Hearth & Home Viprati
(3.61)
Sweet bright and ripe red Virginias are the base and a fair dose of perique and a touch of special fire cured burley complete a unique package.
Notes: From P&C's website: One of Russ Ouellette's favorite pipe makers is Italian impressario, Luigi Viprati. One thing he learned early on is that Luigi loves Virginia/perique blends, and he asked Russ to try to make something that would remind him of his favorite: Escudo. Russ began by finding three different types of matured Virginias, each with a slightly different flavor profile. To that, Russ added a fair amount of zesty perique, but it was lacking some body, so he found a fire cured burley, with a rich, but subtle flavor that added just enough depth and "kick" to round out the blend.
Details
| Brand | Hearth & Home |
| Series | Marquee Series |
| Blended By | Russ Ouellette |
| Manufactured By | Scandinavian Tobacco Company |
| Blend Type | Virginia/Perique |
| Contents | Burley, Perique, Virginia |
| Flavoring | |
| Cut | Ribbon |
| Packaging | 50 grams tin |
| Country | United States |
| Production | Currently available |
Profile
Strength
Medium
Extremely Mild -> Overwhelming
Flavoring
None Detected
None Detected -> Extra Strong
Room Note
Pleasant to Tolerable
Unnoticeable -> Overwhelming
Taste
Medium
Extremely Mild (Flat) -> Overwhelming
Average Rating
|
3.61 / 4
|
Reviews
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Displaying 11 - 20 of 44 Reviews
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 24, 2021 | Strong | None Detected | Medium to Full | Tolerable |
I realized, while smoking my way through a tin of recent vintage, that I had yet to review this outstanding blend. So here goes…
Viprati presents as a range of light to medium brown ribbons, with the occasional dark strip or chunk. Tin note is bready, with a hint of molassed sweet feed, hay, and a touch of grass. I get no Perique spice on the nose. Moisture content is perfect, if not a touch on the dry side, and can be smoked right out of the tin with no dry time needed. Takes a match will and will require few if any relights after the char.
The charring light is burley-forward with basswood and parchment, followed by a distinctive Perique note (pepper in this one, rather than plum) some red Virginia tang, a drip of citrus, all wrapped in a gentle layer of traditional, rather than goopy, black cavendish. There’s a very nice balance to this blend, which was supposedly modeled on Escudo at the request of Luigi Viprati, of La Pipa di Viprati fame. However, what Viprati’s black cavendish buffer adds to the blend reminds me more of Luxury Bullseye Flake than of Escudo’s more austere and direct flavor profile. That balance is difficult to pull off in Perique-heavy blends, but Russ nails this one.
By mid-bowl, the Perique asserts itself, and you’ll feel the Spice in your sinuses. The cavendish fades a bit into the background as the fire cured and red Virginia swirl around the Perique a bit. But at no point does the smoke become harsh. The balance of flavors and intensity of Perique are such that, into the final third, you’ll want to watch your cadence so as not to overheat the tobacco. I often find myself tempted to puff towards the end where, as always, the sip brings the flavor rather than the heat. Nonetheless, I find no bite or harsh spots in this blend. Viprati smokes very dry all the way to the bottom of the bowl, leaving no goop or mess. Expect the final quarter to be a bit ashy, not uncommon for this style of blend.
While some reviews have referenced Viprati as a challenger to Escudo, or some of the unfortunately discontinued McClelland VaPers, I don’t think those elite blends have anything to worry about. I do suggest, however, that they make room at the big-boy table for Russ’s Viprati: a fantastic VaBurPer that is dry-packing, dry-smoking, and dry-finishing. Perique-intensive, with some stout burley, soft but dry cavendish, and tamed yet flavorful Virginia, Viprati is in a league of its own among unflavored VaBurPer blends.
Viprati presents as a range of light to medium brown ribbons, with the occasional dark strip or chunk. Tin note is bready, with a hint of molassed sweet feed, hay, and a touch of grass. I get no Perique spice on the nose. Moisture content is perfect, if not a touch on the dry side, and can be smoked right out of the tin with no dry time needed. Takes a match will and will require few if any relights after the char.
The charring light is burley-forward with basswood and parchment, followed by a distinctive Perique note (pepper in this one, rather than plum) some red Virginia tang, a drip of citrus, all wrapped in a gentle layer of traditional, rather than goopy, black cavendish. There’s a very nice balance to this blend, which was supposedly modeled on Escudo at the request of Luigi Viprati, of La Pipa di Viprati fame. However, what Viprati’s black cavendish buffer adds to the blend reminds me more of Luxury Bullseye Flake than of Escudo’s more austere and direct flavor profile. That balance is difficult to pull off in Perique-heavy blends, but Russ nails this one.
