TobaccoReviews.com does not permit access to minors.
Are you at least 21 years old?
If you receive this confirmation repeatedly, you will need to enable cookies so that your response can be saved.
Where to Buy
TobaccoPipes.com
Cup O' Joes
SmokingPipes.com
The choicest Virginias, burleys and dark fired Kenyan leaf are enhanced with an impeccable addition of spicy perique, then aged to perfection before being spun into enticingly beautiful, zesty coins. A delightfully vivacious and flavorful smoke.
Favorite Of 10 Users
|
Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| JimInks (3047) |  |
Medium to Strong | Extremely Mild | Medium to Full | Pleasant to Tolerable |
The Virginias are tart and tangy citrus sweet with a little tangy dark fruit, grass, some earth and a touch of honey, bread and acidity. The dark fired spicy, woody, floral, herbal, vegetative, mildly dry and sour Kentucky is an important player, adding some flavor depth and strength. There is a fair amount of raisiny, peppery, plumy, earthy perique that plays well with the Kentucky spice that may tingle the tongue of a fast puffer. The lightly nutty, earthy, woody burley is less than a condiment. There are a very mild rum and anise topping that work well with the tobaccos, and doesn't sublimate them. The strength and taste levels are closer to medium than they are to full. The nic-hit is medium. Won't bite or get harsh, but fast puffing may result in a light tongue tingle. It does have a few small rough edges. The tobacco is coin cut, but very easy to break part or fold and stuff as you please. It's reminiscent of Mac Baren's Three Nuns in several ways, which is no surprise since Mac Baren manufactures both mixtures. It's a little stronger and spicier, and more nuanced than the current Three Nuns (and a little less spicer and sweeter than the old VaPer version). Consider this to be a hot-to-trot kissing cousin to the new Three Nuns, and closer to the VaPer Three Nuns than any of today's or past productions. The varietals are a little dry out of the tin. Well balanced and complex, it burns clean and fairly cool at a lightly slow pace with a deeply rich, very consistent mildly tart and tangy sweet, spicy, lightly savory flavor that translates to the pleasantly lingering after taste, and a lightly stronger room note. Leaves just a little dampness in the bowl. Requires a couple more than an average number of relights. Not quite an all day smoke, but it is a repeatable one.
Update 3-1-2021: I have noticed that this blend was changed after 2015. The perique content was lowered a mite, and the dark fired Kentucky is a more prominent varietal. I would say it is virtually a lead component. The Virginias are close to the lead at times. The perique is now a condiment, and the blend no longer resembles VaPer Three Nuns. Some of my previous observations remain the same.
-JimInks
73 people found this review helpful.
|
Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pipestud (1829) |  |
Medium | None Detected | Medium to Full | Pleasant |
Without question, the finest of the Savinelli blends, I enjoyed the Burley/Kentucky strength that others here found to be too much. I did not. The Virginia/Perique element was bolstered by it and the presentation forced me to buy several more tins for the cellar. I think this one will age beautifully for me. If you have smoked Dunhill's de Luxe Navy Rolls, try to envision that leaf with added Burley and you will pretty much get the picture of what Doblone d'Oro is all about.
Pipestud
38 people found this review helpful.
|
Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DeathMetal.org (231) | |
Medium to Strong | None Detected | Medium to Full | Pleasant to Tolerable |
Summary: A mature Virginia/Perique mixture, Savinelli "Doblone d'Oro" mixes stabilizing Burleys with dark-fired leaf, producing a powerful balanced smoke.
Most Virginia/Perique mixtures fall on the sweet side of the equation to the exclusion of many other flavors, which fits those who want a well-behaved all day smoke for light stimulus. Savinelli "Doblone d'Oro" goes Wagnerian on that formula by adding dark-fired leaf, using darker Virginias balanced with Burleys for a broad and full flavor, and amping the Perique to make a moderately hard-hitting smoke with a balance of flavors.
At first light, the characteristic "VaPer" taste emerges, with the peppered fig flavor of the Perique clashing with the Virginia to produce a lemony aftertaste, but then the Burleys rise and the dark fired leaf wings in to support them, broadening flavor but keeping its balance. The sweetness recedes, and the Perique marches to the front, waving its sword of mixed indole alkaloids, while the dark fired simmers and tones down the flavor from its lighter notes of lemony and grassy Virginia.
If you have tried Orlik "Golden Sliced," Escudo "Navy De Luxe," or the near-twins Newminster "No. 403 Superior Round Slices" and Peter Stokkebye "Luxury Bullseye Flake," you are familiar with the Virginia/Perique format. Savinelli drops the idea of making a purely piquant mix and instead creates a full range of flavors which complement each other, taking this type of blend from its sugary origins to something which can be enjoyed alongside other intense tobaccos. The result can be a savory all-day smoke without the relentless high note that makes most VaPers fall short of full enjoyment.
Similar Blends: Orlik Tobacco Company A/S - Golden Sliced (Red), Scandinavian Tobacco Group (STG) - Escudo Navy De Luxe, Peter Stokkebye - Luxury Bullseye Flake, Newminster - No. 403 Superior Round Slices.
37 people found this review helpful.
|
Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gentleman Zombie (729) | |
Medium to Strong | None Detected | Medium to Full | Pleasant to Tolerable |
This is an outstanding smoke. Smoky, earthy, notes of tangy dark fruit, mildly sweet and spicy, mildly nutty. Very well rounded with a good deal of strength. Rich and satisfying. 25 stars.
Medium to strong in body. No added flavoring. Medium to full in taste. Burns perfectly. Love this stuff.
Pipe Used: MM Little Devil Cutty, Little Devil Acorn, Marcus
Age When Smoked: fresh
Purchased From: Mars cigars and pipes
26 people found this review helpful.
|
Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| dedalto (25) | |
Medium | Strong | Medium to Full | Pleasant |
This is a delightful tobacco. Sweet grassy back drop from the Virginia while the dark fired Kenyan tobacco gives it some strength. The Perique adds some spice to make it interesting. A great all day smoke. It comes out of the tin ready to smoke. It is stimulating without tongue bite and never boring. I am surprised not more people are trying this. With its availability, cost, and undeniable flavor it is an easy 5. it could easily become a classic that a whole other generation will decry it's passing in later years. Rated an easy 4.
Pipe Used: any number. It is a very forgiving tobacco.
Age When Smoked: June 14 and ready to go.
Purchased From: Smoking Pipes
18 people found this review helpful.
|
Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| pylet2000 (33) | |
Medium to Strong | None Detected | Medium to Full | Tolerable to Strong |
Quite possibly the best use of Perique I've experienced. I like Dark Fired Kentucky, and that sets a wonderful backdrop for the nicely balanced Perique to sit against.
In the tin, it looks much like any MacBaren roll cake, albeit quite a bit drier. The smell is even faintly reminiscent, although much more robust. I think of this as what I wish any of the MacBaren roll cakes were actually like. Or maybe like MB roll cakes for a palette that likes deeper tobacco flavors.
