I am originally from Syria. Let me explain more about Latakia's origin: Latakia is a magical city in the heart of the Middle East. It's a coastal city with many green mountains and the best weather you've ever seen. The people there are mostly involved in sea or shipbuilding, as well as tobacco production. In 1778, during the Ottoman Empire period, farmers usually sold their tobacco to merchants at the harbor. However, suddenly a war broke out, and they unwillingly stored all the tobacco they had made in the ceilings of their homes for one year after the war ended. As I mentioned, in Latakia, winter is very cold, so all farmers light fires indoors to survive the freezing temperatures. This fire gives Latakia its special character. Initially, they thought the tobacco was not good due to the blackened color of the leaves, so they sold it at a super low price. However, after it was distributed globally and tobacco pipe enthusiasts tasted it, there was a huge demand for this kind of tobacco. The great soul of Latakia produces a supremely fine tobacco leaf, and intentionally smoking it adds to its charm. ❤️
I just got into pipes a few years back and EMP became my standard. There’s something very comforting about your review and personality. Have a great day!
I bought my first tin in 2022 and just cracked it open 7/23. I am more of a Latakia forward smoker and the first 1/3 of the bowl takes a little adjusting to for my pallet. I start with "why is this so popular?" But then the joy comes. By the end, I am a happy piper. It is easy on the tongue and the after taste is pleasant. I enjoyed smoking a bowl and watching your review.
When I initially watched this review I hadn’t smoke any EMP. Yesterday I cracked my first tin that I had for a couple of months. This is my fourth bowl now and I thought I should revisit you review as I’m getting to know EMP. When you mentioned incense, I immediately got it. That was a great description of flavor and I can’t stop thinking about incense now. Really enjoying EMP. Delicious flavors and really easy to deal with. Thanks for the review.
I’m not a fan of Latakia or the tin note of Early Morning Pipe, but the oriental tobaccos keep me coming back for more. Something very unique about EMP and your review was spot on! Keep up the good work!
EMP was my first pipe tobacco, and still a favorite. If you haven't tried Sutliff's Match Walnut (based off of Oppenheimer's favorite from Middleton's), another great one in the same flavor realm!
EMP was my first non-aromatic blend and my “ah-ha” moment. I still love it. And it’s one of my favorites. It’s perfect in the morning with a cup of coffee. Great review!
My wife likes early morning pipe 😉but seriously, she’s really starting to like smoking pipes. She smoked all my Mac Buren Virginia #1. Can’t blame her, though.
I love EMP such a great blend. Smoking it now so thought I would re-visit your video. Love the light Latakia with Orientals/Turkish such a great taste. So balanced. Has a little of the sweetness of the Virginia. I get floral notes, nutty notes, outmeal notes. I get a hint of campfire. This one makes my top 10 which is saying something.
This Early Morning 👍👍👍👍reminds me when I first started pipe smoking in 1971 in Southern Calif. at collage. Used to buy it at a Poor Richards Pipe Tobaccos shop their house blend!! Mmmm Great memories .😊🧐🤤🤤
I’ve been an occasional cigar smoker up until now, and I’m just getting into smoking a pipe. I’m finding your videos really informative and fun to watch. I’m really enjoying learning about pipe tobacco!
It took me several tries with EMP to get anything other than smoke and leather hints. I think it had to do with my palate at the time being a little tired of English blends, even the more oriental forward ones. After going to just VaPer and Burley blends for a while; I did try that EMP that was in the cellar for a while. It was like a whole new experience. I got the smokiness, and the sweet and slightly spiced nuances. It pairs exceptionally well with a good English Breakfast tea blend. You pretty much nailed it with this review. Especially the comparison to the peated Scotch Whisky reference. Thanks for the review! You reminded me that I need to order more Early Morning Pipe, because I am down to about two bowls left!
I just picked up my first pipe online and tin tobacco. I’m from Australia. I’m looking forward to starting my journey. Just watching random videos, I do smoke cigars every so often. But I’ve been drawn to pipe smoking for awhile now. Appreciate the information and stories.
@@hobbitonpiper still waiting for my pipe, got impatient and bought one from a tobacco shop. It had a metal insert and wasn’t great to smoke. Found a proper one today at an antique store, which smokes a lot better (pipe is from Denmark). Currently using flat based stick as a tamper. The Sherlock Holmes Virginia blend is nice. Citrus and plum pudding notes, with a touch of sweetness.
@@smithcityproductreviews1689 I actually got away from cigars and switched to pipes. I was finding I did not like most of the cigars I smoked. You stink after smoking one and they are more expensive (although I am going a little nuts buying pipes! - not chep!). I love the ritual and the pleasantness of pipe smoking. Plus I am a writer so it seems a natural fit!
