Penzance

[cigrmaster]

I was told by a tobacconist that he has visited the Esoterica mfg facility and they only employ 6 people in total. When he was there he only saw 3. They have no plans to ever expand and they are happy to be as small as they are. I personally believe they are being very shortsighted because when tins of Penzance go up to 30-40 a tin and their sales plummet, they will have wished they cashed in now when they getting was good.

When I was an English smoker, I really enjoyed Penzance. I found it to be a unique flavor and the creamiest English I ever smoked. Back when I was smoking it it was readily available at numerous sources.

 

[Kyle Weiss]

I was told by a tobacconist that he has visited the Esoterica mfg facility and they only employ 6 people in total. When he was there he only saw 3. They have no plans to ever expand and they are happy to be as small as they are.

From what I saw (in pictures from re-posted material) of the S. Gawith production facility in Lakeland, it probably could have fit in a 1,100 ft/2 house (except a house built in 1792 :lol: ). I think there might have been four or five guys working there. Sounds typical.

Hey, if they're happy, I'm happy. :heart: I agree, though, they ought to balance their own market for availability/profitability for their own sake. Also, change their @$)%*!! packaging.

8)

 

[Smoker99]

Never cared much for it, guess I am in the minority. Always thought it was a bit flat.

 

[BigCasino]

J.F. Germains makes esoterica, or at least the Penzance

 

[Northern Neil]

I am pretty much sure that JF Germain makes all the blends for Esoterica. They are at least listed on the Dorchester, Penzance and Kingsbridge. Those are the only blends I have been able to try, and they were all made by Germain.

 

[DrumsAndBeer]

Yes Esoterica is J.F. Germain & Sons.

For being such a small shop, Germain certainly does have there hands in a lot of pots. They also produce the house blends for Smoker's Haven, a handful of the Butera blends (Pelican, Kingfisher, etc.), their own tobacco label, and the current rendition of Balkan Sobranie.

 

[swhipple]

Posting a reply to say thanks to Kyle. I tried Star of the East based on you saying it compared well with Penzance. I have to say it has a very similar flavor profile and I found it tasty indeed. The only thing I detected that was different was that Penzance has a thicker smoke that tends to coat the inside of your mouth. Star of the East has a thinner, more "normal" smoke and mouth feel.

If you like Penzance but like me are to lazily or jaded to track it down, Star of the East is a readily available sub.

 

[Harlock999]

Penzance has a thicker smoke that tends to coat the inside of your mouth. Star of the East has a thinner, more "normal" smoke and mouth feel.

Excellent observation!
I agree.

 

[ftrplt]

Posting a reply to say thanks to Kyle. I tried Star of the East based on you saying it compared well with Penzance. I have to say it has a very similar flavor profile and I found it tasty indeed. The only thing I detected that was different was that Penzance has a thicker smoke that tends to coat the inside of your mouth. Star of the East has a thinner, more "normal" smoke and mouth feel.

If you like Penzance but like me are to lazily or jaded to track it down, Star of the East is a readily available sub.

At nearly 67, my taste buds are pretty well shot; but SOTE is one fine 'baccy on its own!!! Charles Fairmorn's Lancer's Slices fits in here for me also. Lots of smoky aroma opening the jar!!! FTRPLT

 

[Kyle Weiss]

Penzance has a thicker smoke that tends to coat the inside of your mouth. Star of the East has a thinner, more "normal" smoke and mouth feel.

Excellent observation!
I agree.

Agreed as well.  Penzance is unmatched in that dense smoke.   Star of the East (Flake, anyway) is a bit more of a sporty blend, and it has a little more get-up-n-go.  Interestingly, if I'm after Latakia, I prefer a thinner smoke, seems to deliver the spectrum of "smokiness" a bit better.  I lean on B. Sasieni, Nightcap, SOTE, or at the extreme--Ten Russians.  If I want just a thick smoke, Wessex Burley Slices does well, as does GLP Navigator or even JP's Storm Front.  Or I just go get a good Maduro cigar like a CAO Brasilia.  

Geez, I'm being hard on Penzance.  That's okay, it's the cool kid on the block.  :twisted:   :tongue:

(and you're welcome, swhipple)

Yes Esoterica is J.F. Germain & Sons.

For being such a small shop, Germain certainly does have there hands in a lot of pots. They also produce the house blends for Smoker's Haven, a handful of the Butera blends (Pelican, Kingfisher, etc.), their own tobacco label, and the current rendition of Balkan Sobranie.

There's some lineage info right there. I learned something. Thanks!

8)