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 1 - 10 of 52 Reviews
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 19, 2010 | Very Strong | None Detected | Very Full | Tolerable to Strong |
I'm 6'4" tall, and 220 pounds in weight. I am very strong, and can withstand smoking a lot of Latakia. The telling of my Ten Russians Tale is not an exaggeration.Skip this if you have no patience, or sense of humor.
The Tale of Ten Russians: It was the best of times, it was the worst of times...
I absolutely love my extra large, bent poker that was made for me by Tom Johnson. The chamber is almost 3.5 inches high, and 7/8 of an inch in diameter. Nothing pleases me more than stuffing that pipe with an excellent tasting tobacco, and draining it to the bottom.
Yesterday, I was feeling my oats. I bought a tin of Nightwatch and a tin of Ten Russians. I went to my favorite place in the world, hiked the woods and fields a bit, and smoked a full chamber of Nightwatch. As I was about to head for the car, I got a notion to call a friend. As the conversation was sure to go long, I decided to, against the advice of some reviews here, pack that huge chamber with Ten Russians, after a full dose of Nightwatch. I love latakia, and smoking that bowl of Ten Russians was amazing. I kept saying to myself, "what are these bozos talking about? The Vitamin N isn't that strong. Hell, I could probably finish this bowl, and then another."
I continued under that delusion until I hit the last 10% of the bowl. This is when the truth was revealed to me about Ten Russians. Have you ever been so out-of-wack, that you felt as if your pants had fallen off, even though you still had them on? Because, if you know that feeling, then you know what it felt like to me.
My body temp went from 98.6 F to about 100,000 degrees Kelvin. I could barely finish my phone conversation. Every muscle in my body got weak. I began to yawn incessantly. As I drove home, I had to keep my head perfectly still and my torso at a perfect 90 degrees. You see, I was gripped by the fear that I was going to projectile vomit so hard that my windshield was going to get shot out, like in a Starsky and Hutch episode...except from the inside of the vehicle. The drive home is still a complete mystery to my memory banks.
When I got home,I couldn't even gather all of my goods from the truck. I just left my sh*t in the cab. I walked in the house, grabbed a cold rag, laid on the couch, put the rag on my head, and passed out.
I woke up an hour later, refreshed and okay because the Vitamin N overdose had processed. I had to eat a large bowl of organic noodles, and a bagel to reach true homeostasis.
I give Ten Russians 9.8 out of 10 stars. It's powerful, unassuming, great Latakia taste, and if you step out of line with it, it will pummel your a$s with the power of ten extremely burley Russian men. I'm better for it. Can't wait to smoke a bowl of it when I don't act like an a-hole with the amount. I'm not giving it a 10 star rating because my nuts still hurt, and I am sure that I will never sire another child while I am on this planet.
~~~~~~~
Update 07/04/10: Now that I know how to approach Ten Russians, I can say that it is by far my favorite blend.
Yes it is almost singular in taste, but that's what I love about it. It is earth, and smoke, and strength.
Bravo to Cornell and Diehl, and Hermit Tobaccos.
This is Big Boy stuff.
It's Darth F-ing Vader.
The Tale of Ten Russians: It was the best of times, it was the worst of times...
I absolutely love my extra large, bent poker that was made for me by Tom Johnson. The chamber is almost 3.5 inches high, and 7/8 of an inch in diameter. Nothing pleases me more than stuffing that pipe with an excellent tasting tobacco, and draining it to the bottom.
Yesterday, I was feeling my oats. I bought a tin of Nightwatch and a tin of Ten Russians. I went to my favorite place in the world, hiked the woods and fields a bit, and smoked a full chamber of Nightwatch. As I was about to head for the car, I got a notion to call a friend. As the conversation was sure to go long, I decided to, against the advice of some reviews here, pack that huge chamber with Ten Russians, after a full dose of Nightwatch. I love latakia, and smoking that bowl of Ten Russians was amazing. I kept saying to myself, "what are these bozos talking about? The Vitamin N isn't that strong. Hell, I could probably finish this bowl, and then another."
I continued under that delusion until I hit the last 10% of the bowl. This is when the truth was revealed to me about Ten Russians. Have you ever been so out-of-wack, that you felt as if your pants had fallen off, even though you still had them on? Because, if you know that feeling, then you know what it felt like to me.