The other tobaccos are present but really only serve to balance out and mute the intensity of the dark fired Kentucky and Perique. It ends up being a very likable and agreeable smoke, for me at least. There's a hint of VaPer, but it's not subtle like say Escudo. It's nowhere near as sweet as many VaPers either. The Kentucky gives it a similar base flavor to MacBaren HH Old Dark Fired, but this is more multi-dimensional and complex with the Perique. Speaking of, that Perique note is excellent, among the finest I've had. Strong fig note, a touch of spice, and by no means bitter.
All in all, I give it a highly recommended to those that like fuller flavors. Complex, brooding, curious; this is a very nice blend to fire up, sit back, and contemplate. Reasonable nicotine hit as well, not 1792 or Irish Flake intense, but not wimpy either.
17 people found this review helpful.
|
Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| StevieB (2081) | |
Strong | None Detected | Medium to Full | Pleasant |
Savinelli - Doblone d'Oro.
I got this on a recent trade with my buddy Gentleman Zombie, Franck, cheers pal!
In the tin the blend looks a lot more reminiscent of Mac Baren's Roll cake, rather than one of the better formed roll cakes such as Dunhill De Luxe Navy Rolls, or Escudo Navy De Luxe. As well as some coins the tin includes ribbons (lots more of these than coins), so it doesn't require lots of time to fill a bowl.
To me, the smoke has a fairly full flavour. There's sharp/lively Perique, nutty Burley and a touch of mild Virginia, but it's the Kentucky that elevates the flavour: as the bowl burns there's an amelioration of the Kentucky, and as this develops the smoke becomes fuller. At first the flavour's more of a traditional VaPerBur one, but after a quarter everything changes. If I use the ribbon parts to fill a bowl with it tends to burn a little quick, but by scrunching the actual coin pieces (few as they are) I get a longer smoke. I get no tongue bite from S.d.D, but if I chug it the smoke feels warm.
The nicotine feels strong (I have less tolerance for Lady N since ditching cigarettes a year ago), and the room-note's quite pleasant.
This is a good quality smoke, not one I could have as a go-to, but a very decent blend. Cheers Franck!
Recommended.
Update,07/03/17: I'm loving this as a morning smoke, ergo, raising the result to four stars!
Highly recommended.
Pipe Used: Altinok Meerschaum
Age When Smoked: Tin badged June 2014
Purchased From: Traded with Franck
14 people found this review helpful.
|
|
Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| moniker (220) | |
Medium to Strong | Very Mild | Medium to Full | Pleasant to Tolerable |
Doblone d’Oro is one of several stellar blends released over the past few years by Savinelli. IMO, all of this series are not only good but they are also fairly original without being "out there".
Popping a 1 year old tin of D d’O, the seal seemed good but the mosh of “coins” inside was hardly an auspicious beginning. They were simply piled and smashed into the tin, and they were rather dry. I guess one could say that they come ready for smoking, were it not for another quirk of this blend, which I’ll get to, anon. Tin note is the well-aged, lightly fermented tobaccos listed, with an overall scent of brown raisin bread. The VAs are grassy and hay-ish; the Perique is vaguely fruity; the KY is earthy, subtly smoky and piquant. The “nuts” from the KY/Burly are well roasted. Despite the inviting tin note, I will say right away that D d’O was somewhat rough and muddled when smoked straight out of the tin. For me, it only came into its own after I jarred it for a couple of months, then rubbed it out and blended it before smoking it, and my recommendation is based on these stipulations. Given this prior consideration, D d’O is wonderfully fragrant from first light, and it only gets better as it gathers itself, down the bowl. It is strong enough, yet it is elegant. Sip and sniff it lightly and enjoy the ride. The tobaccos are first quality, and the delicate topping is a perfect complement to the blend, IMO. Spices from the Perique and the KY come across almost like a fruity Oriental, only slightly musty, while the VAs are deep, old hay, semi-sweet and with more punch than I expected, based on the predominant scents and tastes. The lot is deep like KY, with substantial overtones. What I like best about this blend is the nonchalant way its delicate nuances emerge from such a serious, substantial, well-melded blend. The lot both concentrates and smooths out down the bowl. Strength builds gradually until it’s past medium. Tastes are greater than medium, and no need to chase them. Room note is nice, especially in view of the Perique and the KY. There is plenty of thick smoke. Aftertaste is the best of the smoke. It handles, packs, lights and smokes like a dream, from beginning to end.
Approached with respect, Doblone d’Oro might be a nice introduction to VA/Bur/Per, also KY. Once aged, rubbed out and blended, it’s complex without complications, a comfortable, satisfying smoke, like the best of the old “Premium” blends. Bravo. 4 stars.
Pipe Used: various briars
Age When Smoked: 1 year ib the tin; 2 mos. in a jar
Purchased From: Liberty Tobacco
Similar Blends: Compare/contrast to GLP Triple Play.
14 people found this review helpful.
|
Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TallPuffO'Burley (633) | |
Medium to Strong | None Detected | Medium | Tolerable |
Edit 1/8/2016
This is an example of why I now don't give 4 stars to blends of which I only smoked a small sample. This is still a good blend and I certainly don't regret buying two tins of it following my last review of it. I did recently finish one of those 100g tins. I do like it for the reasons disclosed below, but think it falls a little below the other VaBurPer blends for which I have awarded four stars in the past.
The reason is likely more my personal preference for a heavier Kentucky, or burley presence in these blends. This is a well-balanced blend to be sure, but it is a little lighter in body than my favorite ones.
Original Review 1/26/15
It is interesting how I came to get a hold of this one. A friend of mine and I both took advantage of a groupon to get Trevi 320's from BnB tobaccos. Later when we got together for a smoke, he asked me which Savinelli Tobacco I chose. I had a blank look on my face. Apparently when ordering I missed the fact that the pipe would come with a free tin.
Anyway, he gave me a sample of this one that he chose. I was irritated I missed out on a free tin, but then really irritated after I tasted how fantastic this blend was. This is right up my alley of blends I like. Rich in perique and Dark fired Kentucky it is earthy and spicy. The Virginia is the perfect complement to this blend bringing just the right amount of sweetness to the little coins.
It is a well-balanced blend that is a little like Three Nuns, Newminster superior rounds or even Strang. I liked it so much I ended up ordering two more tins, one of which, I plan on aging.
13 people found this review helpful.
|
|
Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Art_A (10) | |
Medium to Strong | Medium | Medium to Full | Pleasant |
When I was stationed in Germany in 1957 I was introduced to Three Nuns and smoked it daily until it was no longer available. I have tried every new version on the Nuns and none was like the old Bells. Many of the tobaccos were very good but not like the old tobacco. This is not the same but to this piper’s taster it is very close. My palette is not as refined as some of the reviewers, but to me this tobacco is a bit stronger and has a heavier aftertaste in the mouth. The perique seems a tad less, but for me this is as close as one can get to the old blend of yore. Also please remember that I am basing this review on my memories from the past.
Pipe Used: Various Briars
Age When Smoked: Sept 2015
Purchased From: Mars
Similar Blends: Bells three Nuns.
12 people found this review helpful.
|
|
Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CTS (138) | |
Medium to Strong | None Detected | Medium to Full | Tolerable |
Excellent blend with rich flavor delivery. It all comes together well - fresh out of the tin. Very Mac Barenesque, as should apparently be expected from the research I've done on this one. One light, clean burn, no fuss. A creaminess to the excellent flavors delivered, with nice spice on the retrohale. 4*.
