The second entry to the Hearth & Home Marquee series is the blend that drew attention to these tobaccos - BlackHouse.
In 2011, our master blender, Russ Ouellette, was asked to submit an entry in the Balkan Sobranie 759 Throwdown at the Chicagoland Pipe and Tobacciana Show. Based upon a 23 yearl old sample, Russ developed his blend in a relatively short amount of time and sent it in. When the judging was complete, BlackHouse had won, and people have made it one of our best sellers ever since.
Like Balkan Sobranie 759, BlackHouse contains a good amount of Latakia, bright, fragrant, Orientals, sweet Virginias and a touch of dark-fired Kentucky. To help simulate the effects of long-term aging, Russ included a bit of Perique and unflavored black Cavendish.
Try the blend that put the Hearth & Home Marquee Series on the map. Once you've tried BlackHouse, you'll never want to be without some in your cellar.
My favorite english blend. Black House is rich, smoky, full flavored and intense. It may not be suitable for an all day smoke, but for those special breaks where you want something with some oomph, Black House has you covered.
5 out of 5
I Highly Recommend BlackHouse!
Jul 14, 2023
From the tin: "BlackHouse is an award winning Latakia based blend with Virginias, Orientals, Dark-Fired Kentucky, Perique, and a bit of unflavored Black Cavendish to emulate an old classic." I must say that this is, in fact, an "award winning" blend. The first time I smoked BlackHouse, I fell in love with it. Prior to that, I had never smoked any blend that contains Latakia. I was pleasantly surprised. This blend is drier than some other blends, and therefore, I was a little uncertain at first. Dry tobaccos burn faster, but if you pack the bowl correctly, it will last. This blend has become a staple in my rotation. I have come to really appreciate the pungent aroma, which is quite intense. For me, the finish is very wonderful and tasty! I would definitely recommend BlackHouse to any pipe smoker!
4 out of 5
Very nice English
Jun 07, 2023
Very nice English
3 out of 5
Not really quite what I
May 08, 2023
Not really quite what I was expecting.
3 out of 5
Blackhouse vs. Night Cap
Apr 06, 2023
To each his own. Blackhouse is a good smoke, but it doesn’t have the same flavor and room note as Peterson Night Cap. I bought it by mistake and was sorely disappointed.
4 out of 5
Battle review
Mar 27, 2023
Very good smoke. Since I bought the battle I'm doing a comparison. Blackhouse and nightcap do have some similarities. Blackhouse has an edgier taste. Possibly more Virginia or different varieties. Nightcap is a smoother smoke from start to finish. Both are very good. Full rich flavors. Nightcap smokes a tick cooler for me. For people that like a full smoke , as I do, both are really fulfilling. This was a great purchase.
4 out of 5
Good smoke. A little blan
Dec 29, 2022
Good smoke. A little blan for my taste but when I want to change it up this one does it for me
5 out of 5
Satisfying smoke
Dec 05, 2022
Great tasting tobacco, smooth with full body. Very easy to keep lit, cool burning tobacco that immediately found its way in my rotation.
I just purchased 3 more tins.
4 out of 5
Very good replication of Balkan
Oct 14, 2022
Very good replication of Balkan Sobrane but still feel White Knight is even better at doing so!
5 out of 5
Love this blend! The smell
Sep 27, 2022
Love this blend! The smell isn’t the best in the can, but the smoke us amazing. Smooth but full flavored and with a good mouth-feel. Will definitely buy again.
5 out of 5
I tend towards English blends.
Sep 20, 2022
I tend towards English blends. I found this to fit the bill perfectly.
3 out of 5
Moisture is good flavor is
Jul 06, 2022
Moisture is good flavor is good not great
5 out of 5
Better when moist!
Apr 04, 2022
I didn't like this tobacco at all at first, (2.5* range), but I read other reviews and found out that everyone thought it was too dry. I bought some humidity buttons, and let things reconstitute. This is a stellar tobacco now. Great taste, and great smell!
3 out of 5
Good
Mar 23, 2022
Moderate Balkan, tolerable room note, full flavor, medium nic hit. Not an all day smoke, but nice!
5 out of 5
Quick Delivery
Feb 10, 2022
Always a pleasure ordering pipe tobacco from P&C. Order arrived quicker than I expected. Thanks.
5 out of 5
Excellent Tobacco
Feb 01, 2022
An excellent dark, hearty, robust tobacco for the experienced pipe smoker. I actually mix it in equal measure with Warhorse Green for what is for me the perfect pipe blend.
5 out of 5
Good smoke!
Jan 17, 2022
I enjoyed it enough to order more again. Finding it on sale made my purchase a bit better.
5 out of 5
The moisture content is absolutely
Jan 12, 2022
The moisture content is absolutely perfect right out of the tin. The room note is very pleasing, and the flavor is magnificent. Truly one of my top three tobaccos in my rotation!
