4 out of 5
My parents were in grade school when people were smoking balkan sobranie. So idk what the heck that tasted like! But this is very good, I only rate 4 stars because In my opinion it's a little inconsistent.
5 out of 5
Really, I think it is time to get over Balkan Sobranie and the 759 version . I smoked these blends from the 60's through the 70's almost exclusively. There has been no match for these before or since. The same can be said for the Sullivan blends which I also smoked on and off. Just let go and move on.
White Knight stands on it's own and it is great. I'm afraid to say that I like it because if I do it will disappear like every other blend I start to like. I know that sounds dumb. White Knight is the best I have tried so far that attempts to mimic the Sobranie blends though. I wish they would sell 12-16oz tins of the stuff. Russ has got himself a potential classic here. It is fairly complex, all of the components work together and a bonus for me the nic hit is on the low side of mild. If you are into Balkan style blends this is one of the best IMHO.
5 out of 5
One of my favorite pipe tobaccos!
4 out of 5
I just cracked my second tin. It is good, don't misunderstand, but the incense aroma of the first tin is not there. The smokiness is not as intense either. None the less, I'll continue to buy as long as it's available.
4 out of 5
Remarkably good blend. As close to the old Balkan Sobrani as I've tasted.
5 out of 5
My favorite from hearth and home
5 out of 5
I've never had the opportunity to try its other manifestations but this is a great all day Balkan. It has a wonderfully unique tin note and a really mellow finish.
5 out of 5
This tabacco is one of my , sit back and relax for the evening smokes. Another one of my very few , at least one bowl per day favorites.
5 out of 5
This is my first try at a Balkan Blend. I'm a fan for life. My wife even likes the room note!
5 out of 5
This is definitely one of the most unique tobacco blends I've ever smoked. It has an incense-like aroma reminiscent of sandalwood, frankincense, or dragon's blood. It's honestly too complex too describe taste wise but it does burn cool, clean, and packs a decent nicotine punch. WhiteKnight will definitely be in my permanent rotation.
5 out of 5
One of the better blends I've had the joy of imbibing in. This is a rock-solid choice for a "English" type blend. I currently have 20 tins in stock, dating back to 2017, and am enjoying every one of the older ones. This is definitely a blend that gets MUCH better with age.
4 out of 5
Always brings a satisfying experience! 🙂👍👍
5 out of 5
Not quite Balkan Sobranie, but still great! I may prefer this over BlackHouse, but the jury is still out. Very much worth picking up a tin or ten!
5 out of 5
This is a very well balanced blend with a excellent taste as well as room note and I will be purchasing more to stock up my cellar, highly recommended
5 out of 5
Never had Balkan Sobranie, but WhiteKnight is totally my jam. I'm a big fan of the Yenidje and Latakia. The Virginias act more as a binding agent here. This is a staple in my rotation.
5 out of 5
As good as I can remember BSOSM being from my youth.
A GREAT match Russ.
This is my go-to Balkan and queen Yenidje never disappoints.
Been smoking this iteration for years & it’s hands down the best.
Always consistent-Always balanced-Always satisfying
5 out of 5
Great blend, love the balance of the Yenidje and Latakia. A key part of my rotation.
5 out of 5
I really liked it so much that I ordered white knight again. Will be ordering more!
5 out of 5
Novice at this but can the smoke was pleasant. I never taste all the fancy things you hear about tobacco (wine, beer, etc). This blend has an easy flavor too it that I would describe as woodsy or herbal. For one who likes aromatics this is a good cross-over. The lingering aftertaste is mild and typical tobacco. I doubt I will be able to sense tomorrow. I did puff it in a Roma Church Warden.
5 out of 5
Exactly what I’ve been looking for in a pipe tobacco. My favorite smoke after dinner with tea or coffee. I would recommend giving this a try, you won’t be disappointed.
5 out of 5
Great tasting tobacco! My everyday blend!
4 out of 5
Not as good as Black house but its still a nice smoke.
5 out of 5
I'm to young to remember Balkan Sabranie in the 1970's; but if it's anything like this I like it. One of my favorites!
