Sutliff Balkan S Original Mix Match Pipe Tobacco

From 1962-63 through 1978 when I stopped smoking a pipe regularly, my tobacconist sent me two 8 ox tins of Balkan Sobranie each month and that included my tour in Vietnam in 1967-68. It is easy for me to say that Balkan Sobranie is/was my favorite tobacco of all time. Surprisingly, Sutliff’s recreation is close to the original. B S has a richness not apparent in the Sutliff version, but it is mighty close. It may smoke a tad bit hotter than the original. It and Balkan Sasieni are the two closest tobaccos that I have found to the original. I will order it again.

To my taste, this is pretty close to the current tinned version (I never tried the original ‘70s version). Where this one falls short in my opinion is about halfway through the bowl. By then the characteristic flavors fade away and all that’s left is plain tobacco. Not that that’s bad but it’s not why I seek out Balkan Sobranie. I’d say White Knight has this beat for consistency and maintenance of character from start to finish. With that said, this mix might be a good inexpensive way to find out if you like Balkan in the first place. Just don’t plan on continuing past the first half of the bowl if you want the full experience and flavor. Tobacco age: new Pipe used: Owl Custom Ol Doinyo Lengai

There is really not much to say that hasn't been said. I've bought two 16 oz bags so far. Will buy 2 more next month.

Found it a bit warm on the front end and a bit bitty and hot on the bottom end be is overall a nice smoke.

Bought 2 pounds. It's a fantastic all day English. Will buy 2 more pounds next month, cause it's that dang good.

I liked it a lot. Wasn’t disappointed.

Very good blend on its own. I would recommend to anyone who enjoys aa medium English.

It is a good medium bodied blend. Thank You Tobaccopipes.com.

This Match is based on the 1970s version, and not any later or current Sobranie productions. This is very similar to the ’70s Sobranie. The main differences are the Orientals are a shade spicier, there's a little less Latakia, and a little more creamy sweetness in the Match. It’s also missing the mild unflavored “soda” note from the Yenidje that the original had, though the woody, earthy, lightly buttery sweet and sour, floral Macedonia plays the very same background notes. The original was a slightly drier smoke. The yellow Virginia is lightly grassy and citrusy in both. red Virginia offers lightly tangy dark fruit, and a touch of earth and wood. The Cyprian Latakia has the usual smokey sweet, earthy, musty, woodsy flavor, and is balanced nicely by the other components. The original used Syrian Latakia. While it appears that there are numerous differences between the original and the Match, they are minor and more of an indicator of nuance variations rather than big discrepancies. I was actively looking for contrast and comparison, so the description of divergences makes them seem greater than they are. The strength and taste levels just hit the medium mark. The nic-hit is in the center of mild to medium. Like the original, it is well balanced and burns clean at a moderate pace with few relights, a cool, consistent, fairly smooth flavor, and leaves virtually no dampness in the bowl. Won't bite or get harsh. Has a pleasant after taste. Can be an all day smoke