Profile | |
Tobacco | Burley, Perique, Virginia |
Style | Non-Aromatic |
Room Note | 5 - Intensive |
Cut | Coarse |
Packaging | Bulk, Can, Tin |
Country of Origin | United States |
Package Size | 1.00 oz, 2.00 oz, 8.00 oz |
Flavor Intensity | 4 - Distinct |
Brand: | Cornell & Diehl |
More Details |
Another Bob Runowski creation for Cornell & Diehl, Old Joe Krantz uses the nuttiness of cubed Burley, the earthy spice of dark Burley, the toasty sweetness of red Virginia and the musty/sweet spice of Perique to create a heady, rich smoke.
Old Joe I have to say this is a "big boy" smoke, not for the faint of heart. I had posted a question on the pipe magazine forum asking people to recommend an American Blend, and another post asking for Burley, Virginia suggestions. Both post found Old Joe to be suggest. I reviewed the comments here at Tobacco Reviews and found that not only did it get a good score, but it had lots of reviews and several people suggesting it was a favorite (as have I.) So with that, I placed my order. Opening the bag and taking a whiff is uneventful, I really would not say it has a good or bad smell, just a smell. After smoking my first bowl, my head was spinning. I don't think it was a nicotine rush, but something hit me. however, the smoke was easy (not a lot of relights) and it burned clean to the bottom of the bowl. A plus also,there was no tongue bite. If I smoke this easy, it is one fine blend to have on hand. And since my wife likes earthly smelling baccy and nothing sweet, this was immediately approved by her. I would say if you enjoy a good medium English blend, you might like this just fine. If you like Drew Estates: Meat Pie or Hearth & Home Larry's Blend, Old Joe should at least make an appearance in your cellar. I bet he will be invited back time and time again. On a funny side, one night I poured myself a double scotch and water, loaded up my pipe, and headed for the back porch with a book to read. When I came in, my wife asked me if I had seen a ghost as I was as white as a sheet. I told her no, Ol' Joe just kicked my ass. I will say, however It was the deepest sleep I've had in a long time.
Other burley blends are a dingy, Old Joe is a battleship. If Pee Wee Herman is the leading man, Old Joe is Arnold Schwarzenegger. All other Burley blends are a screen door, Old Joe -gates of Iron. Old Joe Krantz is a strong, strong blend without a hint of sweetness. It may have VA listed among the ingredients but the sweetness is as far as a pig from the moon. I describe Old Joe as Harsh with a deep dryness. It went great with my coffee but I had to add more sweet cream in my mug to balance out the smoke in my pipe. This blend packs a WALLUP in every area. If this is an old school smoke it left me the impression of a tough leather neck marine smoking gun powder and leather. You know how there are different levels of burley for blending? Well this one is the hard nicotine full body version. Now add a good deal of Perique. That's Old Joe Krantz.