5 out of 5
Very smooth, great old flavor. This is definitely a blend that I will keep in my collection.
5 out of 5
I'm glad I ordered this wonderful Balkan! H&H really came through with a reminiscent flavorful old school tobacco.
5 out of 5
As a new pipe smoker, this tobacco was suggested as an excellent choice for building an initial carbon cake in a new pipe and I could not agree more! Very smooth, mellow smoke with a hint of sweetness. Smells like a warm campfire out of the tin. Although my goal is to explore aromatics moving forward, this wonderful blend will definitely stay in my rotation!
5 out of 5
Excellent true English blend. Reminiscent of the old classic Balkan Sobranie, and similar to Balkan Sasieni.
5 out of 5
One of my favorite blends. Imo it really benefits from opening the tin, letting it air a little while then put in a jar and let it rest 2 to 4 weeks so everything kinda settles in and melds together for a truly exceptional smoke
5 out of 5
Excellent! No nonsense here. Kind of old style, smooth but strong at the same time. The perfect balance. Will buy it again.
5 out of 5
A great mid day smoke! It has excellent burn quality and flavor! 🙂👍
5 out of 5
Excellent blend, love everything about it.
5 out of 5
An excellent entry-level latakia blend. I am actually more of an aromatic smoker--but this definitely makes my rotation. Not over-powering, smokes all the way down, does not leave an after-bowl bad flavor. Perfect as an outdoor, end-of-day smoke. I keep thinking I don't need more tobacco but I keep ordering this.
4 out of 5
Although i prefer aromatic blends, this tin is something i like to smoke for something different. I have been trying non aromatics to expand my palette, which I admit is still novice. I get a very strong peppery note when opening the tin. Smoking is cool and surprisingly mild for me.
5 out of 5
Nice everyday smoke,
5 out of 5
This is one of the best smoking tobacco I have tried
4 out of 5
A good blend, but a bit light for me. Probably be good as a summer blend, but it’s currently December. I’m looking for something a bit heavier. May through September? Definitely. Now, however? Going to try Blackhouse.
5 out of 5
Smokie and simultaneously sweet. The room bote is campfire-like. Thos os my everyday smoke now and is one of Russ Oulette’s masterpieces. No tounge bite and burns with few re-lights. I keep this in my pouch almost to the exclusion of any of the many other tobaccos in my collection. Recommend a bit of drying if straight out of a new tin.
5 out of 5
Very smooth smoking and the greatest help with problems
5 out of 5
Beautiful, old-time tasting English blend. No bite.
5 out of 5
I don't remember how much it is like Balkan Sobranie (spelling?) use to taste, but it is a great Balkan mixture, and I will continue to buy it in the future. It's great.
5 out of 5
It's the latakia. Excellent balance.
5 out of 5
I love this tobacco! I do not know why... I have only been smoking a pipe for 3 weeks now and I received a tin with some pipe sale deal. I find my tastes lean towards savory aromatics but this stuff is hard to put down.
3 out of 5
Very bright and floral (impressive really), but could maybe use a touch more depth in the bass end. I think I'd feel better about the blend if I could keep it lit (it loses a star for this issue). I'm okay with blends that take some relighting, but it seems I have to rev things up too often to get through a bowl. Black House is the boy for me.
5 out of 5
My favorite pipe tobacco. Wonderful in every regard. The latakia is elegant. It really doesn't bear the campfire notes as many latakias do. The notes here are more of floral and incense. Beautiful. And the orientals emerge buttery and vintage revealing the smoke's true identity as a masterful Balkan. This one will go down in the books as a tobacco of yore. In thirty years I will pine for it and tell the youngens how it was in the days of white knight.
5 out of 5
Was looking for a replacement for black house, in event it became unavailable. Good latika and cut.
5 out of 5
One of my favorites for sure.
5 out of 5
Great when I'm in the mood. I love picking out that "baking soda" flavor that people say comes from the Yenidje. Really interesting and kind of a heady smoke.
4 out of 5
Had a blast smoking this!
5 out of 5
My new favorite
5 out of 5
Actually quite a bit better than Balkan Sobranie...much better aftertaste...and no long wait for the damn order...
