Two New Esoterica Blends - Hastings & Woodbridge

[Blackhorse]

Just got 'em in from Mars...$23 for 8 oz. Never tried 'em before, but doing a slow tour of Esoterica and added these to my larder as this month's picks.

They are both qualified as aromatics by Esoterica...made by J. F. Germaine...but are the Brit interpretation of an aromatic...not goopy with PG or super sweet with simple syrup. The scent/flavor essence is done in harmony with the underlying blend, enhancing it and letting it shine through. At least that's the intended concept.

The Gawithian interpretation of this, including the Lakeland blends, exhibit scent additions in a floral and incense-like arena. To me, Germaine does their Esoterica line in more gastronomical directions, like my famous 'treacle' that being some mixture of molasses/raisin/plum.

I smell a little of that treacle-like essence, but they are quite different. I plan on a side-by-side tomorrow. Until then, satisfy yourself with the sad and deluded ramblings of tasteless lumps trying to impress with their witless rambling...you know, like me!  lol


Hastings:

http://www.tobaccoreviews.com/blend/492/esoterica-tobacciana-hastings


Woodbridge:

http://www.tobaccoreviews.com/blend/504/esoterica-tobacciana-woodbridge

 

[Sloth]

To me, Germaine does their Esoterica line in more gastronomical directions, like my famous 'treacle' that being some mixture of molasses/raisin/plum.

Treacle is just British for molasses. The raisin and plum notes are Germain's artistry, matching the right treacle and the right tobacco in the right way.

 

[TMacphersonNH]

I remember reading this on the brew boards describing the difference between treacle and molasses. Just thought I'd throw it out there.

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Treacle is the British generic name for any syrup made during the refining of sugar cane. Therefore, theoretically, Treacle, Black Treacle, Molasses, Golden Syrup and Blackstrap are all treacles.

In practice however, there is a technical difference between “treacle” and “Molasses” in that molasses is obtained from the drainings of raw sugar during the refining process and treacle is made from the syrup obtained from the sugar

During the refining process, raw sugar cane is first crushed then boiled in stages until it has thickened sufficiently to facilitate the growing of sugar crystals which will eventually become refined sugar. There are two main types of treacle.

Light Treacle better known as Golden Syrup (equivalent = Light Molasses), is made from the syrup obtained during the first boiling of the sugar cane/beets. About 65% sucrose, it is the lightest in colour and the sweetest of all the treacles and is usually unsulphered.

Black Treacle, (equivalent = dark molasses) is made from the syrup obtained from later boilings and is about 55% sucrose.

Golden Syrup has a clear golden color and a sweet, rich, distinctive buttery flavor. It can be used just as it is, spread on bread or poured ice cream or pancakes, but in Britain has always been widely used baked goods and desserts, in particular the famous treacle tart, flapjacks and treacle pudding. It can also be used in many savoury recipes calling for sweetness, in particular sauces and glazes. It can be used as a substitute for corn syrup in most recipes.

Black Treacle has a slightly burnt caramel flavor that is a bit stronger than that of medium molasses. As the name would suggest, it is black (to all intents and purposes). It is most often used in confectionery such as toffee and baked goods such as breads, cakes and biscuits where it lends colour and flavour, but can also be used in savoury recipes such as glazes, sauces and stews or casseroles. It can be used as a substitute in most recipes calling for dark molasses.

 

[Cadfael]

I have been wanting to try the Woodbridge - but looks like someone cleaned out Mars!

 

[Blackhorse]

I'm always pleased to be corrected with the REAL story. So in my mental dictionary I'm replacing the term "treacle" as it pertains to the tobacco blending process with the term "treacle blend" which would allow the inclusion of the raisin/plum/etc. extracts/flavors/etc. and to cover the range of the various types of treacle's...a more inclusive and generic approach. Whatever works.

And thanks for the research. Good work.

 

[TMacphersonNH]

No problem Blackhorse. I remember a rip snorting debate amongst the home brew community as to whether they are the same. Figured I'd pass it on!