Robert McConnell Black Parrot
(2.95)
Virginia, Carolina & pure Louisiana perique, this unique square-cut tobacco emcompasses flavor, maturity and mellow smoking.
Notes: Previously produced by Ashton, this mixture is now under the flag of R. McConnell, but the manufacturer is always Kohlhase & Kopp.
Details
| Brand | Robert McConnell |
| Blended By | |
| Manufactured By | Kohlhase & Kopp |
| Blend Type | Virginia/Perique |
| Contents | Perique, Virginia |
| Flavoring | |
| Cut | Broken Flake |
| Packaging | 100 grams tin |
| Country | Germany |
| Production |
Profile
Strength
Medium
Extremely Mild -> Overwhelming
Flavoring
None Detected
None Detected -> Extra Strong
Room Note
Pleasant to Tolerable
Unnoticeable -> Overwhelming
Taste
Medium to Full
Extremely Mild (Flat) -> Overwhelming
Average Rating
|
2.95 / 4
|
Reviews
Please login to post a review.
Displaying 21 - 30 of 37 Reviews
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Aug 17, 2004 | Medium | None Detected | Full | Very Pleasant |
I remember trying Black Parrot back when I was finishing up college. I didn't care for it, so I stashed the tin away with some stuff I was packing up to take home to shove into a storage closet in the attic. Well, about six years later -- namely last week -- I decided to unearth some old boxes of junk from college. I saw the top of a tobacco can, yanked the can out of the cardboard box, and saw that it was Ashton Black Parrot. This can features the old artwork -- the line-art drawing of the parrot sitting among the wooden barrels. I was quite excited to find this, as I've rekindled my love for VA blends in a major way lately.
Upon careful inspection, I found 2.75 ounces of tobacco and no mold. The scent was still good and pure, and age had put some crystals all over the leaf. So far so good. But how would it smoke? Well, the weed was on the dry side, but not crumbly. That's how I like VAs anyway. I smoked a roomy bowl of this six-year-old Black Parrot the moment I got home.
I find Black Parrot to be a wonderful Perique-forward blend built on a solid foundation of quality Virginia and Carolina tobaccos. It's a complex and balanced nicely.
On the dry side, the broken flake packs well, lights well, and burns well to the heel. Six years brought some obvious integration to this blend, yet I could still enjoy what each component had to offer. The cilantro/grassy notes were slightly more muted than those I experience in St. James Woods. The Perique brings little in the way of pepper -- but lots when it comes to earthy goodness.
The smoke becomes richer and more robust as the bowl burns down, and the mid-bowl flavor shift is quite memorable. The bottom third is very tasty, and the overall smoke is dry and clean. I'd hesitate to compare the sweet notes of Black Parrot to those of St. James Woods, but BP offers more in the way of a food-like savory experience to make up for it. The mouthfeel is silky.
Black Parrot is a solid choice for those who want a high-grade and full-flavored VA/P with good presence. Great stuff.
Upon careful inspection, I found 2.75 ounces of tobacco and no mold. The scent was still good and pure, and age had put some crystals all over the leaf. So far so good. But how would it smoke? Well, the weed was on the dry side, but not crumbly. That's how I like VAs anyway. I smoked a roomy bowl of this six-year-old Black Parrot the moment I got home.
I find Black Parrot to be a wonderful Perique-forward blend built on a solid foundation of quality Virginia and Carolina tobaccos. It's a complex and balanced nicely.
On the dry side, the broken flake packs well, lights well, and burns well to the heel. Six years brought some obvious integration to this blend, yet I could still enjoy what each component had to offer. The cilantro/grassy notes were slightly more muted than those I experience in St. James Woods. The Perique brings little in the way of pepper -- but lots when it comes to earthy goodness.
The smoke becomes richer and more robust as the bowl burns down, and the mid-bowl flavor shift is quite memorable. The bottom third is very tasty, and the overall smoke is dry and clean. I'd hesitate to compare the sweet notes of Black Parrot to those of St. James Woods, but BP offers more in the way of a food-like savory experience to make up for it. The mouthfeel is silky.
Black Parrot is a solid choice for those who want a high-grade and full-flavored VA/P with good presence. Great stuff.
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Aug 10, 2003 | Medium to Strong | None Detected | Medium to Full | Very Pleasant |
This certainly falls into the VA/P blends that can be equalled by no other. I find this tobak fine for my regular long car rides between cities. Smoking this blend can leave you with a bit of tounge bite, but a bit of air drying and a tall italian block of wood should clear any of that up nicely. I rub the flakes out a bit, still leaving some medium to larger pieces. Age only improves this fine weed.