4 out of 5
Nice flavor and a great aroma. A little sharp on the tongue but it mellows into the bowl.
4 out of 5
I was recommended this blend by someone on a forum who asked me if it was worth buying balkin sobraine as he had smoked this for a while and wasn't sure they were much different so i picked up a tin. I must say i do enjoy it and it is very similar to bs but much more muted in my opinion. It has i similar earthy yet sweet and spicy oriental forward taste but again about 3 nothches down from sobraine.
5 out of 5
Never tried bsosm but if you like your balkan blends oriental forward and more incense-y than campfire-y then this is the one for you. Plenty of lat but more balanced and varied in flavor than the black label clones. This is a favorite smoke. Always an adventure for the palate. Thank you, Russ, for blessing us up with this fine blend.
5 out of 5
This is a wonderful English blend and if you like the natural rich flavors of a good English blend this is one you need to try. It reminds me of a smokey Mesquite BBQ in the summertime. The flavors stay with you long after smoking and they don't disappoint.
5 out of 5
This is my favorite tobacco. Tons of flavor from the orientals and latakia and none of the pepper that make other tasty blends painful to retrohale. This also has a bit of sweetness that bumps the complexity and overall balance over other blends such as Blackhouse. It's simply delicious.
5 out of 5
This a very good Balkan...current product is a bit different to a tin I had on hand, from 2 yrs ago. Tasty and lingering goodness on the palate. [THE PACKING RUINED BY THE GOD AWFUL NICOTINE WARNING...USING 1/2 OF THE TINS GRAPHICS...AKIN TO A CRAYON SMEAR ON MONA LISA'S EVOCATIVE SMILE! HEY BIG BROTHER, GO BACK TO TEARING OFF FLY'S WINGS. CHEESH!
5 out of 5
Beautifully smokey from the Latakia with a light sweetness. Instantly one of my favorites.
5 out of 5
Great stuff! I enjoy this blend very much, great blend!
4 out of 5
Very savory. I find it a bit tough to light and it tends to smoke a bit on the hot side. I like the flavor.
5 out of 5
Oriental leaf really shines in this blend.
5 out of 5
Very full bodied and smoky. The room note is very intense making this one ofnthe few tobaccos my wife won't let me smoke inside.
5 out of 5
Close to the original Balkin Sobraine.
5 out of 5
My first thoughts upon smelling the tin note were smoked sausages on a campfire. This blend is savory, smooth and smokey. Moisture was fine straight from the tin with few relights. I like to use this blend to break in new pipes as it burns evenly for creating cake.
5 out of 5
In my opinion one of the best English blends I've ever smoked and over the decades I've smoked them all. . .Worth the price.
5 out of 5
Great cool smoking leather and earth blends.. Turns very creamy about 1/3 through the bowl
5 out of 5
I'm new to pipes and this is only the 15th or so tobacco Ive tried but, it is by far the most complex interesting tasting tobacco I have experienced! Will be in my rotation for now on!
4 out of 5
As described and overall satisfactory. Only criticism would be inconsistent cut, lots of coarse bits.
5 out of 5
I bought one tin to try, and it is awesome! It requires (for me) a large bore (.8") and tight pack, but it smokes cool and dry. The flavors are complex and somewhat subtle, with all tobacco types taking center stage at some point. Very pleasant, very relaxing. Goes well with ales or wine, too. The orientals make this blend stand out. I see more in my future!
1 out of 5
Is my palate alone in sensing that this latest batch is "different?" I am world's biggest addict of WK, having smoked and praised it for years, so am loathe to bring up this possibility. The liveliness, the spice, the famous kick, as well as balkan aroma--in tin, and in smoking pipe--are dialed down considerably. I will write Pipes and Cigars directly to get their take, and see if I am way off target. Am tempted to not to award even a single star.
5 out of 5
You will note that WhiteKnight has for some time now been sold out at all the major tobacconists. This blend has thus entered that Valahlla of those maybe half dozen blends throughout the World where supply can barely meet demand. For those members of my old generation, you may understand when I write, "Yes, I had to wait in line a long time to dance with, and later kiss, Anita Ekberg. Yet every moment of waiting was worth an exponential factor of ecstasy."
