Tobacco aromas and taste

**blueview** · 08-25-2012, 00:46

I am fairly new to pipe smoking and I am in the process of trying a lot of different tobaccos. Some like Larry's Blend have a very distinct flavor/aroma profile. To me it tastes like I'm smoking potpourri. It has a very dried flowery aroma and a sort of soapy flavor reminiscent of sen-sen (if anyone remembers that). Which variety of tobacco is responsible for this flavor/aroma? Is it the Orientals? While initially I found it kind of off-putting, I haven't given up on it and it is starting to grow on me (not literally, just in my acceptance of it).

**Bob** · 08-25-2012, 01:06

I have never smoked Larry's Blend so I will be no help to you.
BTW, welcome to PSU!

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**blueview** · 08-25-2012, 01:16

Originally Posted by Bob

I have never smoked Larry's Blend so I will be no help to you.
BTW, welcome to PSU!

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Thank you for the welcome, Bob. Have you ever encountered the kind of aroma/flavor profile I described in any blend and do you have any idea which tobacco is responsible for that flavor. Bob...Bob... Anybody...Bueller...

**soundlzrd** · 08-25-2012, 01:22

Welcome!

Sounds like a Lakeland blend of me. They can be made of up different tobaccos, but it is a topping.

If your into it, look at G&H ernndale. http://www.smokingpipes.com/tobacco/by-maker/gawith-hoggarth/moreinfo.cfm?product_id=4000

**mike68** · 08-25-2012, 01:31

Yeah, sounds Lakeland-ish...the deal with those is flavorings like rose, clove, almond...things rather atypical when one thinks pipe tobacco IMHO! I, personally have taken a HUGE liking to them though. You might also try Gawith & Hoggarth's Bosun's Cut Plug or Kendal #7. Great stuff..welcome to PSU btw!

**Bob** · 08-25-2012, 01:33

I have smoked blends with a floral taste, they are Lakeland blends. 1792 is one that I like, it contains Tonquin.
Larry's Blend is a full bodied English blend, not a Lakeland. It could be the Orientals.

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**Markw4mms** · 08-25-2012, 01:54

Welcome aboard!

**blueview** · 08-25-2012, 02:18

Thanks for the welcome, guys! I mostly post on Joe's Daily Banter at Cigars International but not many pipers there. So that flowery, soapy flavor/aroma is coming from either a topping or a Lakeland variety. Like I said before, it is kind of off-putting to me but I will continue to smoke it. I didn't like blue cheese when I first tried it but I love it now. I really like the flavor of straight Virginia tobacco like Gawith's FVF.

**HCraven** · 08-25-2012, 05:30

Welcome to PSU, Blueview. I admit no firsthand experience with this blend, but in looking at the description on tobaccoreviews.com, I learn that this is a more traditional English or Balkan blend, and that the esteemed Russ Ouellette blended it, so like Bob, I wouldn't expect it to have any Lakeland flavoring added (when you try one of those blends, you'll know immediately what the Lakeland flavoring smells and tastes like, and the term will make more sense). I admire your choice for one of your first tobaccos, as well as your perseverance with it, because that style can be something of an acquired taste, especially for a new pipe smoker. Many people who pick up the pipe expect everything to taste of vanilla, maple, or cherry, but there is quite a variety available. You're on the right track, though. Even if it doesn't trip your trigger right now, you can always put it in a mason jar and come back to it in a few months or better, and you may find that your taste has changed.

Remember to keep an open mind but above all, smoke what you like and like what you smoke. I hope you find this hobby as interesting and rewarding as I and so many others have.

Herb

**blueview** · 08-25-2012, 07:23

Thanks, Herb for the sage advice. I have purchased a number of tobaccos to try and I like most of them. SG's FVF is great. Seattle Pipe Club Mississippi River is another favorite. For my sweet tooth and pleasant room note I like Sutliff's Barbados Plantation. I have others. It's all good. Learned how to smoke gently and I don't get tongue bite. Purchased a Ukrainian Churchwarden that has a very petite bowl and I am looking for a good tobacco to pair with it. I also purchased a new Brigham Algonquin quarter bent apple and a used Brigham Mountaineer bulldog. I love these pipes. The rock maple filter works perfectly to soak up moisture without impeding the draw.