Pipe Used: Karl Erik
Age When Smoked: Tin date JUN 2014
Purchased From: Tinder Box, Mishawaka, IN
10 people found this review helpful.
|
Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brooklynsmoker (10) | |
Mild to Medium | Medium | Mild to Medium | Pleasant |
An instant classic.Coin cut.Perfect moisture level which you can smoke right out of the can.Nice spice and Virginia.A really wonderful and refreshing aroma.All day kinda smoke without a doubt.
Pipe Used: Some briars
Age When Smoked: couple of months
9 people found this review helpful.
|
|
Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BingCrosby (162) | |
Medium to Strong | None Detected | Medium to Full | Pleasant to Tolerable |
If you are upset about the new 3 nuns not containing perique- check out this stuff... as others have said it's very similar to the new 3 nuns but with a nice perique blast upfront.. both tobacco produced by mac baren.. makes you think.. maybe they really only could use the orlik recipe by law.. In any case... both tobacco blends are good... this one is better.. nice big smoke.. the dark fired is a great supporting player...same moisture content to 3 nuns.. pretty dry straight from the tin.. in 100 grams... for a few dollars more go for this even if it isn't called 3 nuns. If there is a topping it's the exact same as 3 nuns.. dead on . 5/15/20 This has only gotten better... surprising amount of flavor packed in this stuff.. If cabbies is your morning smoke, this could be your night smoke..
8 people found this review helpful.
|
Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Old German puffer (106) | |
Mild to Medium | Mild to Medium | Mild to Medium | Very Pleasant |
This is by far the best of the tobacco line. Wonderful coin cut. Love how it packs and lights. LIGHT citrus and great tobbaco Smell. No need to dry. Flavor stays the same from start to finish. This should be the king of the line. Seems to be the only one that they care about.
Pipe Used: Comoy
Age When Smoked: Tin - 5 years
Purchased From: WASH. DC
7 people found this review helpful.
|
|
Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mouse (7) | |
Medium to Strong | None Detected | Medium | Pleasant |
Nice coins, fairly dry and smokeable without needing further drying. Reminds me of MacBaren's Dark Twist with a bit of Perique added. No country of origin or blender listed on the tin but I'm guessing MacBaren.
Pipe Used: Sav. Onda Canadian, Radice Rhodesian
Age When Smoked: new
Purchased From: smokingpipes
6 people found this review helpful.
|
Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ScienceSmoker (60) | |
Medium to Strong | Mild | Medium to Full | Pleasant |
My first smoke of Doblone D'Oro was a bit troubled, since the tobacco was dust dry when I opened it. Thankfully, the guys at TobaccoPipes sent me a new tin.
This new tin was a different story. Opening it up, there is a sweet smell of honey, then a smokey tang that kind of reminds me of St.Bruno's "A1 Steak sauce" scent... surely the Kentucky. First few puffs... the Virginia's light grassy, almost lemony flavor and the Perique's "spicy/plummy" flavor mix with the honey topping. But most apparent is the sharp Kentucky and Perique match, which comes though almost as a single sweet and savory flavor. Really nice, everything blends perfectly. This is a really excellent tobacco.
Bottom line: This is a solid 4 star blend... one of the best.
Age When Smoked: 1 year
Purchased From: TobaccoPipes.com
5 people found this review helpful.
|
|
Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Emeritus Account (30171) | |
Medium to Strong | Extremely Mild | Full | Tolerable |
I concur with everything JimInks (the Sherlock Holmes of Tobacco Reviews) wrote in his review on Doblone d'Oro. Like Bond... James Bond, with a "License to Savor," shaken, not stirred. He should have his taste buds & olfactory glands insured. I couldn't have said it better myself. After more sampling... three tins down, I believe the elusive flavor he was trying to ID might have been a very "light" touch of Ouzo, a type of Greek Rum or possibly flavor imparted via newer Rum casks but that is only conjecture on my part.
Further research might also indicate a flavoring of brown sugar or molasses, possibly both & maybe some Curry, also cultivated in the Kenyan region. The Kenyan leaf is processed into a dark fired Kentucky Burley. Whatever the flavor additives were, it produced a similarity to the old Bell's Three Nuns which I sorely miss. JimInks's review, among other experienced pipers, is the reason I chose to sample this blend. The fermented aroma from the tin in itself was a salivating treat... smells intoxicating but in a non-aromatic way. This will most likely be the closest any blend will ever come to the original Bell's Three Nuns. Moreover, we know not what happens & who converses in the procurement & blending craft. They all retain their secrets in code... maybe some vital information was passed on to Savinelli.
The flavor improved after a little had burned off... a delicious semi-sweet flavor with some punch to it. The Perique also produces some fruity sweetness that is complimented by the VA sweetness & strength of the Dark Fired Kenyan Burley. It seemed to smoke just as cool toward the end but about halfway through the bowl is when this mixture really starts to shine. This is a fairly strong blend that won't bite & provides abundant, creamy smoke with a perfect burn rate. I think this will become sweeter with a little more aging. After sampling just one tin, I purchased three extra rolls to cellar. Needless to say, I really crave this relatively recent offering from Savinelli.
I don't inhale any form of tobacco but still received a decent Vitamin N blast from this blend. Got my head right & it will be an all day smoke for me as long as I'm above ground but God willing, I can take it with me. Right now, the way I feel about this mixture is that it's a blending masterpiece. These coins are about the size of a quarter and the tin also contains some loose strands... you might say partially mixed. There are no stems & the tobacco is well behaved & requires little maintenance. It's not too moist which makes it a relatively good value & can be smoked right from the opening & produces very little, if any condensation.
I noticed that the tin aroma from this and the Mac Baren Three Nuns is different... similar but not the same animal. Doblone d'Oro smells well cured & more enticing. I feel confident that this blend will go from excellent into the nirvana stage as time flies & will become as legendary as the original Bell's Three Nuns. If this were the only pipe tobacco in the world, I would still be a happy camper. This might possibly reach the epitome of a classic blend. Anyway, this was just as enjoyable to me as the original Bell's Three Nuns blend & I will rate Doblone d'Oro off the chart... four stars plus!
Pipe Used: Cavicchi (CCC), 312 Sterling Pete, Huber Dublin
Age When Smoked: 6 months
Purchased From: Smoking Pipes
Similar Blends: Original Bell's Three Nuns & other quality VA/Per/Burs but provides a much better flavor & value for the $$...
5 people found this review helpful.
|
|
Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ½ bowl (103) | |
Medium | None Detected | Medium to Full | Unnoticeable |
A grassy Virginia, whose piquancy is subdued by the other components, all in superb balance. The nutty Burley provides a solid background, and lends its body and excellent mouth feel to the blend. The dark-fruity Perique carries the bottom end, producing a little mustiness that holds my interest throughout the smoke. I don't have a clue as to what the Kenyan leaf is, or what it does; but, if it's an essential ingredient, I'm glad it's in there!
Great smoke volume, body, mouth feel, balance, yada, yada... No issues with this clearly superior smoke.