5 out of 5
Having always read great things about Balkan Sobranie I thought I would give this a try. This was my first dance with a tobacco containing orientals and it certainly won't be my last. Very smooth and earthy but with hints of spice and I also got a hint of cedar on the palate after I finished. I had to tamp several times but never needed to relight. I'm looking forward to enjoying this tin and will definitely buy it again.
3 out of 5
Although I am in no way a connoisseur of pipe tobacco I found this blend to come short of my personal favorite . I find a flake to be more to my taste , or maybe a cavendish? I’m still exploring
5 out of 5
After reading a recent review by Richard T, I feel compelled to write my own. WK is my favourite tobacco. I smoke at least one bowl a day. I never smoked BS so I can’t compare it to WK. I do know that the original BS used Syrian Latakia, which is a different animal entirely. Regarding tongue bite, I never get it with WK, but then I don’t suck my pipe like a Hoover either. WK has nice spice, a bit of smoke, no tongue bite, great aroma, and little to no nic kick. This is a good tobacco. You may not like it, but don’t tell lies. If you want a lat bomb, go to Lane; if you want good flavour grab a tin and try it.
5 out of 5
Follow Up to Earlier Review: contest between WhiteKnight and the re-release of Balkan Sobranie. First prize=no bowl of BS. Second prize=1 bowl BS. Third prize=2 bowls BS. Yesterday bought the new BS from a famous tobacconist in Boston, and paid $12 plus some $3 plus of Mass state tobacco tax cum state sales tax. Smoked four puffs and then knocked it out of my Peterson. Nothing more than burning leaves--no taste, no smell, no nothin'. I smoked the original 70s and80s. WhiteKnight is the near identical twin, just a trifle more beautiful/handsome.
5 out of 5
I never smoked the original blend that WhiteKnight was created to emulate but this is an awesome blend. Pipes and Cigars needs to increase production quantities to keep this in stock. The next time it's available I'm going to order several tins so I don't run out again. I'm tired of waiting for it to be re-stocked.
1 out of 5
Just don't get the reviews that say this reminds them of the original Balkan Sobranie. I smoked BS almost exclusively in college back in the early 70's, and this is NOT that blend. It is hard to keep lit, and I got quite a bit of tongue bite from it. Have tried it in several different pipes, and instead of growing on me as some tobaccos do, it seems to get worse each time. Rather bland flavor, not enough Latakia. And as for room note, I just don't get it at all. I used to have friends walk up to me on campus and say "I knew it was you, cause I smelled your pipe from a block away". This has none of that aroma, that love or hate it, was very distinctive. Guess I will try to finish the tin, but definitely will not be ordering more.
5 out of 5
If you are reading this, you are in the right church, and in the right pew. If you have a tin of this, read the back of tine label. "incense" "intoxicating" are sublimely accurate words. If you don't like this if you have smoked it, you owe it to yourself to try it again. If you are on the fence after you have smoked this, wait a few weeks because you owe it to yourself to try it again. As you read this, you may already know that this is on back order at all retail suppliers. This is because supremely discriminating smokers have discovered and embraced this other-worldly blend. From the 1970s, I smoked all Sobranie pipe tobacco and their cigarettes. Freud wrote that one cannot remember a smell, one can only be reminded of a smell. Freud didn't write anything about strength, taste, tin note, room note. He would have wished he had, had he smoked this homage--cigar adoring, as he was.
5 out of 5
Both are great tobacco's I prefer white night.
4 out of 5
great stuff! previously was exclusively smoking frog morton cellar for my latakia, but this stuff is my new favorite.
5 out of 5
Ain't exactly sure what Russ was shooting for but I'm sure pleased w/what he hit!!! This,, Black House n HH Vintage Syrian rotate as my very end o' day pipe . Th last thing before th lites go out!! I'm a thinkin that's nuff said!!!!
5 out of 5
Ain't exactly sure what Russ was shooting for but I'm sure pleased w/what he hit!!! This,, Black House n HH Vintage Syrian rotate as my very end o' day pipe . Th last thing before th lites go out!! I'm a thinkin that's nuff said!!!!
