Hearth & Home Marquee Fusilier's Ration Sale

After multiple shipments of tobacco, I finally set aside time for this one this evening. Fusilier's Ration will not disappoint people who desire latakia but don't want a total bomb (such as Quiet Nights or Nightcap). I smoke out of Petersons almost exclusively these days as they are not too cost prohibitive, and tonight was a 315xl (Pipesandcigars take note, you REALLY should be selling this Peterson). As this is a system pipe, it does tend to smoke cool and dry. Enough of the pipe commentary, you want the tobacco talk. This crumble cake was right at the proper moisture out of the tin. The tin note was of mild English blend standards, but unique. Smokey but smooth. The cake broke apart nicely and packed evenly with no drying. It has stayed lit with fewer relights than I'd expected, which is a very nice thing. I think perhaps because it is hearth and home, which in my experience lean more to the dry side. The latakia is definitely there, but that extra additional cavendish smoothed out what roughness might have been present. Not overwhelmingly smokey tasting, the oriental leaves definitely add a bit of exotic spice and room note. The topping, while ineffable, is delightful. Has burned cool and dry with no bite. I say pace yourself as with any blend. Patience is rewarded. Now how does it stack against the Special Reserve rendition? The Fusiliers Ration special reserve i received wasn't a crumble cake, it was closer to shag cut. This is less dry than the special reserve was. The Special Reserve was definitely more sweet but that is not a negative mark against the original blend, just a difference. I give it 5 stars. If you're new to English blends or latakias, I feel it would be a great bridging blend from aromatics or vapers to englishes. It is full bodied yet mild. Smooth and pleasurable on a cool autumn evening such as this.

I'm not an expert by any means but I do like the tin note the sweet smoky flavor room note is present

The tin note is bold and rich. It’s nicely and stays lit without tongue bite if handled properly. The flavors are rich and fragrant with the Latakia coming in near the end without dominating. It’s a unique blend of English style mixtures with a sweet but not cloying perfume topping from the oriental blend. The retrohale is wonderful and clean. Overall a very fine blend. The room note is strong and probably not for non-pipe smokers but it reminds me of books, good scotch and contemplation.

Great tasting.

Super-duper. I’m a fan of English, and loved Frog Morton’s, Pelican, etc. This one has the top-end spice from the orientals and Latakia without being overpowering. The addition of the cavendish with flavors that are thick, mellow, and lightly sweet. This is a brilliant blend that ticks all the boxes for me. It’ll be a staple in my rotation from now on.

Exotic, nutty, sweet with an earthy overtone. It’s cake format, but once prepared it burns very nicely. The room note is probably the only thing to complain about - says my wife - personally I had no issue with it.

Requested as a gift for a friend - He was very pleased with it. My order arrived as promised and was correct - thanks

Finally cracked a tin of this and gave it a shot. It is very similar to Bengal Slices (right down to the light anise casing) but a little less tangy. I might prefer this to Bengal Slices as a Summer smoke.

One of favorites blends, i like it a little better than the bengal slices. They are both good.

Very nice for English blend fans. Still miss CAO Old Ironsides though.

Loved it..just wish the blend had more oriental tobbacco.nice smooth.full body smoke

I trying flake tobacco for the 1st time and not enjoying the tobacco as it's hard to keep lit. I prefer flake tobaccos.

difficult to light but once lit it stays lit and taste great.

This is my all time favorite blend. Has a thick rich smoke toot and a moderate to strong taste. Will be buying much more of this

Great smoke!

Probably one of the best tinned tobacco's I've had to date.

A banger smoke. I feel like an old soldier, (Fusellier), I am, with every pipe. Crumbles easy, burns well and a smoke full of flavour every time. Splendid room note, nose and taste. This version stands alone at he top. A most enjoyable mixture.

This is probably the best English blend I have tried! Very smooth, bite free, great flavor and room note and is a lower cost version of Bengal Slices! Great job by Russ Oullette! Highly recommend!🙂

First, I'm not typically a fan of flake tobacco. But I find one application in particularly that this tobacco suits very well. I usually prefer a cigar with my scotch. I've tried various pipe tobaccos and call me crazy, but the English blends and Balkan blends that I favor often present a slight (but repelling) banana note when paired with whisky. Yes, a banana note! I don't care...try it yourself and maybe you'll see. Anyway, I digress. Where was I? O, the fusiliers ration. It pairs incredibly well with scotch. Moreover, I am of the Islay make persuasion, so I'm referring in particular to Laphroaig. Heavy peat smoke, briney seaspray, yes.... Goes remarkably well with the round, dark, fragrant plumes of this earthy tobacco.