5 out of 5
This Blackhouse is so good
Jan 11, 2022
This Blackhouse is so good it's all I smoke. I love the smell, doesn't bite. I just love everything about it.
5 out of 5
One of my top blends
Dec 25, 2021
One of my top blends in my collection. I love the variety of flavors in this blend
5 out of 5
Hearth & Home Marquee BlackHouse
Dec 02, 2021
The tin note of this tobacco is pungent & earthy. This is a complex blend which I enjoy more with each bowl smoked. This is one to savor slowly. Very good!
5 out of 5
Happy accident
Dec 01, 2021
This is a great Balkan, as everyone else described it. I mistakenly ordered 310s, and I was upset initially. After having tried my first few bowls though, I’m very happy for this fortunate accident.
5 out of 5
Im a new to pipe
Oct 27, 2021
Im a new to pipe smoking but this is really good not much of a bite.
5 out of 5
An excellent end of day
Oct 16, 2021
An excellent end of day smoke! Mild flavor and pleasing aroma make this a favorite.
5 out of 5
Balanced and simple
Oct 11, 2021
Honestly I did not know what to expect with this one. I’ve heard so many positive things, but I wanted to go into it with my own perception. This blend does something unique while it’s on your tongue, the middle of your tongue has just a full smooth almost tasteless smoke, while the edges of your tongue are experiencing smoky, Tangy, and leathery. It’s almost like experiencing that one slow song on a fast metal album. It does a really good job to balance out what would otherwise be a giant disarray of too much flavor. Where it almost feels like it’s missing something with that almost flavorless smooth smoke in the middle of your tongue, it actually brings more than enough to each bowl, so much balance. And balance is definitely a great word. I don’t think I’ve tasted an English blend that had this much balance. Great blend
5 out of 5
Rich and Delicious
Sep 11, 2021
Delightful. A smooth and smoky flavored blend with perfumey notes and a little spice here and there. Deep rich and delicious. This will be a regular smoke for sure.
5 out of 5
Stuntman broken review
Jun 11, 2021
A great late night pipe. Russ's blend is a winner and will add this one to my rotation.
5 out of 5
Top of the line
Apr 09, 2021
This is an amazing blend. Absolutely 5 stars.
5 out of 5
Nice complex blend. If you
Mar 12, 2021
Nice complex blend. If you like complex blends that change as you smoke them you cant go wrong here. Some sweet & sour taste along with smoky dark fired and Latakia.
5 out of 5
Strong flavor, smells of jerky,
Mar 04, 2021
Strong flavor, smells of jerky, get a good buzz off it.
5 out of 5
Sweet, dark english. Definitely one
Feb 27, 2021
Sweet, dark english. Definitely one of the finer and complex English smokes I've had to date. Could easily join my top 5 rotation. Haven't tried the Balkan it's inspired by though. Exquisite late night zone bowl for sure. Must try.
5 out of 5
Good burning, pleasant smell, with sweet after taste.
Nov 20, 2020
This has become my 2nd favorite blend. I find it is a bit strong (which I like) with a hint of what I remember old tobaccos smelling like as a child but without the bite like some of the other reviews claim. However, I don't "rush" a bowl and tend to sip while breathing through my nose. I also noticed that I can taste a sweetness left in my mouth hours later after smoking which I find pleasant. This blend packs well and burns evenly with only having to light it a couple times and the smoothness really comes through about 2/3rds through a bowl. As far as room notes, I find it a bit mellow and the Mrs. doesn't seem bothered by it so that's a win in my book.
5 out of 5
Reviewing now, after having just
Oct 25, 2020
Reviewing now, after having just bought my second tin. I find Black House to have pleasantly strong aroma that doesn't let on how deliciously potent it is. It's a tobacco that has to be sipped, or else I find it has a bite. It's not a smoke I'd call recreation.4.5/5
4 out of 5
Great stuff
Oct 01, 2020
Slight sweet, Smokey bbq goodness. Like beef jerky. Slight pepper after taste
5 out of 5
This blend really hits the
Sep 15, 2020
This blend really hits the spot 👌
5 out of 5
Tis is an excellent evening
Sep 14, 2020
Tis is an excellent evening smoke; flavorful, robust.
5 out of 5
Great blends and great customer
Sep 07, 2020
Great blends and great customer service.
5 out of 5
My Favorite
Jul 31, 2020
Balkans are my favorite. Many though leave one feeling something is missing or off balance flavor wise. This one hits everything just right. There are many tobaccos lost to days gone by, but I am glad Black House is here to fill the void.
4 out of 5
great pipe tobacco
Jul 08, 2020
great pipe tobacco
5 out of 5
Latika
Jul 03, 2020
Discovered this after learning about latika, has a good flavor, strong, my go to pipe filler!
4 out of 5
First Time
May 17, 2020
This was my first Hearth & Home tobacco. Eventually I will try a large sampling of their many offerings. This is a good smoke, but it was just a little milder than I was hoping for.