5 out of 5
My daily smoke and absolute favorite. A nice overtone of incense prevails in this blend, it's mild and doesn't bite. An essential of any person who enjoys Latakia.
5 out of 5
Got this guy in the sampler pack and was not disappointed! I smoked outside so I didn't get a good room note, but the flavor was good by itself, and it paired well with my glass of Bulleit Bourbon! Still new to finding the notes and differences between tobacco and blends, but I would definitely buy this again!
5 out of 5
I have smoked the original Balkan Sobranie from tins dating back to the early 70's, but these tins were 40 years old. So, I cannot really make a fair comparison between WhiteKnight and the original Balkan Sobranie - nor do I want to. I was utterly impressed with WhiteKnight and so I focus my attention on WhiteKnight based on its own merits. I regard this blend as WhiteKnight - not as a reincarnation of the original Balkan Sobranie.
WhiteKnight is a fantastic blend. It has a very rich and diverse profile that is ingeniously balanced. The oriental tobaccos assert this blend well. WhiteKnight smokes remarkable smooth even with an aggressive cadence. I prefer to smoke WhiteKnight using a pipe with a wide chamber diameter. I dedicated a Savinelli Canadian with a chamber diameter of 0.84 in (21.34 mm). In summary, if you like Latakia blends and are fond of oriental tobaccos, I highly recommend WhiteKnight. It is readily available and reasonable priced. What more can you ask for? I give it 6 out of 5 stars.
5 out of 5
I have smoked the original Balkan Sobranie from tins dating back to the early 70's, but these tins were 40 years old. So, I cannot really make a fair comparison between WhiteKnight and the original Balkan Sobranie - nor do I want to. I was utterly impressed with WhiteKnight and so I focus my attention on WhiteKnight based on its own merits. I regard this blend as WhiteKnight - not as a reincarnation of the original Balkan Sobranie.
WhiteKnight is a fantastic blend. It has a very rich and diverse profile that is ingeniously balanced. The oriental tobaccos assert this blend well. WhiteKnight smokes remarkable smooth even with an aggressive cadence. I prefer to smoke WhiteKnight using a pipe with a wide chamber diameter. I dedicated a Savinelli Canadian with a chamber diameter of 0.84 in (21.34 mm). In summary, if you like Latakia blends and are fond of oriental tobaccos, I highly recommend WhiteKnight. It is readily available and reasonable priced. What more can you ask for? I give it 6 out of 5 stars.
3 out of 5
I bought this along with Fusilier's Ration and BlackHouse as possible replacement for the Balkan Sobranie I remember from the '70s. They were all good mellow smokes and I enjoyed them very much but they didn't seem to match my memories of Balkan Sobranie. I will probably buy them again after trying some of the other Latikia mixes. It was my first time with a cake tobacco and I wasn't quite sure how to use it. That may have affected my results.
5 out of 5
OMG, I'm in love!
Hands down the best blend I've ever packed a pipe with. I find myself looking forward to the first bole of this everyday. a little sweet, very smoky, with a nice touch of spice. I'm a cigar guy, but I think this blend could make a pipe smoker out of me easily. Silky smooth, to my palate, with a rich taste, and an amazing aroma. thanks Hearth and Home, this tobacco makes my day!
4 out of 5
My rating is as follows: one for the flavor, two for the burn, three for the room note, and four for the price. It goes well with Yeungling lager, but that's just me talking.
5 out of 5
I first thought this was just an OK blend, but the I had never bought tinned tobacco before. After trying another bowl after the tin had been opened, I got a serious lesson in tobacco aging as the next two bowls were far nicer. A more distinctive and complex Latakia note without the alkali aftertaste I had experienced before with Dunhill's 965. BUT WAIT-- Since I also had a tin of Dunhill's My Mixture 965, being intrigued by its huge number of reviews that didn't wow me, AND a half an ounce of Lane BS-005... Yup: I decanted all three and blended them in a glass jar and let 'em sit a week. Well! Now we have an extremely complex smoke, very English in character and soothing to the soul. It is heavy in smoky Latakia taste with the fullness of the Western components and yet waaaay in the back sits the Oriental/Turkish leaves like a note of nutmeg. Wonderful! So: two tins each of 965 and WhiteKmight, one ounce of BS-005; throw into a glass jar, blend well (I used a kitchen fork) and ignore for as long as you can manage. Might even buy a largish tin, pack the blend tight and store in the basement a year to see how it compares to the young stuff. However, if you're not psychotic like me, the WhiteKnight will please.