This is my second favorite blend. What a delightful smoke any time of day. As you said, it isn't Latakia forward but it does add a bit of a kick that really sent me down the path of seeking out blends that do and I've found that I am a fan. Pirate Kake is now in my top 5. Thanks Kevin... Happy New Year!
Love EMP. I began smoking it some years ago, when it was a Dunhill blend. The Peterson brand did not change it at all, and it is my usual first smoke of the day.
EMP is my island blend! Let me say though, I am very impressed with Sutliff's MATCH to EMP, and I may even like it more. I always get a slightly smokey milk chocolate flavor which pairs really well with my "Pike Place" coffee in the morning! Thanks for doing justice to a staple light English blend👍
Just tried this blend for the first time this morning! I really enjoyed it too. Smoked it in my first Peterson pipe as well. Rocky Donegal 127 (just got it 😁) And a cup of Black coffee! Pretty good start to the week
Had to watch this again while having a bowl of EMP. Thanks for letting me smoke along. Hope you and yours are doing well. Enjoying this first warm Tennessee day.
I totally love my Savenelli red alligator 673!!! I tried it last night with some Peterson early morning pipe. Thank you so much for turning me onto that pipe. I hope you have a blessed week. John.
Great video. I think it's important to point out the orientals here because so many seem to miss it or simply don't identify that flavor. Even I can't put my finger on what oriental components are in EMP but its somewhat reminiscent of McClelland BTR to me. I decided to pull out some 20 year old EMP for the video to smoke along with. The latakia is even further in the background as this ages and the sourness of the oriental leaf really pokes out early. I much prefer the Murray's era EMP to the current STG offering but have heard the pre-Murrays EMP was far superior. Who knows how this blend was when it first debuted over 100 years ago. I so wish I had some of it to try.
@@hobbitonpiper I think it ages exceptionally well. Others might want to refer to Rick Newcombe's 1st book for an interesting EMP story where he would place bulk EMP in empty tins of McClelland British Woods and let it dry down until it was almost crispy. As best I can remember he said it took on a nutty quality and he clearly enjoyed the resultant flavor. As for the older incarnations being better, we should all be wary of old rose-colored memories. My hope is the STG version of this blend ages as elegantly as its forebearers. My guess is it will.
I saw a few reviews on emp and I Bought a tin when I first started my pipe smoking journey and I definitely habe this as my #1 in my top 5 favorite blends now
Your videos, I believe, are the only ones I watch, entirely to the end. That jingle you composed and performed, is really spirit capturing. I feel a magic coming on. And your pipe, in this one, is more than enough of a churchwarden style for me. It's more the sort that a wizard would use, when gadding about, checking to see that the incense burners are still filled and smoke carrying prayers to a forever place of brilliant light. The mingling of pipe smoke and incense smoke, brightens that light, and the world feels its love and warmth. Absolutely fabulous.
Picked up my first tin on my way home tonight. Think I have a problem, currently have about 20 tobacco’s on hand….. This one has been on my radar for a few months. Really good tobacco, as always appreciate the review!
Loved EMP from first puff ;) Smoking EMP while watching your review ;) I tend to love english blends with latakia and orientals- nothing beats them. My first Peaty scotch was Laphroaig - love at first sip ;)
Just got my first EMP tin. I love oriental forward blends. My favourite one was Balkan sasieni when I tried 5 years ago. Have one tin left Aging for 3 years. Should get to that soon
Early Morning Pipe has become my morning pipe smoke. It goes perfect with coffee. It’s the first tin of tobacco that I had to buy a second tin because o went through it. And this is a guy that would say I didn’t like English blends.
Thank you for this video. I just bought my first tin of EMP earlier today. I haven’t tried it yet but I’m getting ready to go camping tomorrow and I’ll try it there.
@@hobbitonpiper I just wanted to let you know I enjoyed the EMP while I was camping and I also bought some Night Cap. They were my first English blends.
Kevin! Another great review! I got back just in time it seems. I start looking to see what's new and BAM! Update from your channel. Well I can say this has been on my list of got to check out tobaccos. I've not pulled the trigger yet. It was one or another and Bold Kentucky and Old Dark Fired won't smoke themselves, but it's there. I can't ever recall anyone having something bad to say about it. So I take that as a good sign. I appreciate the long thorough description of taste. That's a help. My only 3 experiences with English blends is awaken elder, plum pudding and Maltese falcon which are all three great. So I look forward to someday pulling the trigger. Well glad I could catch a video fresh till next time friend, Peace!
So great to see you here as always, Timothy! Some wish it had more Latakia but I think that would alter the balance from what the blender was seeking to accomplish here. It’s worth checking out at some point. Let me know what you think of it when you get around to trying it :)
I enjoyed this video with some Peterson perfect plug in my Peterson Tyrone(306) fishtail; my usual morning smoke, the nicotine gets me going.Another great video with great descriptions. The profile smoking in the beginning was pretty bad ass.