Similar Blends: Original 3 Nuns, so they say.
5 people found this review helpful.
|
Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LiterarySmoker (143) | |
Mild to Medium | None Detected | Medium | Tolerable |
Blend: Doblone D'oro Blend Type: VaPer Cut: Loose Coin Topping: None Detected Taste: Medium Strength: Mild-Medium
It took me a long time to get to it but I've been aging Savinelli's Doblone D'Oro for about 1-2 months now and I decided to break it out and open for Easter.
So here is my take: Upon opening the jar you are met with a pleasant grassy note from the Virginia's with the mixed subtle spiciness from the the Perique. I have heard this blend compared to Three Nuns Green and I will say the Three Nuns has more of a grassy note than Doblone in the tin/jar. It comes in coins which I find to be just a hair tighter packed than The average Three Nuns but there is a similarity. They are very easy to rub out and I find the tobacco to be dry enough to smoke right out of the tin, with possibly erring on the side of needing slight rehydration. Easy to pack I found that getting a light wasn't a problem and with keeping a slow cadence it did need a relight every now and again. Room note: I don't think your non smoking friends will like this one, it is not strong but I will say it definitely smells of the Virginia. I find this quite pleasant but you never know. The nicotine is mild to medium and I would categorize this as satisfying for myself personally.
Now to the important stuff: taste. It is a solid medium. I can definitely taste the Virginia's light and grassy and definitely citrusy at the beginning of the bowl and mellowing out as you puff along. The Perique adds a peculiar spicy raisinyness to which I am particularly fond. It doesn't overpower but in my opinion gives a boldness and fuller flavor than say your regular Three Nuns orange. I don't mean to keep comparing it to the TN Green but it's the closest analog I can think of, and here again where the Perique in TN Green is more mellow, this blend seems just a hair more Perique forward. As you reach the end you will find that it burns down to a fine white ash. For a Vaper lover this could easily be an all day smoke. It definitely ages well and is immensely satisfying, I will definitely buy more.
As a postscript I have heard this blend compared to the original Three Nuns and since I have never tried that blend I wouldn't know where to start but I will reccomend you try this for it's own merits.
Pipe Used: Savinelli Oceano Poker
Age When Smoked: 1 year
Purchased From: Smokingpipes.com
Similar Blends: Three Nuns Green.
4 people found this review helpful.
|
|
Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DrT999 (318) | |
Mild to Medium | None Detected | Mild to Medium | Pleasant to Tolerable |
On opening, this was really dry, requiring some rehydration, which was surprising since it was supposed to be a fairly fresh tin (dated June 2018). Anyway, many of the coins fell apart on their own, but either way packed nicely and didn't burn terribly quickly. The trio of VA, Kentucky, & Perique melded and complimented each other fairly well, with the edge to the VA. I think the slight sweetness was due to the VA but JimInks could be right and there might be a splash of rum. A nice every day smoke. If you enjoy smoking coins, you should give it a try -- similar to the standard offerings but just a bit different.
Pipe Used: cobs and meers
Age When Smoked: 7 months
Purchased From: Smoking Pipes
Similar Blends: 3 Nuns Green.
4 people found this review helpful.
|
|
Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Emeritus Account (30171) | |
Medium to Strong | Extremely Mild | Full | Tolerable to Strong |
Note: Similar to my prior account review. I concur with everything JimInks (the Sherlock Holmes of Tobacco Reviews) wrote in his review on Doblone d'Oro. Like Bond... James Bond, with a "License to Savor," shaken or stirred. He should have his taste buds & olfactory glands insured. I couldn't have said it better myself. After more sampling... three tins down, I believe the elusive flavor he was trying to ID might have been Ouzo, a type of Greek Rum flavored with Anise & maybe there's possibly a bit of brown sugar which gave this blend it's flavor similar to Bell's Three Nuns but that's just conjecture on my part & his review, among other experienced pipers, is the reason I chose to sample this blend. The fermented aroma from the tin in itself was a real treat. This will be the closest any blend will ever come to Bell's Three Nuns. We know not what happens & who converses in the procurement & blending craft.
The flavor improved after a little had burned off... a delicious semi-sweet flavor with some punch to it. I'm unable to fully explain all the subtle nuances of this blend or why it tantalized my taste buds. It seemed to smoke just as cool toward the end but about halfway through the bowl is when this mixture really starts to shine. I had no idea that I'd be in for such a treat when I purchased this tin. This is a fairly strong blend that won't bite & provides abundant, creamy smoke & I think this will become sweeter with a little more aging. After sampling just one tin, I purchased three extra rolls to cellar. I don't inhale any form of tobacco but still received a decent Vitamin N blast from this blend. Got my head right & it will be an all day smoke for me as long as I'm above ground.
Right now, the way I feel about this stuff is that it's a blending masterpiece. This is by far the best pipe tobacco of this genre that I've ever smoked in my entire life! These coins are about the size of a quarter and the tin also contains some loose strands... you might say partially mixed. There are no stems & the tobacco is well behaved with a perfect burn rate which doesn't require relights. It's not too moist which makes it a relatively good value & can be smoked right from the opening & produces very little if any condensation.
I noticed that the tin aroma from this and the MacBaren Three Nuns is different... similar but not the same animal. Doblone d'Oro smells well cured & more enticing. I feel confident that this blend will go from excellent into the nirvana stage as time flies & bought more for cellaring. If this were the only pipe tobacco in the world, I would still be a happy camper. This might possibly reach the epitome of a classic blend. Anyway, this was just as enjoyable to me as the original Bell's Three Nuns blend & I will rate Doblone d'Oro off the chart... four stars plus!
Pipe Used: Cavicchi (C) Dublin / D. S. Huber Bent Dublin
Age When Smoked: About six months
Purchased From: Smoking Pipes
Similar Blends: Original Three Nuns & many other VA/Per/Burs but much better flavor..
4 people found this review helpful.
|
|
Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Emeritus Account (30171) | |
Medium to Strong | Extremely Mild | Full | Pleasant to Tolerable |
I concur with everything JimInks (the Sherlock Holmes of Tobacco Reviews) wrote in his review on Doblone d'Oro. He should be granted a "License to Savor" & have his taste buds & olfactory glands insured. I couldn't have said it better myself. I believe the elusive flavor he was trying to ID might have been Bourbon since Perique is cured/fermented under pressure in used Bourbon casks/barrels but that's just conjecture on my part & his review, among other experienced pipers, is the reason I chose to sample this blend.
The fermented aroma from the tin in itself was a real treat. The flavor improved after a little had burned off... a delicious semi-sweet flavor with some punch to it. I'm unable to fully explain all the subtle nuances of this blend or why it tantalized my taste buds. It seemed to smoke just as cool toward the end but about halfway through the bowl is when this mixture really starts to shine. I had no idea that I'd be in for such a treat when I purchased this tin. This is a fairly strong blend that won't bite & provides abundant, creamy smoke & I think this will become sweeter with a little more aging. I don't inhale any form of tobacco but still received a decent Vitamin N blast from this blend. Got my head right & it will be an all day smoke for me as long as I'm above ground.
