Hearth & Home El Niño

Sand-to-walnut with bits of black, this ribbon has an old-timey, musty tin aroma that reminds me of some of the C&D blends, particularly Haunted Bookshop. This aroma is much lighter than HB, but still present. Mostly Virginia and burley aroma with a hint of latakia in the background, which matches the color.

I'm surprised to be the first one to comment on this blend, as it's been around for a year (although I can't recall when in 2013 the West coast show was). Russ is certainly one of the most innovative blenders around and it seems to me that smokers rightly jump quickly on any new offering, so I'm surprised no one has jumped on this one yet. One thing Russ can do that few blenders seem to be able to (or want to try, apparently) is to orchestrate a large number of component tobaccos to create a symphonic whole, rather than a bunch of cacophony. Every constituent tobacco plays it's part here. The Virginia and Kentucky are up front and play off each other with an earthy robustness that reminds me of the best OTC blends, but with higher quality tobaccos. The latakia is definitely there, both in flavor and a light smoky feel, while the perique is way to the rear but provides a slight nose tickle and some overall balance. The black Cavendish lends it's usual sweetness but in a natural, non-goopy aromatic manner. This smokes very dry, and is very forward tasting but not overtly strong. The "volumes of thick, creamy smoke" comment on the tin is very accurate. This blend would be great for puffers, as it doesn't lose its cool easily. And it's very smooth while being robust of taste.

While this isn't a favorite of mine - indeed, not even my favorite H&H - this blend shows enough promise that I'd like to experiment with it more. It has a great taste and is easy to smoke - fairly nicotine heavy but not too much - and it shows the skill and talent of what an excellent blender can do. Recommended to anyone who enjoys VaBurs with a few twists!

I received a sample of this in the past Chicago Show in May from Russ himself. I liked this blend, but didn't love it. I found it to be a unique tasting blend which is always a good thing when you smoke many different blends as I do. It allows it to stand out.

This, I feel, is a pretty complex blend with shifting flavors over the many different ingredients. At times there is nutty earthy sweetness from the burley and Kentucky, other times there is smokiness from the lat. It seems the perique is always there with its spiciness, but does seem to change intensity throughout.

I wish I had a bigger sample of this. I smoked half of it in Chicago which was not the best place to enjoy a contemplative complex blend as I was constantly smoking, drinking and talking. The remaining bowls I had when I returned varied from fantastic to alright. Many people in Chicago were raving over this blend, so I am leaving putting this at three stars and will be buying more. I will later update if necessary.

Upon opening the tin I'm greeted by ribbon cut brown with black tobaccos. The moisture is perfect and ready for smoking. The tin note is earthy, sour and slightly vinegar.

Pipes & Cigars website describes it as: The base is a ripe, matured red Virginia, enriched by a good helping of Acadian Perique and some dark-fired Kentucky. To make the blend rounder and to add a touch of mellow sweetness some unsweetened black Cavendish is included. The final touch is the faintest touch of Latakia to deepen the flavor.

That P&C description is exactly how El Nino smokes for me. The dominant tobaccos, red Virginia and Perique, present a soft VaPer flavor. The DFK adds a soft dry toasty cinnamon-like spice flavor which underlies the VaPer. The natural black Cavendish along with the pinch of Latakia add some body and has minimal influence upon the flavor.

As pretty much with all Hearth & Home tobaccos, El Nino is very well behaved. I didn't experience any gurgle, harshness, or biting. The flavor is fairly consistent throughout the bowl with perhaps the DFK amping up a little towards the end.

If I were to categorize this blend I'd probably put it in the VaPer category. A VaPer with a twist of dark-fired Kentucky.

Another fine blend by Russ. The black cavendish takes the lead in this in my opinion. The Kentucky brings up the strength to a medium level. The Virginia plays second fiddle while the Perique tickles the nose on occasion. The latakia is barely there, and at times it may peek out. Not my normal cup of tea, but not a bad blend either. My tin was very moist and required some dry time. Nicotine level is near medium. Good blend if you into Cavendish blends. Lager

Sample bag given graciously given to me from a fresh tin.

The aroma has that sharp Parmesan Cheese must smell I get in some Virginia perique blends like C&D Anthology. Some hay, wood, spice, slight fruit. The Latakia must be a very small amount. It’s a little wet, I did smoke as it was without drying. Producing voluminous amounts of smoke.

Right off the bat it’s like a vaper blend but with some base to it. Hay, a little sweetness, tartness but with a creamy cedar, woody spice. A slight pepper on the retrohale. Its very creamy and rather mellow and smooth on the pallet without sacrificing on taste. The Latakia is only a condiment as I hardly detect it. I get more woody, bbq, notes from the kentucky than I do the Latakia.

As the bowl progressed the base amplified and this got more woody, spicy, smokey, less sweet. The nicotine hit me half way though the bowl so it is present. No issues with this staying lit. A rather complex and interesting blend with some punch to it.

This is just my first impression and this review will be updated the more I smoke the sample bag.

Tin note of sugared raisins, sour fruit, and spices. Tobacco is medium brown, dark brown and black wide ribbon cut with a few spots of tan leaf. Moisture content is good, no drying or prep needed. Burns moderate with few relights. The strength is medium and nic is medium. No flavoring detected. Taste is medium and consistent, with notes of wood, sweet grass, spice, bread, mild vinegary, dry, leather, floral, spicy, earth, tangy citrus, mildly bitter orange peel/zest, mild tart sugar plums, acidic, a fermented sour fruit background note, and a very peppery retro. Virginia is leading with Perique and Black Cavendish supporting. Kentucky and Latakia are supporting in spirit. Room note is pleasant to tolerable, and aftertaste is great.