You really nailed the notes on this, the mustiness and pepper are what keeps me intrigued by this blend. It has so many twists and turns through the bowl.
So glad to hear this feedback! Reviewing this blend that’s loved by so many was almost as intimidating as the blend itself! Mustiness and peppery is right, it’s an adventure, really enjoyed it :)
I always make my wife smell my freshly opened tins , and for HBS she said it smells like chocolate brownies. For me it smells like a horse barn ! .But the taste is a different story, nutty and peppery extremely delightful 😊
Haunted Bookshop is probably the one tobacco above all others that my opinion has changed the most on during my time as a pipe smoker. When I was brand new to pipe smoking and tried it I absolutely hated it, I thought it just smelled and tasted like a horse barn. Nine months later though I started appreciating Burley more and decided to revisit it, and suddenly there was nothing barnyard'y about it at all; it just smelled and tasted the way a musty old bookstore or library smells to me. I happen to be someone who loves the aroma of musty old bookstores and libraries though, so it really resonated with me! Haunted Bookshop quickly became my favorite non-aromatic blend and I could have probably smoked it all day every day, were it not for the fact that it tended to give me a sore throat every time I got to about the half way point of the bowl. That led me to spend several months searching for another blend that smelled and tasted like Haunted Bookshop but wouldn't give me a sore throat. I tried all sorts of Burley blends from Mac Baren's HH Burley Flake and Golden Extra to Carter Hall and Cornell & Diehl's Pegasus, but ultimately what I found is that there's just nothing else that smells and tastes like Haunted Bookshop. It's a uniquely singular blend, and there was no replacing the love I had for it with anything else. So, what I've since learned to do is just smoke it in smaller bowls and keep a beverage handy to soothe my throat. If I smoke Haunted Bookshop in a pipe with a big bowl like a Missouri Meerschaum Country Gentleman I'll have a really sore throat by the time it's done, but if I have just a little bowl in something like a Dr. Grabow Lark I can usually get away without any throat irritation at all; and avoid any potential nicotine sickness from the strength of the blend. Sipping on a throat soothing beverage like hot tea or iced coffee with plenty of milk while I smoke really helps prevent my throat from ever getting irritated in the first place too. And that brings us to the end of my Haunted Bookshop journey. It went from being possibly my most hated pipe tobacco to one of my top favorites and a staple in my rotation. I tried to find a replacement for it, but there's just nothing else quite like Haunted Bookshop and I absolutely love it. Haunted Bookshop is definitely my favorite non-aromatic blend, I just have to enjoy it in moderation and sometimes accompanied by a tasty beverage. =)
It’s interesting how pipe sizes can affect mouth chemistry to blend components. I often found that the wide chamber of the Savinelli 320 helped to tame certain blends. One does have to experiment to find what works, and it’s different for each person
Amazing descriptions. You tell wonderful stories and make me want to try every blend you review. The manufacturers need to pay you for promotional royalties.😂😂😂
This review made me go out and get another pipe and this tin online in Australia. Absolutely loved it and reviewed it myself today. I appreciate your work and videos mate, have a good week ahead
This is a blend I've held off on reviewing thus far, I'm afraid I don't have enough appreciation for burley just yet. I still revisit it once every month or so to see if anything changes, but no luck so far. The aroma from the jar is absolutely exquisite. I know one day, this will quite possibly be one of the best I've had. Wonderful review and story my friend!
Thanks Kevin, I wish I would have watched this before I tried it I may have approached this differently and had a better experience. That is the thing with your reviews, always makes me go back and retry blends. I love it because sometimes I find if I approach the blend the way you do then I end up appreciating the blend more. Be well brother.
Hey man! Little late here. Just a sojourner walking through some baccy reviews. Lovely review, but what I really wanted to tell you is, your way of illustrating how certain tobacco tastes, makes you feel, and walking us through a scene that I can replicate in my mind, is so nice, and very enjoyable. So, from a VERY new piper, thanks!
Kevin has the BEST reviews on YT. I. A year into my pipe journey. Mostly an aromatic smoker with occasional VaPer but hardly any English blends yet. Maybe it’s time to take off the training wheels and give this a try.
Thank you! Yeah, you should explore this one a bit, you never know till you try :) This is not an English blend tho, it’s much more in the burley blend category (it has no Latakia in it)
Aw man I was so happy to see you finally reviewed Haunted Bookshop! Sadly I had to wait until the end of my work shift to watch. But now I’m watching and smoking so HH Burley Flake. You did an amazing job of painting a picture from the flavor notes you get when smoking the blend. Kevin my friend, you have a talent like no other.
I’m mostly an aromatic smoker plus Cigars, and in none aromatic tobaccos this Haunted Book Shop is one of my top three; maybe even the mystery of the name works on my mind trying to imagine smoking it while walking in a dark forest road or early morning mansion by the fireplace, or in fact the distinctive smell… I like this one! Good channel bro!
Great review, Kevin ! It is difficult to review a blend such as Haunted Bookshop as many others have done it already. Your review really did the blend justice. I would be interested on seeing you review C&D's Pegasus ( if they would get it back on the shelves ...). I feel it is what Carter Hall dreamed of being. I love HB and Old Joe Krantz. They are usually my morning blends. Then I move to Pegasus ( when available) or Poplar Camp. I love perique but also love unsweetened black Cavendish. I turn to Oriental forward English as in the evenings. May your smokes be pleasant ones !
Great review Kevin ... I love the retrohale from OJK , can’t wait to try Haunted Bookshop . To keep you up on the progress , OJK has helped me kick the cigarettes... one week now . Have a pound of Haunted Bookshop ordered to kick back from Joe a bit since it is my daily smoke . I like you and because of your videos and other great ones have helped me branch out to so many varieties I never get bored . Thanks Bernie
This is great news! I hope you can leave the cigs behind and never look back. If you can ever find C&D Pegasus I’m confident this is another one you would enjoy (please see my review of it!)
Fellow Missouri piper here and I may have seen you at the pipe shows down here before. Haunted Bookshop is one of those blends that people either seem to love or hate. Not the biggest burley fan since its lole hot air to me but love HB. Enjoy!
Kevin, that lighter ping is your calling card. No one else has a Dupont, or the knockoff for that matter, in their videos. Such a sweet "ping" keep up the vids!
Another great review. I know you posted this some time ago but I’m revisiting this blend after several months so I thought I’d see what reviewers said and yours was as the top. I didn’t like this tobacco the first time but I like it more now and your reviews have a knack for leading me down the right path on a tobacco. Thank you again, sir
I buy this blend because of your great review and guess what? It comes to be my favorite all day smoke! It was really great as i searching for! Thank you soo much
Just got a tin of this. Might need to let it dry some. Halfway through the bowl it started to shine. I like the mix and it has a decent nic hit. The burley is the classic 5 Brothers straight style. I got this and Old Joe Krantz, I've been wanting to explore burley more since I'm a big fan and put English mixtures on hold for the moment. I got Three Friars and it wasn't my favorite but I figured I'd get a few more by them to try. I can see this one becoming a favorite with a little more drying time. That peppercorn sounds like the burley to me!! I get it from 5 Brothers in spades. Burley has got a punch for sure. Carter Hall is a more processed sweet mild burley but this is the kick in the pants.
Love your reviews! Perfect mix of review and conversation. Plenty of actual helpful info on the blend, but also relaxing and just a pleasure to listen to. I have a feeling like I might not really enjoy this blend but I also feel like I have to try it, at least once. Absolutely love the Fall, Halloween season, and old books and haunted libraries just sound too good to pass up lol. Thanks again, man. Keep on doing what you’re doing. Cheers!
I have an unopened tin I've never tried. Your description makes it sound like destination and an experience. I imagine I'll love Haunted Bookshop. My kind of place!