Very much enjoyed the Fusiliers Ration. One ounce was backordered and hope to see it soon. Don't want to run out.

Obviously a good quality tobacco and one that I like well enough. However, it wouldn't be my go to choice. I have two tins that I'll complete over time, but I probably won't pursue it further,

I realize that many people very much like and appreciate this blend; but I found it too strong in flavor and did not appreciate the taste very much. I will not be buying it again.

Smoky, nutty, fruity, sweetness all in balance. Quite rich. Rubs out easily and burns cool. Better than Bengal Slices IMO.

Very similar to Russ's Bengal Slices, this blend is less expensive and every bit as good.

I really tasty Latakia forward English mix highly recommended.

A nice, well balanced blend. Not the fullest I’ve had, but definitely up there. Not looking at how well it mimics the original, but rather how good it is just as a tobacco. As to that, I really like it, and plan to purchase more.

I've never had the original Bengal Slices but I have had the recreation and think this homage is better. It has a deep rich taste and the topping nicely compliments the underlying tobaccos without ever washing them out. A wonderful blend.

I just got back into pipe smoking while we're all on mandatory time off for covid. I got this as part of the Three Wise Men, and oh my, was it the winner. Lovely cool smoke in my churchwarden, very little condensation, and a flavor to die for. Well done on this blend, I'll be stocking up on the bulk version in my next order and checking out some others from the HH series soon.

I smoke more aromatic pipe tobacco than non, but several times a week, I like to sort of cleanse my palette with Fusiliers Ration. The deep Smokey taste is just what I want. Great tobacco Russ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Latakia forward with fine Orientals playing together. Virginia for body and sweetness . Fragrant and rich and creamy. Has a bourbon tasting topping lightly applied . Good smoke . Break it apart gently or it will turn to dust .

Fusiller's Blend from Hearth and Home is a very good English blend. I would classify it as medium strength. It has a good taste and delightful aroma. My personal preference for stronger English blends is the only reason I gave this four instead of five stars. If you like less strong blends, this tobacco is a no-brainer.

This is a great tobacco. The tin note is smokey and inviting. All of the tobacco's play well in the bowl and it never become monotoned. I never tried Bengal Slices but if it's like this, then it has to be good too.

Great presentation and nose out of the tin in the form of a krumble cake with bursts of smoke, wood, and sweetness. Smokes cool and leaves a wonderful aftertaste. Latakia is the star, but the supporting cast plays their parts well. Definitely a blend I would like to have on-hand at all times.

Crumbles nice. Excellent burn. Taste is inviting. The more matured crowd tells me the smell reminds them of old blends.

A nice smooth, mellow English. The Latakia isn't strong and it doesn't have the same punch as something like Plus Pudding, but still very good.

Tin note of smoked brisket! I Love the cut and the cool clean burn of this tobacco. A must try for those who fancy themselves a budding pipe smoker.

Clean flavor, excellent flake

This is one I've been asked to smoke outside, which I don't mind at all because the blend is worth the hassle. Smells like musky old man hiding in a dusty used book store but it burns beautifully. It crumbles easily and stuffs nicely. Not a total latakia bomb, but it's there and cool burning. There's a little sweet Virginia in there that evens the thing out nicely. Wish I could try the retro stuff I see the old timers compare this one to.

An excellent joice. Wish you sold it in bulk

Nice smoke. Awesome flavor. Very aromatic.

Damn fine smoke in it's own right!

Smokey, slightly sweet, and a very, very clean finish. I ordered a tin and I am very impressed. Now, I am not a heavy latakia fan, but this stuff is great for someone that likes a mild dose of the stuff. I ordered lots more to cellar. Great job Russ. It is a shame it took me so long to try it out.

good for a evening or after a good meal.full flavor rich and smoky earthy flavor.will be adding more to my celler.

Very pleasant smoke. Has a nice spice to it, a bit of incense, and a subtle sweetness to back it up. Smooth smoking and interesting to smell, the cake itself is also fragrant and was ready to smoke for me straight out of the tin. Finishes easily enough and requires minimal relights. Would recommend.

I bought this last month as well as few other tins, this one this far has been the best of the bunch. no bite smooth smoke. like the crumble cake for front porch rocking chair

Russ really nailed it on this one. This is one of the best smokes I've ever had. Mouth watering dessert like flavor. I'm always getting remarks on how great the room note is.