4 out of 5
Blackhouse Review
May 13, 2020
I have really gotten attracted to Balkans. I just love that symphony of Latakia and Orientals. Currently, my go-to has been John Cotton’s Smyrna and I have played with some others such as White Horse and Larry’s Blend. So far, Smyrna is the winner. I decided to try Blackhouse. It’s good and smokeable but, I’m going with Smyrna.
4 out of 5
A lot stronger than WK
Apr 04, 2020
Much stronger than Whiteknight. I prefer a mellow smoke to this, but this is still enjoyable. I don't tend to like perique but I can tolerate this.
4 out of 5
Worth it!
Mar 09, 2020
Very much enjoyed this! Worth the money!
5 out of 5
H&H Black house
Feb 05, 2020
If you like Latakia you'll enjoy this blend
4 out of 5
A good, stout English blend perfect for Autumn/Winter and stormy weather
Jan 25, 2020
I really enjoy this tobacco when it's cold or raining out, it's a great Autumn/Winter nighttime smoke. I would say it's latakia forward, the flavor is fire smokey and savory, with a good earthiness to it. I just had a bowl about a half hour ago and it's a heavy rain, and the experience was very pleasurable. I've had this in a jar for 9-12 months now and it's better now than when i first opened it, the flavors married well and you get a good earthy spice from the DFK that compliments the smokey leather flavor of the latakia, very smooth and full. I didn't have to dry it, it packed perfectly, took the char and then the actual light with ease and burned down without any issues, I lightly relit once toward the end because I left it a lone a little too long, but other than that it's a great smoking tobacco. I can't smoke this as often as some other English blends because it's a bit heady which is why I gave it a 4 rather than a 5 star, but I do sincerely enjoy this and like to keep a fair amount on hand for when the mood for it is right and other tobaccos won't deliver what I'm looking for.
3 out of 5
fooled you!
Jan 12, 2020
don't be fooled by a 3 star rating! this is a great english / balkan type blend. My only reason for the 3 star rate is simply because i enjoy some other blends of the same type a little bit more. it is certainly worth a try for those who enjoy english blends
3 out of 5
Somewhere in your publicity I
Jan 07, 2020
Somewhere in your publicity I read something comparing this to Balkan Sobranie. Not so. I particularly miss the bright notes of yenidge (and Cypriot latakia really isn't a very good match for Syrian).
4 out of 5
very well balanced
Nov 22, 2019
Nice complex, very well balanced flavor.
5 out of 5
Superb complex blend.
Nov 07, 2019
Superb complex blend.
5 out of 5
Perfectly balanced blend
Sep 22, 2019
Very good, subtle tobacco. Not too heavy on the Latakia if you're not a lat bomb fan. The Orientals really come through and give this tobacco a lot of body with deep and sour notes backed up by the smokey Latakia that make this a fantastic anytime of the day or night smoke. Worth stocking up on which is exactly what I'm going to do and wish they sold it in bulk!
4 out of 5
Good smoking
Sep 05, 2019
No tongue bite. Smooth.
5 out of 5
What more ?
Aug 20, 2019
What more can I add to all the accolades this blend has garnered.This is a masterpiece.
4 out of 5
Well done, but...
Aug 03, 2019
I am partial to Balkans; however, I do not care for perique. This is a great tobacco, but to my taste the perique is a bit too pronounced and the orientals too subdued. I found my perfect Balkan in Gurkha Retribution. After a couple weeks in the jar it has the buttery and vintage taste that I came to love in mac baren HH Balkan, except even moreso. It transports me to some oak paneled library full of old books. I smoke all types of tobaccos, but somehow when smoking a good Balkan I feel I am in the presence of an old friend. (Merely a manifestation of the olfactory senses being closely bound to the brain's lymbic system, but so what? That in no way detracts from the experience.) :{
4 out of 5
Great for when you need some mellow Lat
Jul 18, 2019
I think this one would be a great first time try for someone wanting to try Latakia Blends. It has a mild flavor and strength of tobacco, with the right amount of latakia to give it a pleasant spicy note and aroma of incense. There is a lot of latakia present, but it's so well balanced with the rest of the blend that it is not overpowering.
5 out of 5
Black House
Jul 08, 2019
Nice, Smooth
5 out of 5
Excellent English style tobacco
Jun 22, 2019
Outstanding near-perfect recreation of the legendary Balkan Sobranie #759.
5 out of 5
Review
May 27, 2019
High quality tobacco
4 out of 5
Nice on a warm evening
May 17, 2019
Very nice tobacco for more of a warm evening. Not to heavy on the latakia and the Kentucky really grabs your attention. Take it slow tends to run hot easily.
5 out of 5
Delightfully dark
Mar 19, 2019
Dark and robust without being bitter. A great evening smoke which is taking the place of the defunct Dunhill Nightcap
5 out of 5
If you like Lapsang Souchong tea...