My body temp went from 98.6 F to about 100,000 degrees Kelvin. I could barely finish my phone conversation. Every muscle in my body got weak. I began to yawn incessantly. As I drove home, I had to keep my head perfectly still and my torso at a perfect 90 degrees. You see, I was gripped by the fear that I was going to projectile vomit so hard that my windshield was going to get shot out, like in a Starsky and Hutch episode...except from the inside of the vehicle. The drive home is still a complete mystery to my memory banks.
When I got home,I couldn't even gather all of my goods from the truck. I just left my sh*t in the cab. I walked in the house, grabbed a cold rag, laid on the couch, put the rag on my head, and passed out.
I woke up an hour later, refreshed and okay because the Vitamin N overdose had processed. I had to eat a large bowl of organic noodles, and a bagel to reach true homeostasis.
I give Ten Russians 9.8 out of 10 stars. It's powerful, unassuming, great Latakia taste, and if you step out of line with it, it will pummel your a$s with the power of ten extremely burley Russian men. I'm better for it. Can't wait to smoke a bowl of it when I don't act like an a-hole with the amount. I'm not giving it a 10 star rating because my nuts still hurt, and I am sure that I will never sire another child while I am on this planet.
~~~~~~~
Update 07/04/10: Now that I know how to approach Ten Russians, I can say that it is by far my favorite blend.
Yes it is almost singular in taste, but that's what I love about it. It is earth, and smoke, and strength.
Bravo to Cornell and Diehl, and Hermit Tobaccos.
This is Big Boy stuff.
It's Darth F-ing Vader.
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 24, 2013 | Strong | None Detected | Very Full | Tolerable to Strong |
Best stuff for Latakia maniacs. I wanted to try it because I speak Russian and love Latakia.
It looks like a black brick which slivers easily. I've tried it in small filtered Savinelli. Very sweet and rich taste, mostly Latakia but some Orientals and Virginia inside. Is it strong? You bet it is! But not like Irish Flake or 1792, which is going straight on you like a drunk Irishman, and you know what to anticipate. This one crawls to you slowly from behind like Russian partisan in snow-covered forest, and in the end his axe will reach your head.
Seriously, this tobacco is good. Top-quality tasty mixture with high but manageable nicotine content. Treat it with respect, and it will be your friend for life.
It looks like a black brick which slivers easily. I've tried it in small filtered Savinelli. Very sweet and rich taste, mostly Latakia but some Orientals and Virginia inside. Is it strong? You bet it is! But not like Irish Flake or 1792, which is going straight on you like a drunk Irishman, and you know what to anticipate. This one crawls to you slowly from behind like Russian partisan in snow-covered forest, and in the end his axe will reach your head.
Seriously, this tobacco is good. Top-quality tasty mixture with high but manageable nicotine content. Treat it with respect, and it will be your friend for life.
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Jun 16, 2014 | Strong | None Detected | Full | Tolerable to Strong |
Yes it's one note (Latakia!!) but I have smoked straight Latakia before, once, you know just curious, and it didn't taste any thing like this. For this reason it seems to me a clever blend in that it has such a smooth flavor while giving you the impression that you're mainlining Latakia. There is the smoothness - (black cavendish) sweetness (Virginia) and fullness (Turkish?), it’s just that they are playing the part of structure but not even hinting at their own flavor. Usually I would say this means a lack of balance, but strangely I want to give this blend a pass because I find it has its own excessive kind of charm. You Know like an actor who always chews scenery, seems to like himself too much, and you want to hate him but you just can't. He gets away with it because of CHARM. Also, of all the high NIC hitters (Irish Flake, Nightcap, 1792, Brown and Black ropes) this seem to be the smoothest on the tongue, no bite. I do recommend not drying it out as much as others, smoke it moist and don't pack it as much either. And do yourself a favor, use a small pipe and go slowly. It seems like a pussycat at first and then you'll get the shakes. Just keep repeating, it's only the nicotine....it's only the nicotine....it's only the nicotine....
