Penzance

[Northern Neil]

So, I had my first experience with Penzance yesterday. I have to say, I CAN kind of see what all the hype is about. I have only had one bowl, but I really enjoyed it.

The tobacco flakes soft with an almost silky touch about them. They are jet black with hints of brown and gold scattered throughout. The smell is of Latakia and leather (to my nose anyways).

Smoking, the flavor is of wonderful campfire. But it was not the flavor that caught my attention, it was the tongue sensation. This was by no means tongue bite, the smoke was cool and creamy. This was, to my inexperienced mind, a sensation caused by the nicotine content. What lead me to this conclusion, the fact that I got a nic buzz similar to what I remember from my first cig as a child.

I have to say, this was a beautiful, smooth, creamy, full bodied smoke. The flavor did not develop much as the bowl progressed, but the oral sensation (insert joke here) was something I have not experienced with any other tobacco to date.

I just wanted to share my experience, thanks for listening.

 

[Fr_Tom]

This is on my "to try list." You have reminded me...

 

[Kyle Weiss]

I had a bowl of it via my friend James the other night. He's quite partial to it.

I only have it once in a while, because it is unique. While not an absolute favorite, it has a way about it.

8)

 

[Northern Neil]

I hear ya Kyle, definitely not an everyday smoke , but very enjoyable on a special occation or as a treat.

 

[Richard Burley]

Penzance makes my loins tingle. Pretty cool, considering I've never had it. Whaaaa...you might ask? DGT, that's how. I do the same thing with sex, if you'll pardon the "too much knowledge" solecism. I have not actively sought it out, other than an occasional flick through the usual suppliers' inventory. Needless to say, it's always sold out. The 45-minute window of opportunity is inadequate for my heavy schedule, what with consulting with heads of state and all that. But that suits me fine. The tingle just increases, and that's fine. There is a dark side, though. What if she, I mean it, is a complete let-down? It better be good, or I'm gonna take up with a floozy aromatic just out of spite.

 

[DrumsAndBeer]

I like it, but I agree with those that feel it's way over-hyped. My biggest problem with it, and I agree, is that there's very little flavor development at all. It's very much a one note smoke. However that one note is a pretty damn good one. 

 

[Northern Neil]

Penzance makes my loins tingle. Pretty cool, considering I've never had it. Whaaaa...you might ask? DGT, that's how. I do the same thing with sex, if you'll pardon the "too much knowledge" solecism. I have not actively sought it out, other than an occasional flick through the usual suppliers' inventory. Needless to say, it's always sold out. The 45-minute window of opportunity is inadequate for my heavy schedule, what with consulting with heads of state and all that. But that suits me fine. The tingle just increases, and that's fine. There is a dark side, though. What if she, I mean it, is a complete let-down? It better be good, or I'm gonna take up with a floozy aromatic just out of spite.

I hear ya Richard. This is the first time I have ran into it, and bought the 8oz bag literally about 2 hours after already placing an order from the same vender (4Noggins). I truly do not know why I went back to the site, but was thrilled that I did.

I am in no rush to get through what I have. I separated the 8oz out into 4 small mason jars. The bowl I smoked was the "strategic left-overs" 8) 

If you like Latakia, I can not see how you would not enjoy this one. Is it worth dedicating the time online to find... comme si comme sa, but if the stars align and you are able to find some, do not wait until next time :twisted: 

 

[hobie1dog]

Induces a flavor orgasm for me. Love the stuff.:bounce: 

 

[Harlock999]

I took a bit of a hiatus from Penzance for awhile,
but this thread made me want it again.
Just had a bowl of some with a couple years of age on it.
It was wonderful.