I can't believe this but when I first saw the part of the video with you smoking the pipe you remind me so much of Jackson Galaxy. I watch a lot of his cat videos. I'm smoking some McConnell Folded Flake myself. Love that stem on your cob pipe too. The birds always add a very peaceful ambience to your videos too. You have me convinced to give this a try, I'll just have to wait for warmer weather to smoke it outside. It's been pretty chilly here lately, looking at single digit temps this weekend. Have a good one and Happy New Year my friend.
EMP is really a good first smoke of the day for me, or for when I just want a nice, simple, light english. Very balanced. Not as exciting for me as other mellow englishes like Squadron Leader or Westminster. Simple and good.
Thanks so much Ethan. I do take a lot of thought and time for these and it’s nice to hear that it’s noticed. Maybe years from now others will still enjoy listening to these. That would be cool. Happy New Year to you as well, brother!! :)
Love me some EMP . I know it doesn't matter how you pronounce it, but as an Arab I have to declare , Latakia the city pronounced like ( la - thee - kia ) so both common pronunciation are wrong 😁. But you can argue it is not form Latakia anymore . I visited the city 25 years ago( I was 12 ) and we had a tour to the tobacco farms and saw the process of drying and processing the tobacco , locally the call it (the smelly tobacco) 😅. Great video and I wish I had caught on your channel earlier
Yes! I was taking to a man from Latakia earlier this week on Instagram and he said the same! Basically said natives pronounce it LATH-uh-kee-uh. He also said if you aren’t a native tho that the other forms of common pronunciations are all acceptable, so that’s good! :)
Great review Kevin, of an icon I only tried first recently. I've taken to making a 80% emp,20% G&H CC Am. blend which I like! Bit like mixing a single malt with coca cola I guess... which I also do😂 Ha ha peaty scotch..an old friend used to joke and call any peated whiskey "John Innes no.3" (famous in UK for bags of gardening compost) 🤗😁 I must admit I'm in the other camp with Whiskey..the Speyside lemony golden biscuty type! Each to their own though eh!
@@hobbitonpiper thanks for getting back, yes the Glenfiddich 12 is lovely and smooth! Especially with a bowl of the aged burley flake. Keep up the great reviews 👍
I've heard of heavily peated scotch compared to tasting like a "cigar smoking walrus" or a "mermaid's bathwater". Nothing like a good single malt scotch sitting by the fire on a cold winter evening.
It's funny being English I prefer bourbon whiskeys from the USA wild turkey 101 is a go to for me. The peaty single malts are not on my radar mainly because the ones I like cost more than I make in a week!
Hey Kevin, hello again! So I know your a fan of EMP. I've got a suggestion for you try. Read a review that says out EMPs EMP so ordered some GL Pease Chelsea Morning. Was very surprised when I got a tin last week dated 01/11/13, had to do a double take. Well let me tell you here lives some of the best sweet red and bright virginias I've experienced to date and wonderful orientals. Wondering if its the age of the tin, could be! The Latakia is less to me than EMP and it has a perfect light bit of perique adding a little sweet spice but not at all overdone. This could be my favorite so far, you owe it to yourself to grab a tin of this if you haven't before. But lets keep it a secret LOL! It was excellent in my Savinelli Gandolph. BTW like your new HCA 7M-1
Oh yes I’ve smoked tins of Chelsea Morning (none that old tho). The perique sets that blend apart and that may be what you’re enjoying so much in comparison, or the age (probably both). The quality blending of the orientals in EMP are really what makes that blend shine. Both are good!
You nailed this review, Kevin. Starting with an explanation of what the components are and how some of them are made was brilliant. I think that 'Latakia' scares off some pipers. Being a dark, cured tobacco and having a strong aroma reminiscent of a campfire leads some to assume that it is a strong tobacco. (The same assumption gets made about dark wrapper cigars as well.) Pointing out that while it is full flavored it is not strong and doesn't have a big nicotine hit. As a blend, you note that it is not Latakia forward, shows up frequently on the tobacco lists of novices, and that you haven't experienced tongue bite with it will help the undecided to give it a try. The blend could certainly be a introduction to both English blends and Oriental Blends. As noted before, you are a skilled and enormously helpful reviewer. I loved your cut away to some bird feed friends while you were doing your review. It seems odd, but not unwelcome to see birds around at the end of December. We've been all over the place temperature-wise with highs in the 30s for a few days followed by the 40s and 50s with an occasional 60+ day. Be well, stay safe, and keep it awesome - best wishes for a Happy New Year! - peace P.S. Probably the pipe smokers who wouldn't like this as the Watson proverbial first pipe of the day are those who are looking for a nicotine 'kick' to get their day started. 😉
Thank you Skipton! I agree, this would make for a fine introduction to both a Latakia blend and also an oriental forward blend, while remaining calm on the tongue and lighter in nicotine than many English blends.
