Hermit Tobacco Works Co. Captain Earle's - Ten Russians
(3.45)
Capt. Earle's Ten Russians is a true delight for lovers of latakia. Rich and full bodied, Ten Russians is pressed to deliver a perfectly balanced blend to the true aficionado of full English tobaccos.
Details
| Brand | Hermit Tobacco Works Co. |
| Blended By | Cornell & Diehl |
| Manufactured By | Cornell & Diehl |
| Blend Type | English |
| Contents | Cavendish, Latakia, Oriental/Turkish, Virginia |
| Flavoring | |
| Cut | Krumble Kake |
| Packaging | 2 ounce and 8 ounce tins |
| Country | United States |
| Production | Currently available |
Profile
Strength
Strong
Extremely Mild -> Overwhelming
Flavoring
None Detected
None Detected -> Extra Strong
Room Note
Strong
Unnoticeable -> Overwhelming
Taste
Full
Extremely Mild (Flat) -> Overwhelming
Average Rating
|
3.45 / 4
|
Reviews
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Displaying 11 - 20 of 33 Reviews
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 03, 2021 | Medium to Strong | None Detected | Full | Tolerable to Strong |
This is the definition of a lat bomb, and this is pretty good tobacco. I generally keep a tin around, and I'm thinking of maybe stocking up and putting a few away to age, because I usually buy a can and just smoke it straight through. I don't usually jar this one up, I just wrap the cake with good old fashioned wax paper and keep it in the can. Seems like it keeps well that way and I go through it fairly quickly so I've never had it really dry out.
Right out of the tin it's a lovely deep dark, brownie-like cake. Easy to pinch off a bowlful, Ten Russians is at a smokable moisture level in the can. Definitely a "big" smoke, with a moderate level of nicotine, maybe even a few notches less than moderate, as I tend to smoke pretty potent tobaccos, so my judgement maybe a little off. I wish we could do a half star rating here because I think this is a three and a half star tobacco. Only thing that keeps this from being a full four stars is the fact that it's a little one-note; it's a good note, and it stays consistent throughout the bowl, the drawback, as such, is there isn't an enormous amount of complexity here. I don't think it's supposed to be particularly complex, it's supposed to be the proverbial lat bomb. Burns very well, maybe needing a relight or two as you get to the bottom of the bowl. I do not find it gurgles, or leaves much moisture in the bowl. Personally, I prefer this to Plum Pudding; Plum Pudding is fine, so I think it's more of a matter of 'do you prefer Coke or Pepsi?" A very full tasting, satisfying tobacco.
Would like to make one complaint here that has nothing to do with the brand or the company that makes it... I hate the warning labels on these ( and pretty much all ) tobaccos! Strictly from an aesthetic point of view... I have a much older can here that doesn't have the warning label on it I use to hold metal push pins in the studio, and I think it's got a great look! Same thing with Warhorse Red Bar, such a nice looking design ruined by the absurd warning labels. Handguns don't come with a great big warning label on each gun, and neither does a bottle of whiskey, both of which can be potentially as hazardous to your health as a pipe full of tobacco! Thought I'd just like to vent about it here... of course, a buddy of mine in the UK has to put up with grotesque full color photographs of supposed health issues caused by smoking on each package of Condor he buys. I'd pay an extra 50 cents a can or tin for them to put on one of those static cling stickers containing the big warning labels, so I can peel it off and go "yeah, there's that cool graphic design"... I'm sitting here in the living room and I can see on the mantle piece old enamel tins of Balkan Sobranie and Dunhill Royal Yacht, right next to my little magnetic Abe Herbaugh pipe stand... I suppose this is a silly and pointless complaint, but, I imagine I'm not the only one that feels this way.
Right out of the tin it's a lovely deep dark, brownie-like cake. Easy to pinch off a bowlful, Ten Russians is at a smokable moisture level in the can. Definitely a "big" smoke, with a moderate level of nicotine, maybe even a few notches less than moderate, as I tend to smoke pretty potent tobaccos, so my judgement maybe a little off. I wish we could do a half star rating here because I think this is a three and a half star tobacco. Only thing that keeps this from being a full four stars is the fact that it's a little one-note; it's a good note, and it stays consistent throughout the bowl, the drawback, as such, is there isn't an enormous amount of complexity here. I don't think it's supposed to be particularly complex, it's supposed to be the proverbial lat bomb. Burns very well, maybe needing a relight or two as you get to the bottom of the bowl. I do not find it gurgles, or leaves much moisture in the bowl. Personally, I prefer this to Plum Pudding; Plum Pudding is fine, so I think it's more of a matter of 'do you prefer Coke or Pepsi?" A very full tasting, satisfying tobacco.
