Manufacturer Description:
Ripe, bright Virginia, Oriental leaf and Latakia from the Balkans. The rich content of Latakia gives the mixture its English character and smoky note.
Characterisation:
The Erinmore Balkan Mixture is surprisingly bright for an English tobacco: it is dominated by bright and medium brown tobacco over a few almost black tobacco fibers. The cut, however, is typically English and fine; the individual fibers are relatively long. The scent is also English, but from the light variety because is to perceive a distinct sweetness in addition to the very subtle but perceptible rigor as is typical of Orient and Latakia. Although the tobacco has been pressed into the can and therefore is highly compressed, it is not too moist.
Plugging:
The Erinmore Balkan Mixture can be plugged like any loose mixture. Due to the long individual fibers the tobacco can be rollied a little between the fingers, so that nothing sticks out the top of the pipe. Then fill it from the bottom up becoming tighter into the pipe. Stuffed so, it wouldn´t become hot when smoked.
Light up:
Since the Erinmore Balkan Mixture is very well conditioned, it is easy to ignite. At most, you can smoothen the surface of the filling slightly with the tamper, then it burns down more evenly.
Smoking properties:
The Erinmore Balkan Mixture is tart, with a strong, peppery smoke, you should not mix up with tongue-bite. This flavor you have to like and is known more by Kentucky tobaccos too. In fact, one might think that the tobacco contained neither Orient nor Latakia initially, these are yet so far in the background, that this English comes unusually discreet. But they are there! The gentle sweetness that tames the smoky Virginia, as well as the almost flowery to be named ease that prevented that the smoker is not overwhelmed by the harsh impact of tobacco are owed to the Orient and Latakia. So the Erinmore Balkan Mixture despite its gustatory force in their strength - and what the terms of nicotine content – is to settle in the midfield. Also, due to this, this mixture is very harmonious and round. Occasionally, you can bring the embers gently closer to the filling with the tamper. The tobacco is not making more work. Since the mixture does not tend to gargle and the fine light gray ash with a few dark flakes is little cleaning effort Erinmore Balkan Mixture gives pleasure to the very end.
Redolency:
The Erinmore Balkan Mixture may be a "hidden" English, but its content of Latakia and Orient clearly is recognizable in the room. It should be enjoyed accordingly rather in like-minded company or outdoors.
Conclusion:
In the tin, the Erinmore Balkan Mixture presents itself in cutting and scent as true English. However, the tobacco image the darker tobaccos are more likely in the background. Likewise, in the smoke. Thus the mixture because of their relatively tame Latakia- and Orient salary and their average strenght could be a good entry in the world of English tobaccos. But one should not underestimate the savor corresponding Virginia. These are smoky and tart, with a certain sharpness, while precisely the often disreputable Orientals contribute rather lovely tones. The overall picture that emerges from these apparent contradictions is surprisingly round and balanced. Those who have already made acquaintance with stronger blends or these preferred and feels ready for Latakia and Oriental could herein find the ideal entry.
Copyright © 2007 by TECON GmbH
with friendly support of Dennis Hübel
