Samuel Gawith's Black XX is a great example of English rope tobaccos. Virginias are twisted to marry and mature the tobaccos and the resulting rope is stoved to deepen the flavor by caramelizing the sugars. The flavor is pleasant and mellow, but it has a sneaky 'kick.' This is a tobacco best enjoyed by seasoned veterans.
Very unique smoking experience. If you like dark blends like ODF and Kentucky, you should give this a try. Requires some dry time after cutting and rubbing out. Great flavor!
5 out of 5
I didn't get the warned
Jan 09, 2022
I didn't get the warned nicotine hit at all . Very robust yet smooth smoke . Mine came just a little moist but only let it set about 15 minutes after preparing ot to s.pke and it's just wonderful
5 out of 5
Delicious Twist
Jan 04, 2022
It is delicious, a perfect twist rope that has a lot of flavor and a decent amount of nicotine. Would Strongly Recommend!
3 out of 5
Black XX vs.1792
Dec 26, 2021
Purchased the XX as an alternative since 1792 not available. Decent, that is,
fair to middlin' pipe, but NO where near the complexity of 1792. ELK (USNA '68)
5 out of 5
SG BLACK XX
Feb 24, 2021
I'm not much of a reviewer but I can say that I like it. Tin note reminds me of a sweet barbecue sauce. The blend is full flavored and beefy almost like a steak. People say not to smoke it on an empty stomach. I was sure to smoke it on an empty stomach in the morning with my coffee and was fine. I do my usual ritual of having a dip of Copenhagen right after my pipe with this blend. I did get a little light headed my first bowl but it was enjoyed. It is strong but I think it should be experienced by serious tobacco hobbyists even if you're not a fan of strength. I have this blend cellared and in stock.
5 out of 5
This tobacco made me manly.
Jun 05, 2019
Take rawhide leather, the finest rib eye steak and pure manliness and you have SG Black XX. It's fitting this tobacco comes in a twist rope as it's liable to tie your being in knots if you're not careful. This ain't no smoke for no sissy Sunday latte brunch! This is the real deal when it comes to flavor and a serious punch to the gut if you smoke it too fast. It comes a little wet like a rain soaked Stetson shot off in a gun duel. I like to take out my Bowie knife and slice off a coin, rub it out and let it dry in the mid-day sun for a spell. Then I tear it up a bit and stuff it in my pipe, light it and... most important...smoke it slow and tender like I'm.... well... I'm real gentle with it. I highly recommend the Black XX as long is you're ready to put on your big boy pants cause this tobaccy'll make a man outta ya'
5 out of 5
Darkness
Mar 04, 2019
Smooth, full bodied and meaty if black had a flavor this would be it.
2 out of 5
Don't like the taste
Aug 16, 2018
Bought this because I have enjoyed Peterson's perfect plug and wanted to try another plug. I don't care for the taste of this tobacco.
4 out of 5
Wow
Aug 10, 2018
Interesting smoke. Heavier flavor than I'm used to, but still very good. Might possibly be a new regular.
5 out of 5
If you enjoy strong and rich tobacco, this is for you.
Nov 19, 2017
This tobacco reminded me of very dark chocolate or French roast espresso. If you drink some good bourbon or scotch when you smoke your pipe, this tobacco holds up perfectly to it. Thick and spicy smoke make this a great late night treat. When I sit in my yard and smoke this tobacco I always have a dram of small batch bourbon with it. A couple nights when it was too cold to go out for a smoke, this is also great as a chew. I don't normally chew but when I can't smoke I do sometimes. The Kendal twist is great because you can just take your pocket knife and slice off a thin coin sized piece that does not fall apart and pack it in your lip. I cannot say enough good things about Samuel Gawith in general but this is the best dark twist/plug tobacco I have ever tried. You will not be disappointed. Absolutely perfect.
5 out of 5
Update
Oct 15, 2017
Sorry for the typos in my last review. Forgot to add that this is not for everyone. Newbies should avoid it and those who prefer aromatics will probably not like it either. The nicotine hit is quite strong, one of the most powerful out there. It can creep up on you quickly so smoke it slowly. I cannot overemphasized this. When you start to get that telltale sign in the pit of your stomach, put down your pipe immediately. It is also a bit moist so some drying out time is recommended. If you follow my advice, you will be richly rewarded.
5 out of 5
WOW!!!!!
Oct 13, 2017
Tried this when I first started smoking a pipe. Big mistake. Tried it again and all I can say is WOW. This is one of the best pipe tobaccos you can smoke. First a disclaimer. This is not a smoke for newbies. It is not for "puffers." It is not to be smoked on an empty stomach.