By mid-bowl, the Perique asserts itself, and you’ll feel the Spice in your sinuses. The cavendish fades a bit into the background as the fire cured and red Virginia swirl around the Perique a bit. But at no point does the smoke become harsh. The balance of flavors and intensity of Perique are such that, into the final third, you’ll want to watch your cadence so as not to overheat the tobacco. I often find myself tempted to puff towards the end where, as always, the sip brings the flavor rather than the heat. Nonetheless, I find no bite or harsh spots in this blend. Viprati smokes very dry all the way to the bottom of the bowl, leaving no goop or mess. Expect the final quarter to be a bit ashy, not uncommon for this style of blend.
While some reviews have referenced Viprati as a challenger to Escudo, or some of the unfortunately discontinued McClelland VaPers, I don’t think those elite blends have anything to worry about. I do suggest, however, that they make room at the big-boy table for Russ’s Viprati: a fantastic VaBurPer that is dry-packing, dry-smoking, and dry-finishing. Perique-intensive, with some stout burley, soft but dry cavendish, and tamed yet flavorful Virginia, Viprati is in a league of its own among unflavored VaBurPer blends.
PurchasedFrom:
pipes and cigars.com
Age When Smoked:
2020
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 02, 2020 | Medium | Very Mild | Medium | Pleasant |
Applying a sort of “logic” only other pipers could follow, I bought some Hearth and Home Viprati to break in a new Viprati pipe. Ever the “scientist”, I smoked Viprati in several other briars, as well. The blend is cut to moist ribbons ranging from light to medium reddish brown, to dark brown. Tin note is a festering wheat bran muffin, baked yam with brown sugar, dry raisins, very faint, low apricot, and a bare breath of something like jasmine or orchid. The tobacco handles, loads, lights and burns down with ease, with plenty of smoke, down to black soot, which is worth considering as the bottom of a bowl is approached. IMO it’s best to set this aside to rest for a couple of weeks before evaluations. Early puffs are light, meadow grassy, and very fragrant bright VAs. Next up are slightly loamy, bready red VAs. Then the Perique, fairly sour, woody and dry, with raisins and ample, higher register kabab spices, including coriander, and faint dates. Last up is the DFK, which begins and continues to add slightly smoky, floral and bitter, earthy low notes and smoked meat spices to the smoke. Light snorks stay at the lighter, more fragrant end of things even as the body of the smoke gets more substantial. There seems to be something like vanilla, but it’s very muted, especially after some rest, and this might well be just an artifact of the Cavendish, which likely contributes to both the body and the smoke, itself. I swear I get something very like ginger, as well, faint and very nice. Anyway, the tobaccos are first quality and well met, and this is good stuff, along the lines of more mature Fribourg and Treyer blends. Strength is just over medium. Tastes are just over medium. Room note is pleasant. Aftertaste is a nice trailing of the end of the smoke, only sweeter.
Here’s a VA/Bur/Per that’s worth smoking with or without a reason, though it’s probably best suited to experienced pipers. 4 stars. It should age well.
Here’s a VA/Bur/Per that’s worth smoking with or without a reason, though it’s probably best suited to experienced pipers. 4 stars. It should age well.
Pipe Used:
Viprati and other briars
PurchasedFrom:
pipes and cigars
Age When Smoked:
from rested, undated tin
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 13, 2016 | Medium | None Detected | Medium | Pleasant |
What a wonderful blend! I just finished off my first tin of Viprati and really enjoyed it. It's a zesty tangy blend that really hit the spot and delivered each and every time. I tend to be a rapid puffer and my quick cadence didn't ruin my tongue at all and was quite flavorful; however, when I managed to slow my pace of puffing down the flavors from the virginias, perique, and the fire-cured burley really shined through and the plumy spiciness really satisfied. This is a worthy VAPER blend deserving of a permanent spot in your rotation.
PurchasedFrom:
P&C
Age When Smoked:
less than 6 months
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Aug 11, 2015 | Medium | Extremely Mild | Medium to Full | Very Pleasant |
WOW! This is amazing! I thought there are so many Vaper on the market already and this should be good but not impressive. I was dead wrong! Even from new opened tin, Viprati shows itself with deep, dry fruity and profound flavor that exceeds my imagination. Can't imagine how great it will be after few years of age. Medium strength makes it a good all day smoke. I may trade all other vapers I have for this. This is the holy grail to my taste!
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Mar 18, 2015 | Medium | None Detected | Medium to Full | Pleasant to Tolerable |
THIS!! Deep, earthy, rich & delightfully peppery. Dare I say, "better than Escudo?" Not as strong as Pease Triple Play; I'll smoke that when I want my butt kicked. Kudos, Russ. You. Nailed. This!