Pipe Used:
Peterson Kinsale, small Mark Tinsky
PurchasedFrom:
smokingpipes.com
Age When Smoked:
new to 8 months
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Jan 13, 2016 | Medium to Strong | None Detected | Full | Tolerable |
Thick. Rich. Bold. Satisfying. Think charbroiled Steakhouse ribeyes. Peaty, malty, well aged scotch. Leathery, earthy. This blend portrays power. Authority.
Thick chunky cake of mostly dark brown and black leaf. Specs of lighter Va can be seen from the top view of the cake. Rubs out very uniform, packs with the perfect amount of spring. Light, tamp, light, rest. Light again, and you are on your way. The Orientals really stand out and l enjoy the clean refreshing taste that lingers on the palate. This blend is not very complex, but it is perfectly balanced.
I enjoy it during an autumn stroll in the woods taking in the fall colors, or sitting in front of a roaring fire with my bird dogs at my feet and a Macallan neat. 10 Russians is an undiscovered Latakia Masterpiece!
Thick chunky cake of mostly dark brown and black leaf. Specs of lighter Va can be seen from the top view of the cake. Rubs out very uniform, packs with the perfect amount of spring. Light, tamp, light, rest. Light again, and you are on your way. The Orientals really stand out and l enjoy the clean refreshing taste that lingers on the palate. This blend is not very complex, but it is perfectly balanced.
I enjoy it during an autumn stroll in the woods taking in the fall colors, or sitting in front of a roaring fire with my bird dogs at my feet and a Macallan neat. 10 Russians is an undiscovered Latakia Masterpiece!
Age When Smoked:
5 years
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Apr 02, 2015 | Mild to Medium | None Detected | Medium to Full | Pleasant |
If tobacco reviews was used to determine popularity on its own to determine if a company should blend a particular blend then the Captain Earle's brand would be screwed. This brand needs to be more recognized on tobacco reviews.
I've began to really start getting into C&D blends and this has to be the best one yet. To me it is just like Nightcap but is deeper and smoother and just a tad bit sweeter. If you like Nightcap then try this. Who says that Top notch English Blends only have to be made in the EU.
Update 6/30/19 I just now got around to finishing this blend up. Unfortunately I find it to be much better fresh then aged. My tin was dated 12/31/14 so it had about 4 months on it before I purchased it. With a fresh tin the orientals shine well with the Latakia which makes this blend deep and earthy. With almost almost 5 years the Latakia is very subtle and all I pick up on is the unflavored black cavendish. Fresh I give this a 4. Aged it gets a 3
I've began to really start getting into C&D blends and this has to be the best one yet. To me it is just like Nightcap but is deeper and smoother and just a tad bit sweeter. If you like Nightcap then try this. Who says that Top notch English Blends only have to be made in the EU.
Update 6/30/19 I just now got around to finishing this blend up. Unfortunately I find it to be much better fresh then aged. My tin was dated 12/31/14 so it had about 4 months on it before I purchased it. With a fresh tin the orientals shine well with the Latakia which makes this blend deep and earthy. With almost almost 5 years the Latakia is very subtle and all I pick up on is the unflavored black cavendish. Fresh I give this a 4. Aged it gets a 3
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Sep 27, 2014 | Strong | None Detected | Very Full | Tolerable to Strong |
This. Is. The. Best. Tobacco. I've. Ever. Smoked. It's a bit more balanced than Captain Earl's Stimulus Package. If you hate Latakia, stay away, because this is very strong in that department. It's so good I have to ration it, buying at least 5 tins for each one I turn to ash. I wish it came in larger tins, or bulk.
Pipe Used:
A variety - best in the meer
PurchasedFrom:
P&C
Age When Smoked:
2 months
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 01, 2017 | Medium to Strong | None Detected | Medium | Pleasant to Tolerable |
Upon lighting the bowl it isn't ten Russians that greet you, but rather three Ukranians, an Odessan and a brooding, disquietous highwayman from Samarkand. The Ukrainians cajole you, the Odessan offers tea, and the latter host seems to be plotting a coup.
Later, just past midway through your bowl, those ten Russians appear abruptly, as though from nowhere, and shuffle you bumpily away to a dimly-lit room heavy with a salty, even slightly peaty smoke, the faint music of a prima balalaika in the background. You can't quite make out any faces in the room, but there's no mistaking that you're in the company of serious men, most of them with disfiguring scars and tales of high adventure.