Right now, the way I feel about this stuff is that it's a blending masterpiece. This is by far the best pipe tobacco of this genre that I've ever smoked in my entire life! These coins are about the size of a quarter and the tin also contains some loose strands... you might say partially mixed. There are no stems & the tobacco is well behaved with a perfect burn rate which doesn't require relights. NOTE: This might be of interest to some pipers. You'll notice the center of the coins are a dark tobacco... the loose strands are a mixture of light & dark. I was experimenting & sampled a bowl with just the dark center & it didn't smoke with as good a flavor as when mixed with the lighter strands. I felt this worth mentioning.
It's not too moist which makes it a relatively good value & can be smoked right from the opening but is best if dried out to the proper smoking moisture. It doesn't produce excessive moisture if dried properly but will still produce some condensation, regardless. I noticed that the tin aroma from this and the MacBaren Three Nuns is different... similar but not the same animal. Doblone d'Oro smells well cured & more enticing. I feel confident that this blend will go from excellent into the nirvana stage as time flies & bought more for cellaring. If this were the only pipe tobacco in the world, I would still be a happy camper. This might possibly reach the epitome of a classic blend. I will rate Doblone d'Oro off the chart... four stars plus!
Pipe Used: Cavicchi (C) Dublin / 6" Meerschaum Billiard
Age When Smoked: Tin was packed in June of 2018.
Purchased From: Smoking Pipes
Similar Blends: Scottish Flake, Haddo's Delight, Marlin Flake, Original Bells Three Nuns, Hal O' The Wynd, Escudo, Dunhill Navy Rolls, etc., Note: To iterate... the similars listed are only that. Doblone d'Oro however, IMHO, is in a class all its own..
4 people found this review helpful.
|
|
Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Emeritus Account (30171) | |
Medium to Strong | None Detected | Medium | Pleasant to Tolerable |
Synopsis: This stuff is so good and is one of the best Va/Pers with dark fired tobacco on the market.
When you open the tin, your nose is met with a smokey aroma from the dark fired with grassy-hints from the Virginias. The smokey aroma is a bit toned down from the current iteration of Three Nuns (red tin).
The dark fired Kenyan leaf and perique make themselves known at the first light. They play quite well together—merging piquant spicy and smoky flavors in just the right proportions. The Virginias and Burley tobaccos play a supporting role that help even out any rough edges of the blend. In fact, I find that this blend smokes very smoothly.
Savinelli's Doblone d'Oro is a very good choice for those days when you desire a more full bodied smoke that is not an English blend. None Nicer.
4 people found this review helpful.
|
|
Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Darth 69 (117) | |
Medium | Very Mild | Mild to Medium | Tolerable |
This is one of those blends that turns out quite different than anticipated based on it's description. With a name like "Gold Coins" I was expecting more of a virginia based twist and in fact the virginia turns out to be a minor player that is moderately cased sweeter. These spun discs/coins have a "Dutch" character where a touch of dark-fired leaf adds an underlying note of smokiness. My first impression was how reminiscent it was to a cigar maybe from Honduras. After being open a while more of the burley dominates the blend and smokes more like a dryer dutch cavendish. I never seem to get a strong hit of perique despite adding some fruitiness to the tin aroma so, it must be blended in small amounts very uniformly. Despite the listed ingredients it's not very high in nicotine, below medium. This blend is sort of between the current Three Nuns and Amphora brown. If you like Amphora or any other more natural dutch cavendish and want something more bold give this a try. Burley flake fanciers of the likes of Solani, Wessex and the long gone Edgeworth Slices may well appreciate this blend also. If the burley is a little too gritty for someone's preference which dominates the blend then Three Nuns is the far more smoother alternative. Not great but I think it could have been composed better.
Pipe Used: Stanwell Brushed Brown 29
Age When Smoked: 09/2015
Similar Blends: Three Nuns(Mac Baren version), Amphora Original Blend(Mac Baren).
4 people found this review helpful.
|
Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| cakeanddottle (105) | |
Medium | None Detected | Medium to Full | Tolerable |
I am going to go against the crowd on this one. The tobacco is excellent, and the dryness level means no prep is required to load and smoke a bowl. I just don't love this. It lacks anything resembling sweetness. It's absolutely a savory version of this blend of tobaccos. Whereas JKP and OJK would be on the savory end of a VaBurPer, this takes it even farther and makes those two seem like dessert in comparison. It's good tobacco, and if you're inclined to a blend completely lacking in any bright and sweet notes, you may love it. It's not what I was looking for out of this mix of tobaccos.
update 12Nov2019: this tobacco is improved by treating it like GH made it and smoking it in a small pipe, say a Prince. I like it better than initially, but still don't go along with the crowd.
4 people found this review helpful.
|
|
Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Snappo's Pipe (23) | |
Medium to Strong | None Detected | Medium to Full | Very Pleasant |
Savinelli Gold Dablouns a/k/a Doblone d' Oro... many deep shades of Bell's Three Nuns (VaKy) & PH Curly Block in flavor profiles, albeit slightly more floral & a bit less bold in strength to my palette. An ultra-easy 1st class smoke with great burn and huge billowy clouds right out of a fresh tin - a very special blend this one!
Pipe Used: No name baby briar....
Age When Smoked: 2014
Purchased From: P&C
Similar Blends: Bell's Three Nuns & PH Curly Block, but more floral with greater finesse.
4 people found this review helpful.
|
Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blew_Smoke (17) | |
Strong | Mild | Mild to Medium | Pleasant |
This is my first review.
I tried this in a cob first, then in the churchwarden.
I received this tin free when I ordered a Savinelli pipe. I chose it for its great reviews. The tin note is lovely, but hard to describe: sweet, a slight hint of barbecued meat, but not nearly as much so as a Mcclelland virginia flake. The coins are looser than I gauged from the picture. They crumble as I pick them up: no break/rub required. The sweetness of the tin is also present in the flavor upon lighting. To summarize: honey, spice, and everything nice. I don't know if this honey flavor comes from the virginias or if it is a topping, but it is not subtle. My whole mouth tastes like honey. But the sweetness of the honey balanced with the spice of the perique/Kentucky. Smokes dry and there's no crackle. I am conflicted because I want to really puff it for the honey flavor, but the strong nicotine hit is holding me back. Give this one 3.5 stars. I only hold back on 4 stars because its a little too much nicotine for me. It has such a hard nic hit that I feel sick after smoking it. Highly recommended for those who don't mind all the nicotine.
