Rattray Accountant's Mixture

I could imagine that the Accountant's Mixture might be irritating to a majority of smokers, given that one is not presented at all what is expected, considering the way this tobacco is usually described. We are told on the tin that it is a full tobacco and other sources mention that it contains Latakia as well as a goodly portion of black cavendish and Orientals. It sounds like a heady, brooding blend, perhaps with a little cavendish thrown in to keep the furies at bay, the sort of thing one would expect from a company that had its start as one of Scotland's primary tobacco blenders.

This is not the case, not even a little bit. Accountant's Mixture is an interesting foray into the black cavendish aromatic, but with a distinctly English feel. The base is of some good, sweet Virginias, seemingly red and stoved. The next greatest component is the black cavendish. These two pretty much comprise what the blend will taste like. Whatever Latakia or Orientals there may be, why would I have been lied to all of these years, after all, don't seem to do much but make the flavour come through a bit grassy at times. The tobacco is indeed a full one, but it is fundamentally a sweet fullness, not the English or Balkan understanding of the term that proliferates nowadays. Very much like port, in fact and with burnt caramel hints on occasion as well.

The flavour combination of Virginias and black cavendish is an enjoyable one, to my mind, and not often encountered. I imagine that Accountant's was just as much a novelty when it was firs blended in those halcyon days of yesteryear as it is today, but I can still concede that there are a great many smokers that will have no patience for the effect.

Regards, A. Morley Jaques

I really have nothing negative to say about this blend.

I love the default moisture level and the ribbon-cut. I find it to pack well.

Often (in the mornings) I'm usually either in the mood for a straight virginia, burley or a lighter English. I progress towards Balkan blends at night.

This tobacco perfectly fits my mid-morning bowl; 2nd cup of coffee and AM.

Good, steady taste.

While smoking I am reminded of an undead skeleton in rusted armor. Unable to move yet content to be in full, proper regalia.

As a “ Senior” pipe smoker, I have pretty much run the gauntlet that most of us do. This mixture is on about it sixth bowlful in my BC bent today. Despite all the “ bashing” about it being “ tasteless”, and flat for some of us who like an OD of Latakia, I find rather, that like all tobacco- it has a subtle identity. Nonetheless, for those of you who sent get evicted and banished to the garage or work shed when you light up a bowl of Latakia which makes the paint peel and the Irish Retriever flip over with it paws in the air, give this one a try...but do it patiently and slowly with a little Johnny Walker Black... and slowly!

When buying a tobacco called Accountants Mixture, one probably should not expect something complex or challenging, but rather a steady plodding smoke that delivers the goods without distraction or fanfare. Accordingly, this blend of Virginia, Cavendish and Latakia will provide a reliable but not distracting companion while undertaking any "brown envelope" tasks at home.

In the tin we have a striking appearance: mostly pitch black leaf, with some bright golden ribbons and rubbed flashes scattered throughout. This is as exciting as it gets. The aroma is mild, smokey Latakia with a little sweetness. It lights with ease, and delivers a mellow, slightly astringent flavour with enough charcoal smoke to make clear that it contains Latakia. It is akin to a cup of Lapsang Souchong taken black with a spoonful of sugar. There is very little flavour development, no complexity, and no bite.

Personally, I prefer some orientals in my mixtures, and of course we most of us rate the richest most complex blends the highest. This is bread and butter for the all day mixture smoker.

Not bad at all. With only a pinch of Latakia and unsweetened Cavendish, the grassy/citrusy properties of the Virginia leaf it contains really flare up. The moist content is just about right to pack your pipe, light up and get going. This mixture does not produce that creamy and thick smoke other Latakia blends will produce and I am finding it hard time to keep it going without any relights. No tongue bite, but keep an eye on your smoking cadence as you will find yourself wanting to draw harder and harder, so be advised. The tin note is something to die for, but I can't quite put my finger on it. Based on my first impressions I am happy to reward it with 3 stars, but I might come back to this review and upgrade it if I think it is worth it.

According to Kohlhase & Kopp's website, we are in presence of black cavendish, virginia and latakia varieties solely. Yes, this corresponds to a Scottish blend.

If you are looking for a strong latakia taste, you will probably be disappointed with this mixture. What is dominant the first weeks that the tin is opened is the sweetness of the virginias and black cavendish. The latakia is a background player. After those first weeks the Virginia will dominate with the Latakia as runner-up, supplemented by the blcak cavendish.

Not a very complex mixture but still of high quality. Yes it is probably suited for outdoors smoking because it does not require a lot of attention.

Accountant's Mixture is a good start for someone who wishes to gain exposure to the light english blend.

If this qualifies as Scottish tobacco, I like it. Very much so. It is in my top 5 all time. Accountants Mixture is an odd name for such a rich blend. The tin I bought looked like it had been on the shelf for years. Very dusty, and the label was faded. It was the first Rattray blend I have tried. Opening the pop-off tin, I was treated to a dark mixture and a wonderful rich, heavy Latakia, and peaty smell. It was a little dry, but it burned perfectly. I cannot compare it to any other blend, because it tasted different than any I've every smoked. Like many others, I will also say it did have a citrusy, astringent taste. I really love strong English blend and have smoke many. This one is right up there. It is not a silky smooth one and for me it was in the last 1/3 of the can when I really started to appreciate the " different flavor. This review is as scattered as I, and it may not help anyone, but AM has a good, strong latakia and matured Va. flavor, with a good nic kick, and I strongly recommend it, if you want something different in the English blends.

Una de las mezclas que más me gusta de Rattray. Un tabaco oscuro y de buen aroma que se presenta en cintas delgadas con buena humectación. Latakia, virginias pero por sobre todo el agregado de black cavendish que le da a esta mezcla inglesa volumen, untuosidad y un matiz aromático interesantes. Aquí, como en la mayoría de las mezclas que suelen gustarme, todo está conjugado armoniosamente. No hay una nota discordante o levemente sobresaliente sino un verdadero blend superador de las partes que lo integran. Un clásico de la antigua escuela que como tal jamás defraudará.

I purchassed a tin of this as I was looking for a good English and this just happened to be on the shelf. Having read many reviews on this brand I decided to give it a shot. I must say I truly enjoyed this tobacco. It has a wonderful smoking ability and flavor. I would compare it to G.L Pease Balkans for similarity. Rich and full of that Latikia falvor we all love to get lost in. Cool and easy to smoke. Only problem is where i live its 30 dollars a tin! Very good tobacco though. Highly recomended .