Enjoy.
Enjoy.
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Jun 23, 2002 | Medium | None Detected | Medium to Full | Tolerable |
What a day! This morning I received a resupply of Elizabethan Mixture, some Escudo, and a tin of Black Parrot. Nevermind that I fried my tongue in my exuberance, I'm happy!
It's hard for me to avoid a comparison of Black Parrot to Escudo, so I won't. I liked Escudo, but Black Parrot was wonderful.
The flakes are a bit sticky, but not as much as, say, a 2035 McClelland. They rub out well between thumb and forefinger, and pack nicely with a light hand.
How rich! I expected it to be a bit thin bodied but nice, and was rewarded with a creamy but not cloying rich flake that is for me best smoked when I want to devote my full attention to it. The sweetness and sharpness of the virginias are mellowed by the Carolinas, and the Perique level is perfect for my tastes. Black Parrott is simply outstanding.
It's hard for me to avoid a comparison of Black Parrot to Escudo, so I won't. I liked Escudo, but Black Parrot was wonderful.
The flakes are a bit sticky, but not as much as, say, a 2035 McClelland. They rub out well between thumb and forefinger, and pack nicely with a light hand.
How rich! I expected it to be a bit thin bodied but nice, and was rewarded with a creamy but not cloying rich flake that is for me best smoked when I want to devote my full attention to it. The sweetness and sharpness of the virginias are mellowed by the Carolinas, and the Perique level is perfect for my tastes. Black Parrott is simply outstanding.
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 01, 2022 | Mild to Medium | Mild to Medium | Medium to Full | Pleasant to Tolerable |
Tra Golden Glow e FVF. Il Perique si sente poco o nulla rispetto ad altri VaPer tipo lo Scottish di Mc Connell o l' Elisabethan. Taglio grossolano, leggermente umido ma brucia bene, lentamente e con minimo residuo.Tende a diventare più forte se riacceso... Non adatto ai principianti né agli amanti del Perique che qui è molto sottotono.
Aggiornamento al 30/3/2022. Dopo circa 1 mese dall'apertura della latta devo modificare la recensione. Il tabacco è andato progressivamente migliorando fumata dopo fumata. Il Perique è venuto finalmente fuori (ed è un Perique decisamente buono) e -globalmente - il tabacco si è "addolcito" diventando davvero un VaPer di qualità. Evidentemente necessita di opportuna "ossigenazione" . Il voto sale - pertanto - a 4 stelle
Aggiornamento al 30/3/2022. Dopo circa 1 mese dall'apertura della latta devo modificare la recensione. Il tabacco è andato progressivamente migliorando fumata dopo fumata. Il Perique è venuto finalmente fuori (ed è un Perique decisamente buono) e -globalmente - il tabacco si è "addolcito" diventando davvero un VaPer di qualità. Evidentemente necessita di opportuna "ossigenazione" . Il voto sale - pertanto - a 4 stelle
Pipe Used:
Foundation Castello Mitakidis
Age When Smoked:
New
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Dec 17, 2012 | Medium to Strong | Extremely Mild | Medium to Full | Tolerable to Strong |
European version, K&K 100 gr.
Can smell: pepper, spices, vinegar and fermented fruits, quite classic smell for a VaPer. Then the smoke... The blend seems too fresh with some roughness on the edges, a bit astringent and tannic but not really “green” just a bit underripe, some aging is recommended. Despite the freshness BP is far to be unpleasant: an interesting VaPer with rich flavors uplifted by the proverbial briskness of the Perique, BP is a bit on the strong/full side for my preferences …. but good! For the matter, it also leaves a quite clean aftertaste which surprise me pleasantly and if you (unlike me) are fond for DGT it works very well.
Can smell: pepper, spices, vinegar and fermented fruits, quite classic smell for a VaPer. Then the smoke... The blend seems too fresh with some roughness on the edges, a bit astringent and tannic but not really “green” just a bit underripe, some aging is recommended. Despite the freshness BP is far to be unpleasant: an interesting VaPer with rich flavors uplifted by the proverbial briskness of the Perique, BP is a bit on the strong/full side for my preferences …. but good! For the matter, it also leaves a quite clean aftertaste which surprise me pleasantly and if you (unlike me) are fond for DGT it works very well.