 

[BigCasino]

you can tell how good it is going to be just by the feel of it when you are rubbing out the broken flakes, it feels soft and velvet like.

and I agree, it is definitely a treat tobacco, I bought an 8oz bag a couple months ago I smoke maybe 1 bowl a week sometimes two, but I always know it is going to be awesome

 

[somedumbjerk]

had some today. my fiance says it smells like i'm smoking a mummy. i kind of agree. has a bit of embalming fluid thing going on. i actually really like it with a night of DGT on it. i like it, but won't really seek it out again. the 10 ounces i have should last me a good long while. it is one of the better of the lat weeds i've had, although i think i enjoyed one of the GLP ones more, i just don't know which one it was. it was in a pouch and the guy i snagged a bowl from couldn't remember which one it was. :lol: 

 

[Kyle Weiss]

Between the tins that open by themselves, the bags that magically develop holes in them, the almost decomposed, dusty and decomposed nature of the stuff, and the way it solidifies in a bowl if not packed the way it likes...it can be troublesome. There is some okay flavor, though. It isn't super dynamic, but holds true for what it is. One thing is for sure, there's nothing quite like Penzance. :lol:

 

[Harlock999]

Between the tins that open by themselves, the bags that magically develop holes in them, the almost decomposed, dusty and decomposed nature of the stuff, and the way it solidifies in a bowl if not packed the way it likes...it can be troublesome.   There is some okay flavor, though.   It isn't super dynamic, but holds true for what it is.  One thing is for sure, there's nothing quite like Penzance.   :lol:

Truth!

 

[Kyle Weiss]

As I use "decompose" twice. Lack of editing or too much sincerity? :sigh:

ᏂᎯ ᎤᏬᎳ

 

[Northern Neil]

I found my bowl of Penzance took the flame very well. It required minimum relights, smoked very cool, and what minimum moisture did develop at the mid way point of the bowl was quickly absorbed by the Brigham filter. That being said, this pipe makes all Latakia blends sing!

 

[Storm_Crow]

Penzance didn't grab me, but it was pretty good. It was a bit different and I enjoyed it better than what I consider to be some of the more boring latakia blends. On the other hand, I didn't feel it had anything on Artisan Blend nor Odyssey.

 

[Kyle Weiss]

I constantly compare it (Penzance) to Start of the East Flake. SOTEF usually wins. By comparison, Ten Russians does a good job replicating the "decomposed" nature of Penzance (if you're into that), but the Latakia at times can be a bit too much. SOTEF glides along rather than rockets to space like stronger Latakia mixtures. Similarly, that's what I do like about Penzance, it has a particularly gentle way about it. I like bold smokes, but not always rough ones. Penzance is about as mellow as I like a bold smoke. Oddly, the occasional Penzance tastes wonderful to me in a simple cob. SOTEF is a delight in meerschaum. Since Odyssey was brought up, I have a leather-covered straight bulldog that smokes it and Ten Russians to the moon and back. For me, Latakia is almost more picky than a lot of VA mixtures/blends; it's not easy to tune the stuff in. Penzance, in even-keeled personality and not being specifically flexible or dynamic, has a general formula that is great for the "just smoke it" crowd, new guys to the scene and the occasional Latakia smoker. The only issue is getting the damn stuff...and sometimes lighting it. :lol:

 

[ftrplt]

All I know is that I really enjoy smoking Penzance, don't seem to have any particular problem/s with it, have a considerable bit of it; which is good as the stuff can be darn hard to find/get just when a feller needs some!!!!! that's my story and I'm stickin' to it!!!!! FTRPLT

 

[Dutch]

I enjoy Penzance occasionally for it's unique flavor, however I always wonder how my perception of the blend would change, if it were available in unlimited quantities for around $2.50 an ounce.

 

[Kyle Weiss]

I enjoy Penzance occasionally for it's unique flavor, however I always wonder how my perception of the blend would change, if it were available in unlimited quantities for around $2.50 an ounce.

I wonder that about most people who scramble to get it...do they like it, or did they like that they acquired it?   :lol:  Esoterica is a very odd tobacco company, and have extremely unique blends, and most of them are...lets just say, not for me.   I appreciate they do things their own way, but they must be a terribly small company* because they can't seem to keep up with demand.   :lol: It can't be hurting them, on the other hand.  

(*...someone feel free to re-post the thread of the Sam Gawith operation in action...that outfit is small, but you wouldn't think so without seeing it on the inside...)

8)