Mar 16, 2019
The Lapsang Souchong of pipe mixtures. Deep and complex, smoky not sweet, satisfying. This is my "quality time" blend (goes good with a peaty Scotch).
5 out of 5
Nice blend
Feb 14, 2019
Nice, earthy, fairly bold. Enjoyable smoke.
5 out of 5
Nice smoke for the ride home
Jan 04, 2019
This is a great tasting blend that I enjoy smoking on my way from work. Burns great and has no bite at all. It is a slow burning tobacco so I still have some left in my bowl when I do make it home. The latakia is very subtle but you can tell it is there. My palate isn't able to pick out all of he other tobaccos in it but I would recommend it and will be buying more.
5 out of 5
Excellent blend
Nov 21, 2018
This tobacco has a complex flavor profile that morphs as you smoke it. The tin note is rich with a smokey, grassy, earthy tobacco smell. Moisture in this tin was perfect. At first lite, the virginas were up front with a nice sweet grassy taste. Within a minute or two the orientals came into play adding a light, slightly flowery taste and smell especially noticeable during the retro hale. As you get further into it, the perique comes into focus. The perique is well played in this blend and I did not find it peppery, instead I found it very tasty giving the smoke a nice rich earthy taste which led the way to the latakia. The Cavendish is apparent throughout as it keeps all the players in check. I do like latakia and I found the Cavendish kept the latakia in check a bit more than I wanted so I added a couple pinches of latakia to bring that smokey flavor up to my liking. I still give this 5 stars because of it's complexity and the excellent range of flavors. A very enjoyable smoke that remained well behaved, smooth, full and no bite right down to the bottom of the bowl.
5 out of 5
Good tobacco
Nov 19, 2018
Great service.
5 out of 5
My favorite Balkan
Nov 16, 2018
Thank you Russ!
5 out of 5
A true classic
Nov 12, 2018
So smooth and that rich aroma that reminds of days gone by.
5 out of 5
Fantastic blend
Nov 04, 2018
This blend was excellent. It has some very interesting notes and burns nicely.
5 out of 5
Excellent Blend!
Oct 02, 2018
Was not a big fan of Whitenight but love Blackhouse. Plan on getting a tin or two of Fusiliers Ration next. To me at least, Blackhouse was a lot cooler of a smoke than Whitenight and more flavorful. Highly recommend trying this one!
5 out of 5
would reorder it in a heartbeat.
May 18, 2018
good mid-day smoke, one of the best tin tobacco I've had. i am looking forward to buying more of this fantastic pipe tobacco very soon
5 out of 5
My Favorite
Mar 19, 2018
Out of everything I've tried so far , this is my personal favorite. Such a complex flavor and room note. Unfortunately I can't do this as an all day smoke as my palate tends to get used to it and looses some of it's flavor so I have to keep rotating. But this is what I like to begin my week with and usually end with as well
4 out of 5
Very Nice, Balanced Blend!
Feb 24, 2018
I originally bought this blend because I had recently made my own blend (from the fine blending tobaccos offered here at P&C) and I wanted to try a blend that was similar in ingredients as mine to compare the two. Well I got my tin of "BlackHouse" and upon opening it noticed that it was quite dry but I was able to revive it and was soon able to try a bowl.
Well this is certainly a good, well balanced blend. BlackHouse smokes very smoothly and yet delivers a nice amount of flavor with a solid medium / almost medium-fullness to it's strength. A decent but not over the top nicotine hit and a nice room note makes this a very satisfying blend that is well harmonized.
I took a star off because of the dryness of the tobacco when I opened the tin and because of my own bias due to the fact that I think that my blend is actually better HE, HE but I would certainly recommend this blend to anyone. I think that BlackHouse is one of the better overall blends out there and is certainly one of the best Balkan style blends available.
5 out of 5
A modern classic
Dec 19, 2017
Blackhouse is simply one of the greatest tobaccos ever blended by human hands. This tobacco is one of the greatest achievements of Russ Oulette. But, please don’t order it. I can’t buy enough given demand.
5 out of 5
A truly wonderful blend
Dec 04, 2017
BlackHouse is my go to smoke..nice complex blend! Smooth smoke, gives me a hint of floral aroma in combination with a campfire feel...definitely leaves the palate with a nice semi-sweet marsh mellow campfire taste...great paired with coffee! A must have, in your rotation.
5 out of 5
Great tobacco...great service!
Nov 29, 2017
As usual great all around! Thanks P & C
5 out of 5
Best of the Best
Sep 24, 2017
This tobacco is the most satisfying that I have enjoyed in the 50 years that I have enjoyed pipe smoking. BlackHouse has become my "Go To" tobacco at any time of the day.
5 out of 5
Sweet Dreams
Sep 14, 2017
I save this stuff for th very end of th day, just before turnin out th lites!! Nuff said...