5 out of 5
Great stuff, like Dunhill's My Blend, but without the overuse, IMHO of Burley. Nice balance.
5 out of 5
I ordered this for my son for Christmas and he absolutely loved it!!! Thank you!
5 out of 5
A friend recommended that I try this as he knew my love of the old Balkin Sabrani (yes I spelled it wrong LOL) mixture. All I can say is that if you loved the original you will find this sublime! Well done!
5 out of 5
Everything was OK
4 out of 5
Great tobacco, very smoky and would be great to smoke around a Campfire. It can burn a little hot though and might start to taste ashy if smoked too long. Otherwise, highly recommended.
5 out of 5
It didn’t smell too good in the can, but, it smoked better.
5 out of 5
White Knight is a fantastic blend. I first tried White Knight when I received a tin as a Birthday gift a while back. A very tasty Balken blend with almost a tangy hint. Highly recommend.
4 out of 5
Not quite Balkan Sonranie, but close
5 out of 5
A very relaxing and mellow smoke.
3 out of 5
Good smoke , Spicy !
5 out of 5
This is a very well balanced blend and a go-to if I want something smooth and cool. The Balkan amount is just right for a mild spice without being overpowering. I do always have to relight it, but I'm okay with that given how great the taste is. It's easily in my top 5.
3 out of 5
Smooth smoke, Earth tones reminded me of burning maple leaves in the fall.
had a fairly strong after taste.
4 out of 5
I had just ordered this last week and smoked my 1st bowl yesterday then another today. The blend is phenomenal in taste and smell. But, OMG is this hard to keep lit. I usually have no issues in that area with any tobacco. This blend was a serious issue. I first smoked it in my Rossi author and thought it was the conical bowl shape maybe getting a bit too snug at the bottom. But it happened tonight as well with my poker which has a very uniform shape from top to bottom. I even got tongue bite because I had to puff it regularly to keep it lit for only a few minutes at a time between relights. I'm going to try getting it a bit more moist before I smoke it again. Hopefully it helps because though this blend is wonderful in all other aspects it turned my "defrag" time into more of a chore than anything. Honestly the taste is why it got a four star in my book. The smoking mechanics of the blend alone would earn itself one star. But, I'll figure out how to make this work for me so won't give it a bad rating because it really is a fine blend outside of the problem with keeping it lit.
5 out of 5
Being a relatively new pipe smoker I have never tried Balkan Sobranie so I can not compare this to the original. I can say that this is a masterpiece blend and my new favorite tobacco. I just placed an order for 2 more tins. If you haven't tried this do yourself a favor and order a tin, you wont regret it.
5 out of 5
Very good rendition of the old B.S. blend of old. Looks the same. Smells the same and smokes a little smoother. Not only that it's half the price. It's got all the same tobaccos in it that B.S. had except the Syrian Latakia. Don't fool yourself Cyprian Latakia is just as good.
5 out of 5
Impressions: Hay, sweet grass, lemon grass. * …hmm, what is it? * paprika * peppery room note, I see Old Spice, in the cream colored decanter with grey stopper, and schooners on the side * Earl Grey tea, didn’t I try to smoke tea one time in my youth? * Something very familiar, yet not in reach, like I smoked this in another lifetime. * smoke mellows toward the heel * Mother’s pie dough trimmings, she would lay out on a cookie sheet, sprinkle with cinnamon sugar, and bake briefly for us to snack on.
A pleasurable smoke of sensory memory triggers.