Pipe Used: MM Cob & Savinelli Prince of Wales Churchwarden
Age When Smoked: new
Purchased From: pipesmoking.com
4 people found this review helpful.
|
Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Badmedicine (51) | |
Medium to Strong | None Detected | Medium | Tolerable |
I think I'm going to break with the crowd in not venerating this blend. That isn't to say this is a bad blend; I see both the comparisons and the contrasts with Three Nuns, and I can appreciate it for it's own merits. What knocks this out of 4-star territory for me is what seems to elevate it for others: the burley. I don't care for "unaltered" burley. I live on perique, and I like a good punch of dark-fired sometimes, but straight burley just makes it bitey and muted for me. Not to say this is bad; I'd just like to taste it without the burley. Out of the tin, the moisture level is perfect for immediate smoking. The room note is a bit more cigarette-like than most of the VA/Per/Ky's I favor; that's the burley again. There is a nice background of sweet tanginess, but it seems muted. I seem to fall to the "New School" Va/Pers in terms of my preferences; I don't value subtlety, but big, assertive flavor profiles. A more mature, gentle palate would appreciate this. The bite potential (for most people) would be quite low, but some quirk of my body chemistry makes me overly sensitive to alkaline mixtures. A standard Va/Per/Ky is perfect for me, but adding more burley tips the pH scale out of my favor. Strength is another factor that I am ill-suited to judge; Lady N has very little influence on me, unless in weaponized quantities. Based on its components, I would wager this is a "medium-strong" blend, more in the realm of Ten Russians and University Flake than the skull-splitters like Mad Fiddler, 1792 Flake, and ropes. I picked up two tins of this on a sale; while the freshly opened one may be condemned to the incinerator, I'll shove the sealed one to the back of my aging cabinet to reassess in a few years. Maybe it will improve, or maybe I will.
Pipe Used: Bones Oom Paul, Charatan Egg
Age When Smoked: Fresh
Purchased From: Smoking Pipes
Similar Blends: Three Nuns Green (which I prefer to this).
3 people found this review helpful.
|
Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Viscfab (36) | |
Medium | None Detected | Medium to Full | Pleasant |
This is an absolutely fantastic Va/per blend manufactured for Savinelli by MacBaren. Cracking the tin open I was greeted by a mix of coins, semi rubbed out coins and ready rubbed tobaccos of a dark brownish color. It came just ready to fill the pipe and light. Not moist and not dry. Just right. Delightful smell of figs and some earth and dried fruit. Natural tobacco aroma, quite fermented and fragrant. Packs well. Taks 2 or 3 lights to get going. A delicious taste and aroma remining me of whole wheat bread, some natural sweetness and hay of the Virginias and a touch of peppery retrohale from the Perique. Dark fired Kenyan leaf adds a subtle smoky profile, nothing to do with Latakia, much more on the barbecue sauce side. Very tasty and fragrant. I use larger bowls and sip it slowly exhuding the smoke from mouth to nose with some retrohaling for a profound taste. a Medium to Full blend for Virginia and Perique lovers like myself. Burns at a medium to slow rate and burns to fine white ash. No goop, no mess. Satisfying and contemplatory experience. No bite. Room note is delicious for pipesmokers but may not pass the wife test. Strongly recommended.
Pipe Used: Vauen, Savinelli, Stanwell
Age When Smoked: 2 years
Purchased From: brick and mortar
Similar Blends: Escudo and Original Three Nuns by Bells., Scandinavian Tobacco Group (STG) - Escudo Navy De Luxe.
3 people found this review helpful.
|
|
Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RAV (12) | |
Medium to Strong | None Detected | Full | Tolerable |
I love the funky sour tin note and the loose mini coins are fun. Very full flavored and spicy tobacco. I like dark fired leaf but prefer it used more sparingly like in Pease’s Montgomery or McConnell’s Folded Flake or even McB’s Dark Twist. Recommended for those who enjoy more than condimental portions of dark fired and/or Perique.
Pipe Used: Various Briars
Age When Smoked: Fresh
Purchased From: Smokingpipes.com
Similar Blends: Three Nuns Green.
3 people found this review helpful.
|
|
Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lord Guyrox (24) | |
Medium to Strong | Very Mild | Medium to Full | Tolerable |
Updated Review (2022-02-02)
I opened another tin bearing the Mac Baren dating of Jun 2014. The first one dated from about the time I had tried it. Now, even though the tobacco is still on the dry side, but not bone dry, things have gone much better overall. The burning qualities have significantly improved. The taste is very similar to HH Acadian Perique, which is not surprising and I sense there might be a bit more Perique. Doblone d'Oro is a very decent mixture that is spicy, yields fine natural tasting tobacco and offers a touch (barely) of sweetness at times. Roomnote is probably not the most pleasant but is far from offensive to the nose nor overwhelming. In summary, my second experience is much, much better and I can say I am enjoying this offering more than last time but it would be much better (and thus, recommendable) if the coins were less dry as it loses some of the flavors. There is much better out there in the genre but there are many worse offerings as well. I would recommend you wait for the tin to be at least 5 or 6 years before opening, which would allow for the PG to evaporate, leaving a manageable tobacco.
Original Review (2020-05-04)
Considering this is a Mac Baren product, I am not impressed with the overall quality of this blend. Which, to top it, is not exactly inexpensive. Despite the seal being intact, the tobacco coins were very dry. Too dry, in fact. There was the typical Mac Baren coin aroma of molasses combined with a definitive smokiness from the Kentucky. Without any surprise, the coins broke up easily. Globally, I had an almost flavorless smoking experience. At the same time, the burning rate was fairly slow, which indicates a healthy amount of PG added to the leaf and which generated, of course, some oral discomfort. I hope my other tins will have an acceptable moisture level; otherwise, I will have lost some good money.
Pipe Used: Various Dunhills
Age When Smoked: Jun 2014 (updated review)
3 people found this review helpful.
|
|
Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 43Bulldog (5) | |
Medium to Strong | Medium | Medium to Full | Tolerable |
Wow! earthy, creamy, smooth, sweet, slightly grassy...everything is firing. I didn't know what the fuss was about with HH Old Dark fired, and I found most Va and VaPers lacking body. IMHO Doblone smashes them all.
Not an all day smoke - I reach for it when VaPers become one dimensional.
Pipe Used: Morgan Bones Straight Bulldog
Age When Smoked: 1year old tin.
Purchased From: 4Noggins
Similar Blends: New 3Nuns Green/Orange , HH Acadian Perique.
3 people found this review helpful.
|
Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BrokenRecord (124) | |
Medium to Strong | None Detected | Medium to Full | Tolerable |
Doblone d'Oro: Gold Coins of Perfection
The red Virginias seem to be the basis of this blend and add quite a bit of natural sweetness and some tang. The Dark-fired leaf balances well with the the tanginess of the Virginia leaf—adding an oak-fire quality to the smoke. The perique adds a pleasant spiciness (like a medium-bodied Va/per) and turns this blend into a complex and intriguing experience. I do not get much from the burley present, but it does feel like it adds some depth to the overall blend.
I picked up a tin of this after smoking the current iteration of Three Nuns. I much prefer Doblone d'Oro. Savinelli's offering is much more balanced and nuanced, with more oomph than the overly sweet and two note Three Nuns.
3 people found this review helpful.
|
|
Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| babysinister (55) | |
Medium to Strong | Mild | Full | Tolerable |
Spicy! By which I mean densely seasoned. The Kentucky almost steals the show in this blend. I tasted the sweetness of fruit, on top of a spice box of earthy and smokey honey, but toasty, as if resting on hickory wood. It conveys an all-encompassing tang that is extremely satisfying to me but not overwhelming (almost though). A smoky and rich delivery. People who compare this to old Three Nuns are right. So if you liked the original iteration of that baccy, which used to include perique back then, you'll like this one too. I love these little frangible coins that just fall apart with no effort. An exceptional smoke, but by no means an all-day smoke, which it obviously is not intended to be anyway. This baccy sets out to get your attention and, in my case, it does. Smoke it slowly and savor to capture all its beauties, that always being a good idea.