5 out of 5
Balanced blend
Sep 10, 2017
This is a very nice blend for the evening. Tin aroma is fragrant with latakia and the sweetness of some virginia. Enough body without being heavy. Burns well with few relights. Not nicotine heavy but noticeable nonetheless. Will certainly keep it in my rotation.
2 out of 5
Wonky pack, poor burn due to cut.
Sep 06, 2017
Good flavor, somewhat reminiscent of Nightcap. Came a bit dry in the can, so I transferred it to a jar with a humidifier.
Two stars because of the cut. Nice thin strings of Virginia with thick beams of darker tobacco that make it difficult to pack and even more difficult to keep lit.
I won't be buying any more of this.
5 out of 5
Hearth & Home Marquee BlackHouse
Sep 01, 2017
Mild, burns well and has a enjoyable aroma. Good everyday smoke.
5 out of 5
Awesome Blend
Aug 31, 2017
This is a great English Blend. I like this smoking this in the evening with some Russian tea or fresh ground coffee. It's good to have a pipe dedicated to Black House in my opinion.
5 out of 5
English blends are my favorites
Aug 31, 2017
English blends are my favorites & this is definitely one of them. The right amount of Latakia for an enjoyable experience.
4 out of 5
Tasty, but a little too much pepper.
Aug 24, 2017
I bought this to try up against Blue Mountain. I have to say, while this is a good blend, to my taste the Blue Mountain is king. There is too much perique here for me. Still, this is a solid blend with a nice smokiness and richness. One cannot go wrong with this or the Fusilier's Ration, which I also really enjoy.
3 out of 5
Close but no cigar.
Jun 01, 2017
This is one of that tobaccos that was recommended as a replacement for Balkan Sobranie. It was a nice mellow smoke but didn't match my memories of the Balkan Sobranie I remember from the '70s.
5 out of 5
The ribbons are better but still dry, A+
Apr 28, 2017
As with any tabac with mixed reviews I was hesitant at first. I would agree the smoke gets stronger and more complexed as You near the 2/3 mark. The aroma from tin rivals nightcap and has more sophisticated palate in mind but most definitely dry from tin. In my everyday rotation!!!
5 out of 5
My New Favorite!
Feb 13, 2017
Blackhouse has quickly become my new favorite tobacco. Its a smooth yet full-bodied tobacco with an amazing taste. When you open the tin the first thing you will notice is that the smell of the tobacco is quite strong, essentially it smells like a smokey barbecue sauce. The tobacco was at the perfect moisture content when I got the tin so I didn't have to spend any time drying it out. The taste is nutty with a sweet chocolately hint, its also somewhat spicey (which I believe comes from the dark fired kentuckies), while the orientals also impart a subtle taste of pepper. Its incredibly balanced and will give you no tongue bite at all, no matter how many bowls you smoke. This is far away the best tobacco Ive EVER had.
3 out of 5
Decent smoke
Jan 07, 2017
Very interesting blend. Room note is not a lot to brag about. At light up I get a pretty good hit of pepper. After a few puffs you get that familiar smoky barbecue flavor and every once in a while I actually got a hint of marshmallows. As you get to the bottom of the bowl it gets very peppery. It is a more than decent smoke but one I will go to sparingly. My search continues for the woods smoke flavor I have been searching for forever.
5 out of 5
Great Tobacco
Dec 13, 2016
Never had the pleasure of smoking Sobranie 759 but BlackHouse is a great tobacco. Smooth and flavorful from first light to the end of the bowl. Perfect amount of latakia. Will be getting more.
2 out of 5
Black House not built for me.
Nov 11, 2016
Looking at all the reviews I was sure I would like this tobacco. I was
very wrong.
The tobacco was a mix of brown, black, yellow, and green ribbons.
The moisture level out of a freshly unsealed tin was almost crunchy
dry.
The aroma was smoke...nothing else.
The nicotine level is very weak almost non existent.
What smoke there was had no full mouth feel, like puffing air.
I have jarred the rest of the tin.
Will buy one more tin in the hope that I simply received a bad batch.
Every H&H tobacco I have tried has been on the weak side but were
usually tasty or at least interesting. This one is neither.
5 out of 5
Its a winner
Oct 09, 2016
Very good balkan blend. Well done fellas
5 out of 5
It was good. Dried out
Oct 03, 2016
It was good. Dried out quickly though
5 out of 5
mmm...
Sep 21, 2016
Lovely. rich, smokey, buttery, full. good stuff.
5 out of 5
I fell in love with it.