5 out of 5
This was my first English blend and first time smoking Latakia. I had heard so much about Balkan Sobranie that I thought this would be a good starting point and I was right. This is quality tobacco and I like shoving my nose in the tin as much as I do smoking it. I've smoked many English and oriental forward blends since but this one made an English smoker of me and I will always smoke it regularly. Fantastic job Russ, you are the man!
5 out of 5
White Knight is an attempt to replicate Balkan Sobranie Smoking Mixture, a long gone masterpiece. WK does a good job paying homage to its predecessor. It is an oriental forward English mixture that is very well balanced, with no rough edges. The cut of the tobacco is broader and rougher than the original, but the taste is lovely; a bit more flowery and less “dry” than Balkan Sobranie, but good in its own right. The strength is mild-medium, the taste is medium, there is no detected flavoring, and the room note is pleasant. Those of us who smoked Balkan Sobranie back in the day may give White Knight a B+ as a recreation, nevertheless I give it an A on its own as a fine pipe tobacco.
5 out of 5
I normally do not smoke Latakia-based blends, as I prefer Virginias, VA-Pers, navy blends, or high-quality aeros like Pipeworks&Wilke. However, when I read what Russ was trying to do here, then did more research online about the original Sobranie, I simply had to give it a go. This was so pleasantly enjoyable, smooth, tasty and satisfying...even the room note was pleasant and homey (which is rare for any Latakia blend) I immediately ordered 5 more tins. This even surprised me! This is THEE go-to English/Balkan blend I reach for when I'm not in the mood for a VA or aero blend. Russ, please don't EVER stop producing this blend or let what happened to B.S.O.S.M. happen here. To smoke any other English, Balkan or Sobranie-wanna-be blend is simply a waste of time, money and piping pleasure. - Tony K, Buffalo, NY
4 out of 5
This is a very nice blend. I had a little tongue bite on light up and had to relight twice but I also am novice to the pipe. Overall I liked the flavor and it seemed to be mild to medium bodied. Im still trying other blends but this is one of the better ones so far.
5 out of 5
I have a rotation of 5 blends, four of which are Latakia blends. If you ask me the proverbial "what would you take to the desert island" I would have to choose White Knight. I have been looking for this type of blend for years and some of the iconic blends that have been brought back have been disappointing.
5 out of 5
Just got this along with a tin of Fusilier's Ration. Like this stuff (WhiteKnight) even more than the Blackhouse, which I just love. I don't know how Russ keeps coming up with one winner after another. He's the "Secretariat" of pipe tobacco formulators. He is leaving everyone else in the dust.
4 out of 5
This starts off as a light smoke with subtle sweetness. As one gets further down the bowl, it becomes more of a full body smoky blend. There is no bite and so far has smoked to the bottom leaving nothing but white ash.
If you like Latakia, this is a good blend to have on hand, just understanding the Latakia comes in more towards the end of the smoke.
4 out of 5
Straight out of the tin White Knight is a winner. My first bowl was more felt than tasted. The term that best describes it is "soothing." It was very satisfying, completely inoffensive, creamy, rich and balanced. It smoked beautifully from start to finish with two relights (perhaps a little wet). The pre-light aroma is a lovely balance of campfire, leather, a faintly terpene mixture of apricot and stewed cherry, followed by a reasonably strong maple and vanilla (the orientals are difficult to pick out un-lit). The mixture is mildly sweet but not cloying (I find the related Black House to be a bit strong on the Cavendish pre-light, but it works pretty well once lit). I think this could be a bulk-buy for me, particularly because it's so friendly straight out of the tin. I could see it getting a bit too mellow as it cures and dries, whereas my other purchases, Black House and particularly Magnum Opus with it's heavier oriental component, should only improve with time.