Pipe Used: GBD billiard
Age When Smoked: Three plus years jarred
Similar Blends: The original Three Nuns (i.e., the one with perique)..
3 people found this review helpful.
|
|
Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Olivermac (19) | |
Medium | Mild | Medium | Tolerable |
This is only my second review so I made an idiotic mistake and had to erase an entire, extremely well thought out review on the damn wrong Savinelli blend. Pretty tragic. Ugh! Ok, we'll I have had this one as well and it was a fairly impressive tobacco all around. It may be slightly on the strong side for some, but for those of you who enjoy dark fired and some intensity it should be a good one. I would suggest trying it, if nothing else, because of how unusual it is. There are blends in the same general ballpark, such as Mac Baren Stockton and three nuns, but this is not a blend that made me say 'oh yeah, that's just like so n so to me'. Its got something about it that sets it apart and I enjoyed that about it. Its a coin cut blend that stays dark fired smoky and stout throughout with some underlying Virginia notes poking through. All in all great smoke, especially for later in the evening.
Pipe Used: Various mm cobs and assorted briars
Age When Smoked: June 2016
Purchased From: P&c
3 people found this review helpful.
|
|
Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NEWMAN (305) | |
Medium | None Detected | Medium | Pleasant to Tolerable |
Although the vacuum seal on my tin was intact, I felt this tobacco was too dry right from the tin. Many of the coins had separated, perhaps in transit, resulting in fine ribbons that burned much quicker that my normal flakes. Overall, a well balanced smoke but I prefer I bigger influence of Perique. Burned evenly with no relights and smoked cool without condensation or bite.
Pipe Used: various bowl sizes
Age When Smoked: dated 6/14
Purchased From: smoking pipes
3 people found this review helpful.
|
Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pryhosm (248) | |
Medium | None Detected | Medium to Full | Tolerable to Strong |
I have long been a disciple of Italian pipes with Moretti and Castello being by two favorite artisan pipes and Savinelli’s of all kinds being my favorite. Oddly enough this is my first Savinelli tobacco to go into any pipe.
The tin note greets you with the DFK, Smokey and sweet with some faint dark fruit from the perique.
The DFK is the star of the show and slightly overpowers the other flavors but in a good way. The distinct savory smoky flavor of the DFK greets you at first puff and lasts throughout the bowl. It is rounded out by the dark, sweet Virginia’s. In between puffs you also get a very nice bready flavor. The perique becomes known in mouth feel at first, a tingle in the throat and on the tongue but develops into a white pepper spice note. The other Burley’s are barely noticeable but do add some body to the smoke and I do get a faint cocoa flavor on the finish. This is a unique smoke in a sea of “me too” blends.
It may be the coins that make me think that this may be closer to what the original Three Nuns may have tasted like, I am sure it isn’t but it does add a nostalgic aspect to this smoke. Not a regular rotation for me but may be my go to in warm weather when my craving for Latakia all but disappears.
Pipe Used: Briar’s and cob’s
2 people found this review helpful.
|
Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Antonius Blok (192) | |
Medium to Strong | Extremely Mild | Full | Tolerable |
The irregular cut coins, mixed with loose strands in the style of Cabbie’s Mixture, appear highly compressed in their tin and quite dry. The cold aroma already points to the presence of smoked Kentucky.
After lighting the tobacco, the first thing that comes out is a Kentucky variety that reminds me a lot of Mac Baren's HH Old Dark Fired, which is not so strange, since Doblone d'Oro is also manufactured by the Mac Baren house. If there is a reason why I have not been to that ODF more often, it is precisely because of its homogeneity in flavor and because of the excessive robustness of Kentucky. However, in Doblone d'Oro that same flavor is nuanced and softened by the other components, allowing me to enjoy that same Kentucky flavor combined with the other ingredients without feeling overwhelming. Is also some extra sweetness that seems to come from some kind of topping, but I can't be sure. As a curiosity, I will say that I find in this mixture a slight flavor similar to that of banana, which I have not found in any other mixture.
Towards the last third of the bowl, the burley appears by surprise holding the reins and taking a turn to the smoke that makes me think that this is several mixtures in one. A very rich tobacco that enters my daily rotation without any doubt.
Age When Smoked: Unknown
Similar Blends: Three Nuns (Mac Baren).
2 people found this review helpful.
|
Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thepipehunter (43) | |
Medium to Strong | Mild | Medium to Full | Tolerable to Strong |
Savinelli Doblone d'Oro is a spicy Virginia Perique blend with enough Dark Fired Kentucky to make this a very interesting blend. It is spun cut, much like Three Nuns, however in the sample I was given it was fairly broken up. The tin note is sweet hay like Virginia, while the perique is spicey, peppery, and plum like. The Kentucky shines through very well with its woody and smokey notes. I also pick up on a honey like topping.
Upon lighting I am greeted with a lot of flavors. The Virginias are full flavored with notes of hay and a bit of grass. I would associate the VAs as being on the darker side. They are tied with the Kentucky which is smokey, tangy, and woodsy with BBQ notes of smoked brisket. The perique is very full as well, and is almost tied with the previously mentioned components. It is very peppery, with a lot of dark fruit notes. The perique leaves a light tingle on the tongue much in the way spicy food will. It was nice, and I have only experienced this previously with C&D Bayou Morning. There is a brown sugar note that I believe is brought forth by the Burleys, and a light touch of nuttiness as well. There is a light top note that plays well with the flavors of the tobacco and would be easy to miss. I noticed it as honey, Jiminks states that it is rum and anise, and I believe this to be true. It is sweet an does support the blend.
Doblone d'Oro smoked very cool and burned very slow, however it did require more relights than what I am used to. This did not bother me though and should not put anyone off who is considering trying this blend. In summary, the best way I can describe this blend is sweet, spicy, and zesty. A very full flavored VaPerBur. 3.5 stars.
2 people found this review helpful.
|
|
Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Robby the Belgian (24) | |
Medium to Strong | None Detected | Medium to Full | Tolerable |
To me, this is the best VaPer I've had so far, by some margin.
The tin note consists of zesty Virginia and a sweet, earthy smell that brings Kenya to mind.
The Perique spices things up, in proportion to how hard you draw. There is enough of it to playfully tickle your nose on the retrohale.
The flavor is full-bodied, slightly sweet, and blends together a gamut of earthy, grassy notes. The flavor is very consistent throughout.
The Burley and and Kenyan tobacco add body to both the flavor profile and the texture of the smoke, having a velvet thick smoke.
This is a bit too strong for me to be an all-day smoke, but will definitely be my go-to when I want a VaPer at the end of the day or during a relaxing weekend.
Highly recommended.
