Larry Loerzel, one of our regular store customers, and connoisseur of English/Balkan blends had tried Ten to Midnight, and although he liked it, he was looking for something a little fuller and different. Based on his preference, we blended a full, traditional Balkan using Orientals that were more “buttery” and amped-up the Latakia. Hearth & Home Signature Larry's Blend has been a big hit among our full-bodied English fans; a cool-smoking, very rich mixture.
Recently ordered this as part of a P&C "Build Your Own Sampler" specials. Was I THRILLED with this one!! Absolutely delicious, Latakia blend, but with some spice, Oriental, and Turkish in there too for complexity and full body. Moisture in the bag was seemingly perfect. Packed, lit and stayed lit VERY easily and lasted a LONG time (like over an hour) and burned to fine, white ash. Taste-wise, this is a notch or two gentler in strength than say Nightcap, but it is so tasty and delicious, I could smoke this all day long. One of my other samples in this order was Lane BS-005 which is similar to a degree, but Larry's Blend was tastier, burned MUCH cooler, longer, and more thoroughly than the BS-005. VERY enjoyable blend for Latakia lovers!! I'm stocking up on this one.
One of the best English blends i have tried, flavorful and generous smoke on this one. Bursts of nuttyness and a lovely man cave room note. Will buy again
When I smelled this for the first time I was thinking buying eight oz of this was a huge mistake... it had a very chemical room note almost like floor cleaner but don't let the tin note fool you its a great tobacco blend. It has enough latakia to give it that smoky flavor that all of us English style fans crave. Smells something like Sherlock Holmes would smoke. Great late-night smoke just don't do it right before bed it has quite a nicotine punch. Recommended for full bodied English style fans.
Being the analytical type, I like things that make sense to me. With so many tobacco choices; while I’d like to try some, I don’t want to have a bunch of different blends on hand. To my way of thinking, that just complicates matters. So I’ve been in search of 2 standby blends (one English and one aromatic) and then others (as specialties) that fills a rotating third slot in my line up. Larry’s blend was suggested to me by some folks from the forum, http://www.pipemagazine.com. I had posed a question as to what I might consider for this rotating 3rd slot. Larry’s blend is most definitely a winner! From the very first bowl I found this enjoyable. I’ve now smoked about 6 bowls and find very pleasant. The Latakia is evident but not over baring. It packs nicely and smokes very well. It has a great smell in the bag and billowing smoke that tickles my nose as I smoke it. My wife enjoys the smell as I smoke it. I can see myself buying more of this blend to rotate in and out of the coveted 3rd slot position, while Dunhill’s Early Morning Pipe and Hearth & Home’s Vermont Meat Candy remain my everyday English and Aromatic smokes.
After 62 years of sampling and searching, I've finally found what I've been looking for: smooth, rich flavor, cool smoke, and a taste that no other tobacco can match. I live in the tobacco capital of the world, but I have to defer to the folks in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, who have finally satisfied my lifetime quest: the ultimate Balkan--by a wide margin. It simply has no equal.
I am smoking a bowl as I write this now. The flavor and strength of this blend is truly wonderful. It reminds me of a nice stout dark beer with a hint of sweet subtle spiciness. It would go beautifully with a nice steak. I love this mix.
A favorite. Almost can taste some menthol in it. Interesting and powerful taste.
New pipe smokers first impression: It smells terrible! Tastes pretty good though. Just starting to get into English/ Latakia blends, so they're growing on me.
Tried my first bowl today. Great flavor without being over powering. A wonderful smoke that you have to try if you like a great Balkan.
A nice burning tobacco that won't disappoint. Rich and smooth without an overbearing spice or smokiness. Overall, a great taste and cool smoke.
Larry's Blend was recommended by my brother. It's an outstanding smoke. Light's easily, full bodied, complex and smokes cool. I highly recommend Larry's blend, one of my favorites so far. Great job Hearth & Home (Russ).