@@hobbitonpiper Forgot to mention - my experience with Scotch was the opposite of yours. My introduction to Scotch was single malt. I was surprised when encountering blended Scotch. It seemed to be lacking in everything. I still can't say that I really like except as a component in a mixed drink - not something that you would do with a well-aged single malt (blaspheny!) 😉😂
@@hobbitonpiper Live and learn - I haven't had a single malt that was not peated. Thanks for the info. BTW if you make to Edinburg, take the virtual Scotch tour. If you are in Scotland, take a Scotch trail tour 😎
It sure does! Those Virginias provide a wonderful balancing sweetness. Your opinion of this review means the world to me because I know how much time you’ve spent with this blend. Hearing “well done” from you made my day, Art! :)
I am trying it. Need to spend more time. Campfire is very over powering at first. But starting to get more. No tongue bit at all. Can see why people like that.
Having grown up with Captain Kangaroo and remembering them saying "Morning Captain" every episode, I sometimes blend this with Captain Black Royal. Of course I call it "Morning Captain".
Thanks! Keep up the good work Kevin!
Thank you so much Daniel! 🙏
I am originally from Syria. Let me explain more about Latakia's origin: Latakia is a magical city in the heart of the Middle East. It's a coastal city with many green mountains and the best weather you've ever seen. The people there are mostly involved in sea or shipbuilding, as well as tobacco production. In 1778, during the Ottoman Empire period, farmers usually sold their tobacco to merchants at the harbor. However, suddenly a war broke out, and they unwillingly stored all the tobacco they had made in the ceilings of their homes for one year after the war ended. As I mentioned, in Latakia, winter is very cold, so all farmers light fires indoors to survive the freezing temperatures. This fire gives Latakia its special character. Initially, they thought the tobacco was not good due to the blackened color of the leaves, so they sold it at a super low price. However, after it was distributed globally and tobacco pipe enthusiasts tasted it, there was a huge demand for this kind of tobacco. The great soul of Latakia produces a supremely fine tobacco leaf, and intentionally smoking it adds to its charm. ❤️
Thank you for this information!!
I just got into pipes a few years back and EMP became my standard. There’s something very comforting about your review and personality. Have a great day!
I’m glad you enjoyed this review! EMP is a great blend :)
EMP with coffee has been a favorite morning ritual for me. Great review.
Thank you! It does go so well with coffee in the mornings :)
God bless you my friend make sure you keep your pipe lit.
Thank you, I will! :)
I bought my first tin in 2022 and just cracked it open 7/23. I am more of a Latakia forward smoker and the first 1/3 of the bowl takes a little adjusting to for my pallet. I start with "why is this so popular?" But then the joy comes. By the end, I am a happy piper. It is easy on the tongue and the after taste is pleasant. I enjoyed smoking a bowl and watching your review.
Very nice! Yes, be sure never to judge a blend too soon. More thoughts on that here:
th-cam.com/video/0sSKx2-mWok/w-d-xo.htmlsi=eYb_IiR9ym1Kr4nD
When I initially watched this review I hadn’t smoke any EMP. Yesterday I cracked my first tin that I had for a couple of months. This is my fourth bowl now and I thought I should revisit you review as I’m getting to know EMP. When you mentioned incense, I immediately got it. That was a great description of flavor and I can’t stop thinking about incense now. Really enjoying EMP. Delicious flavors and really easy to deal with. Thanks for the review.
I’m so glad you got that flavor note as well! The oriental leaf in this really shines. Yes, very easy to deal with
Most days I smoke: EMP- first pipe of the day, 965 during the day and Night Cap at night....yes, I am a Peterson/Dunhill been fan ;)
That sounds like a great day!!
I’m not a fan of Latakia or the tin note of Early Morning Pipe, but the oriental tobaccos keep me coming back for more. Something very unique about EMP and your review was spot on! Keep up the good work!
Thank you so much for this feedback! Yeah the orientals really shine well in this blend don’t they :)
Sturdy Papa try some Chelsea Morning it will keep you coming back if you like the orientals in EMP I like it even more, a bit sweeter than EMP.
EMP was my first pipe tobacco, and still a favorite. If you haven't tried Sutliff's Match Walnut (based off of Oppenheimer's favorite from Middleton's), another great one in the same flavor realm!
Cool, I’ll look it up! :)
EMP was my first non-aromatic blend and my “ah-ha” moment. I still love it. And it’s one of my favorites. It’s perfect in the morning with a cup of coffee. Great review!
