Favorite current production Balkan blend?

[American Psycho-Analyst]

Due to the current paucity of new threads, and because I'm interested in current CS member opinion, for those of you who smoke Balkan blends (even if only occasionally), what is your favorite current production Balkan and why?

I would have to say that, out of the Balkans that I've tried (such as: Odyssey, Macedonian Mixture, Balkan Sasieni, Balkan Supreme etc.) that my favorite Balkan (at the moment) is Bill Bailey's Balkan Blend. I prefer this blend due to the variegated tanginess-tartness that becomes more pronounced as the bowl is smoked, the heaviness of the smoke produced by the inclusion of so much choice Latakia (some say that the Latakia contained herein is Syrian), and, of course, due to the stove-fired Kentucky, the accompanying nicotine kick.

Back the point however, what's your favorite Balkan and why?

[Mad Hatter]

I need to try more Balkan Blends, but so many tobaccos to choose from I feel like a three year old in a candy shop

[American Psycho-Analyst]

Originally Posted by Mad Hatter

I need to try more Balkan Blends, but so many tobaccos to choose from I feel like a three year old in a candy shop

That's exactly why I started this thread. So that people like you and myself can know where to go next!

[croatan]

Odyssey for me. That blend just really hits the spot.

[SUOrangeGuy]

Originally Posted by croatan

Odyssey for me. That blend just really hits the spot.

But to be fair I've only hit a few.

[American Psycho-Analyst]

Perhaps it's just the tin I have, but every pipe of Odyssey that I smoke tastes like a filthy athletic sock.

[Bruce]

Sobranie. It's the blend that set the benchmark.
The new stuff in the pouches is ok, but the older production in the old tins...........that's the $hit!

The Syrian latakia really makes the difference.....much smoother and mellow. Plus the rare yenidjie, xanthi, and macedonian is what sets this apart from other Balkans. Even the newer pouch version of BS doesn't compare well with the older production.

If we ever get together for an area pipe herf, I will bring both the Original (white tin) and 759 for you guys to try.

[Kayak_Rat]

Originally Posted by American Psycho-Analyst

Perhaps it's just the tin I have, but every pipe of Odyssey that I smoke tastes like a filthy athletic sock.

Maybe the storing of your pipes in filthy gym socks is imarting a little flavor into the briar.........


I really havent dealved into the Balkans heavily. Looks like the Odyssey is a definate try though.

[mr.c]

I think pease has the best. Though I did NOT like odyssey at first. Thought it was very astringent tasting, left it alone for about 3 months and was better the 2nd time around. Very close to Ravens wing.

Pease and C&D dont age there tobaccos, they always seem a little rough at first.

my.02