Your favorite ARO

[Blackhorse]

So...let’s do a poll.

I want to know your ONE favorite high quality aromatic blend that is currently available. The one YOU enjoy smoking the most. And add ONE sentence about WHY you like it.

AND...what ONE aro do you really think is great that is either unappreciated or under the radar.

One post per member, right?

Guidelines:

1. Your ONE favorite and ONE under the radar blend.
2. Must be Currently available for purchase online.
3. One sentence re why you like it.
4. No Lakeland blends allowed.
5. List brand, name and format (tin, bulk, etc.)
6. Be sure to note which description is for what catagory.

You know, the more things I list the less likely they’ll be followed. So that’s it.

Wanna play? Go for it.

 

[DrumsAndBeer]

My current favorite, Rattray’s Exotic Orange. Great aromatic.

Don’t know about an under the radar blend, most of the good ones are pretty well known. I’ll think about it and get back to you. Haha

 

[Blackhorse]

Nice.  I’ve looked for the Rattray EXotic Orange everywhere and seemingly forever...have my name in with all the vendors...haven’t been lucky yet. Sigh. Someday.


I just ordered the following stuff from about three different vendors. Maybe I’ll find my new favorite among them.  But currently my favorite is probably Dunhill A21000.  I think it’s the same as 1Q...just more expensive.

The orders:

Mac Baren Mixture - Scottish Blend
Mac Baren Golden Extra
Mac Baren 7 Seas Black
Amphora Special Reserve Black Cavendish
Sillem’s Copenhagen
Stanwell Melange

 

[Deleted member 4028]

My answer would be Peterson University Flake. It's Burley based, my favorite leaf; the plum casing is great and the nicotine punch is just right.

As for under the radar aros, I'm thinking Peterson Irish Whisky. It's a very well made mixture of Burley and Virginias, with just a bit of whisky to give it a sweet edge. But, like University Flake, it's not for everyone as it has a good nicotine level.

 

[hobie1dog]

1Q

Because it's everywhere.

Trout Stream is an under the radar blend.

 

[Blackhorse]

My answer would be Peterson University Flake. It's Burley based, my favorite leaf; the plum casing is great and the nicotine punch is just right.

As for under the radar aros, I'm thinking Peterson Irish Whisky. It's a very well made mixture of Burley and Virginias, with just a bit of whisky to give it a sweet edge. But, like University Flake, it's not for everyone as it has a good nicotine level.

Hey Davy...here’s a little known factoid...

“After K&K lost the Peterson range to Mac Baren, they did not want to waste their recipes. They tweaked them a little and simply renamed the old Peterson line to be re-released under the Rattray's label: Malcolm Flake being Erinmore Flake; Sterling Flake being Irish Flake; and Wallace Flake being University Flake.” - from Tobacco Review Site

 

[Ozark Wizard]

I had to think for a while, as many of the aromatics I really like are no longer available. I guess that puts Dan Tobaccos Devil's Holiday on top. I like berries, and there's plenty to be had here.

Unsung hero would be Just For Him's Blue Balls. I tend to mix it down about 50/50 with Carter Hall to tone it down.

http://www.tobaccoreviews.com/blend/4079/just-for-him-blue-balls

I can get both in bulk. Devil's Holiday is however also available in tins.

 

[Blackhorse]

I had to think for a while, as many of the aromatics I really like are no longer available. I guess that puts Dan Tobaccos Devil's Holiday on top. I like berries, and there's plenty to be had here.

Unsung hero would be Just For Him's Blue Balls. I tend to mix it down about 50/50 with Carter Hall to tone it down.

http://www.tobaccoreviews.com/blend/4079/just-for-him-blue-balls

I can get both in bulk. Devil's Holiday is however also available in tins.

Have you ever tried Firedance Flake? I imagine that would suit you.

 

[Ozark Wizard]

I had to think for a while, as many of the aromatics I really like are no longer available. I guess that puts Dan Tobaccos Devil's Holiday on top. I like berries, and there's plenty to be had here.