Fine tobacco this one. Immediately upon opening up this tin I got a wonderful nose full of what I can only compare to smoked brisket! Smoke is smooth, burns cool and consistently. I is one that will likely make my cellar one day.

This is a good smoke from start to finish. Easy to light and stays lit throughout. Again, in my top 5 favorite tobaccos

With all the Frog Morton gone. This is does it for me. Not the same of course but satisfying! Al day smoke no problem.

Has some aromatic qualities to it. Smokey and with some sweetness, but not sickly sweet or over topped.

Excellent some of the best Latakia blends I have ever had. Just ordered two more tins. Need an 8onz tin...

When I opened the tin all I could think of when I smelled this was BBQ smoked brisket! Although it doesn't taste quite as fatty and delicious, this tobacco is very tasty, cool smoking and ends with the fine white ash known in fine tobaccos. I like the cake style. Cool looking and it is easy to prepare. Pretty classy smoke. It's a must try on many peoples list and I will agree. I can also imagine this cellering well. Happy puffing!

This blend is very similar to Bengal Slices for obvious reasons. I believe Fusilier’s Ration burns a bit better. Wonderful room note and tastes great if you like Latakia. Highly recommend.

Excellent. Some of the best I have had. Will purchase again.

I returned to pipe smoking recently, after being away from it for 40+ years. I ordered a pipe, several "drug store" tobaccos and a tin of Fusilier's Ration. Wow! This blend is terrific! Substantial, robust, satisfying. It didn't smoke hot and there wasn't an issue with bite. I had forgotten how much enjoyment and relaxation could be had from pipe smoking. I'm glad I'm now back in the fold and grateful for P&C. What a resource! A vast selection of pipes & blends, as well as dedicated customers whose input/reviews has been quite helpful to someone like me.

Guys and gals, you have to try this one. This was my first crumble cake tobacco. I'm only two bowls in (maybe three? Less than five) and already this is going to be one I stack away a few tins of. The sweetness of the cavendish and virginias set a perfect stage for the fevered dance of smoky latakia and orientals, redolent of deep incense. And on top of it all is....something. Sort of a licorice taste, which dresses out the latakia and orientals very nicely. I think a reviewer below is on the right track to let this one sit out for a bit after rubbing for moisture control, as I did get a gurgle toward the end. But a bit of drying and it will be perfect. This is going right next to Black House, PS Luxury English, and Star of The East as a favorite to keep plenty of. Now, about that reserve edition....

Enjoyable all day smoke with no bite and a slow burn. Maybe the subtle topping gives it that extra touch. Great for Latakia lovers like me, but also other sweet aromas in the room note arise probably from the Orientals in the mixture. Used to enjoy Balkan Sobranie, and also the heavy 759 version, long gone. May be a bit overwhelming for some who are not attuned to English mixtures, but if you enjoy English, you should try this one, especially as it is available in bulk and very affordable.

Gave this a go, liked it, will likely purchase again. FWIW: Check moisture before smoking for best experience. I let my batch dry for a couple hours (not very humid here) resulting in a smooth smoke to the bottom of the bowl.

As a lover of Latakia, Fusiliers Ration hits the spot. I can smoke it without any tongue bite and it smells and tastes great. It could be an all day smoke for me.

top 5 blend

This tobacco has earned its rightful place in the pantheon of delicious blends. There are few others that surpass quality and incense-like aroma. Worth every penny, even at retail price!

I honestly do not know what to say about this blend except that I've never had anything like it and it is the best I've ever had.

A spectacular blend, very cool smoking with a sublime mouth feel and finish. I cannot recommend this strongly enough to anyone who enjoys a few fingers of scotch with their evening smoke. The Latakia adds subtle notes of sandalwood to the peaty goodness. I have found no better tobacco to pair with a fine Islay or Skye single malt. The only problem with FR is the absence of a bulk purchase option. I need a pound of this for my cellar asap!

This is my new favorite blend. I have heard it is a copy of Bengal Slices. I have never had Bengal Slices so I can't compare them but the top note on here is just perfectly balanced with the tobacco and makes it nice and smooth and the room note is amazing! I don't love licorice but I love this stuff!

I haven't usually liked any Hearth and Home tobaccos I've tried enough to order more, but I really love Fusilier's Ration. It is a creamy and savory tasting English blend (rather than a sweeter tasting blend), which I prefer. The crumble cake form is extra appealing to me as well. I will always keep some of this on hand as I enjoy it quite often.