Would like to make one complaint here that has nothing to do with the brand or the company that makes it... I hate the warning labels on these ( and pretty much all ) tobaccos! Strictly from an aesthetic point of view... I have a much older can here that doesn't have the warning label on it I use to hold metal push pins in the studio, and I think it's got a great look! Same thing with Warhorse Red Bar, such a nice looking design ruined by the absurd warning labels. Handguns don't come with a great big warning label on each gun, and neither does a bottle of whiskey, both of which can be potentially as hazardous to your health as a pipe full of tobacco! Thought I'd just like to vent about it here... of course, a buddy of mine in the UK has to put up with grotesque full color photographs of supposed health issues caused by smoking on each package of Condor he buys. I'd pay an extra 50 cents a can or tin for them to put on one of those static cling stickers containing the big warning labels, so I can peel it off and go "yeah, there's that cool graphic design"... I'm sitting here in the living room and I can see on the mantle piece old enamel tins of Balkan Sobranie and Dunhill Royal Yacht, right next to my little magnetic Abe Herbaugh pipe stand... I suppose this is a silly and pointless complaint, but, I imagine I'm not the only one that feels this way.
Pipe Used:
Peterson 406 Spigot and Rocky
PurchasedFrom:
pipes and cigars, smokingpipes
Age When Smoked:
freshly opened tin
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 10, 2019 | Strong | None Detected | Full | Pleasant |
This is the second of the pint jars I've opened that I bought at our 2019 NASPC show this year from a recent and former pipe smoker. Here we have a blend that I have smoked in the past - just once. I tried a test bowl in my local shop in whatever year and whatever decade it came onto the market. I've never smoked it since untl this jar came along. Apparently my tastes have changed over the last thirty-odd years, as I actually got some enjoyment out of it; contrary to my memory. I want to state right up front that I agree with the opinion of reviewer Emeritus Account 2011-12-05 that it has plenty of Lat taste but little development down the bowl. In general, I didn't find it to be the Latakia "creature" that some seem to be talking about. Hard to light and keep lit, it didn't do much to distinguish itself in the top third. Starting with the middle third things got more tasty and interesting and the best smoke came, consistently from pipe to pipe, in the bottom third. Here the Latakia became somewhat subdued and the other components, finally, stepped up to the plate. I found Ten Russians to be more smokeable and enjoyable than most of the other big boys in this field and very similar to C&D's Pirate Kake. I give it three stars.
Pipe Used:
Northern Briars Regal Roxcut Lovat
PurchasedFrom:
a former pipe smoker
Age When Smoked:
unknown but not recent
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Apr 23, 2019 | Strong | None Detected | Mild to Medium | Strong |
Strong in Latakia & overall strength. It might feel like it's biting but that's just the strength from the smoke settling in on your membranes. It also may seem a little harsh due to the heavy Cyprian Latakia infusion & Perique. Ten Russians was blended & intended to be a stout tobacco, especially designed for Latakia lovers. However, it doesn't bite or you'd be left with a sense of it after a bowl is finished. After rinsing my mouth, everything was back to normal.
Next to Nightcap, this is the strongest Lat bomb I've ever sampled & I believe that all the varietals in this blend were probably the strongest that could be acquired & there must have been plenty of Perique. Since it is predominantly a Latakia laden blend, I could not, or really wasn't able to taste hardly any other varietals in the mix. Still, I liked it fairly well as it totally satisfied in the Vitamin N department. What amazes me is how in the world Captain Earle ever found those ten Russians marooned at sea... maybe by accident?
I've only smoked two bowls thus far & plan on using this as a "Nightcap." It is definitely not an early morning or all day smoke unless you've nothing to do but sit back in your rocking chair all day. However, I would suggest a good breakfast before getting started. If not for the Cavendish & Orientals, this could possibly go "nuclear" and as a secondary use, a small amount shaken with water in a spray bottle would most certainly create a decent pesticide or insecticide.