Pipe Used:
Generic Churchwarden
PurchasedFrom:
P&C
Age When Smoked:
Fresh
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 01, 2021 | Mild to Medium | None Detected | Medium | Unnoticeable |
A fellow piper brought this tin in and I have to say this is a really good VaPer. A nice ribbon cut that loaded and packed easily. The most that I could pick up was the taste of the Red Virginias which I happen to enjoy smoking from time to time. A really smooth VaPer with no bite. If I smoked it all day that might be another story. Produces a lot of smoke and the taste pretty much stayed consistent from start to finish. Glad I got to try a sample, which I am not going to lie, is all I had. P.S. If I had more to smoke I could see this probably going to a 4 star. Hint:)
Pipe Used:
Charatan
Age When Smoked:
New
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Jul 23, 2020 | Medium | Extremely Mild | Medium | Tolerable |
This is the first hearth and home blend I have tried.. overall really impressed.. decent va/per with a dash of dark fired as advertised.. subtle fruity notes but also definitely a little earth and spice.. Has an odd burn to it and certainly different processing than I am accustomed to.. You do have to kind of tease out the flavors and I sense it isn't completely natural.. but that is ok.. the end result is a decent smoke at a good price.. I think it will age well... the blending is sure top notch.. Interesting marriage of flavors.. I think the only thing that puts me off is what I perceive to be a processed flavor.. maybe some kind of additive..
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Mar 20, 2017 | Medium | None Detected | Medium to Full | Very Pleasant |
No poetic or analytic meanderings... just a simple shout out to summarize everything you need to know about Viprati: this is THE vaper for the ages....
UPDATE 1-7-18: after a few years smoking this wonderful blend I thought it might be helpful to add a few thoughts expanding on why this is my favorite Vaper (plus delightful touch of Kentucky). Viprati delivers delicious bready, sometimes sweet roll moments combined with early spring farm fields and firepit smoke wafting in from the campsite down the road.....with a bit of peppery spice tying these all together.... Enjoy!!!!!
UPDATE 1-7-18: after a few years smoking this wonderful blend I thought it might be helpful to add a few thoughts expanding on why this is my favorite Vaper (plus delightful touch of Kentucky). Viprati delivers delicious bready, sometimes sweet roll moments combined with early spring farm fields and firepit smoke wafting in from the campsite down the road.....with a bit of peppery spice tying these all together.... Enjoy!!!!!
Pipe Used:
Peterson Killarney B11;Castello Searock Author
PurchasedFrom:
P&C
Age When Smoked:
4 months
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 19, 2017 | Medium | None Detected | Medium | Tolerable |
If you love perique you will like this. As Va/Per's go this is a hall of fame type blend. Spicy and rich smoke with a hint of sweetness. Moisture content is perfect right out of the tin, but I found after letting it sit in a jar for a couple days the flavors seemed to mellow out.
No bite, but you can feel the spice from the perique. Smokes down to a gray ash with no moisture. I put this into my top 5 Va/Per's. for me this is an all day smoke. I really need enjoy this blend.
No bite, but you can feel the spice from the perique. Smokes down to a gray ash with no moisture. I put this into my top 5 Va/Per's. for me this is an all day smoke. I really need enjoy this blend.
Pipe Used:
A variety
PurchasedFrom:
Pipes & Cigars
Age When Smoked:
Less than a year
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Oct 02, 2016 | Medium to Strong | None Detected | Full | Pleasant to Tolerable |
As a Virginia perique fan it would be hard not to like this one. It is a no nonsense blend that is composed of rough cut leaves that run the gambit from light khaki to very dark brown. It has the tin aroma of most perique blends, somewhat spicy and tart and the moisture content was almost smokable right out of the tin. I let mine dry overnight with the lid off and was rewarded with a wonderful smoke to start my day off the next morning.
It packs easy in the pipe and smokes all the way down without access moisture. It smokes down to the bottom of the pipe to a dark grey ash. This blend is very rich and the combination of the three sweet Virginias and the tart perique is quite delicious. Every bowl I smoked made my mouth water. I personally like the room mote but everybody I smoked it around complained. Lol, but that is how it is with perique. I highly recommend this blend, it is one of Russ's better creations.
It packs easy in the pipe and smokes all the way down without access moisture. It smokes down to the bottom of the pipe to a dark grey ash. This blend is very rich and the combination of the three sweet Virginias and the tart perique is quite delicious. Every bowl I smoked made my mouth water. I personally like the room mote but everybody I smoked it around complained. Lol, but that is how it is with perique. I highly recommend this blend, it is one of Russ's better creations.
Pipe Used:
fine briars, meers and corn cobs
PurchasedFrom:
pipesandcigars.com
Age When Smoked:
over 6 months
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