Since I have been smoking a pipe for over 65 years I have tried many varieties of tobacco. Still like the good burleys but when Bengal Slices came out I was hooked. And when they disappeared...i was shattered. I was excited when you came out with a new version of Bengal Slices...very good ...BUT...recently I ordered a can of Fusilier's Ration...and am HOOKED...again! My taster doesn't not completely recall Bengal...but even then, I think I might have switched to Fusilier's Ration had it been available in that day.

I bought this along with WhiteKnight and BlackHouse as possible replacements 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. 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.

This is one of the best tobaccos I've ever enjoyed. The latakia is mixed in so gently that it is present only for its flavor and doesn't take the conductor position. The orientals are present and add the color to the smoke. So nice! The added flavor which is obviously of the anise-licorice sort just rounds it up perfectly without disturbing the components qualities. It's just perfect.

Enjoyable smoke! Delivered quickly too.

Great service, quick shipment

Before I decided to try Fusillier's Ration, I read a lot of reviews. Then I ordered a two-ounce tin...based on what some others were saying about it. I haven't tried the original blend that this one pays homage to, but if its anything like Fusillier's Ration, I think I would enjoy it. I will probably be ordering a couple more tins. This stuff is very good. The aroma from the tin is wonderful. It is easy to prepare and burns very nicely

Years ago, my daughter brought some Bengal Slices for me in England, several tins, and I liked it. Then, I couldn't get it anymore. When the "new" Slices came out, I ordered some from P&C but noticed the Fusilier's Ration as comparable. Frankly, I liked it better: burned better, somewhat better flavor, and crumbled easier. Room note is fine. Plus, it cost less. I may just like the name so I can pretend I am a rifleman guarding the artillery as i puff on it. Regardless, FR is a tobacco I will repurchase and enjoy.

Fusiliers ration is outstanding in every way. I have tried it in a number of pipes i own but it always comes through; savory, complex and thoroughly enjoyable. I like it so much that i purchased as many tins as my tobacco cabinet can hold. Everyone's taste varies but it would be hard to find someone who did not like this blend.

Being new to pipe smoking I found out quickly that i enjoy latakia blends so i tried Hearth & Home Marquee Fusilier's Ration and would recommend this tobacco to everyone who enjoys latakia as much as i do.

Of all the tobaccos that i buy and smoke, if i had to choose ONLY ONE FOR THE REST OF IT, this would be the one. For me it has it all from wonderful complex flavors to a nice easy burn. I am saddened that the new government , intrusive , liberty depriving , constitutionally illegal, regulations will cause this tobacco to no longer be available. I am hurt and depressed that big government can simply deprive me of one of the simple pleasures of life. I truly understand better now, what was meant when he said "give me liberty, or give me death"

I smoked a lot of the original Bengal slices through the 70's-80's. I had always added just a touch of unsweetened cavendish for a bit of something different. Fusilier's ration hits it just right, the old Bengal Slices was a great smoke this in my most humble opinion is a bit better, I seldom do this but right after the 1rst bowl ordered several more tins! This is a touch Balkan like in character with an English twist, that added touch of flavoring just runs the bases it hints at the sweetness Bengal lacked, more different nuances throughout the bowl, most excellent Baccy! Lee

This is a very enjoyable smoke, and I will definitely be getting more in the future.

A little to bitey for my taste

Very good

I too am decideing whether this is my new Favorite. My new alternative to Mississippi River and Frog on the Town. I espeacially love this blend while Revolutionary War Reenacting

I paid promptly. They shipped correct item promptly. Can't ask for much more than that.

Another fantastic blend from Russ that is a pleasure to smoke! Rich flavor and should be in your pipe right now!

I'm sorry to say that my original scathing review of this fine tobacco was not a result of the quality of Fusiler's Ration. The tobacco did taste horrible; I only finished 1/2 a bowl. But what I didn't know at the time was that the pipe I was using had gone sour. Regrettably, I can't delete my original review. I came back to this blend after I had realized what had happened, and found it to be very smooth and tasting modestly floral.

I’d read the great reviews of Fusilier’s Ration but put off buying some for quite some time. Then I was at the CI Super Store with my brother and he asked me to recommend an ‘english’ blend (He’s a 1-Q guy). So I spotted FR on the shelf and recommended he try it. When we got home he popped the tin and we both gave it a try. I was impressed. A creamy English with an underlying sweetness, FR is flavorful and well balanced. There’s a hint of something that reminds me of Seattle Pipe Club’s Plum Pudding, and also something that has echoes of Frog Morton’s Cellar. But these are fleeting. The side stream aroma is delightful, and there is a somewhat floral topping that adds to the depth and complexity of the smoke. FR is not a Lat-Bomb, and it’s not a Nic-Bomb either. The Virginias in it are a great foundation and the cavendish is like a dollop of whipped cream. In a month and a half I’ve ordered it twice!

