Like most of the blends graciously gifted to me sight-unseen (unread?) I had no idea what I was getting myself into. I have the tendency to toss off hype and be aloof with stark criticism (especially those with excessive hyperbole), and I don't want to find tastes and experiences of another even with the power of suggestion.

The generous portion of Stonehaven (again, s.ireland... ) I received was a very light (as in weight, cut) dark (as in color, smell) flake, delicate but solid. It rubbed out into the most hair-like shaggy cut I've come across as of yet, and it definitely needed a little drying out. Loading up and lighting were easy. I got initial notes of faint red pepper, dark roasted coffee and very earthy, almost resin-like tones. The bowl stayed lit a charm, no problems at all. There was a hint of dull waxiness, but it didn't seem to carry (or marry) much of the flavors together. There was a distant touch of sugar, too-dark caramel, maybe. There's a lot of strength in body, but I found it to be somewhat moderate in the nicotine department--it's there, it just isn't as much of a head-spinner, which I suppose is a good thing if that's not what you're after (I find it to be a treat when well-executed, so far, fortunately, nothing has turned me green).

Well? It was a big "meh." I wasn't wowed by it, and it tipped toward unsubstantial. This is not a dynamic tobacco. It's for a particular tongue. The dark coffee flavors, with very rare moments of cacao, were kind of a turn-off. I don't like dark coffee, and it reminded me of a French roast. At times, the waxiness almost carried the kind of flavor I've come across when someone is starting a fire of late autumn leaves. Not the worst smell/taste, unless you're applying it directly to your senses.

I later looked it up, found out there was Burley in there. I didn't find much alkali tongue peppering, but nor was there any nuttiness. Perhaps that was the waxiness I found. The dark Virginia didn't give me much of what I like about Virginia: sweetness, brightness and toastiness. This being my second Esoterica product, I much prefer Penzance, so I know I like what they can do.

So, this is a blend for "experienced pipe smokers," according to the presumptuous label. Oh, okay, fair enough. So, reviews are either matching the label (gotta save face!) or I really have no tongue for all intents and purpose.

I guess all signs are pointing to "I should grow up a little," and head back to it sometime, or I just don't like it. Either case is okay with me at this point. Fortunately, I give things a chance, because I even doubt myself (to be fair), but Stonehaven ain't at the top of my list right now.

Some people like their eggs scrambled, some like them sunny side up. Is there a right way? Well, I'll fight to the death for sunny side up but in the end it's only my opinion!

That's a good, honest review. Stoney might not be your bag, and that's okay. There's no sense in working hard to track something down that you don't enjoy... There are too many other tobaccos around that make you do flips, so concentrate on them!

If you have any Stoney left, maybe tuck it away for a while and revisit it down the road. You never know - maybe it'll grab you next time.

I like Stonehaven, but as with anything that people rave about endlessly before you try it...it just can't live up to the hype.

I personally like SH, and it's distinctly different and so a nice change of pace from my typical McClelland VA consumption, but its so hard to come by that it's not even on my radar to bother with. If I want a change of pace I typically look to the far easier to procure Rattray blends.

That was something I forgot to mention. Not knowing the hype when I tried it, I didn't know it was quite hard to nail down when I started looking up more info after that first bowl.

If I'm going to head for a blend in this genre, especially something to cellar, Rattray's is good, Pease has some good stuff, Orlik, etc.

I've yet to try it, but I did jar the 8 oz. bag I bought not long ago. I found it interesting aroma wise. It smelled like barbecue sauce honestly.

Once again thanks for the review, Kyle!

Stonehaven is one of my personal favorites only because it is such an interesting tobacco. Maybe not versatile but it does strike me differently at different times and different moods... Hopefully I sent enough for you to revisit. It may not be worth the hunt but I sure as hell jump on whatever I find a long as it's priced fairly. To each his own.

Scott:

That was the nicest thing I've heard all day--makes my adventures a bit more worthwhile to share, really. I have no problem rambling on in my own text files (you should see my tobacco notes...sheesh!) but it's kind of a wasted effort unless someone's enjoying them. I may not be good at this pipe hobby quite yet, but I'm not going to half-ass it. Thank you for your kind words. Good meeting you, look forward to chattin' with ya in the future!

Shane:

I have enough for another couple of pipe fulls. I have left plenty of space for a revisit, different time of day and/or a different pipe. I'm thinking about really letting it dry out even more, and going for a cob. Sometimes cobs magically unlock certain elements I could barely (or not) detect. Thanks for the encouragement, and of course, the fine baccyweed.

*

Yeah man I love the "I just tried" posts. But alas we disagree on Stonehaven. Love the stuff, not as an everyday smoke, more like a once or twice a week treat.

Someone asked me why I don't post these on tobaccoreview.com or other sites...

...why would I? So they can get lost among all the others? Heck no.

In any case, they're mostly for me to get my head wrapped around them (...it's a funny thing, when I tell other people about my experiences, it sounds less like I'm full of crap, or if I am, I can edit it and go back... ) and they might actually get read by someone who finds it useful--better yet, we can talk about 'em, give/take suggestions, etc. It's been awesome.

I don't like the idea of the "star" rating system, either. Sure, you can go back and change opinion, but tobacco to me is an adventure, not a snapshot of experience, and can reveal more than just a first visit. The first visit, to me, is just an introduction--no shallow "first-impressions only" stuff. The variable of the individual is not the end-all in experience. I guess that's what's called an "open mind," but still a judgmental one. Nothing wrong with that.

Glad to write 'em, glad people read 'em. Thanks.

I wrote a review on Stonehaven on TR.com and gave it a good rating but compared it to a very rich dessert that I wouldn't be able to eat at every meal. That's still the way I feel. I've got 8 oz. squirreled away and probably haven't smoked 1/2 oz. in the last year.

Smokey