It sort of reminded me a of a stronger SPC Plum Pudding. The square plug within is quite moist & breaks apart easily & contains hardly any trash/stems to be removed. I'm sure that whoever almost feinted while smoking this mixture was probably inhaling it. This is strictly an absorption type tobacco… one should take heed to avoid inhaling as it's such a strong mixture. Your lungs would be paved with asphalt in no time. Ten Russians has my respect & since I like strong mixtures before beddy-bye it gets midway between three & four stars. A decent alternative for Nightcap. So...
Good-bye, Nightcap! I don't miss you all that much & Nightcap seems outrageously overpriced these days considering Ten Russians &/or other strong Latakia bombs will give you the same effect. Sure, I liked Nightcap really well but refuse to allow myself the excessive expenditure for obtaining it... time goes on and Nightcap will become even more expensive as supplies dwindle. If you find yourself unable to do without, best to grab all you can while you can. I'll settle for a good replacement. Drucquer & Sons Levant Mixture blended by G. L. Pease works very well also. If nothing else works well for you in the strength department, throw in a little Picayune. Enough of that should make your eyelids slam shut in short order.
Next to Nightcap, this is the strongest Lat bomb I've ever sampled & I believe that all the varietals in this blend were probably the strongest that could be acquired & there must have been plenty of Perique. Since it is predominantly a Latakia laden blend, I could not, or really wasn't able to taste hardly any other varietals in the mix. Still, I liked it fairly well as it totally satisfied in the Vitamin N department. What amazes me is how in the world Captain Earle ever found those ten Russians marooned at sea... maybe by accident?
I've only smoked two bowls thus far & plan on using this as a "Nightcap." It is definitely not an early morning or all day smoke unless you've nothing to do but sit back in your rocking chair all day. However, I would suggest a good breakfast before getting started. If not for the Cavendish & Orientals, this could possibly go "nuclear" and as a secondary use, a small amount shaken with water in a spray bottle would most certainly create a decent pesticide or insecticide.
It sort of reminded me a of a stronger SPC Plum Pudding. The square plug within is quite moist & breaks apart easily & contains hardly any trash/stems to be removed. I'm sure that whoever almost feinted while smoking this mixture was probably inhaling it. This is strictly an absorption type tobacco… one should take heed to avoid inhaling as it's such a strong mixture. Your lungs would be paved with asphalt in no time. Ten Russians has my respect & since I like strong mixtures before beddy-bye it gets midway between three & four stars. A decent alternative for Nightcap. So...
Good-bye, Nightcap! I don't miss you all that much & Nightcap seems outrageously overpriced these days considering Ten Russians &/or other strong Latakia bombs will give you the same effect. Sure, I liked Nightcap really well but refuse to allow myself the excessive expenditure for obtaining it... time goes on and Nightcap will become even more expensive as supplies dwindle. If you find yourself unable to do without, best to grab all you can while you can. I'll settle for a good replacement. Drucquer & Sons Levant Mixture blended by G. L. Pease works very well also. If nothing else works well for you in the strength department, throw in a little Picayune. Enough of that should make your eyelids slam shut in short order.
Pipe Used:
Country Gent Cob, Danmore Dublin,
PurchasedFrom:
Smoking Pipes
Age When Smoked:
Fresh Tin
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 05, 2017 | Medium | None Detected | Full | Tolerable to Strong |
Hermit Tobacco Works - Captain Earle's Ten Russians
Cut you off a sliver of railroad tie soaked in creosote and motor oil! Okay, not quite.
Powerful and industrial. You're in lat bomb country now. But, I'd like to say it's not complete lat bomb, the orientals are an important player also, adding some leathery musty spice to the campfire equation. It seems like the oriental component becomes more notable as time advances on an open tin. I almost want to give this one four stars, indeed within the heavy latakia field this is a definite four star contender. This would make a mighty fine cool weather, outdoorsy smoke.
Dry and smokeable straight from the tin. I recommend a slightly looser pack here also. There's surely some vitamin n here, although personally I didnt find this one to be the utter nicotine powerhouse some of my fellow reviewers did.
Cut you off a sliver of railroad tie soaked in creosote and motor oil! Okay, not quite.
Powerful and industrial. You're in lat bomb country now. But, I'd like to say it's not complete lat bomb, the orientals are an important player also, adding some leathery musty spice to the campfire equation. It seems like the oriental component becomes more notable as time advances on an open tin. I almost want to give this one four stars, indeed within the heavy latakia field this is a definite four star contender. This would make a mighty fine cool weather, outdoorsy smoke.
