Rattray Red Rapparee

From one of the finest blending traditions in the annals of pipe tobacco history, originating from the seat of Perth, comes an inspiration principally fashioned in the splendor of Red Virginian strains. Presently fabricated by Kohlhase & Kopp in Germany, these favored components generously gather with an earnest portion of lush Oriental leaves. And to further extend the savoriness of this grand mixture, a dainty seasoning of Latakia has been applied as well as the privilege of forging Black Cavendish. The final results yield a tobacco that, from countless enthusiasts’ viewpoints, touches upon achieved perfection. A vastly popular smoking alternative in many a sector, the Rattray brand hosts the esteemed Red Rapparee.

Even though the answer will never be known, I wonder if in fact Charles Rattray realized at the time the ultimate sensation that he would graciously expose to successive generations of enthralled pipe smokers. For at that juncture he gave to the world what appears to be a classic in the realms of tobacco pipe lore. Indisputably there are differing viewpoints relating to the fitting classification of this expertly crafted blend, but in my book, it stands as a quintessential Scottish benchmark by most practical considerations.

Let me suggest that the simple exercise of a visual inspection and sampling of the tobacco’s nose provides a solid preview of the experience that will unfold. Tendered as a mixed configuration of exclusive tobaccos, Red Rapparee presents a darker aspect of grainy ribbons jumbled with coarse-cut pieces and gruffly sheared micro fragments. On the surface, heavier weighting has been placed upon the contingency of contrasting Virginia and two, possibly three varieties of Orientals altogether. Gritty in textural feel, this readied thruster (i.e., Irish rapparee) shows a henna-favored masking of darker red, and orange cast browns interlaced with green grays, a sliding pantone of soiled earthen hues, and a sincere speckling of stone ebony. Moreover, much of these rustic tobaccos exhibit a grand scale of toothiness, exaggerated pocks and surface ridging that seem to bear witness to their beleaguered state.

In reference to the native airs, the first wave of notoriety comes as an exceptionally fermented tartness that bites with a poignant herbal fringing. The main body of essence swirls up as earthy wood stenciled with plush sweetish tang. There is a convincing degree of aromatic bitterness and a mild touch of citrine spice that circulate on the rim’s edge. Going deeper still, one encounters a seeded odor of spent charcoal, and softened vegetal affluences that compete with incited fruit and musty pungency. Last, as the trailing clue, a mere kiss of buried sugars peek through for slighted recognition.

Initially I should state that, as a matter of both objective evidence and subjective opinion, Rattray has designed perhaps one of the most developed, complex profiles in the body of available selections from the respective Scottish genre. To say that the blend demonstrates considerable integrated movement and brilliance in the flavorful cascading of differentiated streams is simply a fact. Honestly, the expanded taste experience of this tobacco can be intensely captivating especially for those pipers who appreciate the intricate character that can be achieved through blending excellence.

Innumerable smoking excursions have consistently demonstrated that Red Rapparee has a unique capacity to evoke one of the most significant stimulations of the entire palate, especially the tongue. As a general topic for discussion, when I smoke a tobacco, I am always interested to learn where precisely the registerable taste strikes an impression upon my tongue. Why, you might be wondering? Quite simply, this can completely inform you about the tastes that you are possibly experiencing.

With Red Rapparee these sensations are largely felt across the full surface. In particular the variable spicing, and the assorted subtleties of nuance conveyed within the drawn smoke physically impact the tip, front, sides, and extreme back of the tongue. So as an interpretation, that would equate to the expression of tastes that are standardly salty, sweet, sour, and understandably bitter. And having stated that very point, it may be a reasonable summarization of the blend’s overarching character. What is more, given the degree of this tobacco’s moving complexity, you might well imagine that the tongue is constantly activated by this enlivening substance. And on that detail, trust me when I say Rattray’s blend should be approached as a slow metered sipper to best relish upon precisely what I am talking about here.

As a matter of findings, Red Rapparee scores perfect marks for the genre as well as exceptionally high ratings with respect to the category of Flavor. In specific, the mixture’s critical distinctions are the embodiment of the best attributes of a typical Scottish as well as its constancy of flavor presence and the celebration of commendable accenting. Naturally, a review of the tobacco’s measurable performance on the subject and collective Leaf standards further reflect these inherent merits.

In an attempt to provide an overview of the subject blend, commonly, the featured assortment of Red Virginian strains provides the central base line of prevailing flavor within its medium-bodied and colorfully patterned complexion. Resolute to the intent of Rattray’s purposeful design, the Virginian remarking is multi-faceted and does grant an exceptional advantage to bringing a compelling decorativeness to anchoring Red Rapparee’s standard persona.