Taking my first ride with this blend today while watching and I couldn’t agree more with your review! Enjoying this blend a lot. Thanks for the video brother. Happy smokes!
Is it a problem that I don't find HB all that strong? I find it more of a medium blend that can get dark in the second half of the bowl, but I would consider it an everyday blend for me. Good review! Keep up the great videos
Not a problem at all! Many feel the same. Many of us do feel the strength in this one tho and have to treat it with respect 😄. I know this is a daily blend for many and that’s awesome!
I have decided to go through that back catalog. Your tastes are different from mine. I know mine will also change as I am a novice. Thank you for the great descriptions, Lore in general and more specifically LotR, and pipe experience. I enjoy listening pre and post purchase and smoke of the first bowl. I will seek this out
Was that Mourning Doves cooing I heard in the video? Love hearing the birds singing in the background. Haunted Bookshop is one of those that is middling for me. I find I prefer the tinned over the bulk. Have a good day.
Hi Frank, we have many mourning doves in our yard daily so probably so! I love attracting birds / birdwatching. I almost always prefer tins over bulk when it’s an option, so I’m with you there. So great to see you here today! :)
I purchased some in bulk and it was incredibly dry. It reminded me of an old pack of cigarettes. I wasn’t getting the nuances I had read in reviews. I jarred it with a moist paper towel on the lid and forgot about it. Just last week I decided to give it another try. Moisture was definitely acquired. I was pleasantly surprised to find some sweet virginias here and there, and I’m definitely having a different and more enjoyable experience. Is this a dry tobacco overall? Thanks for the great review, as always!
No, it shouldn’t arrive too dry. You can always add water back to tobacco exactly how you described, but you can never get back the moist tobacco oils once they are lost, and it will never taste the same again. Even though it’s a little more expensive, I much prefer to purchase tins when they are offered as these will preserve the original quality of tobacco with much more consistency.
Thanks for the review. As a new smoker I am not sure if I am ready for Haunted Bookshop yet. I have tried tobaccos that give a nicotine hit. I enjoy them best with strong coffee loaded with real vanilla cream. Would love to know what others enjoy while smoking their pipe.
I love coffee with my morning pipe, but in the evening I normally stick with water or tea while piping. My brews / cocktails / drams usually come after I’m done (or in between), but that’s just me. :) HB is a darker smoke experience for sure, so just go into it knowing that if you decide to jump into the bookshop for a spin. :)
I hear you, and also true about most all blends on the planet. “Go slow, relight if you gotta” is a great motto for every pipe smoker to live by if they want maximum flavor enjoyment from blends
Aptly named, I get the same notes from the smoke as great smelling old books like you descibed with a little pepper, thick & rich. The tin note reminds of homemade bread. This one is going to be in my regular rotation.
I’m happy that I watched this today. Just placed an order for a Peterson pipe and grabbed a tin of this on account it’s highly reviewed. However, I’ve recently discovered that too much tobacco will get me a little dizzy. Thank you for the word of warning. Happy smoking!
@@hobbitonpiper I usually will eat something an hour prior to smoking or have a bunch of munchies handy (if it had been longer than the hour). It helps me pair foods/snacks, too. Been watching a lot of your content and it’s been helpful. 😎
Great review as always my friend. You have a soothing way about you that reminds me of John, matches860. For me, haunted bookshop has a bag/tin note of a very old, sweaty gym bag when opened, and the smoke tastes like you said, musty like a gym, mixed with a strong cigarette and creosote. Very interesting and unique blend for sure
Great review! I was just puffin on some C&D Burley Flake #4 and had to slow down a couple times. It definitely was ready to deliver me that vitiman N! I'll have to pickup some Haunted Bookshop next time i stock up.
In addition, for me this blend has more of a Mexican chocolate( the kind you make mole out of) and walnut profile. Definitely a kick starter I often enjoy with the morning coffee.
That’s awesome! Definitely epic nutty burleyness in this one…what I taste as “old paper” or musty aged parchment may be EXACTLY the walnut note your describing, that makes perfect sense! Oh yeah, I can see how this would go great with coffee!
@@hobbitonpiper Haunted Bookshop is one of my favorite blends. Not because I think it is the best tasting blend, but because it checks enough boxes for me. Burley, perique, easy to load/light, nice smoke volume, consistent, right balance of complex/straight forward. It's good stuff! I love the retrohale on it, but recently noticed that Matches doesn't really retrohale at all on his videos. Of course, retrohaling has the potential for feeling more of the nicotine. All in all, I love HBS....my wife? Well that's a different story...Lots of washing up after visiting the ole musty dusty bookshop. Take care Kevin!
@@tx_piper9631 I can see why it’s a favorite! It absolutely loads and lights easily, great smoke volume, straight forward yet with some complexity…and the retrohale is one of the best parts!! Great point on more nic hit with retros, so true. Yeah my wife stayed away each time I smoked this one lol. Awesome comment, I’m on board with everything you said!! :)
Great review! I'm just beginning my HB experience, although I knew it was a dark rich blend, I had troubles picking out specific notes... but you pointed out some notes I definitely could see being there. Looking forward to trying it again.
Very strong retro hale on that baby. I do like this blend and I was thinking the same with it. She kicks the nostrils real good but I do see why matches enjoyed this blend. I think there is a time and need for this blend. Thanks for the review!!!
Thank you Greg! Very cool, I’m so glad you approve. I know Mike is a major fan of this one, I hope he enjoys watching as well when he has time. I understand a blend feeling “kind and comfortable”, every piper needs one of those! :)
I just ordered my first helping of this blend. I am so looking forward to trying it out. The way you describe it, it sounds like something I am really going to enjoy. Thank you for your insight on all the blends you review.
@@hobbitonpiper ok here we go haha. This one’s a banger for sure. Sharp in taste, yet mellow enough to enjoy. I absolutely get peppercorn and chocolate. I FEEL YOU on that retrohale haha SHARP, but again very enjoyable if it’s not too big/deep. The aftertaste is pleasant, very much tasting hazelnut or perhaps… walnut? Soft yet, aggressive at the same time. It’s almost like a My Mixture 965 without the Latakia and instead perique? Definitely “dark” but also very very relaxing. If that makes sense. All in all my first bowl/experience with this blend is an 8/10. Love it and will enjoy it for many bowls to come! Thanks for your awesome review my brother! 💨💨💨 Edit: smoking out of my Peterson Donegal Rocky 85 😎
I must have found your channel about the time you posted this but I had never watched this one, Today I was smoking some haunted bookshop and watched SAT Bradley and afterwards I noticed your review video. I think I originally found your channel because I am a huge LOTR fan and also the pipe content algorithm. I loved your Gandalf parallels with him searching for the tombs from the writings of Isildur regarding the one ring. ❤It’s funny because I bought this tin of haunted bookshop quite a few years ago after watching matches860 and at the time I didn’t like it at all. Recently I revisited HB and a few other jars that I had cellared. I don’t know if my taste has changed or the age changed the taste but I am really enjoying it now. I have always liked some of the codger burley blends but, in my pipe journey I have found that I enjoy C&D blends with a few years of age on them. I always was told if you don’t like a blend, jar it and try it in a few years. I am glad I listened because I don’t think i have ever returned to an aged jar and didn’t like it more than my first time trying it. Anyway, thank you for all the great videos, I love your content and I love the hobbiton aspect of your take on pipe smoking, which is what sparked my love for the hobby as well. Cheers.
@@hobbitonpiper very cool, I will absolutely watch it, thanks brotha, I appreciate the response and I am looking forward to watching more of your content. Cheers.