Aug 29, 2016
First opened up this tin and wasn't sure how it would compare to H and H 10 to midnight, which I fell in love with. At first, this one disappointed and I set it aside assuming I would give it more time. The more I thought about it I decided maybe it wasn't the fault of the tobacco but of the user. I had put it in the same pipe I smoked 10 to midnight and last Sunday decided to pull out the very first pipe I ever made (I carve pipes at AmericanHeritagePipe on Etsy), and without residue of previous use, filled it with Blackhouse and sat back with an opened mind. Wow. One of the most enjoyable hours I ever spend on a lazy Sunday afternoon. Start to finish it was outstanding. Great taste, room note (kept hoping the breeze would blow the smoke back towards me) absolutely no tongue bite and burned cleanly down to a white ash. Took 3 lights to get going, but again, probably my failure to pack it well. Once it got going, I didn't have to work at keeping it lit. I was very disappointed when it ran out, but took solace that I had purchase 2 tins so I'd have this around for a while. It will absolutely stay in my cellar for those days I want to reminisce about campfires, hiking in cool weather and the solitude the great Northwest offers. Best for those cool evenings in the fall when the sun is down and dusk is winning the fight. Reminds one of the great American Frontier generations back. This tobacco will fast become a welcomed friend to anyone who tries it.
5 out of 5
black house
Aug 13, 2016
Excellent smoke. Cool and enjoyable from top to bottom. Wish I had tried this sooner.
5 out of 5
Great Woody Smoke.
Aug 04, 2016
This english blend is amazing.. Great Sit back and Relax smoke. This is definitely going into my rotation.
5 out of 5
Loved it
Aug 02, 2016
A really good English blend
5 out of 5
BlackHouse
Aug 01, 2016
Good!
5 out of 5
If you are willing to wait?
Jul 22, 2016
Totally underwhelmed when I first purchased. Put it back and stumbled across it about a year later.
After a little age... fantastic! I have some cigars that share this characteristic so I now order far ahead, put it back and reap the rewards of patience.
5 out of 5
BlackHouse
Jul 03, 2016
Excellent blend, especially after a full meal. Rich,smooth and flavorful.
5 out of 5
Try all the Marquee Blends and you wont be disappointed.
Jun 10, 2016
Russ is a true artist. This is another amazing English, I prefer White Knight but I will keep a tin of this around when I want something a little different. If you haven't tried this and the other Marquee Blends order them!
5 out of 5
Black Beauty!
May 30, 2016
A must buy purchase.Im enamored by its Smokey latakia nuance..Tobacco blending at its finest.A work of Art....
5 out of 5
Truly An Award-Winning Blend!
Apr 18, 2016
From the first whiff as I opened the tin I was excited and anxious to fire it up! Excellent Latakia-based blend! Well-done Russ!
3 out of 5
I't just okay...
Apr 16, 2016
Blackhouse may be a bit more complex than Dunhill's Nightcap, but it's just too mild for me. I will stick with Dunhill Nightcap....
5 out of 5
Added to My Front-Line Rotation
Apr 14, 2016
Wow, I see what the hype is about. Dunhill 965 is my normal everyday smoke. Black house is a bit more complex and well balanced, and the sweet and smoky flavors stand out individually and complement each other wonderfully.
5 out of 5
Very good!...
Mar 29, 2016
I'm a fairly new piper, but I've smoked this and the White Knight and both are very good for my taste...
4 out of 5
Very Rich Blend
Mar 20, 2016
This blend is now in my regular rotation. I recommend it as an evening go to blend as it is very rich.
5 out of 5
BlackHouse
Mar 10, 2016
I'll keep this in the cellar from now on. Creamy, spicy, smokey, satisfying very balanced: good smoke.
4 out of 5
Too peppery
Mar 03, 2016
Better than the magnum opus but still not enjoying the peppery perique. I like to smoke with a burning and enjoy a cavendish, Kentucky and Virginia.
5 out of 5
Well done Russ!
Jan 10, 2016
This is what every Latakia blend I have every smoked I hoped would taste like. Campfire smoke, a light incense like flavour, very full mouthfeel of the smoke and a nice sweetness. Even the room note it left on the porch was nice. Most English smokes are just too smokey in the room for me, but this was great. I have no clue if this is a true clone recipe of BS 759 and I don't care. I believe this will be my go to Latakia blend from here on out. More tins for the cellar! Russ's blends are, without a doubt, some of the best blends available to pipe smokers today.
5 out of 5
One of the Best's
Dec 30, 2015
Tin note is of smokey cypress. The moisture was perfect and ready to smoke. Packs well, lights well, burns well. Smooth flavor, with no drama, every bowl and every light. Room note is pungent.
4 out of 5
Calling Latakia Lovers
Dec 29, 2015
This is a Latakia forward blend, reminding me a bit of C&D De Vinci (another heavy Latakia.
Black House is full body, but I would not suggest it to be strong, perhaps more a medium robust smoke. The smoky flavor is found from the top to the bottom of the bowl.
No Tongue bite, easy to pack, light, and kept lit with minimal effort.
3 out of 5
Very nice. Great cut and perfectly prepared for tinning.
