Rattray Black Mallory

This tobacco is very similar to Red Rapparee, but it it has more cavendish in it. I thought this would translate into more sweetness, but it hasn't. The Latakia tobacco is quite apparent in this blend, but I think it is more dominated by the Orientals. The strength is rather medium and it does not seem to bite. I like the RR more, but this is a good smoke too, so I am going to recommend it.

This tobacco might be a good choice for those who want to venture into the world of Latakia for the first time, because even though there's a generous dose of it in this blend, it is balanced by an equally high amount of Black Cavendish among the Virginias and Orientals.

The tin note is clearly dominated by the peat fire scent of the Latakia with only hints of grassy or floral sweetness. The tobacco might be a little on the moist side in a new tin.

The fine ribbon cut makes it easy to fill your pipe. Personally, I prefer the Frank method. Lighting is just as uncomplicated.

The well balanced, mellow taste is sweet and spicy at the same time with the smokiness of the Latakia becoming more pronounced mid-bowl. However, the spiciness of it and of the Oriental leafs is always complemented by the smooth, earthy, nutty sweetness of the Black Cavendish and the tangy aromas of the Virginias. It's a pleasant, complex smoke from top to bottom leaving some powdery grey sah

The room note reveals mostly the Latakia and Orientals and is therefore tolerable.

long time ago ( 15 Years ?) it was a good tobacco -

now its one of many equal under the same prescription - names but among other.

Kohlhase - not more to say

I've been smoking pipes for a good few years now, I have a tendancy to go for latakia blends, especially ones with a dose of oriental. I didn't know quite what to expect from this blend knowing that it has black cavendish in it. I normally tend to associate black cavendish with more aromatic blends. However, Mr Rattray must've known what he was doing all those years ago when he perfected this one as it seems to complement the rest of the tobaccos seemlessly. It has the typical metallic/smoky flavour from the latakia, but is very well rounded by the VA's and orientals, burns brilliantly right from initial lighting without any drying out prior to smoking, an excellent smoke all round, four stars!

A real "Scottish" mixture, as it contains Cavendish - and a surprisingly mild, mellow, creamy, sweet and especially cool smoke. Absolutely no bite even if you abuse it. Haven't tried other Rattray (K&K) blends, but this one is much better than I originally thought. Tastes like incense, Latakia is prominent, Black Cavendish adds some roundness. Tolerable room note for a Latmix. I often prefer it over Dunhill's Nightcap (which is excellent but quite a bomb!) - but these two are completely different animals, anyway. Especially in N content, this mixture is way lower. I'm giving it 4 of 5 stars, absolutely nothing wrong with Black Mallory 🙂

Ah, the mightily oceanic Black Mallory. In many ways this is the big brother to Red Rapparee. Whilst the later may be likened to a small pleasure boat out on an afternoons cruise, Black Mallory is a pirate ship bristling with guns, swash and buckle. The big difference between the two is of course the latakia. For my money, I can't even detect it in Red Rapparee (this may be because my palate had become jaded by one to many latakia bombs) but it's here in spades in Black Mallory. Dense white smoke, oily and heavy with tar. Leather notes too, yes, and certainly a saltiness that keeps one thinking of the sea. A perfect smoke for a foggy or rainy afternoon inside by the fireside with a cup of sweet tea or an Islay malt whiskey. Delicious with a decent dose of vitamin N. Avast! Sip this fine smoke like nectar, and dream of the oceans deep.

UPDATE September 2017. With the days getting shorter my interest in all things pipe has been rekindled and I have returned, like an old friend, to the mighty Mallory. I have decided to bump this blend up a star as it is as close to perfection as you can get. It may burn a little moist straight out of the tin but this is nothing a little air curing won't resolve. For some reason Dunhill My Mixture 965 has fallen a bit out of favour of late, lacking the enormous complexity of this blend. I think it is the Black Cavendish that really works its magic with the latakia and the orientals. Light a bowl and set sail for a paradise isle, where, surrounded by mermaids and sirens you can reflect on a burnished coral throne, and dream of the ocean deep....

Preface: I have been smoking Dunhill Standard Mixture Medium for near-on 30 years, believing that it has no equal anywhere on earth. But it is gone now, and so I begin a quest for my Holy Grail: A substitute to replace the standard on which all English tobaccos are based:

Black Mallory comes up short. It's too harsh for my tastes, but paradoxically, not strong enough, leaving me pulling on my pipe in search of satisfaction. I suspect the former is due to Orientals, and the latter Cavendish. I was never a big fan of 965 due to the Cavendish, but if you were, you might try this one. I just feel it lacks a full body feel, which is typical of cavendish blends.

This rich and complex blend is my standby. It is without peer. It has an exotic, rich taste and a heavy smoke. This is a perfect example of a Scottish mixture (sweeter and heavier than an English, not so heavy and strong as a Balkan). The Virginias Latakia and Orientals come together with great style and flavor. The black cavendish (what makes it Scottish rather than an English or Balkan) gives it a hint of sweetness that gels the whole blend. This blend is of Edwardian opulence. I always keep at least 10 tins in my cellar just in case of a pinch in oriental supply or (horror) the brand should go like so many before it. If you have never tried Black Mallory you have never lived.

I am new in the English department. I love Presbyterian, Highland Targe and my Mixture 965. Black Mallory, though, is far more interesting than the former ones.

The mixture is dominated by black leaf. Judging from the smell, I think there is quite alot unsweetened Cavendish in it, The Latakia is not very present. When lit the Latakia comes to its right; very robust.

All components in BM are so well balanced, that I have not seen or tried anything like it before. BM is friendly to the palate, nose, friends, wives etc., and people around me are asking: "what is this lovely tobacco you are smoking, Jakob"

I am normally not a Latakia-man, but BM has made me want to try other Latakia/Oriental-blends. I have stashed several tins, and now I am off to discover the famous Nightcap.

Outstanding!

Jakob Kiilerich, Denmark