My friend, I only watch reviews of tobbacos I have tried. Purely in the hopes of gaining a new or fresh understanding of what I know. You didn't disappoint my friend. Especially love the sentimentality you connect to it.
I'm gonna have to try this blend. I do like dark blends when I get the craving and I'm always open to try new blends. I'm definitely one of those guys that nicotene doesn't bother me that much, but then again I've been dipping and smoking cigarettes for a long time. Love your videos!
Hey there Kevin. Once again, your video does not disappoint. Haunted bookshop is one of the first handfuls of blends I tried. I just absolutely fell in love with the name. Haunted Bookshop. Enjoying it, it absolutely gives the impression of sitting in an old papery musty dusty Bookshop. Not too dusty though. Just very academic and nostalgic. It’s interesting that you said it was a very dark experience, I didn’t get that at first but like I said I only have a few blends under my belt. After plum pudding (I knew that was dark when I had my first bowl of it), I’m gonna have to go back and smoke some more haunted bookshop and see just how dark it is because I trust your opinion. Good times.
The last cigar I had, a dark wrapped one, made me sick like you are talking about here. I just had to go to bed and sleep it off. I also, like you, have suffered from motion sickness. So I feel your pain. Haven’t had a cigar since! I enjoy your videos. What’s your favorite drugstore blend?
Hi Charles, remember that the last 3rd of a bowl or cigar normally has most of the nic hit. If you put down a cigar after the first two 3rds you should be fine, especially if you take it slow and eat a full meal beforehand. I feature many of them on my Instagram if you’re interested. As far as my favorite codger blend, here you go!: th-cam.com/video/rYarVOtGJuA/w-d-xo.html
Great review. I love Haunted Bookshop…but only when I’m ready for a solid nic hit from the burley and the peppercorn hit from the perique. I’m cellaring some to level it out…also cellaring some with added black cavendish to help level it out even more. Again, great review…you nailed it. 👍😎
Thank you! Yeah HUM that’s how I am too. I do wonder what aged HB would be like, let me know!! Cool idea to try it with some black cavendish that could be super cool. :)
I like the book better than the blend. However, I am SO GLAD that I got to know, and interact quite a bit with John Hardin. He taught us to mix HB 1:1 with Pirate Kake, and let it sit for one month, and you have “Haunted Pirate Ship”…I FREAKIN’ LOVE that stuff!!! Awesome review, Kevin! THANKS!
I finally tried it today after smoking Prince Albert exclusively. My verdict: it's a darker and more refined Prince Albert with more nicotine, which I like. I find it very satisfying. Matches was no fool!
Very cool! Most certainly a lot more nicotine than PA and a darker smoke as well. The perique also works very well in this blend. There’s certainly room for both in your rotation!
Great blend, especially in the fall! It’s the only blend that goes in my Dracula! The book is really good too lol! I hope your doing well, take care bro!
G’day an old vid but I know you will see this , what’s the name of your short cellar mason jars ? Hard to find down here in my part of the world . Maybe a link to new jars for sale ? Thanks mate .
Dang it! Watched this before tapping out for the night and now I’m hungry. Fun review 🧙♂️, and thanks for including the nic-hit warning. Wildly woozy and wobbly is not fun.
I've been sitting on 4 ounces of Haunted Bookshop for probably three years now. Smoked it once and just did not enjoy it at all, and also thought the tin note was terrible. I've been eyeballing the jar the past few weeks and wanted to see if my tastes have changed. I figured what better way to give it another try than to watch Kevin's review and smoke along with him! Sure enough, I was able to not only smoke this one and form an appreciation for it, but I really enjoyed it! It definitely has that dark, musty profile that you describe. Thanks for helping me understand this blend better - I guess I won't get rid of it after all! Haha. Also, that chicken at the end looks incredible. Still have the recipe, by chance?
I’m glad you were able to find a connection with this one! As far as the Caribbean Jerk Chicken recipe, it was just a store bought bottle of Caribbean Jerk marinade that I let the chicken thighs soak in for 4+ hours! Easy :)
Another fine review Kevin. HB is my fav daily and my deepest cellared baccy. I personally get the best notes with a nice moderate retro hail, to me it’s like a rich caramel flavor in the back of my pallet. It’s really the flavor that keeps me coming back for more. Old Joe is a similar blend but more stout and nicotine heavy, I don’t consider myself a nic lightweight but that one got me the first time and been in a jar for another try someday lol. Always enjoy your vids👍🏼👍🏼
Very cool to hear this! I can see why so many cellar this one deep. Yes, light retros (or baby retros as I call it in some of my reviews) bring out different experiences and nuances for sure. I’ll do more of these the next time I smoke it and try to find the caramel note you enjoy! I’m looking forward to more time in The Bookshop… :)
I have a 2 oz. tin of it. I will be trying it for the third time tonight. So far, I think that it is terrible! Old books smell and creosote smell sounds horrible to me. I know that a lot of people love it. I do like the tin-note, however. I’ll get back to you on it. Maybe after I have smoked for a few years it will taste better. God bless you, Brother. John
I’m checking back in after smoking a small bowl. The note that I got was when I tried to smoke a mostly-smoked cigar butt the next day. I’ll keep trying. Lol
Unfortunately they seem to be discontinued. They were just Ball mason jars that I used to get at Walmart or Target but now they are nowhere to be found…sometimes you’ll catch them on eBay or Amazon but at elevated prices.
I noticed you have visited Ireland! When you are describing this, it makes me think of the Long Room at trinity college. Did you get to visit when you were in Ireland? The smell of that Library with its thousands of old books makes me think of that smell you are describing
So cool…we did go to Trinity College but we only walked the outdoor grounds. It was beautiful! In one of the two Ireland videos I made I show the college at the end :)
Your reviews are just amazing! Bradley at Stuff and Things better watch out! Haunted Bookshop has too much nicotine for me, but the flavor is good. I like to keep the nicotine ghosts at bay.
I just got my one ounce of haunted bookshop and it's very different from what I normally gravitate to,wich is English blends and some aromatics . I do like the pungent undertone almost like an old leather backbook that's sat for a long time lol. Wierd description but I like it. Great vid brother
I'm sure I'll taste the Bookshop at some point. I'm in no hurry though 🤣 I am definitely intrigued by it. Wonderful review Kevin. That dinner plate gets a 10 from me👋
So, Kevin, you sometimes go to the tobacco dark side /oo\ Those indulgent moments are smoking perfection when the mood strikes. Great review, my friend. Those images of dusty, books, the lingering smell of woodsmoke from a fireplace, and the slightly musty smell of an old library put me in mind of the perfect pipe smoking room lit only by the fireplace and a low chair-side lamp at night and a couple of tall windows during the day. The walls are lined with books and there are two tall-backed comfortable chairs flanking the fireplace - perfect for two pipers to smoke in peace and exchange stories. OK, maybe that's a little too Victorian Gothic, but you get the vibe. For whatever reason, I've yet to try Haunted Bookshop. The chocolate raisin bread comparison makes me think that I should. Nicotine ghosts 👻 - love that description. A tip gleaned from the YTPC for handling a strong, head spinning nicotine hit: eat a bar of milk chocolate. A lot of pipers have said that it helps them out. It certainly isn't going to hurt you. Thanks for the demonstration of the peppercorn note in the retrohale 😎😂 Taking one for the sake of an accurate review. That, too, sounds delicious. I'm a fan of a peppery finish in cigars and some pipe tobaccos. The start of the weekend has arrived. All the best for a good one. Be well, stay safe, and keep the awesome at full volume - peace
Yeah Skipton, this is one you should try, especially if you enjoy the “dark realm” of pipe tobaccos. The tin note for me is great as described. When you do, let me know what you think! :)
Difficult to find these days in the small sizes. I used to find them at Walmart and Target but they’ve been unavailable for a while now. You’d have to search around
Hobbiton Piper: "I feel like I can retrohale with the best of em" Gawith & Hoggarth *Dark Bird's eye* : _are you sure about that bud?_ 😈 😆Jokes aside, good grief I tried to retrohale that and it felt like I had just snorted wasabi soaked in cayenne
Cristopher Morley was a newspaper writer and if you can find a book of his writings you will get an interesting insight to Philly and NYC back in the early 20 th century. Smokes a pipe and mentions it a fair bit.
