Rattray Red Rapparee

Very nice, refined, good vitamin N. Delicious but different than Black Mallory...

No need to go for Gl pease when there is Rattray's available. Ready to smoke, never biting, never harsh, smooth and rich. By far superior and less expensive!!!

I wonder how the original Rattray's were like! Heaven!!!

I think it's a tobacco with "almost" the same aromes than special latakia flake, very spicy, but not so good. A tobacco that smokers should try one time.

Red Rapparee is good but I tend to be partial to latakia in a mixture (i.e, Balkan Sasieni, Old Ironsides). With that out of the way let me give my thoughts on this blend.

Upon opening the tin I'm struck with a slightly fruit and floral aroma. Flavor is mild and makes for an all day or relaxing smoke with VA and orientals working closely together.

Previous reviewers describe a tangy to lemon quality in the taste and I agree. Orientals, though, in the mixture are sedated but they do work well with the VAs.

I would not kick this one out of the rotation but its not a go to smoke; however, I do smoke several bowls one right after the other, when I do smoke this one. Go figure! It will not wear you out or ply you with loads of nicotine and it doesn't bite.

If I had to rank this one among some other blends in my current rotation, I place the Balkan Sasieni first; followed by Old Dublin a distant second, and tight on its heels is Red Rapparee.

BTW, I smoked this in a Peterson's Army #120 and a cob. The Army is a go to pipe and "jack of all trades" briar [dare I say this pipe is kind of beat-up, but it smokes like a champ. Suffered from burn out when I found her, but I repaired that so "she" can stay with me a few more years]. I test the first bowl of a new blend in a Country Gentleman cob and it did very well then moved to the Army.

I find this a perfect blend for those who like the spicy, astringent taste of Oriental tobaccoes without wishing to go for the really full, Latakia-dominated blends. I have read that some find it somewhat flat. To me it appears rather pleasantly reserved, sober but with a delicate and really beautiful note that is felt in the aftertaste and in the nose rather than the mouth. It is true that this is not your taste-bud blaster, but it is an excellent everyday smoke that leaves you relaxed and refreshed - it is surely not going to knock you over backwards. Besides, it burns extremely well and evenly from top to bottom and leaves a pleasant taste on your tongue afterwards. I think it is true that it goes really well with a small bowl. I love my RRR as a blend that fits nearly all moods and occasions. Not complicated, but very rewarding nevertheless.

A perfectly-proportioned blend of the pungent richness of Orientals, the brown sugar sweetness of the red Virginias, a whiff of that Cyprian smokiness, and a name that is an homage to pike-wielding Irish outlaws - what more could I ask for?

A perfect blend of sweet red virginias, sprinkled burly, moderate latakia, and generous orientals... this well rounded English blend has it all really. It is sweet, earthy, musky, and spicy all at the same time. I love it.

Lights and burns extremely well without hassle. I find this blend to be very subtle, but flavorful and intriguing, very well balanced blend. Leaves the mouth with a chewy nougat flavor. This blend is also smoky (is there latakia in here?). When the exhale is released through the nose there is a slight floral note. This will be in steading rotation.

Nice Red Virginias with Orientals, a few sour notes, but pleasant enough. This reminds me of a slightly stronger or more robust Irish Oak.

This is only my second tin, nice to pick at from time to time when you want something different from virginia / latakia / perique.

Enough taste and flavour to keep it interesting without being overpowering to the point of "Armchair Required" to contemplate the various flavours.

Lights easy and burns clean. A good change of pace but not one that I would stock up on. If your feeling a little adveturous, and you have the coin to spare, then by all means, give it a try.

An excellent Balkan/English. The Orientals are up front, supported by the Red Virginia, Latakia and Cavendish...with sweet, spicy, and creamy notes.

Red Rapparee has a propensity to be moderately harsh, with a fine bite, so it must be smoked with thoughtfulness. I had to re-hydrate my tin, and it smoked significantly better afterwards.

Highly recommended.

A companion infusion: pints of Bass Black and Tan.