe Used:
Dr Plumb billiard
PurchasedFrom:
Durham Pipes and Tobacco
Age When Smoked:
Fresh
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 09, 2015 | Strong | Medium to Strong | Medium to Full | Pleasant to Tolerable |
Still searching ( for past 10 months ) for VAs to put into my rotation, which was formerly strictly English. While this is a quality product, easily packed, easily lit, no bite,and attractive colors. It is way too strong of the nicotine ( hic ) for me. I can understand its popularity but this 2 oz sample was my limit. Who knows, maybe I'll try again in the next life !
Pipe Used:
J.M.Boswell, Peterson, Kabik
PurchasedFrom:
Smoking Pipes.Com
Age When Smoked:
6 months
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| May 03, 2014 | Strong | Extremely Mild | Mild | Tolerable |
A dense black twist that slices easily and rubs out moderately well. There are some residual lakeland notes and the pre light aroma is quite sweet, with some salty overtones. Once rubbed out the tobacco will dry out fairly quickly.
This is a surprisingly (to me) light tobacco which is sweet and creamy, sometimes peppery if puffed too hard, but otherwise nondescript. It produces great plumes of billowing clouds. Not an easy tobacco to get under way and will require some attention with tamp and light. Burns cool.
Supposedly less nicotine than the brown ropes and twists, I nonetheless found this to have some heft in the nicotine department. I guess it would suit the pipeman who doesn't want to think about what the tobacco is doing because it really isn't doing much anyway. I didn't find the severe faults other reviews found so objectionable, but in the absence of positive things about this tobacco attention might be drawn to its down sides. For my money I want more interest with a tobacco, tho I would not refuse if this were offered by a friend.
This is a surprisingly (to me) light tobacco which is sweet and creamy, sometimes peppery if puffed too hard, but otherwise nondescript. It produces great plumes of billowing clouds. Not an easy tobacco to get under way and will require some attention with tamp and light. Burns cool.
Supposedly less nicotine than the brown ropes and twists, I nonetheless found this to have some heft in the nicotine department. I guess it would suit the pipeman who doesn't want to think about what the tobacco is doing because it really isn't doing much anyway. I didn't find the severe faults other reviews found so objectionable, but in the absence of positive things about this tobacco attention might be drawn to its down sides. For my money I want more interest with a tobacco, tho I would not refuse if this were offered by a friend.
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 03, 2012 | Overwhelming | None Detected | Extra Full | Extra Strong |
The rope is just amazing to behold. It's a bit of a bugger to cut and rub out, but has a certain 'charm' to the process (I feel like I've traveled back a century or two). Smells deep, heavy, and strong.
If not rubbed out properly this is quite hard to keep lit. The smoke is...Wow! Smokey meat is right on the money. It's strong and sometimes difficult to take, both flavor and nicotine. This is not one for the faint at heart. I do like it, but it's not one I enjoy very often...but I do share the rope with those that are up for a challenge. It tastes like a BBQ, without the sauce.
If not rubbed out properly this is quite hard to keep lit. The smoke is...Wow! Smokey meat is right on the money. It's strong and sometimes difficult to take, both flavor and nicotine. This is not one for the faint at heart. I do like it, but it's not one I enjoy very often...but I do share the rope with those that are up for a challenge. It tastes like a BBQ, without the sauce.
Pipe Used:
Bent Billard, Dublin, Egg, Acorn
PurchasedFrom:
Smokingpipes.com
Age When Smoked:
New from store - 1-3 years
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 17, 2018 | Medium to Strong | None Detected | Very Full | Very Strong |
This tobacco is spun into a rope. I used a cigar cutter then separated each "coin" into ribbons, then tore the ribbons into manageable strips,
The tin note is mild, pleasant tobacco perhaps slightly roasted. Light it in a pipe, however, and there is nothing mild about it. One first notices a savory, meaty flavor which very much appeals to my carnivorous instincts. Just as the smoker begins to enjoy the experience, he is hit with burning rubber reminiscent of an eighteen-wheeler suddenly braking to a stop.
It is essentially two smoking experiences unfortunately combined into one. Would that I could grasp only the former and not the latter. Perhaps it would become more palatable with age, but I am not optimistic.
The tin note is mild, pleasant tobacco perhaps slightly roasted. Light it in a pipe, however, and there is nothing mild about it. One first notices a savory, meaty flavor which very much appeals to my carnivorous instincts. Just as the smoker begins to enjoy the experience, he is hit with burning rubber reminiscent of an eighteen-wheeler suddenly braking to a stop.
It is essentially two smoking experiences unfortunately combined into one. Would that I could grasp only the former and not the latter. Perhaps it would become more palatable with age, but I am not optimistic.
Pipe Used:
Dr. Grabow Riviera, Amphora X-Tra
PurchasedFrom:
smokingpipes.com
Age When Smoked:
new
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Oct 22, 2015 | Very Strong | None Detected | Overwhelming | Very Strong |
Is it me or did my sample go "off"? A couple of hours ago, I tried this, yet again; surely it couldn't have been that bad last time I smoked this, could it? My recollection was right: the taste of this rope makes me ill. Strangely enough, it works just fine as a chew, so it's not a total loss.
Pipe Used:
Falcon
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