I just got in some tobacco I ordered and I tried the Haunted book shop right away in my country gentleman , very strong and I did the retro hale thing, and boy I won't be doing that again for a while. oh my, yes there is pepper oh man is there pepper. I think I like it, let you know when my nose gets off the floor and back on my face. oh and I ordered a flat cap. hope the wife likes it!
My all time favorite blend and book. There is also pernicious on wheels. That Christopher morley wrote with these characters. Thanks for your thoughts. - Jesse ✌🤟
Ok Kevin my old friend. I just got home from my local B&M from a pipe club meeting and picked up a tin of Haunted Bookshop. So I need to decide what pipe to smoke it in and give it the maiden voyage. I’ll let you know what I think. I’m kind of concerned because I hear people either love it or hate it. While at the meeting I tried Windjammer and Six Pence. Both pretty good.
@@hobbitonpiper so I’m smoking it now. Kind of reminds me of Cigarette smoke. I am about 1/2 way through the bowl and get a slight cocoa flavor maybe? Overall not a fan. Maybe some age would make it better? I don’t “hate it” but I don’t love it. I just had Quiet Nights for the first time the other day and I loved it. I had Count Pulaski and loved this. This? It’s eh. But it’s my first time. Maybe it will grow on me.
Silly question, how do you source the labels you put on your jars? I have seen others use these as well. Re: c&d HB, sounds good but I have stayed away due to the Nic hit worries.
I love your reviews and how vivid and descriptive you are. Too bad I don’t like the blend though. I actually get that misty old library taste and note in another fantastic blend - GL Pease Six Pence. It’s terrific and brings you right back to an antique book store. Regardless, great job and thanks.
I really liked the two Burley heavy Blends I've tried so I picked up Haunted Bookshop. Sadly what I've come away with is that I really can't stand perique, the pepperiness makes for a very unpleasant sensation when I smoke. I couldn't enjoy this, without the perique I'm sure I would have
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I love your tobacco reviews, you do it very well... probably the best I've heard. This is your calling my friend.
That means so much to me, James, thank you for this great compliment and I’ll continue to do my very best for you all, always!
Matches860’s favorite blend in a strikingly similar pipe. Not sure if anyone picked up on this, but I certainly appreciated it. Happy puffing.
Yes, good eye, Cole :)
The "Friday Savinelli ".......👍
You are a wonderful story teller-you’re kids are very lucky !
Thank you, I’m glad you enjoyed this!
You really nailed the notes on this, the mustiness and pepper are what keeps me intrigued by this blend. It has so many twists and turns through the bowl.
So glad to hear this feedback! Reviewing this blend that’s loved by so many was almost as intimidating as the blend itself! Mustiness and peppery is right, it’s an adventure, really enjoyed it :)
I always make my wife smell my freshly opened tins , and for HBS she said it smells like chocolate brownies. For me it smells like a horse barn ! .But the taste is a different story, nutty and peppery extremely delightful 😊
Everyone’s different experiences are so varied and interesting to me! Cool :)
Haunted Bookshop is probably the one tobacco above all others that my opinion has changed the most on during my time as a pipe smoker. When I was brand new to pipe smoking and tried it I absolutely hated it, I thought it just smelled and tasted like a horse barn.
Nine months later though I started appreciating Burley more and decided to revisit it, and suddenly there was nothing barnyard'y about it at all; it just smelled and tasted the way a musty old bookstore or library smells to me. I happen to be someone who loves the aroma of musty old bookstores and libraries though, so it really resonated with me! Haunted Bookshop quickly became my favorite non-aromatic blend and I could have probably smoked it all day every day, were it not for the fact that it tended to give me a sore throat every time I got to about the half way point of the bowl.
That led me to spend several months searching for another blend that smelled and tasted like Haunted Bookshop but wouldn't give me a sore throat. I tried all sorts of Burley blends from Mac Baren's HH Burley Flake and Golden Extra to Carter Hall and Cornell & Diehl's Pegasus, but ultimately what I found is that there's just nothing else that smells and tastes like Haunted Bookshop. It's a uniquely singular blend, and there was no replacing the love I had for it with anything else.
So, what I've since learned to do is just smoke it in smaller bowls and keep a beverage handy to soothe my throat. If I smoke Haunted Bookshop in a pipe with a big bowl like a Missouri Meerschaum Country Gentleman I'll have a really sore throat by the time it's done, but if I have just a little bowl in something like a Dr. Grabow Lark I can usually get away without any throat irritation at all; and avoid any potential nicotine sickness from the strength of the blend. Sipping on a throat soothing beverage like hot tea or iced coffee with plenty of milk while I smoke really helps prevent my throat from ever getting irritated in the first place too.
And that brings us to the end of my Haunted Bookshop journey. It went from being possibly my most hated pipe tobacco to one of my top favorites and a staple in my rotation. I tried to find a replacement for it, but there's just nothing else quite like Haunted Bookshop and I absolutely love it. Haunted Bookshop is definitely my favorite non-aromatic blend, I just have to enjoy it in moderation and sometimes accompanied by a tasty beverage. =)
It’s interesting how pipe sizes can affect mouth chemistry to blend components. I often found that the wide chamber of the Savinelli 320 helped to tame certain blends. One does have to experiment to find what works, and it’s different for each person
Pack er tighter and slow down your pace? Maybe puff between full breaths. I've never had it get hot and sore throat
matches 860 favorite blend i like it .if you look for it you will get a taste of mushroom in the smoke
This is a special blend for sure!
Amazing descriptions. You tell wonderful stories and make me want to try every blend you review. The manufacturers need to pay you for promotional royalties.😂😂😂
That would be nice!! :)
This review made me go out and get another pipe and this tin online in Australia. Absolutely loved it and reviewed it myself today. I appreciate your work and videos mate, have a good week ahead
I’m glad you enjoyed it!
This is a blend I've held off on reviewing thus far, I'm afraid I don't have enough appreciation for burley just yet. I still revisit it once every month or so to see if anything changes, but no luck so far. The aroma from the jar is absolutely exquisite. I know one day, this will quite possibly be one of the best I've had. Wonderful review and story my friend!
Thanks Ray, yeah this one needs some time to appreciate for many…it’s dark and intriguing:)
Another great review. Love your descriptions of the smells and tones of what it’s producing.
@@PonderosaPiper thank you!
Have not tried hbs yet, but your old papery description really makes me wanna pick some up.
@@Starchy_Bread you should! :)
Just ordered my first tin. So excited to give it a try! I’ll return with my first impressions. Thanks for the review!
I hope you enjoy exploring this one!
Thanks Kevin, I wish I would have watched this before I tried it I may have approached this differently and had a better experience. That is the thing with your reviews, always makes me go back and retry blends. I love it because sometimes I find if I approach the blend the way you do then I end up appreciating the blend more. Be well brother.
What a great compliment, Dingus, thank you! Yes, you should go back and revisit the bookshop sometime…. :)
Hey man! Little late here. Just a sojourner walking through some baccy reviews. Lovely review, but what I really wanted to tell you is, your way of illustrating how certain tobacco tastes, makes you feel, and walking us through a scene that I can replicate in my mind, is so nice, and very enjoyable. So, from a VERY new piper, thanks!