5 out of 5
GREAT SMOKING TOBACCO
5 out of 5
This blend has quickly become my favorite everyday smoke. I have smoked Rattray's Seven Reserve for the last twenty years. When I tried Russ' Magnum Opus at a Chicagoland Pipe & Tobacco Show, I was duely impressed. This enticed me to try WhiteKnight based on my fond memories of Balkan Sobranie Original Smoking Mixture. I found this blend to be different from that blend, of which I still have a small amount remaining. In this case, different is good. WhiteKnight is much closer to that elusive every day English blend then BSOSM every was. While I love both, I smoke this blend almost eveyr time I light up. I am not an all-day smoker, but I do light my pipe up almost every day. WhiteKnight sits on a smoking cabinet within arms reach. It has a musty tin smell, with all the typical English components. It smells almost like an Isle of Islay Scotch in the tin with that same peaty sweetness. When I light up, I get a pleasant, sweet taste combined with that smokhouse room note I love so much about English blends. My only complaint is that this blend comes only in a 1.76oz tin. If I could buy it in an old Balkan Sobranie style large 200 gram tin, I would do so. I have about 5 tins on hand now which I have cellared. Can't wait to see what this tastes like in 2020.
5 out of 5
This is an amazing medium bodied Balkan-style blend, and I knew that I would enjoy this tobacco from the moment I cracked the tin. The tin note is a mixture of a woodsy campfire, and rich premium leather. The cut of the tobacco was a consistent short, yet thick ribbon that seems to pack well, and due to it being a little more on the dry side, it takes a light easy enough. At first light you are greeted by the smoky and leather like Latakia which to me seemed to be the strongest in the first third of the bowl. Now the Orientals were present throughout the entire smoke, however it just seemed that the Latakia was the star of the show for that first third. Other than that one observation, the tobacco stayed pretty consistent throughout the entire smoke with no singular tobacco stealing the show so to speak. As for the room note, I was told by those around me that it had a tolerable if not pleasant smell of a camp fire. The tobacco burned down to a fine white ash, although I did have to tend the pipe more frequently with this blend than I am use to. Overall, I was very pleased with WhiteKnight and will be purchasing more in the future. I would recommend this blend to anyone that enjoys the English/Balkan style blends.
2 out of 5
I have a love-hate relationship with this blend. The flavor is awesome, and in my opinion it's one of the best tasting Balkan blends on the market. However, smoking it is another matter. It requires multiple relights and multiple relights, which makes smoking it more of a struggle and a chore than an enjoyment.
5 out of 5
Deep rich and soooo satisfying, almost scared to try another one, I wouldn't want it to even think I would consider another. lol, I recommend this and will definitely be looking for more of that hearty robust relaxation station. Thank you :¬)
5 out of 5
I'm particular about my tobaccos and Balkan types are my favorites. This is a very good one. And...it came very quickly.
5 out of 5
I was a bit apprehensive about the Hearth & Home label given that it sounded hokey and less refined than Dunhill, C & D, or even McClelland. However, its not the name that proves the worth and legendary nature of pipe tobacco. These Marquee blends have shown the world that Russ and H & H are among our very best in the 21st Century. I’ve bought boxes of this delicious blend knowing that I will most certainly have a splendid return on my investment.
5 out of 5
Wow ! this stuff smells and tastes like a brand new leather work boot !! The first tin i received was popped and the tobacco was dust.. customer service was awesome and i had a replacement tin 2 days later.. i'm glad i got it.. i smoke alot of squadron leader and was looking for a replacement because you can't get it for now (they moved production).. This is better !.. "In your face England"....lol.. Don't ever stop making this blend!
5 out of 5
Love the smooth smoke, great taste. Not the wife's favorite, but she's too picky anyway.
5 out of 5
Top-notch Tobacco
5 out of 5
Very hearty and delicious, definitely lived up to its reputation.
5 out of 5
Very good tobacco. I love trying new tobacco's and this one certainly passed the taste test. A good moderate English.
As a frame of reference I like Mc 5110, Squadron Leader, BLWB, the Frog's, and especially Foxhound By Nording.
5 out of 5
White Knight is possibly the perfect English Blend. I can smoke bowl after bowl and never tire of it. I continue to buy White Knight because I want to smoke it more than the other blends in my cellar.
5 out of 5
what can I say about WK? Well it's a great smooth smoke, rich bold and tasty. Nice pieces of quality leaf. Russ really outdid himself with this blend. Sometimes it's on back order,that alone should tell you something.
5 out of 5
I was on the search for the best and perfect English blend. This is by far my absolute favorite!
Customer Testimonials