When it's all done and the smoke clears, you find your companions have departed without a trace, except for the fine gray ash in your bowl to remind you that you didn't dream the whole thing. Quite a journey!
Later, just past midway through your bowl, those ten Russians appear abruptly, as though from nowhere, and shuffle you bumpily away to a dimly-lit room heavy with a salty, even slightly peaty smoke, the faint music of a prima balalaika in the background. You can't quite make out any faces in the room, but there's no mistaking that you're in the company of serious men, most of them with disfiguring scars and tales of high adventure.
When it's all done and the smoke clears, you find your companions have departed without a trace, except for the fine gray ash in your bowl to remind you that you didn't dream the whole thing. Quite a journey!
Pipe Used:
The ugliest sandblast root briar available
PurchasedFrom:
Such things are not purchased, they are "acquired."
Age When Smoked:
6 yrs
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Nov 24, 2017 | Strong | None Detected | Full | Strong |
I had always been told by a long time pipe smoker that Ten Russians has the highest Latakia content of any blend. I don’t know if that’s true, but it is in fact a Latakia bomb. This is not a tobacco to be feared. It is expertly blended to produce one of the finest smoking experiences ever for those who enjoy Latakia. It’s smooth, doesn’t bite and is very flavorful without being harsh. It leaves a taste in the mouth that is quite enjoyable and reminds me of a fine steak.
Pipe Used:
Briar, meerschaum
PurchasedFrom:
www.pipesandcigars.com
Age When Smoked:
3 months
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 15, 2016 | Medium to Strong | None Detected | Full | Pleasant to Tolerable |
This is a strong candidate for my all time favorite pipe tobacco. Definitely at the top of the English blend category including Penzance, Old Ironsides, Nightcap, etc.
Ten Russians offers an injection of Latakia straight into the veins. It is smoky, woodsy, and sweet. It is always the first thing you taste throughout the entire bowl. However, the Orientals, Virginia, and Cavendish all play important supporting roles. The Orientals add some depth and complexity, the Virginia adds some sweetness, and the cavendish smooths everything out.
This is a strong, full-bodied tobacco but I don't think it is the monster everybody makes it out to be. I regularly enjoy it in the morning after a big breakfast. It has a nicotine kick to it but it is no 1792 Flake, Gawith Rope, or Royal Yacht.
The room note is rather pleasant for an English blend. Never bitey or harsh and the DGT is the best I've encountered. Several hours after putting the bowl down the blend still shines.
Ten Russians offers an injection of Latakia straight into the veins. It is smoky, woodsy, and sweet. It is always the first thing you taste throughout the entire bowl. However, the Orientals, Virginia, and Cavendish all play important supporting roles. The Orientals add some depth and complexity, the Virginia adds some sweetness, and the cavendish smooths everything out.
This is a strong, full-bodied tobacco but I don't think it is the monster everybody makes it out to be. I regularly enjoy it in the morning after a big breakfast. It has a nicotine kick to it but it is no 1792 Flake, Gawith Rope, or Royal Yacht.
The room note is rather pleasant for an English blend. Never bitey or harsh and the DGT is the best I've encountered. Several hours after putting the bowl down the blend still shines.
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 04, 2017 | Medium | None Detected | Medium to Full | Tolerable to Strong |
3rdguy
This is some good stuff! Did not notice the nic hit at all. The retrohale on this for me is Nightcap taste minus the nic hit. Crumbled easily for me and burns great. Puts out some fairly serious room note & smoke so the War Department doesn't like it when I smoke it in the house. I control this home so I smoke it whenever I want....as long as she is gone 🙂 I air it out before she gets home. OK....she is the 10 Russians but you get the idea.
This is some good stuff! Did not notice the nic hit at all. The retrohale on this for me is Nightcap taste minus the nic hit. Crumbled easily for me and burns great. Puts out some fairly serious room note & smoke so the War Department doesn't like it when I smoke it in the house. I control this home so I smoke it whenever I want....as long as she is gone 🙂 I air it out before she gets home. OK....she is the 10 Russians but you get the idea.
Pipe Used:
Mostly cobs but also briar.
PurchasedFrom:
P&C
Age When Smoked:
> 1 year
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