You’re very welcome! Be sure to see our Pipe Blend Reviews playlist! :)
Kevin has the BEST reviews on YT. I. A year into my pipe journey. Mostly an aromatic smoker with occasional VaPer but hardly any English blends yet. Maybe it’s time to take off the training wheels and give this a try.
Thank you! Yeah, you should explore this one a bit, you never know till you try :) This is not an English blend tho, it’s much more in the burley blend category (it has no Latakia in it)
Aw man I was so happy to see you finally reviewed Haunted Bookshop! Sadly I had to wait until the end of my work shift to watch. But now I’m watching and smoking so HH Burley Flake. You did an amazing job of painting a picture from the flavor notes you get when smoking the blend. Kevin my friend, you have a talent like no other.
Antonio, thank you so much, I’m thrilled you are enjoying these reviews! I’m always happy to see and read your comments, brother :) Thanks again
I’m mostly an aromatic smoker plus Cigars, and in none aromatic tobaccos this Haunted Book Shop is one of my top three; maybe even the mystery of the name works on my mind trying to imagine smoking it while walking in a dark forest road or early morning mansion by the fireplace, or in fact the distinctive smell… I like this one! Good channel bro!
@@juniorbor5888 cool :) Fun stuff
Great review, Kevin ! It is difficult to review a blend such as Haunted Bookshop as many others have done it already. Your review really did the blend justice. I would be interested on seeing you review C&D's Pegasus ( if they would get it back on the shelves ...). I feel it is what Carter Hall dreamed of being.
I love HB and Old Joe Krantz. They are usually my morning blends. Then I move to Pegasus ( when available)
or Poplar Camp. I love perique but also love unsweetened black Cavendish. I turn to Oriental forward English as in the evenings.
May your smokes be pleasant ones !
Thanks Jeff! I’d love to review Pegasus for you! I don’t have it so I’ll add it to my list to my wishlist.
Kevin, your reviews are really well done. The content and meaning are very highly relatable. Thanks so much. Btw, I love your grill outros.
Thank you! So glad you are enjoying!! I do love to grill outdoors :)
Great review Kevin ... I love the retrohale from OJK , can’t wait to try Haunted Bookshop .
To keep you up on the progress , OJK has helped me kick the cigarettes... one week now .
Have a pound of Haunted Bookshop ordered to kick back from Joe a bit since it is my daily smoke . I like you and because of your videos and other great ones have helped me branch out to so many varieties I never get bored .
Thanks
Bernie
This is great news! I hope you can leave the cigs behind and never look back. If you can ever find C&D Pegasus I’m confident this is another one you would enjoy (please see my review of it!)
Fellow Missouri piper here and I may have seen you at the pipe shows down here before. Haunted Bookshop is one of those blends that people either seem to love or hate. Not the biggest burley fan since its lole hot air to me but love HB. Enjoy!
It’s a special blend for sure!
Kevin, that lighter ping is your calling card. No one else has a Dupont, or the knockoff for that matter, in their videos. Such a sweet "ping" keep up the vids!
I love it! It’s not always useable in my outdoor wind but it’s still my favorite :)
Another great review. I know you posted this some time ago but I’m revisiting this blend after several months so I thought I’d see what reviewers said and yours was as the top. I didn’t like this tobacco the first time but I like it more now and your reviews have a knack for leading me down the right path on a tobacco. Thank you again, sir
That’s so great to hear , Michael, thank you!
I buy this blend because of your great review and guess what? It comes to be my favorite all day smoke! It was really great as i searching for! Thank you soo much
You’re very welcome! Enjoy! :)
Just got a tin of this. Might need to let it dry some. Halfway through the bowl it started to shine. I like the mix and it has a decent nic hit. The burley is the classic 5 Brothers straight style. I got this and Old Joe Krantz, I've been wanting to explore burley more since I'm a big fan and put English mixtures on hold for the moment. I got Three Friars and it wasn't my favorite but I figured I'd get a few more by them to try. I can see this one becoming a favorite with a little more drying time. That peppercorn sounds like the burley to me!! I get it from 5 Brothers in spades. Burley has got a punch for sure. Carter Hall is a more processed sweet mild burley but this is the kick in the pants.
It’s a kicker for sure :) Enjoy!!
Love your reviews! Perfect mix of review and conversation. Plenty of actual helpful info on the blend, but also relaxing and just a pleasure to listen to. I have a feeling like I might not really enjoy this blend but I also feel like I have to try it, at least once. Absolutely love the Fall, Halloween season, and old books and haunted libraries just sound too good to pass up lol.
Thanks again, man. Keep on doing what you’re doing. Cheers!
Yeah, this is a perfect time of year coming up to try it! :)
I have an unopened tin I've never tried. Your description makes it sound like destination and an experience. I imagine I'll love Haunted Bookshop. My kind of place!
It’s exactly that, Paul: a destination experience! You must enter soon… :)
Taking my first ride with this blend today while watching and I couldn’t agree more with your review! Enjoying this blend a lot. Thanks for the video brother. Happy smokes!
Nice! Glad you’re enjoying it!
Is it a problem that I don't find HB all that strong? I find it more of a medium blend that can get dark in the second half of the bowl, but I would consider it an everyday blend for me. Good review! Keep up the great videos
Not a problem at all! Many feel the same. Many of us do feel the strength in this one tho and have to treat it with respect 😄. I know this is a daily blend for many and that’s awesome!
I have decided to go through that back catalog. Your tastes are different from mine. I know mine will also change as I am a novice. Thank you for the great descriptions, Lore in general and more specifically LotR, and pipe experience. I enjoy listening pre and post purchase and smoke of the first bowl. I will seek this out
@@chocolatemonk everyone’s taste experience will differ! Smoke whatever you enjoy :)
Was that Mourning Doves cooing I heard in the video? Love hearing the birds singing in the background. Haunted Bookshop is one of those that is middling for me. I find I prefer the tinned over the bulk. Have a good day.
Hi Frank, we have many mourning doves in our yard daily so probably so! I love attracting birds / birdwatching. I almost always prefer tins over bulk when it’s an option, so I’m with you there. So great to see you here today! :)
I purchased some in bulk and it was incredibly dry. It reminded me of an old pack of cigarettes. I wasn’t getting the nuances I had read in reviews. I jarred it with a moist paper towel on the lid and forgot about it. Just last week I decided to give it another try. Moisture was definitely acquired. I was pleasantly surprised to find some sweet virginias here and there, and I’m definitely having a different and more enjoyable experience. Is this a dry tobacco overall? Thanks for the great review, as always!
No, it shouldn’t arrive too dry. You can always add water back to tobacco exactly how you described, but you can never get back the moist tobacco oils once they are lost, and it will never taste the same again. Even though it’s a little more expensive, I much prefer to purchase tins when they are offered as these will preserve the original quality of tobacco with much more consistency.
Adding it to my list to try. Thank you for the review!
Cool, you’re welcome! :)
Thanks for the review. As a new smoker I am not sure if I am ready for Haunted Bookshop yet. I have tried tobaccos that give a nicotine hit. I enjoy them best with strong coffee loaded with real vanilla cream. Would love to know what others enjoy while smoking their pipe.
I love coffee with my morning pipe, but in the evening I normally stick with water or tea while piping. My brews / cocktails / drams usually come after I’m done (or in between), but that’s just me. :) HB is a darker smoke experience for sure, so just go into it knowing that if you decide to jump into the bookshop for a spin. :)
Hiyas Kevin, I heard so much about this blend; positive and not so positive. Someday I'll give it a go, it sounds too intriguing not to.
Happy Piping.
Intriguing is the perfect word! You have to “visit” the Haunted Bookshop someday… :) When you do please let me know what you think of it!