Dec 15, 2015
Only one bowl fresh out of the tin so far. Beautiful aroma pre-light; campfire, bit of leather, cognac, sweet almost maple-like note and the twang of orientals. Found it burned faster than White Knight and definitely had more of a latakia heaviness. Quite a bit more nicotine punch than I was expecting (again with comparison to White Knight). Burned evenly down to the bottom, getting a little hotter as it progressed but not too bad. Reminds me a bit of McLelland Club Samovar fresh out of the tin (as Samovar is quiet moist unlike BH and as it mellows the orientals harmonize, the latakia gets creamy and the Virginia quiets down - very different than BH out of the tin). I'm very curious to see what BH is like after a 3-6 months of cellaring; Samovar didn't really do much for me until about 9 months, although the quality of the imputs, and the cut both seem to be higher with BH. Overall very enjoyable smoke, although I think I am too much of a lightweight; I prefer the medium english blend of White Knight (then again, that might change in 6 months). Looking forward to finding out.
5 out of 5
Very pleasant smoke
Dec 15, 2015
Very relaxing smoke with zero tongue bite. I could smoke this all day long.
5 out of 5
My New Best Friend
Dec 13, 2015
I am definitely a newbie here when it comes to pipe smoking but I have to say I LOVE this one. The Hearth and Home Blends are so far my favorite--I am a big fan of the Magnum Opus, and alternate between that and the Blackhouse. But the Blackhouse has become my new best friend! It smokes smooth and robust and has an incredible flavor. I am halfway through my second tin and about to order several more. I have only been pipe smoking for less than a month now but find I can smoke 4-5 bowls a day and totally enjoy each and every smoke. I cant get enough of it!
5 out of 5
BlackHouse
Nov 19, 2015
Mild and enjoyable. No tongue bite.
5 out of 5
Hearty From Hearth and Home
Nov 11, 2015
I would put BlackHouse right on top along with my other 10 best favorites!!!
5 out of 5
Smooth, Complex, Lovely!
Oct 19, 2015
2 years into this hobby, er, uh, addiction (let's be honest)... I still really love aros and after trying 40-50 tobaccos (did I mention I am a bit compulsive?), mostly aros, I got it in my head that I might enjoy a very MILD "English" so scanned a smattering of reviews here and elsewhere and ordered a bunch of them to try. I have two tupperware tubs. "Keep" and "Donate". Most of my recent purchases went straight into Donate but THIS ONE??? KEEP!!! I wouldn't call this a "beginner's tobacco" as it is very complex and things like Latakia can scare tyros away (it did me for the longest time, turns out I had no aversion to Lat just didn't like nasty ones). BUT... this is smooth and rich at the same time, very enjoyable and PERFECT for fall/winter.
5 out of 5
Genius
Oct 10, 2015
Hands down the best blend I have ever smoked. This coming from a primarily VA & Vaper guy. I will never figure out how Russ can take so many fine component tobaccos and make them work so seamlessly together as a whole. This blend defies categorization imo - to label it simply an English or balkan seems to detract from its personality entire. Superb smoking characteristics, both smooth and strong with not even a hint of bite. Simply put, with 34 tobaccos in my regular rotation, I find them now accumulating dust. My only complaint would be lack of availability in bulk. Well done, sir, very well done.
5 out of 5
Favorite English Blend
Oct 06, 2015
I ordered this one because I desired a full English blend, and that is exactly what I got! It has a very strong smokiness, and full room note and taste. The tin moisture is perfect for smoking, but not too dry. I need to order more of this, because it will be one of my standard rotation tobaccos from now on.
5 out of 5
Blackhouse
Oct 02, 2015
What can I say about this blend that hasn't been said already? The only thing I miss is when you could buy it in bulk.
5 out of 5
Relaxation in a Tin
Sep 24, 2015
This is a great Balkan tobacco that delivers all the flavor and none of the bite. It has a very smooth and even burn, and my wife likes the room note. I love it with brandy after a great meal.
5 out of 5
make more
Aug 27, 2015
I love this tobacco. My only complaint is that i cant have it all. Please Russ, keep this one in the front of production. Keep up the great work P and C Team. I am a forever customer.
5 out of 5
Surpassed all expectations
Aug 12, 2015
Great tobacco. Honestly, I had read the comments and was expecting something good, but Black House surpassed all expectations. As good as the Latakia is in this, the Virginias are the star of the show. Great balance as well. This is as good as anything else out there.
5 out of 5
Great. Reach for it all
Jul 24, 2015
Great. Reach for it all the time. No sourness and/or bite and excellent combustion.
5 out of 5
Always Good
Jul 03, 2015
Always shipped promptly, packaged well, and my complete order.
Customer Testimonials
Ok, so I'm still pretty new to the pipe game so bear with me a bit. But, still I know when I find something I like. I'min the process to find an aro that she who must be obayed likes, and looking for traditionals that I enjoy. I've tried the Dunhill London, Early Morning, and 965, all very nice. This blows them away, more robust flavor and very smooth. I could smoke this all day! In short, if you are reading this just buy some. If you decide you don't like it send it to me and I'll smoke it for you!