Thanks Jared! You picked a good one to be your first. Yes, great with coffee to me too! :)
My wife likes early morning pipe 😉but seriously, she’s really starting to like smoking pipes. She smoked all my Mac Buren Virginia #1. Can’t blame her, though.
Smart wife! :)
I love EMP such a great blend. Smoking it now so thought I would re-visit your video. Love the light Latakia with Orientals/Turkish such a great taste. So balanced. Has a little of the sweetness of the Virginia. I get floral notes, nutty notes, outmeal notes. I get a hint of campfire. This one makes my top 10 which is saying something.
It’s a pleasant smoke every time!
This Early Morning 👍👍👍👍reminds me when I first started pipe smoking in 1971 in Southern Calif. at collage. Used to buy it at a Poor Richards Pipe Tobaccos shop their house blend!! Mmmm Great memories .😊🧐🤤🤤
I love it when a blend triggers memories!! It’s one of the best parts of pipe smoking to me. :)
emp is one of my favorite blends. if there was only emp, 965 and nightcap one day i would still live a fulfilled life 😇😄
cheers
marco
Great choices, Marco! :)
EMP is my absolute favorite English blend, I’m glad you dig it! Nightcap is great too but man there is something special with this one
It’s the orientals!!
@@hobbitonpiper haha well stated! Happy piping
I’ve been an occasional cigar smoker up until now, and I’m just getting into smoking a pipe. I’m finding your videos really informative and fun to watch. I’m really enjoying learning about pipe tobacco!
Great to have you with us! Be sure and see the Playlists and Community tabs! :)
@@hobbitonpiper , on it. :)
It took me several tries with EMP to get anything other than smoke and leather hints. I think it had to do with my palate at the time being a little tired of English blends, even the more oriental forward ones. After going to just VaPer and Burley blends for a while; I did try that EMP that was in the cellar for a while. It was like a whole new experience. I got the smokiness, and the sweet and slightly spiced nuances. It pairs exceptionally well with a good English Breakfast tea blend.
You pretty much nailed it with this review. Especially the comparison to the peated Scotch Whisky reference. Thanks for the review! You reminded me that I need to order more Early Morning Pipe, because I am down to about two bowls left!
It’s amazing how coming back to a blend after a time can work magic, isn’t it. Great comment, thank you for sharing this experience with us! :)
I just picked up my first pipe online and tin tobacco. I’m from Australia. I’m looking forward to starting my journey. Just watching random videos, I do smoke cigars every so often. But I’ve been drawn to pipe smoking for awhile now. Appreciate the information and stories.
I know it’s very expensive in your area, I hope you’re able to find some options!
@@hobbitonpiper my tobacco has arrived, just waiting for my pipe now. Without a tamper, can a pinky work or the base of a spoon?
@@smithcityproductreviews1689 sure, a nail head or golf tee works great too :)
@@hobbitonpiper still waiting for my pipe, got impatient and bought one from a tobacco shop. It had a metal insert and wasn’t great to smoke. Found a proper one today at an antique store, which smokes a lot better (pipe is from Denmark). Currently using flat based stick as a tamper. The Sherlock Holmes Virginia blend is nice. Citrus and plum pudding notes, with a touch of sweetness.
@@smithcityproductreviews1689 I actually got away from cigars and switched to pipes. I was finding I did not like most of the cigars I smoked. You stink after smoking one and they are more expensive (although I am going a little nuts buying pipes! - not chep!). I love the ritual and the pleasantness of pipe smoking. Plus I am a writer so it seems a natural fit!
This is my second favorite blend. What a delightful smoke any time of day. As you said, it isn't Latakia forward but it does add a bit of a kick that really sent me down the path of seeking out blends that do and I've found that I am a fan. Pirate Kake is now in my top 5. Thanks Kevin... Happy New Year!
Happy New Year to you, Randy! More fun times ahead :)
Love EMP. I began smoking it some years ago, when it was a Dunhill blend. The Peterson brand did not change it at all, and it is my usual first smoke of the day.
You are not alone! This is true of many, it’s very popular :)
Its great how you analyze and explain a tobacco 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏😊 I like EMP in the morning, a beautiful balance and each type of leaf is playing its role 😊😉🎄
Thank you so much. I really enjoy EMP in the mornings for that exact reason, it really does have excellent balance.
EMP is my island blend! Let me say though, I am very impressed with Sutliff's MATCH to EMP, and I may even like it more. I always get a slightly smokey milk chocolate flavor which pairs really well with my "Pike Place" coffee in the morning! Thanks for doing justice to a staple light English blend👍
You’re welcome, man, thank you for the encouragement and support! :)
Just tried this blend for the first time this morning! I really enjoyed it too. Smoked it in my first Peterson pipe as well. Rocky Donegal 127 (just got it 😁) And a cup of Black coffee! Pretty good start to the week
Oh man, that sounds awesome, Jake. It’s a great morning smoke :)
This is the first blend I ever smoked! It's what got me hooked on pipes.