Regarding the specifics, the Virginian registration conveys a bottom tier that is fortified with the marks of accomplished tang and sweet wooded spice that favors cedar. As smoked, the melding of this Red chain holds fairly consistent although the dominance of either tone follows a random push-pull motion. As such, what avails is a stimulating base note the guides the overall flavor for the entirety of the bowl. By way of highlighting, the Red projects a little bit of lemony citrus especially on the retro hale, some wholesome darker sugar more like a gentle spicy molasses and to finish a toasty fruitiness that calls to mind altered plums.

Still, one will discover that the resident Cyprian leaf and the flushed Orientals unifying the recipe command an equitable presence as well, consequently underscoring an optimally balanced melee of evolving taste on the whole. Arguably so, the vibrant brew of Orientals do present a more forward leg as a matter of course given their heavier portioning. Respectfully however, both the Latakia and the collection of Orientals endow a true buttery succulence which gives Red Rapparee a heightened polish.

If you are a seeker of Oriental forward tastes, then clearly Red Rapparee has much to offer in return. Based upon the breadth of nuance that standardly portrays, I suspect that hosting within this Rattray recipe there is a combination of Macedonian and Turkish leaves present. And if I were to guess, which I most assuredly am, I would be inclined to suppose definitely Smyrna/Izmir and Samsun, else quite possibly an increment of supplementing Basma and/or Drama. Truthfully, the range of seasonings are so diverse and yet at the same time bundled into such a scrumptious sandwich it really necessitates a sharp degree of focus to catch the individual streams of exoticness. What a wonderful problem to have, yeah? What is more the general tone of these Orientals are creamy and immensely aromatic in feel.

Wholistically Red Rapparee’s Oriental content wonderfully endows a range of stylishness covering spicing that centers as sweet to salty, bitter to bright, herbaceous/floral sharpness to aromatic or pungent earthiness. In particular some of the noticeable flavors lean towards a sweet cabbage-like spice, a warming bitterness, smoky nuttiness that favors the Brazilian fruits, piney flora, earthy vegetal cauliflower, pickled tartness, minor cayenne pepperiness, and a puzzle of culinary seasoning that is sometimes more cinnamon-like and at others snappy paprika, which does cover most of the extremes, do tell. Given the magnitude of flavors, the whole sinus cavity is vibrated with the smoking of this tobacco. And like I stated earlier, the tongue itself is crashed in its own separate toga party.

As a self-proclaimed connoisseur of Latakia bejeweled finery, I find the characterization within Red Rapparee’s colorful profile to be nothing short of notable. Expertly metered in its registerable importance, this exemplary, well-developed Cyprian leaf commonly portrays itself with a toothsome sweet-tarted wood mingled with a chase of a dark fruitiness much like waxy figs. Moreover, as one relaxes to experience this choice savor, an impressive body of accentuable highlighting comes home to roost with an added matrix of seasoned splendor.

In specific, having the benefit of repeated sittings to focus on dissecting this noteworthy combination of seasonings, I can attest that the top layer is lilted by the effusion of creamy incense, passive raw punchy leather, and a pass of seasonable dried mushroom herbs. Whereas the bottom footing gathers in darkness showing the deepening effects of smoky char/creosote, minor sulfuric sourness, and an interesting umami-like mustiness. And on that latter meaty nuance, if I did not know better, I would chance believe there is just a smidgeon of Perique hiding in the recipe although I know there is not.

Last but not least the facilitating Black Cavendish tends to be calmed in recognition relying more on its functional contribution to support the smooth silky meld of the diversity of the aforementioned ingredients. When it does overlay its coloring within the profile the strain projects an order of mild nuttiness and wooded zest. I do sense that a minor coating has been applied in the processing as a weaker yet distinct tinge of corn syrupy sweetness spins upon the finishing taste. Finally, on a fluctuating basis there does seem to be an interesting crisp tone of native spearmint that evolves on the footing as well.

In brief, Red Rapparee proves to be reliably consistent if not outstanding in performance on the essential mechanical smoking concerns. The temperament of the burn, the heat and pacing that is, lend themselves to quite an accommodating and enjoyably mellowing experience. No significant concerns with felt nicotine complications at all. I will say however that the room note on this tobacco is decidedly big in presence and most likely would deter acceptance from the more sensitive types. Yet personally I find it quite charming, so put that in your pipe and smoke it to those delicate critics.

So there you have it, yet another man’s take on the classic Rattray’s Red Rapparee. Not a new one by any means, but it does occupy a place of honor in my rotation of treasured Scottish blends. Therefore, with due respect, it is only befitting that I should praise its laurels.

Objective Scoring: (basis: flavor, standard genre/leaf attributes & mechanicals): 186/205 ? 3.0 WAVG.

Subjective Rating: (factored for likeability & cost): 3.8 Pipes.