This is a well balanced, mild English Blend that doesn't loose it's taste yet is not overpowering. Some English blends can be Latakia heavy. This is not one of them. There just seems to be enough to let you know you're smoking "english". This would be a great all day tobacco and perfect for someone new to English blends. I like "rubbing out" my own tobacco so that was an added treat.

I love English blends and this is a really mellow but flavourful blend. Crumble cake that was perfect out of the tin. I will be buying this one again.

I shoulda read the description a little more carefully as this is a crumble cake. I wouldn't have been exactly sure of what that would have been and probably have interpreted it as a solid cake that you would have to cut with a pen knife. I'm now glad I was so careless. It was easy to pack and it was right up there with Blackhouse and White Knight. I have smoked Penzance and all I can say is that all three beat Penzance in price and the taste is as good or better, keeping in mind that everyone has different tastes. Don't drive yourself crazy trying to purchase an overpriced pipe tobacco that seems to be always out of stock everywhere. These three are much better values.

I love this blend. Full on flavor and smooth as can be. If you rub the chunks out fine it stays lit as well as Dunhill ribbon cut. I love Lancer Slices as well but the slight topping on Fusiliers makes it unique.

This is a nice Balkan blend and very much reminds me of Penzance. I will keep it in my rotation.

This is a quality tobacco with a great flavor profile. Smooth and mellow smoke that is both earthy and slightly sweet. Overall, I really enjoyed this one and would recommend it to anyone that enjoys Latakia blends that are on the sweeter side. This one reminded me of Frog Morton's Cellar, but not quite as aromatic as the casing isn't as pronounced. My only complaint with this one was the presentation inside the tin, it looked as though someone had just wadded the tobacco up inside of a paper ball and tossed it in the tin. I know that it doesn't affect the tobacco in any way, but the presentation is part of what makes smoking a pipe so fun.

Fusilier's ration is a very nice blend. It strikes a balance between the balkan style blend it was inspired by and the too seldom seen, lightly aromatic latakia blends. The key is balance. The light topping along with the fine tobaccos create a flavorful and enjoyable blend with notes of dark chocolate and red fruits. It's less aromatic and (IMO) cloying than Frog Morton's Cellar but it shares a similar flavor profile. Another blend I might compare it to is SPC's Plum Pudding, but FR's topping is more pronounced. It is a balanced blend that isn't as complex as other full balkans but makes for a fantastic multi-task smoke. Fusilier's Ration rubs out easily and burns well. Of the few Latakia blends with an added topping that I have tried, this is certainly the best and should be an inspiration for other tobaccos of the style.

Not as savory as my vintage Balkan Sobranie or Lane BS-005, but well-balanced and with satisfying depth. There is a faint flinty note throughout as well as an almost imperceptible note of molasses and scorched brown sugar from the curing. For me this is an enjoyable smoke for the right time and place. I can see some enthusiasts giving it an even higher rating.

Before going into my opinon of this blend, let it be known that I have only been smoking a pipe for the last two months, and that this is my first Latikia blend. Upon opening the tin my first reaction was that this stuff stinks. I don't meen to say that it stinks of smoke, which I actually like in moderation, but rather this blend has a aroma comprised of smoke and medicine-like mint. As one would expect, this unappitizing combination transfers over to the taste while smoking. The best description for the taste is if you were to combine liquid smoke and Listerine. Like I said, I'm new to the pipe smoking eperience so maybe I should have tried a more tamer blend prior to Fusilier's Ration. Maybe if you absolutely love Latikia you'll love this blend too, but for me, I just couldn't finish the bowl due to the fowl flavoring of this blend.

I searched long for Fusilier's Rations and have discovered another favorite in White Knight. I will be glad when I can buy each in larger amounts against.

I'll start by saying that Fusilier's Ration was love at first light. The flakes are pressed pretty densely but break apart like a crumble cake. It packs well and usually two lights will get it going. The taste is very intriguing; very old timey to me. The licorice is noticeable and tingly but not overbearing. I have not picked up the tonquin yet but I'm working on it. I find that a group 4 or 5 pipe will last over an hour and it is a delightful hour. Fusilier's Ration has moved to the top of my daily rotation. If you're looking for something that is traditionally British then this is the one to try.