It’s a great one! :)
Me to back in 1971 from a brick & mortar house blend.
A classic blend that for some reason has always escaped me. Thanks for your insight on it. Enjoy your pipes.
You too Thomas! You’re very welcome :)
Just picked some of this up, thanks for the review. BTW, your smile, your happy demeanor, and overall chill vibe are amazing 😊
Thank you for this feedback!
Had to watch this again while having a bowl of EMP. Thanks for letting me smoke along. Hope you and yours are doing well. Enjoying this first warm Tennessee day.
Awesome! We are enjoying the sunny outdoors today as well :)
Nothing beats the “pop” of a fresh tin. I have to gets some new blends soon.
There’s something very satisfying about popping a new tin, isn’t there William! :)
My favorite tobacco by far coffee compliments the tobacco the aroma is wonderful it's One of those I could smoke All day
It’s a great blend, and I too find it enjoyable any time of the day!
I totally love my Savenelli red alligator 673!!! I tried it last night with some Peterson early morning pipe. Thank you so much for turning me onto that pipe. I hope you have a blessed week. John.
It’s great!!! So glad you’re pleased :)
EMP is my winter weekend blend. Happy new year!
Very nice, Andrew! Happy New Year! :)
Great video. I think it's important to point out the orientals here because so many seem to miss it or simply don't identify that flavor. Even I can't put my finger on what oriental components are in EMP but its somewhat reminiscent of McClelland BTR to me. I decided to pull out some 20 year old EMP for the video to smoke along with. The latakia is even further in the background as this ages and the sourness of the oriental leaf really pokes out early. I much prefer the Murray's era EMP to the current STG offering but have heard the pre-Murrays EMP was far superior. Who knows how this blend was when it first debuted over 100 years ago. I so wish I had some of it to try.
Such an awesome comment, Russ, thank you! Some are asking how this ages and I think you just answered that, and it sounds very promising!
@@hobbitonpiper I think it ages exceptionally well. Others might want to refer to Rick Newcombe's 1st book for an interesting EMP story where he would place bulk EMP in empty tins of McClelland British Woods and let it dry down until it was almost crispy. As best I can remember he said it took on a nutty quality and he clearly enjoyed the resultant flavor. As for the older incarnations being better, we should all be wary of old rose-colored memories. My hope is the STG version of this blend ages as elegantly as its forebearers. My guess is it will.
I loved the review and all of the bird activity in the background. Great video!
I do love birdwatching!
I saw a few reviews on emp and I Bought a tin when I first started my pipe smoking journey and I definitely habe this as my #1 in my top 5 favorite blends now
Awesome! It’s nice to connect with a blend in that way!
Classic & nice blend ❤️🥳
Yes it is! :)
Just cracked a tin of EMP I've held onto for 6 months. My first time trying it and it's great.
So glad you’re enjoying it!! :)
Laphroaig. One of my favourite whiskies and one of the most peaty. It’s can be an acquired taste…
@@tomw588 yes, I’ve drank my fair share of Laphroaig :)
Your videos, I believe, are the only ones I watch, entirely to the end. That jingle you composed and performed, is really spirit capturing. I feel a magic coming on. And your pipe, in this one, is more than enough of a churchwarden style for me. It's more the sort that a wizard would use, when gadding about, checking to see that the incense burners are still filled and smoke carrying prayers to a forever place of brilliant light. The mingling of pipe smoke and incense smoke, brightens that light, and the world feels its love and warmth. Absolutely fabulous.
I really enjoyed writing and recording the little intro/outro music…the feel you described is what I was hoping for!
Just brought a tin of this I might leave it for a couple of years before I smoke it. I’ll grab another one and smoke that one now. Great video thx
You’re welcome! I think you’ll enjoy this blend :)
Early morning pipe in the morning and night cap by night perfect combination
Great blends!
Smoking it in my La Rocca bent billiard. Great English blend
@@mansheallaalojipan2974 yes it is! :)
@@hobbitonpiper I really am enjoying the sweet savory smoky aroma. This is new to me. Tried it after seeing your review 😁
Thank You for the experience 👍
@@mansheallaalojipan2974 you’re very welcome!
Picked up my first tin on my way home tonight. Think I have a problem, currently have about 20 tobacco’s on hand….. This one has been on my radar for a few months.
Really good tobacco, as always appreciate the review!
Your selection will likely continue to grow, it’s good to have variety to choose from! :)
EMP is one of my favorite blends. Especially in the morning with a cup of coffee. Happy Smokes!
It’s great with coffee isn’t it!
@@hobbitonpiper Oh yeah! Another favorite of mine in the evening is Peterson's Standard Mixture. Paired with a cold Pacífico is awesome!
