Rattrays

[BigCasino]

ok heading to the B&M today they have all of their remaining stock of Rattrays on a 50% off sale,
lets hear your favorite blends, and a short review of it, so I can have ideas on which ones I want to hoard buy

 

[Carlos]

HOTW, Old Gowrie, & Marlin Flake.  Those top my list.  But I have some of everything in the cellar I think.  Been a few years since I had my hands on a tin.

Oh, reviews. Well, they are all Virginia blends. HOTW is the spiciest. All are rich tasting. Old Gowrie is the mildest of the three, but I would call it medium strength. Sip them slowly.

But don't pass up on the chance to get other blends.

 

[Carlos]

Forgot Brown Clunee and Red Rapparee. Both also good blends. Brown Clunee is a Va/Pr blend. Red Rapparee is a latakia blend, milder than Margate, or London Blend.

 

[Carlos]

I keep looking at the list and thinking that all of those were good smokes. Maybe not memorable. Accountants Mixture would be another decent one that I know I have an open tin of. Another latakia blend.

 

[BigCasino]

Thanks Carlos, I like a little bit of all types of blends so your giving me a good list to look at

 

[Storm_Crow]

Marlin Flake and HOTW...sorry no review; works crazy ATM. You won't be disappointed with either of these.

 

[Big G]

Rattray's has a quartet of must-try Virginia blends - Brown Clunee, Old Gowrie, Marlin Flake, and Hal O' the Wynd.  They are all great VA's that also have Kentucky & Perique in the mix.  My favorites by far are Marlin Flake & Old Gowrie.  While I generally like red VA's, I find HOTW to be a bit harsh even after significant aging & drying.
I also put some Bagpiper's Dream in my humble cellar after reading a number of great reviews.
At 50% off, I'd try as many as I could possibly afford...

 

[Bluefisher]

HOTW is a current favorite of mine. Deep, sweet, a bit spicy. Love the tin note. Should cellar well. "Full Red Virginia Flake, Ready Rubbed." Or so the label on the bottom of the tin tells me.

 

[whiderwarde]

I'll cast a redundant vote for Old Gowrie.  It's my long-standing #1 blend.  In my opinion, the tin note can't be beat and the smoke moves wonderfully from fresh, sweet virginia to a deep earthy kentucky flavor, well balanced all the way through.  I've blown out my sinuses many times because I just can't resist exhaling through my nose with almost every puff, especially at the start of a bowl.  It starts beautifully fresh and clean and finishes well rounded out, smoky and rich...well, rich by my standards, and I like some subtlety in my tobacco flavor.
Also, there used to be a video on YouTube of a guy relating the story behind the name "Old Gowrie" and the Scottish fella it was named for.  Interesting video, but it seems to have dropped off the chart.  Too bad.
Enjoy your forthcoming purchase!

P.S.- Old Gowrie pairs exceptionally with Bulleit bourbon.

 

[Brewdude]

I enjoy all of the above.

Can't go wrong with any of them IMO.


Cheers,

RR

 

[DrumsAndBeer]

Been meaning to try Red Rapparee for some time.

For me the Rattray Blends that I think are worth checking out are HOTW, Marlin Flake, Old Gowrie and Dark Fragrant. I am not so sure that I would enjoy a fresh tin of DF, but I have a tin of it from the James B. Russell era that I have been working away at, and it's a very nice smoke. It ages well obviously.

 

[BigCasino]

well I aimed to high again, by the time I got there all that was left was a few tins of Higland Targe, 7 reserve, and black mallory, and professional mixture

I should have went earlier in the week oh well
I picked up a tin of highland targe and 7 reserve

I like English blends so thought I would try them

 

[allyby]

well I aimed to high again, by the time I got there all that was left was a few tins of Higland Targe,  7 reserve, and black mallory, and professional mixture

I should have went earlier in the week oh well
I picked up a tin of highland targe and 7 reserve

I like English blends so thought I would try them

An old saying Harry.
If your not fast, your last.!

 

[BigCasino]

I like that one Ally, I always say if you snooze you lose!

 

[MisterE]

Balck Mallory is one of the fullest Latakia blends I know. Great stuff!!

 

[docwatson]

IMO there are no bad blends made for Rattray. 7 Reserve is a wonderful English blend, and you won't be disappointed with Professional either. At that price I would clean off their shelves!!!

 

[BigCasino]

I think that is the problem Doc, people where clearing off the shelves, I think he is going to stop carrying Rattrays I didn't see any new tins in the old spot, and judging by the yellowing plastic pop lids these ones have been there for a while

 

[sisyphus]

Marlin Flake is the only one I can stomach and it's good bordering on great. HOTW is too woody, and for me woody is not a positive adjective to describe a Va with.

 

[rothnh]

I've got some Hal O' the Wynd, Blackl Mallory & Marlin Flake in the cellar and enjoy them all.

If I were to pick one, it would be Marlin Flake; it's unique. I buy MF by the single, huge, 500 gram flake LOL and have more than 2 pounds in the cellar ATM.

 

[docwatson]

Just got notice of the last post by rothnh. Quite a coincidence.
I am presently puffing on a bowl of Jock's Mixture. Love the stuff.
Like you guys, I enjoy Marlin Flake and have a stash set aside, but didn't know that it came in 500 gram bulk.
Gooood Stuff!!