Dry and smokeable straight from the tin. I recommend a slightly looser pack here also. There's surely some vitamin n here, although personally I didnt find this one to be the utter nicotine powerhouse some of my fellow reviewers did.
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Jan 01, 2014 | Medium | None Detected | Medium to Full | Tolerable to Strong |
Smoked this back in 2011 whilst staying in Florida and thought I'd reviewed it back then, but apparently I forgot!
I lapped up the opportunity to try blends unavailable in the UK whilst staying in the sunshine state. One of these was Hermits 'Ten Russians'
I tried this blend in principal based on suggestions that this was a lat bomb, and I wanted to see just exactly what one of those was. Upon opening the little can via its neat little ring pull, I discovered a dark brown/black soft'ish block of tobacco.
The aroma of the contents upon opening, utterly stank of used oil and creosote. Urrgh... Was this 'real ' Latakia I wondered?!
Any way I took out the little lump and found it slightly greasy in texture which reaffirmed the initial oily/creosote sensory experience.
I cut off a thick flake and rubbed out what to me looked like shredded dirty Autumn leaves. My fingers betraying a dusty darkness afterwards as if Id been handling a barbecue brickette.
I smoked it in a cheap cob which was fine for the job. There was no bite at all and the tobacco burned well, with a very thick, dusty, smoky aroma. The nicotine was medium to low for me and the smoke ultimately one dimensional.
I guess this is a real Latakia lovers blend, or one for those that miss the smell of a freshly creosoted wooden fence, surrounding a mechanics garage, the staff of which are having an oily bonfire.
So, a bit one dimensional in that what you smell is what you get from start to finish, but a nice change from lighter English blends/Virginia's or for when you want to blow the cobwebs away from an earlier aromatic adventure.
Similar to Nightcap and Artisans Blend, but for me with a smidgen less nicotine ...
I lapped up the opportunity to try blends unavailable in the UK whilst staying in the sunshine state. One of these was Hermits 'Ten Russians'
I tried this blend in principal based on suggestions that this was a lat bomb, and I wanted to see just exactly what one of those was. Upon opening the little can via its neat little ring pull, I discovered a dark brown/black soft'ish block of tobacco.
The aroma of the contents upon opening, utterly stank of used oil and creosote. Urrgh... Was this 'real ' Latakia I wondered?!
Any way I took out the little lump and found it slightly greasy in texture which reaffirmed the initial oily/creosote sensory experience.
I cut off a thick flake and rubbed out what to me looked like shredded dirty Autumn leaves. My fingers betraying a dusty darkness afterwards as if Id been handling a barbecue brickette.
I smoked it in a cheap cob which was fine for the job. There was no bite at all and the tobacco burned well, with a very thick, dusty, smoky aroma. The nicotine was medium to low for me and the smoke ultimately one dimensional.
I guess this is a real Latakia lovers blend, or one for those that miss the smell of a freshly creosoted wooden fence, surrounding a mechanics garage, the staff of which are having an oily bonfire.
So, a bit one dimensional in that what you smell is what you get from start to finish, but a nice change from lighter English blends/Virginia's or for when you want to blow the cobwebs away from an earlier aromatic adventure.
Similar to Nightcap and Artisans Blend, but for me with a smidgen less nicotine ...
Pipe Used:
Cob
PurchasedFrom:
smokingpipes.com
Age When Smoked:
6 months
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Nov 01, 2013 | Strong | None Detected | Full | Pleasant to Tolerable |
This is usually considered a lat bomb, but I'd say other cake/flakes like pirate kake and penzance are more lat heavy. The tin note is definitely aged cheese. Another reviewer described the taste as "cheesy bacon flavor" in reference to orientals, which is spot on, but I'd also posit the presence of perique (though unlisted) as a player in the blend. This would account for some of the heft of the smoke too. Ten Russians does need to be treated with respect with slow puffing and not too much retrohaling, etc. It is a rewarding smoke especially when you want something rich and savory.
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Aug 03, 2012 | Medium to Strong | None Detected | Very Full | Very Strong |
You've got to love latakia for this to work for you. Strong from the first to the last. Think burning charcoal with a room note to match. If you can handle the in-your-face strength and the wife wondering "what's burning", then go for it, your reward is pure latakia. I occasionally need a wake up call and this is the one to do it. Can't do this all day, but when I need a bomb I turn to this tasty tin.