Pipe Used: Ropp Etudiant
Age When Smoked: 18 months
Purchased From: smokingpipes.com
2 people found this review helpful.
|
|
Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bigdadz (39) | |
Medium to Strong | None Detected | Medium | Tolerable to Strong |
This is an interesting mixture where I find the Kentucky to standout the most. It being a very strong tasting tobacco, I find it overshadows the perique and sweetness of the Virginia. Basically, this is the love child of the more rustic tobaccos like « Comune » with your classic VaPer. Enjoyable, but trying to be two things at the same time doesn’t quite do it for me.
12/12/2020 update: After several bowls this mixture is really growing on me. I quite like the punch the Kentucky gives it, almost cigar like and the flavour is full and consistant through out the bowl. 4 stars!
2 people found this review helpful.
|
|
Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Emeritus Account (30171) | |
Medium to Strong | Very Mild | Very Full | Pleasant to Tolerable |
I concur with everything JimInks (the Sherlock Holmes of Tobacco Reviews) wrote in his review on Doblone d'Oro. Like Bond... James Bond, with a "License to Savor," shaken or stirred. He should have his taste buds & olfactory glands insured. I couldn't have said it better myself. After more sampling... three tins down, I believe the elusive flavor he was trying to ID might have been a light touch of Ouzo, a type of Greek Rum but that is only conjecture on my part.
Further research might also indicate a flavoring of brown sugar or molasses & maybe some Curry. The Kenyan leaf is akin to a dark fired Kentucky Burley. Whatever the flavor additives were, it produced a similarity to the old Bell's Three Nuns. JimInks's review, among other experienced pipers, is the reason I chose to sample this blend. The fermented aroma from the tin in itself was a salivating treat. This will most likely be the closest any blend will ever come to the original Bell's Three Nuns. Moreover, we know not what happens & who converses in the procurement & blending craft. They all retain their secrets in code.
The flavor improved after a little had burned off... a delicious semi-sweet flavor with some punch to it. The Perique also produces some fruity sweetness that is complimented by the VA sweetness & enhanced by the nutty, earthy flavor of the Kenyan Burley. It seemed to smoke just as cool toward the end but about halfway through the bowl is when this mixture really starts to shine. This is a fairly strong blend that won't bite & provides abundant, creamy smoke with a perfect burn rate. I think this will become sweeter with a little more aging. After sampling just one tin, I purchased three extra rolls to cellar. Needless to say, I really crave this relatively recent offering from Savinelli.
I don't inhale any form of tobacco but still received a decent Vitamin N blast from this blend. Got my head right & it will be an all day smoke for me as long as I'm above ground. Right now, the way I feel about this mixture is that it's a blending masterpiece. These coins are about the size of a quarter and the tin also contains some loose strands... you might say partially mixed. There are no stems & the tobacco is well behaved & requires little maintenance. It's not too moist which makes it a relatively good value & can be smoked right from the opening & produces very little, if any condensation.
I noticed that the tin aroma from this and the MacBaren Three Nuns is different... similar but not the same animal. Doblone d'Oro smells well cured & more enticing. I feel confident that this blend will go from excellent into the nirvana stage as time flies & will become as legendary as the original Bell's Three Nuns. If this were the only pipe tobacco in the world, I would still be a happy camper. This might possibly reach the epitome of a classic blend. Anyway, this was just as enjoyable to me as the original Bell's Three Nuns blend & I will rate Doblone d'Oro off the chart... four stars plus!
Pipe Used: Cavicchi Dublin, D.S. Huber, 312 Sterling Pete
Age When Smoked: 6 months
Purchased From: Smoking Pipes
Similar Blends: Original Bell's Three Nuns & other VA/Per/Burs but provides a much better flavor & value for the $$...
2 people found this review helpful.
|
Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| nkulk8r (90) | |
Medium to Strong | Extremely Mild | Medium to Full | Pleasant to Tolerable |
This stuff has been jarred for six months, and it exudes a Burley bouquet upon opening. The crinkled, curly cut coin is a newly bedraggled arrangement for me – disheveled and different – but not altogether disagreeable. Had this for breakfast with a strong cup of coffee – a good morning wake-up blend, perfectly suited for this cold and rainy weather: bold Burely/Kenthucky giving a smoky, nutty flavor, tinged with tangy Virginia and Perique fig notes. Wonderful stuff – 4-stars.
2 people found this review helpful.
|
Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TheOtter (72) | |
Medium to Strong | None Detected | Medium | Tolerable |
This blend is better than Peterson De Luxe Navy Rolls by a mile, as it adds a bit more perique and the tobaccos have a bit more age and complexity.
The perique comes forward, but not too much so that it becomes the star. It leaves room for the Virginias, burleys, and dark-fired Kenyans to make their presence known. Different leaves hit the taste buds throughout the bowl, but the perique holds the blend together with that zesty embrace in every puff.
4/4 A wonderful complex coin that is perfect for an afternoon smoke to take a break from everything.
Pipe Used: Savinelli Clark's Favorite
Similar Blends: Scandinavian Tobacco Group (STG) - Escudo Navy De Luxe, Peterson - De Luxe Navy Rolls, Mac Baren - Three Nuns, Charatan - Rolls.
1 person found this review helpful.
|
|
Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GeoffS (29) | |
Medium | None Detected | Medium | Pleasant to Tolerable |
Love this blend. Extraordinarily smooth and yet not boring. Quite a soft taste compared to the sharpness I get from most VaPers. Bready sweetness that is a combination of the virginias and dark fired. Light spiciness dancing in the background. Ready right out of the tin with no drying time. An absolute pleasure to smoke.
1 person found this review helpful.
|
|
Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| sparker69 (1) | |
Medium | None Detected | Medium | Pleasant |
Ok - going to make my first attempt at a review. As a new pipe smoker I've held off a bit, but I might have a few comments that could be of use to some people out there. Since, I started my pipe smoking journey with English/Balkan blends, I wanted to expand my palette and explore some other blends - Virginia & Perique in particular. I think what drew me to this blend as well was hearing that it more closely resembled the original Three Nuns, a favourite of C.S. Lewis. I've been working on a few month old 100 gram tin. Box notes - a bit dark - some fruit - figs or raisins. A stronger note of molasses and maybe some dark brown sugar in there. Broken curly cut opening the tin, many scattered pieces of the small discs although as I get down into the tin they seem to be more "complete" I used the fold and stuff method - folding the discs and packing them into the pipe. Seems a bit on the dry side, but when lit it smokes slowly. Maybe a couple of relights as I get farther down into the bowl, but easily smoked two thirds before it required this. A really nice smoke - mouth feel - cool with a bit of spice that I can't pinpoint, (from the Perique?) as well as a noticeable citrus - lemon/lime peel taste that remains unchanged through the smoke. As well, I got some lemongrass in there which I wasn't expecting. Not sweet at all. I can't comment on the room note as I smoke outside. But with my wife present, she noticed it, and it didn't bother her. Very nice smoke overall. I'm not sure how to rate it. I recommend it for sure, I always have in the back of my head - is this a "high recommendation" or am I just marking extremes? Since it's my first review, I'll leave it at recommended. Will I buy another tin when I've finished it? I'm pretty sure I will be buying another one.
Pipe Used: Savinelli 404 Cocktail
Age When Smoked: Fresh Tin
Purchased From: Smokingpipes
1 person found this review helpful.
600 Perdue Ave
Richmond, VA 23224