Loved EMP from first puff ;) Smoking EMP while watching your review ;) I tend to love english blends with latakia and orientals- nothing beats them. My first Peaty scotch was Laphroaig - love at first sip ;)
Very cool comment Jason! I hear the Laphroaig Lore is exceptionally good but I’ve not had it yet
Just got my first EMP tin. I love oriental forward blends. My favourite one was Balkan sasieni when I tried 5 years ago. Have one tin left Aging for 3 years. Should get to that soon
I bet you’ll enjoy it! :)
Very good analogy to peated scotch. I think EMP is a good intro to English blends. Great review, great video.
Thanks so much. Yes, I too think it would be a fine introduction to English blends
Well let’s try this again .
I was enjoying this blend this morning at 5:30am . It was snowing again here in the PNW and it is an amazing blend.
It has a lot of rich history :)
Yes sir, my favorite blend!
Very cool! :)
Early Morning Pipe has become my morning pipe smoke. It goes perfect with coffee. It’s the first tin of tobacco that I had to buy a second tin because o went through it.
And this is a guy that would say I didn’t like English blends.
It does go perfect with coffee! :)
Thank you for this video. I just bought my first tin of EMP earlier today. I haven’t tried it yet but I’m getting ready to go camping tomorrow and I’ll try it there.
Ooh this will be a great blend to take camping! Let me know what you think of it :)
@@hobbitonpiper I will, Happy New Year.
@@hobbitonpiper I just wanted to let you know I enjoyed the EMP while I was camping and I also bought some Night Cap. They were my first English blends.
@@opusand2 great choices! So glad you had a good time, thank you for taking the time to give me an update!
Just got a tin of this for Christmas and I’m really looking forward to it. Thanks for the review.
Awesome, let me know your thoughts after you spend some time with it, Joshua!
Kevin! Another great review! I got back just in time it seems. I start looking to see what's new and BAM! Update from your channel.
Well I can say this has been on my list of got to check out tobaccos. I've not pulled the trigger yet. It was one or another and Bold Kentucky and Old Dark Fired won't smoke themselves, but it's there. I can't ever recall anyone having something bad to say about it. So I take that as a good sign.
I appreciate the long thorough description of taste. That's a help. My only 3 experiences with English blends is awaken elder, plum pudding and Maltese falcon which are all three great. So I look forward to someday pulling the trigger.
Well glad I could catch a video fresh till next time friend, Peace!
So great to see you here as always, Timothy! Some wish it had more Latakia but I think that would alter the balance from what the blender was seeking to accomplish here. It’s worth checking out at some point. Let me know what you think of it when you get around to trying it :)
I enjoyed this video with some Peterson perfect plug in my Peterson Tyrone(306) fishtail; my usual morning smoke, the nicotine gets me going.Another great video with great descriptions. The profile smoking in the beginning was pretty bad ass.
Ah, very cool, so glad you enjoyed it! :)
I found your channel from watching Michigan piper and I'm glad I did your content is very good. Great work man
Thanks Tony!
I v got to try, is in my list for so long, 22 I will try it. Thank you for the great review
You’re so welcome, let me know what you think of it when you try it! :)
I smoked night cap this afternoon, it's a fitting name. I'll have to try this early morning
Let me know what you think! :)
@hobbitonpiper it's a good blend, reminds me of a camp fire, abit of a lingering dry mouth but not horrible. It'll be a weekly smoke for sure
I can't believe this but when I first saw the part of the video with you smoking the pipe you remind me so much of Jackson Galaxy. I watch a lot of his cat videos. I'm smoking some McConnell Folded Flake myself. Love that stem on your cob pipe too. The birds always add a very peaceful ambience to your videos too. You have me convinced to give this a try, I'll just have to wait for warmer weather to smoke it outside. It's been pretty chilly here lately, looking at single digit temps this weekend. Have a good one and Happy New Year my friend.
Happy New Year to you as well! Yes, give this a try and let me know how you feel about it! :)
I,m going to order a Tin of this and a Dwarf Cobbit Pipe👍
Good choices!
I was just enjoying this very blend this morning at 5:30am . It was snowing again here in the PNW 🥶 but wow what a blend 😉
It’s a classic! :)
EMP is really a good first smoke of the day for me, or for when I just want a nice, simple, light english. Very balanced. Not as exciting for me as other mellow englishes like Squadron Leader or Westminster. Simple and good.
I may have some this morning, Nathaniel! :)
EMP is a good one for sure. Nice and mild, but not short on taste. Cheers!