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Oct 02, 2011 | Extremely Strong | None Detected | Full | Strong |
Wow! Now that's a tobacco, my head is still swimming from the bowl I had yesterday! This tobacco is somewhat deceptive, for the taste isn't overpowering hence the nicotine kick creeps up on you unawares. Not quick to learn a lesson, I spent several consecutive evenings with my head swimming, my nerves jittery, my stomach woosey, before I figured out to smoke this blend slowly and moderately. I cannot give this blend four stars as it does lack complexity and it is just too strong to smoke in my normative nonchalant manner. However, this blend deserves a solid three star rating.
Soli Deo gloria!
Soli Deo gloria!
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Jun 13, 2011 | Medium to Strong | None Detected | Full | Tolerable to Strong |
Hey... who put this barbequed brownie in my can of bean dip ?
It failed the wife test...I don't really care.
It's not a terribly complex smoke but doggone it's good, with the latakia blast and all. Every once in a while, I think I taste and smell a bit of sweetness behind the latakia, almost a very mild chocolaty taste. The brownie flakes apart well, it packs well and once I get it going I have no problem keeping it lit, unless I neglect it. No tongue bite here either.
At this point I'd say it's possibly the best tobacco I've ever smoked. I bought a can based on the reviews here and I ain't disappointed. *The Russians go great with a cold bottle of Guinness Extra Stout.
It failed the wife test...I don't really care.
It's not a terribly complex smoke but doggone it's good, with the latakia blast and all. Every once in a while, I think I taste and smell a bit of sweetness behind the latakia, almost a very mild chocolaty taste. The brownie flakes apart well, it packs well and once I get it going I have no problem keeping it lit, unless I neglect it. No tongue bite here either.
At this point I'd say it's possibly the best tobacco I've ever smoked. I bought a can based on the reviews here and I ain't disappointed. *The Russians go great with a cold bottle of Guinness Extra Stout.
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Mar 29, 2011 | Medium to Strong | None Detected | Medium to Full | Pleasant to Tolerable |
The tin aroma of Ten Russians is definitely heavy on Latakia as every one of the previous reviews have pointed out. But I was surprised by the balance of the aroma coming off this little cake. The smokiness and creosote of the Latakia are softened by the VA and held up by the cool Oriental leaf. Leather, smoke (charred wood), bacon, dusty basements, sweetness from the VA - subdued and fruity, faintest spices and an odd scent like dry Portland cement. Complex and warm, the aroma is more than intriguing.
Crumble Cake crumbles nicely. My tin was a little dry. Packs easy. Once it is lit it tends to stay lit pretty well.
In the bowl “Ten Russians” is much less complex. The Latakia in my opinion is over done, but it still keeps a smooth-ish balance. The Orientals have a sizable presence as well, the Oriental leaf seems to be trying the hardest to balance the Latakia landslide. Somehow it balances, but the flavors themselves are muddled. It gets more one-note as the bowl progresses. Still, it is a pleasant note. The second half of the bowl settles into very smoky, dusty notes from the Latakia. Sweet & tart notes and sea salt are all the Orientals tobaccos are contributing now, or at least that's all that I can get through the Latakia.
A surprising tobacco, enjoyed it quite a bit. Bites if neglected. High Priced in my opinion, for this particular blend. But well made and absolutely worth a try.
I personally think C&D should leave out a little of the Latakia. Maybe throw in a couple more Russians - make it an even dozen. (Ha, Ha! Hails of derisive laughter, Bruce!)
Crumble Cake crumbles nicely. My tin was a little dry. Packs easy. Once it is lit it tends to stay lit pretty well.
In the bowl “Ten Russians” is much less complex. The Latakia in my opinion is over done, but it still keeps a smooth-ish balance. The Orientals have a sizable presence as well, the Oriental leaf seems to be trying the hardest to balance the Latakia landslide. Somehow it balances, but the flavors themselves are muddled. It gets more one-note as the bowl progresses. Still, it is a pleasant note. The second half of the bowl settles into very smoky, dusty notes from the Latakia. Sweet & tart notes and sea salt are all the Orientals tobaccos are contributing now, or at least that's all that I can get through the Latakia.
A surprising tobacco, enjoyed it quite a bit. Bites if neglected. High Priced in my opinion, for this particular blend. But well made and absolutely worth a try.
I personally think C&D should leave out a little of the Latakia. Maybe throw in a couple more Russians - make it an even dozen. (Ha, Ha! Hails of derisive laughter, Bruce!)
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