All I gotta say is that JF Germaine & Son certainly know their business. They do a number of heavy hitters like Penzance and Stonehaven, And So to Bed and Margate...etc., etc., etc. And it's the etc.'s that interest me at the moment.
What I find interesting is their 'pairing' of two blends that are really close in terms of cut and components and flavorings. Much like a Lakeland, many of these are fairly to strongly scented, or flavored, or whatever...but still the tobacco flavors come shining through, they are in no way goopy and can be dried to suit one's personal preference.
The pairs? Well, there's Ramsgate and Blackpool (the licorice twins). And Dunbar and Dorchester (VA/Perique) Also Hastings and Woodbridge (fruity VA). In addition I suppose one could call Margate and Pembroke a pair as Pembroke is Margate plus Cognac...both solidly English (if you use a Latakia based definition).
Those are just the ones with which I'm directly familiar. There may be other cousins in their offerings.
Last thing...I've never tried an Esoterica blend that I didn't credit with being absolutely first quality...nearly, if not THE best of its breed. My favorite is Stonehaven, followed by Ramsgate, Blackpool, Dunbar, Dorchester...etc. I just picked up an 8oz pouch of Hastings and Woodbridge from Mars, which still has 'em for an exceptionally reasonable price. Ramsgate...my second place favorite and a top ten overall for me...a truly succulent smoke, is available here and there.
I just think they're really interesting...one of the things that makes this all so much fun and so rewarding in general.
Now, if we could just get her mitts on 'em we'd be good.
What I find interesting is their 'pairing' of two blends that are really close in terms of cut and components and flavorings. Much like a Lakeland, many of these are fairly to strongly scented, or flavored, or whatever...but still the tobacco flavors come shining through, they are in no way goopy and can be dried to suit one's personal preference.
The pairs? Well, there's Ramsgate and Blackpool (the licorice twins). And Dunbar and Dorchester (VA/Perique) Also Hastings and Woodbridge (fruity VA). In addition I suppose one could call Margate and Pembroke a pair as Pembroke is Margate plus Cognac...both solidly English (if you use a Latakia based definition).
Those are just the ones with which I'm directly familiar. There may be other cousins in their offerings.
Last thing...I've never tried an Esoterica blend that I didn't credit with being absolutely first quality...nearly, if not THE best of its breed. My favorite is Stonehaven, followed by Ramsgate, Blackpool, Dunbar, Dorchester...etc. I just picked up an 8oz pouch of Hastings and Woodbridge from Mars, which still has 'em for an exceptionally reasonable price. Ramsgate...my second place favorite and a top ten overall for me...a truly succulent smoke, is available here and there.
I just think they're really interesting...one of the things that makes this all so much fun and so rewarding in general.
Now, if we could just get her mitts on 'em we'd be good.