Public Profile

MARC SPADE

Reviews

G. L. Pease - Maltese Falcon 2oz
My number one blend
The most excellent blend of all time. I don’t have a large selection of pipes as I prefer a variety of tobaccos to pipes over the last six years. For that reason, I mostly smoke a meerschaum pipe. But I bought a beautiful Neerup briar just to smoke Maltese Falcon exclusively. Latakia supporting an Oriental forward blend with Virginias in tandem. Smooth, smokey, sweet like honey, bold flavor, yet subtle spice and bread notes; in revolving harmony. I don’t care what they say, the elusive “flue cured” spice is akin to Perique in a robust sense at times; when it fades to the background it’s definitely ginger. I find first third to present the Smokey savory qualities, the second third to be mostly sweet, and the final third to be a bready culmination of the previous parts. The spice creeps in and out being more present throughout the bowl on the retro hale. A truly masterful contemplative blend. It’s cool and pleasant smoke calls for a large bowl to enjoy an hour or more of the seamless transitions. Pairs nicely with tea and honey (currently drinking a Bourbon Chestnut tea from Gatlinburg with a little honey) and maybe a couple pieces of chocolate, depending on your mood. If you’ve been smoking the variety of premium pipe tobacco for some time, I encourage you to treat and challenge your pallet. If you’d like to try an English for the first time, this may be the best start and might, perhaps, be more of a Balkan than an English in my opinion. I am now building a surplus of Maltese Falcon as to avoid running out before my time is over. I will continue to delve into this complexity by acquiring another briar, a meerschaum, and maybe a Morta; all dedicated to Maltese Falcon. This blend is everything I hoped to find in the hobby of pipe smoking and I have only come to appreciate it more as I try other blends and give each tin a little more time before trying. I can assume what five years in the cellar will offer.

Cornell & Diehl - Bourbon Bleu 8oz
A year old tin
Opened a year old tin. This blend is, dare I say, one of the best I’ve had in the last five years. Primarily smoking out of cob or meerschaum, this blend is consistent. A nice balance of Virginia and Perique with the Kentucky as supporting cast. The hint bourbon is only noticeable if you had a straight VaPer to compare to; and it’s a welcome sweet subtle presence. This cheerful flavor with warm aroma is constant till the end as all the tobacco slowly turns to white ash. An easy light, forgiving smoke, is enjoyed with a good steady cadence. *Update* After picking up another tin, it is for sure my 2nd favorite blend of all time. I transitioned to smoking in a bent brandy Peterson. For whatever reason, the spice really comes out of the Perique in the Briar; where it’s more of a supporting role out of the Meerschaum. Pairs nicely with a citrus ale or tea. The Kentucky really brings a robust cigar-like flavor that settles into the room note in welcome way. The bourbon and perhaps the Virginias impart a sweetness on the roof our your mouth working with that room note that stays in the nose a while after a smoke. I love this blend. Go ahead, buy it.

Cult - Conspiracy 50g
Pretty good
I'm not crazy about it. But I like it and would be happy to get another tin. I like the idea of a latakia forward English- aromatic. If I find a better one I'll let you know. Definitely worth trying.

G. L. Pease - Maltese Falcon 8oz
Without a doubt
The best English and possibly best tobacco i have ever had. It's smooth and doesn't bite. There is a seamless transition of flavors throughout; creamy, savory, oriental, latakia, and an ever present, yet subtle, Virginia. Nothing is too strong. It's the jazz of pipe tobaccos. It’s a Maltese Falcon.

Cornell & Diehl - Sam's Blend 2oz
First bowl
I've had only one bowl so far but, I have to say, this is a great blend. Great for just sitting in a comfy spot and thinking about things that make you happy. Also, i have two black labs. So maybe a little bias.

Peterson - Early Morning Pipe 50g
Ever wondered why it's so popular?
You'll know at the first light why this legendary blend is so beloved by all. Very earthy. Smokey with wheat notes. A must have.

Sutliff - SPS-2000 Sunset Rum
Menthol mostly
Cool smoke, typically one light, and flavorful to the end. It’s more of a menthol taste than rum. But in a more intrinsic way than a cigarette.

Sutliff - Creme Brulee
Sutliff just gets it
When you've found a great tobacco, you just know it. I picked this up for Blend Club and it surpassed my expectations. After 2 years of smoking Aromatics, this is one probably my favorite. As with other Sutliff blends I have tried, the flavor is strong, wonderful, and is present for the entire smoke. About an hour of this and I had no bite, one relight if you count the char light, could definitely taste a little caramel, honey- vanilla, and the burley. Burned to a nice ash. For me, the blend is unique and has a permanent spot in the cellar.

Sutliff - Z92 Vanilla Custard
Something special
There is a myriad of vanilla aromatics. This one is, without question, my favorite. Taste and room note are consistant and stay with you well after you finished the bowl. If you're looking for a supreme vanilla, here it is. My family also prefers I smoke this over anything else.

Cornell & Diehl - Autumn Evening 2oz
Like a warm stack of pancakes!
I wasn't too fond of it at first. After giving it some shelf time, I now enjoy this blend quite a bit with my Lorenzo 740. There's a nice Vanilla Maple sweetness for the whole bowl and I get some Virginia and a little spice on and off. I'll be ordering more. Glad I revisited this.