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 21, 2010 | Mild | Extremely Mild | Medium to Full | Pleasant to Tolerable |
Very nice any time smoke;most people Prefer"I"smoke it Outdoors. Definitely Diffrent,i find this almost like McCl's Oriental#14 with Perique(tinned+prepared for Ashton by McCld's) Nice change of Scenery for those of YOU Tired of driving in CITY.....Give it a try! :+)
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Mar 08, 2009 | Medium | None Detected | Medium | Tolerable |
Original review 03/08/2009:
I'm reviewing the 100grms can european version made by K&K.
It's a broken flake, mostly medium brown with brighter and darker flecks. The can smells grass & sour, nothing overpowering. Moisture is high, the can stayed opened a month or more and the weed is still very "gummy" under my finger. I loaded my leather bag with 25grms or so; normally the tobacco gets dry in a week, but not this one...
I had a dozen of pipeful till today, and first I would say that the rest will stay in the can for a longer time, since I notice it's too "fresh" and needs aging. The smoke is kinda neutral, bit peppery and astringent. It doesn't develop well any strength and body and stays quite monocromatic... the first half bowl being more enjoyable, the last rather dull. Needs very slow and short sipping to bring any flavour out. Again: sure it's a matter of aging.
Edit 07/18/2009:
yes, it truly was a matter of aging.
After four months the second half of the can has actually improved, both in strength and body, which is not weak anymore. The vinegarish note of the Perique is very intriguing and ... appetizing.
I will buy more tins for my cabinet, that's sure.
I will update this further.
I'm reviewing the 100grms can european version made by K&K.
It's a broken flake, mostly medium brown with brighter and darker flecks. The can smells grass & sour, nothing overpowering. Moisture is high, the can stayed opened a month or more and the weed is still very "gummy" under my finger. I loaded my leather bag with 25grms or so; normally the tobacco gets dry in a week, but not this one...
I had a dozen of pipeful till today, and first I would say that the rest will stay in the can for a longer time, since I notice it's too "fresh" and needs aging. The smoke is kinda neutral, bit peppery and astringent. It doesn't develop well any strength and body and stays quite monocromatic... the first half bowl being more enjoyable, the last rather dull. Needs very slow and short sipping to bring any flavour out. Again: sure it's a matter of aging.
Edit 07/18/2009:
yes, it truly was a matter of aging.
After four months the second half of the can has actually improved, both in strength and body, which is not weak anymore. The vinegarish note of the Perique is very intriguing and ... appetizing.
I will buy more tins for my cabinet, that's sure.
I will update this further.
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Feb 19, 2009 | Medium to Strong | Mild | Medium to Full | Pleasant to Tolerable |
If you like any number of the McClelland Flakes with Perique in them this could be for you. I did not like it. Sharp and astringent.
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Jun 11, 2008 | Medium | None Detected | Full | Pleasant to Tolerable |
Black Parrot is a good solid harmonious mixture of Virginia, Carolina and Perique. When the tin is first opened, you are met with a familiar tangy, vinegary, tin-can aroma. The square cut, broken flake is dark, with flecks of black and brown. The Perique component does not overwhelm the mixture, but remains as a good team player in the blend.
If I were to pair this with a good single malt Scotch, it would probably be the Highland Park or the Talisker, something that can match the full taste of the smoke.
Of the twenty-one reviews to date, including mine, eighteen (86%) are about evenly split between granting Black Parrot a 4-star, 3-star, or a 2-star rating. Only three reviewers give it a 1-star rating. Of those three, two complain that there is too much Perique and one complains that there isn't enough. I guess you can't make 'em all happy.
Overall rating from 21 reviewers to date = 2.76 stars.
If I were to pair this with a good single malt Scotch, it would probably be the Highland Park or the Talisker, something that can match the full taste of the smoke.
Of the twenty-one reviews to date, including mine, eighteen (86%) are about evenly split between granting Black Parrot a 4-star, 3-star, or a 2-star rating. Only three reviewers give it a 1-star rating. Of those three, two complain that there is too much Perique and one complains that there isn't enough. I guess you can't make 'em all happy.
Overall rating from 21 reviewers to date = 2.76 stars.
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Oct 08, 2005 | Mild to Medium | Mild | Medium | Tolerable |
Black Parrot is not a bad blend at all but suffers from having so much staunch competition. I originally bought this based solely on name to take to a Jimmy Buffett concert and was quite pleased. Unfortunately, once I tried other VaPers such as Dorchester, I haven't reached for this again.
target="_blank"