Smoke it slowly because, if you don't, you might have to call the EMT's. It has an appreciable nicotine hit that can make you sick. I used an oversized cigar cutter to cut some things coins and then ruled them down before putting it inside the bowl and yes, I filled it up. I smoked it very slowly in a pipe with a 9 mm filter and was rewarded with a complex array of flavors. Mostly meat, white pepper, cream and many more that my pallette was not sophisticated enough to discern.
Take the proper precautions and you will be rewarded.
5 out of 5
Good strong
Oct 11, 2017
Very good tobbaco strong
5 out of 5
Steak in a bowl
Mar 01, 2017
My first time smoking Black XX, and a rope tobacco. I was a little afraid of this due to its reviews, but I have to say I love this tobacco.
The tin note was like a medium cigar and I thought, I may as well smoke a good cigar. Boy am I glad I followed through. After a little drying time I packed it into my small church warden and was instantly hit with a medium-well grilled steak flavor that only gets better on the retrohale.
The nicotine is there but not overwhelming like some reviewers have suggested. It really needed more drying time, but a great smoke none the less.
It is really good out of the tin and I imagine it will be wonderful when aged. I will definitely be adding this my regular rotation and to my cellar.
5 out of 5
Great Smoke!
Dec 27, 2016
Cool satisfying smoke without the thong bit.
4 out of 5
Roll me up and set me free..
Nov 03, 2016
Good chew, great smoke.
A delight at first light.
Mixed with three sails.... s a t i s f y i n g !
4 out of 5
Hold on to your pants and your neighbors also
Oct 11, 2016
If you like a in your face slap of hot pressed rope tobacco with a flavor that reminds me of a cigar then this is your boy here. No not some gas station cigar but a hand rolled full body stogie that you stole from some gangsters humidor, them this is for you. With all that said I like it alot.
5 out of 5
Rich pleasurable smoke
Oct 04, 2016
I purchased this rope tobacco on a recommendation and I'm glad I did. Out of the tim this tobacco has a meaty smell to it, almost beef jerky like. It needs some drying time but is a pleasure to smoke. A rich aroma and flavor is produced when you light it up. Its a littke pricey but if you have parker cash its an experience worth paying for.
1 out of 5
Really?
Sep 13, 2016
It tasted like an overdone hamburger left on the charcoal grill for two days.
5 out of 5
Awesome!
Mar 22, 2016
Mixes perfect with 1792 flake.
5 out of 5
Jeff A
Mar 07, 2016
This is a great smoke but a hardy stronger smoke. Slice a little off, break it up and let it dry a bit. It has a spicy, beefy flavor. Very satisfying. A little goes a long way. I smoked my first bowl in Dr. Grabow Lark. I will definitely order again.
5 out of 5
smokes like a dream
Feb 11, 2016
Smokes like dream and kick like a mule!
5 out of 5
SMOOTH SAMUEL GAWITH BLACK XX
Dec 02, 2015
I tried Samuel Gawath Black XX for the first time. What drew my attention was the rating of full-bodied. I would rate this tobacco on a full bodied scale of 1 - 10 as a 7. It is a smooth, tasty smoke, but not as full bodied as 1792, which is my favorite. The taste remains smooth throughout the smoke and is fairly tasty.
Customer Testimonials
I use the ropes for blending, mostly. Especially this one. If smoked neat, it's too strong: along the lines of burnt meat and moldy leather. However, as a blending agent, you can create miracles, so I strongly recommend studying up on blending, gents. A little red Virginia here; some cyprian lat there...you get the picture. Play around with it. You'll be surprised.
SL of Shingle Springs, CA
A smoky, meaty, hearty, prime porterhouse steak prepared on a charcoal grill just the way you like it. Unbelievably smoothe, satisfying and filling. A delayed kick due to the formidable nicotine content... so don't bite off more than you can chew of this prime cut.
KS of PRINCETON, MO
Wow this stuff is so rich and tasty. Very unique presentation. It looks like a thick black rope. It just oozes class. And the taste is oh so good. I love it.
GP of Lake George, NY
Not quite as strong as the brown Kendal Twist, but plenty strong. A bit sweeter than the brown, and the tobacco flavor is wonderful.
JW of Wurtland, KY
I had read a lot about this one before I tried it, with reviews saying it was awfully strong. I found it to be of very mild taste though it could pack a punch for nicotine. The smell is something like an old leather baseball glove and my cat's go crazy for it as soon as I open the tin. The taste is mild initially and then falls a bit at the end. I was surprised that my wife did not mind the smell of me smoking it in the house, though the smell of the rope itself is quite pungent.
JB of Lubbock, TX
It is a very smooth tobacco with a heavily toasted flavor, almost like a roasted nut, there is not much of a tobacco flavor left. The smoke has a very heavy and oily feel in the mouth and on the tongue.
To me the flavor and aroma is not all that great. I think this is one of those “acquired taste” tobaccos out there.
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