Unsung hero would be Just For Him's Blue Balls. I tend to mix it down about 50/50 with Carter Hall to tone it down.

http://www.tobaccoreviews.com/blend/4079/just-for-him-blue-balls

I can get both in bulk. Devil's Holiday is however also available in tins.

Have you ever tried Firedance Flake?  I imagine that would suit you.

Yes, in fact I like that one a lot too! Even so much I buy the snuff version as well. Load the pipe, load the nose, light the pipe! Firedancing!

 

[Fazby]

Captain Black Red Sky (tin). Just plain enjoy the cherry flavor.

Some time ago I posted a listing of sherry blends I tried. Red Sky is actually tied with a few others.

Sine I am only allowed one blend, I won't mention those other names or IRC Three Star Blue.

I really prefer Va and VaPer, but sometimes an aro fills the bill.

 

[Blackhorse]

Since I am only allowed one blend, I won't mention those other names or IRC Three Star Blue.

Yes...you are the model of restraint.

 

[Brewdude]

I enjoy Uhle's 255 even though Uhle's doesn't list it as an aro. It has a light licorice top dressing that's just like Goldilock's porridge - just right. Neither strident nor under applied, and for years I didn't even realize it was licorice until I asked a guy at Uhle's what that flavor was as I could never identify it.

My late Pap smoked this exclusively when I was growing up, and I always figured if it was good enough for Pap it was good enough for me.

Uhle's sells it in two sizes - 1.75 oz and 7 oz baggies. It's a cube cut burley as the base, and Uhle's does great things with burley. Their website is undergoing some maintenance so can't post the prices.


Cheers,

RR

 

[DrumsAndBeer]

My answer would be Peterson University Flake. It's Burley based, my favorite leaf; the plum casing is great and the nicotine punch is just right.

Interesting. Never thought of University Flake as an aromatic. More of a lightly flavored middle weight contender with a bit of KO power.

 

[Blackhorse]

If it was a Gawith flake folks would refer to it as an aromatic...with its medium plum scenting and all. I think since it’s a Peterson item they think of it differently.

 

[JimInks]

I like Edward G. Robinson's Pipe Blend because it is mild, and the pinch of cinnamon adds to the experience for me.

I know Wilke Blends are not relatively unknown, but I seldom see anyone smoking #515, which is the blend that was made for Basil Rathbone. I really like that one. Mild enough to smoke all day, flavorful enough to not be boring.

 

[DrumsAndBeer]

I know Wilke Blends are not relatively unknown, but I seldom see anyone smoking #515, which is the blend that was made for Basil Rathbone. I really like that one. Mild enough to smoke all day, flavorful enough to not be boring.

#515, Is that the Rumcake or are they different mixtures?

 

[JimInks]

I know Wilke Blends are not relatively unknown, but I seldom see anyone smoking #515, which is the blend that was made for Basil Rathbone. I really like that one. Mild enough to smoke all day, flavorful enough to not be boring.

#515, Is that the Rumcake or are they different mixtures?

The Rumcake is a stronger version. I like that one, too.

Funny thing: I don't like to drink rum (not really a drinker anyway), but I like to smoke rum blends.

 

[Deleted member 2386]

I dig Strauss’ Sleepy Hollow—most aromatics don’t do anything for me but I swear I get a little pumpkin and mulled wine spice from it. Could be psychosomatic since I’m a sucker for Halloween anything. It’s also only available seasonally, but that season happens to be right now!

As for under the radar I rarely see folks mention Solani’s Tropical Mango Flake, which is tasty as heck. Can’t speak to the nose but there’s definite a great fruity flavor that pairs well with the quality tobacco. Think Firedance’s freewheeling cousin from the islands. Saw Ted Gage and our own resident warlock reviewed it in the last issue of Pipes and Tobaccos Magazine so hopefully it’ll get some more love.

 

[Blackhorse]

Gramps - how do you order Sleepy Hollow?  Do you have to call the order in?

I don’t see prices anywhere on their site.

 

[DrumsAndBeer]

Strauss used to announce when they were brewing it up via email and social media outlets.

I'd give them a call. If I remember correctly, they have some in-shop lore built around Sleepy Hollow and it was always made available in early October and the last day you could purchase it was always Hallow's Eve. Spooky.