Balkan Sobranie Mixture Tobacco Tin 50g

Unique,mild and full of flavor ..... but something is telling me there is more to it than just a tobacco blend.

With the history and price tag/availability of this blend came concerns it could be a bit of a letdown but those were swiftly erased almost immediately after lighting my first bowl of Balkan Sobranie. I don't know what it used to taste like but I have an extremely difficult time believing this current offering to be lacking in anyways. In fact, I'm now finding some of my previous favorite blends to be lacking. The aroma and flavors are very much in sync. It is smooth but not overly so. The flavors are deep and I really can't do justice in words how great the aroma is, both from the tin and the smoke, just exquisite. The cut is a fine shag like the ribbon which is a little finicky getting lit and keeping it so but chalking that up to a moisture thing mostly I believe.

Wonderful tobacco provided by one of the best online tobacconists.

A great smoke. Easy to understand why it is treated as the gold standard in Balkan style blends. My tin was very damp. The fine ribbon cut needs some airing out. If you air it out, the bite disappears.

Having smoked Balkan Sobranie from 1963 until it was no longer available I was curious about this new production: room note seemed recognizable, the cut is finer than I remember, the taste is peppery, but lacks taste. I will remain a former smoker!

So, I finally opened the tin and took my time burning through it. Here is the thing, for those of you waiting patiently to try it, it's just ok. Yes, it is a nice baccy but, these days there are a TON out there that have tried to copy it over the years and some have absolutely succeeded. Plus, you can easily get your hands on them! and they are just as good if not better. Off the top of my head, Black House and White Knight are definitely in the ballpark and I am surprised to say I like Balkan Sasieni even better! It is good smoke and I'm glad I got a hold of a couple of tins but, that's about it. I think most of us, especially new to the community, think its some mythical blend that would be our holy grail in our modest cellar. That just isn't the case. So many talented blenders out there these days who have put their spin on it and have done well! Penzance... now that is another story :) Hope this helps those who can't get their hands on it I speak the truth, my friends. Cheers!

Very very nice tobacco, I love it, If you can only choose one tobacco, I choose Sobranie.

I like it, not as aromatic as I remember from the 70s. but still smooth. it has been 40 years since I have smoked any. Good smoke!

Very nice Balkan blend. It's a sweet and smoky treat.