This is absolutely a "walk, don't run" blend. Be a hero with this one and it's gonna be a hot, painful, tasteless mess. Go slow, relight if you gotta.
I hear you, and also true about most all blends on the planet. “Go slow, relight if you gotta” is a great motto for every pipe smoker to live by if they want maximum flavor enjoyment from blends
Aptly named, I get the same notes from the smoke as great smelling old books like you descibed with a little pepper, thick & rich. The tin note reminds of homemade bread. This one is going to be in my regular rotation.
I love it when blends take me places… :)
I’m happy that I watched this today. Just placed an order for a Peterson pipe and grabbed a tin of this on account it’s highly reviewed. However, I’ve recently discovered that too much tobacco will get me a little dizzy. Thank you for the word of warning. Happy smoking!
Yeah just eat a good meal beforehand and stop before the final 3rd of the bowl for safe measure if you wish and you’ll be fine
@@hobbitonpiper I usually will eat something an hour prior to smoking or have a bunch of munchies handy (if it had been longer than the hour). It helps me pair foods/snacks, too. Been watching a lot of your content and it’s been helpful. 😎
Thank you for the elaborate, detailed, honest review on haunted bookshop! If I do try it, I will be cautious. :-) thanks for the warning!
I hope you enjoy it if you try it! :)
Great review as always my friend. You have a soothing way about you that reminds me of John, matches860. For me, haunted bookshop has a bag/tin note of a very old, sweaty gym bag when opened, and the smoke tastes like you said, musty like a gym, mixed with a strong cigarette and creosote. Very interesting and unique blend for sure
Thank you Ryan, you’ve just honored me with the highest praise. Musty and intriguing, absolutely a unique experience!
Amen brother. Keep up the good work. God bless
Thanks for the great review, Kevin. HB is one I ask myself if I dare... One day I will. 🙂
Yes, if you dare, walk through the door of the Haunted Bookshop someday…every piper needs to experience this at least once :)
Great review! I was just puffin on some C&D Burley Flake #4 and had to slow down a couple times. It definitely was ready to deliver me that vitiman N! I'll have to pickup some Haunted Bookshop next time i stock up.
Yeah those of us effected by nic have to be cautious on occasion! Let me know what you think of the Haunted Bookshop once you visit it… :)
Always good to see your videos.
Thank you! :)
In addition, for me this blend has more of a Mexican chocolate( the kind you make mole out of) and walnut profile. Definitely a kick starter I often enjoy with the morning coffee.
That’s awesome! Definitely epic nutty burleyness in this one…what I taste as “old paper” or musty aged parchment may be EXACTLY the walnut note your describing, that makes perfect sense! Oh yeah, I can see how this would go great with coffee!
YESSSSS! *Had to comment before even watching because I'm that excited!!*
Awesome, let me know what you think after watching! :)
@@hobbitonpiper Haunted Bookshop is one of my favorite blends. Not because I think it is the best tasting blend, but because it checks enough boxes for me. Burley, perique, easy to load/light, nice smoke volume, consistent, right balance of complex/straight forward. It's good stuff! I love the retrohale on it, but recently noticed that Matches doesn't really retrohale at all on his videos. Of course, retrohaling has the potential for feeling more of the nicotine. All in all, I love HBS....my wife? Well that's a different story...Lots of washing up after visiting the ole musty dusty bookshop. Take care Kevin!
@@tx_piper9631 I can see why it’s a favorite! It absolutely loads and lights easily, great smoke volume, straight forward yet with some complexity…and the retrohale is one of the best parts!! Great point on more nic hit with retros, so true. Yeah my wife stayed away each time I smoked this one lol. Awesome comment, I’m on board with everything you said!! :)
I have got to give this a try also I think I might try to get the novel as well read it while smoking it
You should! Super fun :)
Great review! I'm just beginning my HB experience, although I knew it was a dark rich blend, I had troubles picking out specific notes... but you pointed out some notes I definitely could see being there. Looking forward to trying it again.
Great! The more time you spend with a blend then more you get to know it…sometimes even over years of time
Very strong retro hale on that baby. I do like this blend and I was thinking the same with it. She kicks the nostrils real good but I do see why matches enjoyed this blend. I think there is a time and need for this blend. Thanks for the review!!!
Very welcome JS! I’ve enjoyed each visit to this Bookshop! :)
@@hobbitonpiper same here! I still get a little anxiety before each visit though. Lol
Let’s call it excitement.
I enjoy your review. I also appreciate your salute to Matches 860 by using a Friday Savinelli
Yes. :) Thank you!
Fantastic review Kevin! CaneRodPiper once told me HB tastes like "Coming Home". My two words for HB is "Kind & Comfortable".
Thank you Greg! Very cool, I’m so glad you approve. I know Mike is a major fan of this one, I hope he enjoys watching as well when he has time. I understand a blend feeling “kind and comfortable”, every piper needs one of those! :)
Lol you make me wanna try every blend!!
Haha, cool! :)
Great review, very entertaining video my friend.
Thank you brother! So glad you enjoyed :)
I just ordered my first helping of this blend. I am so looking forward to trying it out. The way you describe it, it sounds like something I am really going to enjoy. Thank you for your insight on all the blends you review.
You’re very welcome! I think you’ll enjoy exploring this one :)
@@hobbitonpiper have you tried haunted pirate ship yet?
@@thegreybeardpiper half Haunted Bookshop, half C&D Pirate Kake, yes :)
@@hobbitonpiper could you possibly do a review on it? I would really love to get your take on it.
@@thegreybeardpiper I’ll add it to the list, lots of blends to consider! :)
Just got some in the mail today I’ll chime back in and let everyone know what I think!!
Cool!
@@hobbitonpiper ok here we go haha. This one’s a banger for sure. Sharp in taste, yet mellow enough to enjoy. I absolutely get peppercorn and chocolate. I FEEL YOU on that retrohale haha SHARP, but again very enjoyable if it’s not too big/deep. The aftertaste is pleasant, very much tasting hazelnut or perhaps… walnut? Soft yet, aggressive at the same time. It’s almost like a My Mixture 965 without the Latakia and instead perique? Definitely “dark” but also very very relaxing. If that makes sense. All in all my first bowl/experience with this blend is an 8/10. Love it and will enjoy it for many bowls to come! Thanks for your awesome review my brother! 💨💨💨
Edit: smoking out of my Peterson Donegal Rocky 85 😎
I must have found your channel about the time you posted this but I had never watched this one, Today I was smoking some haunted bookshop and watched SAT Bradley and afterwards I noticed your review video. I think I originally found your channel because I am a huge LOTR fan and also the pipe content algorithm. I loved your Gandalf parallels with him searching for the tombs from the writings of Isildur regarding the one ring. ❤It’s funny because I bought this tin of haunted bookshop quite a few years ago after watching matches860 and at the time I didn’t like it at all. Recently I revisited HB and a few other jars that I had cellared. I don’t know if my taste has changed or the age changed the taste but I am really enjoying it now. I have always liked some of the codger burley blends but, in my pipe journey I have found that I enjoy C&D blends with a few years of age on them. I always was told if you don’t like a blend, jar it and try it in a few years. I am glad I listened because I don’t think i have ever returned to an aged jar and didn’t like it more than my first time trying it. Anyway, thank you for all the great videos, I love your content and I love the hobbiton aspect of your take on pipe smoking, which is what sparked my love for the hobby as well. Cheers.
So glad you’re here, I just made a new Middle Earth Pipe Smoking playlist you might enjoy!
@@hobbitonpiper very cool, I will absolutely watch it, thanks brotha, I appreciate the response and I am looking forward to watching more of your content. Cheers.