BG of Alpena, MI
Disclaimer: I'm a new pipe smoker and not very well versed in the different tobaccos. I originally purchased a different H&H tobacco but it was on back order so I called in to change the order and BlackHouse was recommended by the rep at pipesandcigars.com.
If you're new to pipe smoking, this might not be the right tobacco for you. I'm still trying to find what I do and don't like in a tobacco and right now, all I can say is BlackHouse is NOT the right tobacco for me. Just opening the tin I realized I had made a mistake. It is VERY smokey smelling (think about bbq'ing a brisket all day, this would be what your clothes smell like after) and I guess a spicy hint to it. Again, I'm still new to this so I apologize if I'm butchering the description, I just don't know how else to describe it. Either way, the smell is extremely strong and VERY powerful. Since you'll never know if you like it until you try it, I loaded up a bowl and took the dog for a walk. About 10 minutes in, I was done. Way too much of the smokiness for me and it just didn't taste that great in my opinion. About 45 minutes later I was still tasting it and it lingered on for a while longer.
That said, I'm sure this is a great tobacco. Reviews here and other places seem great, I think it's just one of those "either you love it or you hate it" type things.
JH of Houston, TX
I ordered this about three months ago and just opened the tin. Now Im sorry I waited. A very rich and distinct flavor awaits you with a very smokey goodness that few bacys can compete with. If you like english, this is a must try. Thanks H&H!
TD of West Glover, VT
Outstanding, 'nuff said.
DF of Galveston, TX
Room note reminds me of a campfire. I like to pack a pipe of this and let it sit just for the scent. Burns smooth and clean.
MB of slidell, LA
This black house is the best blend for your buck out there. Smoky, sweet, burns well, what more can a guy ask for? I wish I could buy this by the bale.
JA of Greendale, WI
You read about these legendary tobaccos that were better in the 60's or in the 80's or got discontinued. This is one of those; in 20 years, you can say you smoked it. If you're smart, you can buy 20 pounds and sell cans on the internet for $500 each (by then). Smooth, sublime and amazing.
JL of Martinez, CA
Rich and flavorful English mixture, outstanding aroma
TE of HOOVER, AL
Didn't like it at first. But, after 2 weeks of letting it sit, I absolutely LOVE it!!!
CG of Santa Clarita, CA
Perhaps being a newb I don't know what I'm doing (still figuring out how to get the right pack in the pipe) but I'm barely getting any flavor and minimal smoke output from this tobacco. I'm used to a full flavor cigar.
JR of Yelm, WA
Thanks very much H&H!! Nuff said.
JG of Peoria, AZ
Oh the smell of this...just opening the bag was fantastic! The smell in the bag is really reminiscent of a campfire. I really enjoyed smoking this. It has so many different flavors going on and you get a different experience almost every puff. It was a little dry when I got it so it burned a little hot, so I am going to leave it in the humidor for a little while to hydrate it a bit, but otherwise this stuff is perfect! It is definitely an outdoor smoke though unless you want your house to smell like woodsmoke. It isn't an unpleasant smell like some English blends, but it is very distinct.
AO of Fort Collins, CO
This is def a full throttle English blend with a strong latakia and incense like room note with a spicy character. The sweetness/tang of the Virginias show up intermittingly and quickly fade. Becomes fuller towards the 2nd half. Still trying to figure out the best way of packing this blend. As with most of H&H blends this stuff arrived very much on the dry side. So much so that I may try to hydrate it a bit. Definitely a quality blend and recommended.
BS of Slidell, LA
I just received my first order from P&C which included Town Topic, Golden Extra and a tin of Black House. Purchase was based on reviews; I like them all very much but the Black House is in a league all its own. At first light up, it immediately got my wife's attention. What is that, she says? We tried to identify the room note, mysterious, sultry, exotic aroma. I smoked three bowls of it in one evening. I plan to dedicate one of my Savinelli's to this wonderful blend. The taste is wonderful, no bite. It does burn a bit fast and the transportation to the past is over far too soon. Having never had the opportunity to try the classic 759, it must have been wonderful if this is an example of it. I plan to make this one of my favorites.
MM of Russellville, AR
If a Blender has managed to create a better blend than this one, I've never smoked it. Black House is powerful, enjoyable, well-balanced, and it has just the right amount of tasty perique to make your mouth happy. This blend is as good as tobacco gets.
RR of STREET, MD
I am not good at reviews but I did like this one ALOT. I heard that it came really close to an old blend that is hard to find. Being that I will never be able to taste the other I will never know the comparison. Just the aroma of opening the bag alone gets 5 stars.
SM of San Antonio, TX
Very pronounced Latakia with a nice bite from perique. I love this blend. Strong flavor and a great burn.
MW of Mound City, KS
This is one of my favorites! An excellent blend of fine tobaccos. BlackHouse is well balanced and very tasty. If you want to try an English blend with great flavor this in the one! Very distinct and also mellow enough to smoke all day.
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