Motzek Herbst 84

Just when I thought I couldn't like Motzek's blends more than what I already did, I smoked this wonderful creation. It's in the same vein as Motzek's Typ 5, but a little less rich. The thing about this English blend that makes it different is the fact that the Latakia plays second fiddle to the Orientals and Virginias. The Virginias used in this blend are complex. They are red VA's, but they are super sweet and less tangy than other reds that I have encountered in other blends. Upon lighting a bowl (which packed very well, by the way), I was hit with this sweetness and a bit of smokiness from the Latakia. After settling into the bowl, the Latakia really took its seat and added just a subtle hint of smokiness to the VA sweetness. The Orientals were more floral than spicy, and I began to get a delicious nutty taste around mid-bowl. I don't believe there is burley in this blend, so either my mind is playing tricks on me or the Oriental/dark VA combo just produces a naturally nutty flavor. It was absolutely delicious. If you're looking for a Lat bomb, you need to go elsewhere. As a matter of fact, I wouldn't even call this a "good" English blend since the Latakia is a bit weak. What I DO know is that it's an excellent blend that is sure to please both the experienced pipe smoker as well as a new pipe smoker who is looking to get into English blends. Too bad it is so expensive here in the U.S. I might be getting in touch with my German friend again soon for more of this one...

What a smooth English blend this is... incredible! I fell in love with this from the first puffs on. "Herbst" stands for "Autumn" and it may be named so, because the tobacco looks like autumn leafs and has a wonderful autumn-y scent to it.

Musty, leathery, smoky and sour, sweet even ethereal... a tin-note with character that I find very unique. Easy to handle, coarse ribbon-ish cut with lots of black leafs to it - though this certainly isn't a Latakia-Bomb!

Easily lit this blend rewards you with a very balanced aroma. The sour, woodsy and ethereal, almost a bit nutty Orientals are the lead for me, noticeable in every puff and create a synergetic interplay with the Latakia, which adds depth by contributing a delicate smokiness, leathery and slightly musty notes, as well as lots of wood and earth. Virginias balance this baby out by sporting some pleasant, mild but effective sweetness with fruity peak.

I also perceive this blend to be a bit "toasty" or "roasted" in character and find it to be quite complex in taste. Easy to enjoy when not paying too much attention, most delicate when paying your attention to the diversified notes it has to offer. The used tobaccos are top-notch and full of taste.. really... this blend blew me away from the first bowls!

Price: 12,50€ per 100g... for a tobacco of this genuine charme and quality... do I have to say more?! GO GET IT, if you like some charming english All-Day-Smoke!

I was very excited to try Herbst 84 as I enjoy a mild English sometimes in the mornings alongside a cup of coffee. I've had SG's Squadron Leader for this purpose and was told to try this one by TAK wich is half the price.

Look in pouch is nice all the color varieties between golden and dark brown to almost black leafs. Smell is typical English earthy and spicy but also of a certain sweetness. Packs nicely and burns then, with one lighting very steady and cool down to grey-striped ashes with hardly any condensate occuring.

The smoke is dominated by VA and Orientals that come sweet and spicy all at once but still leave space for a nice spicy Latakia overtone. Clearly not a Lata bomb and for the experienced smoker, it may be a bit flaccid. All those tastes stay to the end with sweet almost sugary tastes get a bit stronger to the end. Midways there's also some citrus and roast aromas that take the Latakia more to the back. No tongue bite in this one even if smoked a bit faster.

Nice and sweet English blend recommended for morning hours less harsh than many other comparable blends but nicely balanced at a very moderate pricing.

[Edit]: It develops a very beautiful but subtle wine aroma when jarred for some month. This supports the round tastes even more and I now give it a 4/4.