My friend, I only watch reviews of tobbacos I have tried. Purely in the hopes of gaining a new or fresh understanding of what I know. You didn't disappoint my friend. Especially love the sentimentality you connect to it.
Awesome, brother, so glad you came to watch this one and that you enjoyed it! I love how blends can spark memories :)
I just tried it for the first time today! And I must be a dark tobacco guy, because i absolutely loved it!
That’s great! So glad you connected with this one :)
@@hobbitonpiperAnd as soon as I heard you say chocolate raisin bread, my eyes opened and I said "YES! That's it! That's exactly what it smells like!"
I'm gonna have to try this blend. I do like dark blends when I get the craving and I'm always open to try new blends. I'm definitely one of those guys that nicotene doesn't bother me that much, but then again I've been dipping and smoking cigarettes for a long time. Love your videos!
Thanks man, yeah try this one and let me know what you think!
Hey there Kevin. Once again, your video does not disappoint. Haunted bookshop is one of the first handfuls of blends I tried. I just absolutely fell in love with the name. Haunted Bookshop. Enjoying it, it absolutely gives the impression of sitting in an old papery musty dusty Bookshop. Not too dusty though. Just very academic and nostalgic. It’s interesting that you said it was a very dark experience, I didn’t get that at first but like I said I only have a few blends under my belt. After plum pudding (I knew that was dark when I had my first bowl of it), I’m gonna have to go back and smoke some more haunted bookshop and see just how dark it is because I trust your opinion. Good times.
It’s a great experience, however you label it. For me it’s definitely in a darker, mustier, peppery realm
Cool review, I like blend
Thank you, this blend has a big fan base! :)
The last cigar I had, a dark wrapped one, made me sick like you are talking about here. I just had to go to bed and sleep it off. I also, like you, have suffered from motion sickness. So I feel your pain. Haven’t had a cigar since! I enjoy your videos. What’s your favorite drugstore blend?
Hi Charles, remember that the last 3rd of a bowl or cigar normally has most of the nic hit. If you put down a cigar after the first two 3rds you should be fine, especially if you take it slow and eat a full meal beforehand. I feature many of them on my Instagram if you’re interested. As far as my favorite codger blend, here you go!:
th-cam.com/video/rYarVOtGJuA/w-d-xo.html
Great review. I love Haunted Bookshop…but only when I’m ready for a solid nic hit from the burley and the peppercorn hit from the perique. I’m cellaring some to level it out…also cellaring some with added black cavendish to help level it out even more. Again, great review…you nailed it. 👍😎
Thank you! Yeah HUM that’s how I am too. I do wonder what aged HB would be like, let me know!! Cool idea to try it with some black cavendish that could be super cool. :)
I like the book better than the blend. However, I am SO GLAD that I got to know, and interact quite a bit with John Hardin. He taught us to mix HB 1:1 with Pirate Kake, and let it sit for one month, and you have “Haunted Pirate Ship”…I FREAKIN’ LOVE that stuff!!! Awesome review, Kevin! THANKS!
Yes Cliff, and I’ve never had Pirate Kake! If I ever get some I’ll try that now for sure!! Thanks so much for the kind words :)
Very descriptive review. Thanks.
So glad you enjoyed it! Be sure to see the Pipe Blend Reviews playlist! :)
I finally tried it today after smoking Prince Albert exclusively. My verdict: it's a darker and more refined Prince Albert with more nicotine, which I like. I find it very satisfying. Matches was no fool!
Very cool! Most certainly a lot more nicotine than PA and a darker smoke as well. The perique also works very well in this blend. There’s certainly room for both in your rotation!
Great blend, especially in the fall! It’s the only blend that goes in my Dracula! The book is really good too lol! I hope your doing well, take care bro!
Very cool! Great combo, your Dracula and HB. Love that! Yeah, I can see it being excellent in the fall for sure. I may order the book! :)
Great review! Now I have to go back and try it though I'd never have it again for some of that jerk chicken!
Haha Ivan, I’d love to cook for you sometime! That was “good food” for sure :)
@@hobbitonpiper soul food!
G’day an old vid but I know you will see this , what’s the name of your short cellar mason jars ? Hard to find down here in my part of the world . Maybe a link to new jars for sale ? Thanks mate .
@@Mr-84 unfortunately they are discontinued. My videos are made to be evergreen, never old! :)
Dang it! Watched this before tapping out for the night and now I’m hungry. Fun review 🧙♂️, and thanks for including the nic-hit warning. Wildly woozy and wobbly is not fun.
Haha yeah my “good food” section in this video was a good one :) The nic hit can be real for sure in the Bookshop…gotta respect the Bookshop :)
I've been sitting on 4 ounces of Haunted Bookshop for probably three years now. Smoked it once and just did not enjoy it at all, and also thought the tin note was terrible. I've been eyeballing the jar the past few weeks and wanted to see if my tastes have changed. I figured what better way to give it another try than to watch Kevin's review and smoke along with him! Sure enough, I was able to not only smoke this one and form an appreciation for it, but I really enjoyed it! It definitely has that dark, musty profile that you describe. Thanks for helping me understand this blend better - I guess I won't get rid of it after all! Haha.
Also, that chicken at the end looks incredible. Still have the recipe, by chance?
I’m glad you were able to find a connection with this one! As far as the Caribbean Jerk Chicken recipe, it was just a store bought bottle of Caribbean Jerk marinade that I let the chicken thighs soak in for 4+ hours! Easy :)
My kind of recipe! Haha.
Looks good buddy I don't smoke a pipe but love your videos!!👍
That’s very cool, Mark, thank you so much for being here and for your support!
Another fine review Kevin. HB is my fav daily and my deepest cellared baccy. I personally get the best notes with a nice moderate retro hail, to me it’s like a rich caramel flavor in the back of my pallet. It’s really the flavor that keeps me coming back for more. Old Joe is a similar blend but more stout and nicotine heavy, I don’t consider myself a nic lightweight but that one got me the first time and been in a jar for another try someday lol.
Always enjoy your vids👍🏼👍🏼
Very cool to hear this! I can see why so many cellar this one deep. Yes, light retros (or baby retros as I call it in some of my reviews) bring out different experiences and nuances for sure. I’ll do more of these the next time I smoke it and try to find the caramel note you enjoy! I’m looking forward to more time in The Bookshop… :)
I have a 2 oz. tin of it. I will be trying it for the third time tonight. So far, I think that it is terrible! Old books smell and creosote smell sounds horrible to me. I know that a lot of people love it. I do like the tin-note, however. I’ll get back to you on it. Maybe after I have smoked for a few years it will taste better. God bless you, Brother. John
Many have that same reaction, you aren’t alone! :)
I’m checking back in after smoking a small bowl. The note that I got was when I tried to smoke a mostly-smoked cigar butt the next day. I’ll keep trying. Lol
Great blend. I mixed it with some bayou morning and i smoke it before bed, lol. Chicken looks great
Nice! Speaking of “before bed”, be sure to check out my latest review: Peterson Nightcap, if you missed it and are interested! :)
Can you tell us precisely what jars those are and where you got your jars from? I’d like to buy some of my own just like yours
Unfortunately they seem to be discontinued. They were just Ball mason jars that I used to get at Walmart or Target but now they are nowhere to be found…sometimes you’ll catch them on eBay or Amazon but at elevated prices.
So is this a VaPerBur? This sounds like a blend I need to try in the winter. As long as it does not have Latakia in it. I know, I’m a wuss.
That’s correct, no Latakia…would be a great adventure for you this winter :)
I noticed you have visited Ireland! When you are describing this, it makes me think of the Long Room at trinity college. Did you get to visit when you were in Ireland? The smell of that Library with its thousands of old books makes me think of that smell you are describing
So cool…we did go to Trinity College but we only walked the outdoor grounds. It was beautiful! In one of the two Ireland videos I made I show the college at the end :)
@@hobbitonpiper my wife and I are going back next year in May for my Birthday. Let me know if I can pick you up something up for you!
@@TheKadoogenator I hear a lot about Revor Plug. I’m not sure if it’s available there or not!
Your reviews are just amazing! Bradley at Stuff and Things better watch out! Haunted Bookshop has too much nicotine for me, but the flavor is good. I like to keep the nicotine ghosts at bay.
You are so kind, thank you! It’s strong, no doubt…I too have to “keep the nicotine ghosts at bay”, well said! :)
Excellent review. What is the pipe you are smoking?
I’m smoking this pipe:
th-cam.com/video/RS1PMJKwEps/w-d-xo.html
I just got my one ounce of haunted bookshop and it's very different from what I normally gravitate to,wich is English blends and some aromatics . I do like the pungent undertone almost like an old leather backbook that's sat for a long time lol. Wierd description but I like it. Great vid brother
That’s a great description! Thank you, yeah this one will transport you places :)
Great review Kevin
Thank you, brother, I really appreciate you watching!! :)
I'm sure I'll taste the Bookshop at some point. I'm in no hurry though 🤣 I am definitely intrigued by it. Wonderful review Kevin. That dinner plate gets a 10 from me👋
Yeah Randy that was good food for sure! :) I hear you, I was in no hurry either…intriguing is the perfect word! Thanks so much!! :)
So, Kevin, you sometimes go to the tobacco dark side /oo\ Those indulgent moments are smoking perfection when the mood strikes. Great review, my friend. Those images of dusty, books, the lingering smell of woodsmoke from a fireplace, and the slightly musty smell of an old library put me in mind of the perfect pipe smoking room lit only by the fireplace and a low chair-side lamp at night and a couple of tall windows during the day. The walls are lined with books and there are two tall-backed comfortable chairs flanking the fireplace - perfect for two pipers to smoke in peace and exchange stories. OK, maybe that's a little too Victorian Gothic, but you get the vibe. For whatever reason, I've yet to try Haunted Bookshop. The chocolate raisin bread comparison makes me think that I should. Nicotine ghosts 👻 - love that description. A tip gleaned from the YTPC for handling a strong, head spinning nicotine hit: eat a bar of milk chocolate. A lot of pipers have said that it helps them out. It certainly isn't going to hurt you. Thanks for the demonstration of the peppercorn note in the retrohale 😎😂 Taking one for the sake of an accurate review. That, too, sounds delicious. I'm a fan of a peppery finish in cigars and some pipe tobaccos. The start of the weekend has arrived. All the best for a good one. Be well, stay safe, and keep the awesome at full volume - peace
Yeah Skipton, this is one you should try, especially if you enjoy the “dark realm” of pipe tobaccos. The tin note for me is great as described. When you do, let me know what you think! :)
Very intrigued by this one, but def nicotine sensitive, so I'm wary. Hoping to snag a sample ounce in a trade soon. cheers!
Just eat a full meal before you smoke and don’t smoke the final third of the bowl and you’ll be just fine :)
i gotta know...where do you get your jars?...lol they are awesome and i want some. great review as well..loving your videos
Difficult to find these days in the small sizes. I used to find them at Walmart and Target but they’ve been unavailable for a while now. You’d have to search around
Hobbiton Piper: "I feel like I can retrohale with the best of em"
Gawith & Hoggarth *Dark Bird's eye* : _are you sure about that bud?_ 😈
😆Jokes aside, good grief I tried to retrohale that and it felt like I had just snorted wasabi soaked in cayenne
Haha yeah that’s one of the tougher ones to pleasantly retrohale for sure :)
Cristopher Morley was a newspaper writer and if you can find a book of his writings you will get an interesting insight to Philly and NYC back in the early 20 th century. Smokes a pipe and mentions it a fair bit.
Very cool
I just opened up my first tin of HB. That retro is intense. Made my eyes water. YEEEEHAAW! Lol
Haha yes it is!!
I just got in some tobacco I ordered and I tried the Haunted book shop right away in my country gentleman , very strong and I did the retro hale thing, and boy I won't be doing that again for a while. oh my, yes there is pepper oh man is there pepper. I think I like it, let you know when my nose gets off the floor and back on my face. oh and I ordered a flat cap. hope the wife likes it!
Haha, that’s peppercorn!! :)
My all time favorite blend and book. There is also pernicious on wheels. That Christopher morley wrote with these characters. Thanks for your thoughts. - Jesse ✌🤟
Very cool, Jesse! I need to read these books! :)
Really enjoy your vides. I to am from the great state of Missouri
Awesome! I’m back down in Arkansas now where I was born, both are great states!
Ok Kevin my old friend. I just got home from my local B&M from a pipe club meeting and picked up a tin of Haunted Bookshop. So I need to decide what pipe to smoke it in and give it the maiden voyage. I’ll let you know what I think.
I’m kind of concerned because I hear people either love it or hate it.
While at the meeting I tried Windjammer and Six Pence. Both pretty good.
Yes, you’ll likely either love it or hate it :)
@@hobbitonpiper so I’m smoking it now. Kind of reminds me of Cigarette smoke. I am about 1/2 way through the bowl and get a slight cocoa flavor maybe? Overall not a fan. Maybe some age would make it better? I don’t “hate it” but I don’t love it. I just had Quiet Nights for the first time the other day and I loved it. I had Count Pulaski and loved this. This? It’s eh.
But it’s my first time. Maybe it will grow on me.
@@godstemplar46 burley based, a completely different experience
@@hobbitonpiper so I had it again last night and it was better. I’m going to give it some age and see.
Just smoked a bowl of this, and the tin note for me was 100% smores.
Nice, I love smores! I made some a couple weeks ago :)
I hope you are right, I am more excited for a smores flavor than I am a raisins flavor. I have some on the way regardless, the fun trying new things.
I’ve been watching your videos for quite some time now.. I’ve gotta ask.. can you please send me a link to the jars you use lol
The squat sized 8oz ball jars are unfortunately discontinued
Silly question, how do you source the labels you put on your jars? I have seen others use these as well. Re: c&d HB, sounds good but I have stayed away due to the Nic hit worries.
Here’s the answer! Be sure to see my entire “How To” playlist!:
th-cam.com/video/2zPQSh5kHHQ/w-d-xo.html
I sure like it. It's exactly the way you describe it.
I’m glad we are on the same page here with this one! :)
I love your reviews and how vivid and descriptive you are. Too bad I don’t like the blend though. I actually get that misty old library taste and note in another fantastic blend - GL Pease Six Pence. It’s terrific and brings you right back to an antique book store. Regardless, great job and thanks.
It’s not for everyone, that’s for sure. I’ve never had GLP Six Pence, I’ll have to get some sometime to compare! :)
@@hobbitonpiper very different blend but it’s really good.
I really liked the two Burley heavy Blends I've tried so I picked up Haunted Bookshop. Sadly what I've come away with is that I really can't stand perique, the pepperiness makes for a very unpleasant sensation when I smoke. I couldn't enjoy this, without the perique I'm sure I would have
That’s understandable, perique isn’t for everyone! I’m glad you tried it tho , you’ll be glad you did too :)
I've tried this one.. and sadly was not a big fan 😔... I may revisit it someday... have you ever tried 3p's ??
I have not! I definitely know what it is but just have never spent the money on it. Yeah revisit HB this fall on a cool evening :)
@@hobbitonpiper it's one of my favorites... I wish we would get cool weather.. I'm I'm canada 🇨🇦 and it's 40 degrees with the humidity 🙃