Well said, Peter! :)
Well said, Peter! :)
Great blend. Great review. I really appreciate the thought and time you put into your videos. It really pays off. Have a Happy New Year
Thanks so much Ethan. I do take a lot of thought and time for these and it’s nice to hear that it’s noticed. Maybe years from now others will still enjoy listening to these. That would be cool. Happy New Year to you as well, brother!! :)
I've yet to give EMP a try. It's on my to do list. My favs are Nightcap and 965, so this should be in my wheelhouse.
Yes, a milder morning option
Really great video and presentation style. Super helpful. Thanks!
So glad you enjoyed, Gordon! :)
Love me some EMP .
I know it doesn't matter how you pronounce it, but as an Arab I have to declare , Latakia the city pronounced like ( la - thee - kia ) so both common pronunciation are wrong 😁. But you can argue it is not form Latakia anymore . I visited the city 25 years ago( I was 12 ) and we had a tour to the tobacco farms and saw the process of drying and processing the tobacco , locally the call it (the smelly tobacco) 😅.
Great video and I wish I had caught on your channel earlier
Yes! I was taking to a man from Latakia earlier this week on Instagram and he said the same! Basically said natives pronounce it LATH-uh-kee-uh. He also said if you aren’t a native tho that the other forms of common pronunciations are all acceptable, so that’s good! :)
Is everyone in your family ok after Monday’s earthquake in Turkey and Syria? -Kevin
@Hobbiton Piper the affected area is very far from us , thanks for asking
Looks neat. I'll surely be adding this one to my rotation.
I think you’ll enjoy it! :)
Great review Kevin, of an icon I only tried first recently. I've taken to making a 80% emp,20% G&H CC Am. blend which I like! Bit like mixing a single malt with coca cola I guess... which I also do😂
Ha ha peaty scotch..an old friend used to joke and call any peated whiskey "John Innes no.3" (famous in UK for bags of gardening compost) 🤗😁
I must admit I'm in the other camp with Whiskey..the Speyside lemony golden biscuty type! Each to their own though eh!
Oh I love those whiskies as well, big fan of the Glenfiddich line, especially 12
@@hobbitonpiper thanks for getting back, yes the Glenfiddich 12 is lovely and smooth! Especially with a bowl of the aged burley flake. Keep up the great reviews 👍
@@wildriverguitarlockdownlic110 another review will be released today 8/1 at 11am CST! :)
@@hobbitonpiper thanks mate will be watching it !
I've heard of heavily peated scotch compared to tasting like a "cigar smoking walrus" or a "mermaid's bathwater". Nothing like a good single malt scotch sitting by the fire on a cold winter evening.
Yes!
It's funny being English I prefer bourbon whiskeys from the USA wild turkey 101 is a go to for me. The peaty single malts are not on my radar mainly because the ones I like cost more than I make in a week!
@@moorshound3243 I prefer bourbon the other 3 seasons, only drinking scotch when there's snow on the ground. Nothing wrong with WT101.
Hey Kevin, hello again! So I know your a fan of EMP. I've got a suggestion for you try. Read a review that says out EMPs EMP so ordered some GL Pease Chelsea Morning. Was very surprised when I got a tin last week dated 01/11/13, had to do a double take. Well let me tell you here lives some of the best sweet red and bright virginias I've experienced to date and wonderful orientals. Wondering if its the age of the tin, could be! The Latakia is less to me than EMP and it has a perfect light bit of perique adding a little sweet spice but not at all overdone. This could be my favorite so far, you owe it to yourself to grab a tin of this if you haven't before. But lets keep it a secret LOL! It was excellent in my Savinelli Gandolph. BTW like your new HCA 7M-1
Oh yes I’ve smoked tins of Chelsea Morning (none that old tho). The perique sets that blend apart and that may be what you’re enjoying so much in comparison, or the age (probably both). The quality blending of the orientals in EMP are really what makes that blend shine. Both are good!
I've had this on my wishlist for too long. I need to order some. Thanks for the review.
You should try it soon! :)
@@hobbitonpiper Picked some up and love it. Spot on review.
You nailed this review, Kevin. Starting with an explanation of what the components are and how some of them are made was brilliant. I think that 'Latakia' scares off some pipers. Being a dark, cured tobacco and having a strong aroma reminiscent of a campfire leads some to assume that it is a strong tobacco. (The same assumption gets made about dark wrapper cigars as well.) Pointing out that while it is full flavored it is not strong and doesn't have a big nicotine hit. As a blend, you note that it is not Latakia forward, shows up frequently on the tobacco lists of novices, and that you haven't experienced tongue bite with it will help the undecided to give it a try. The blend could certainly be a introduction to both English blends and Oriental Blends. As noted before, you are a skilled and enormously helpful reviewer. I loved your cut away to some bird feed friends while you were doing your review. It seems odd, but not unwelcome to see birds around at the end of December. We've been all over the place temperature-wise with highs in the 30s for a few days followed by the 40s and 50s with an occasional 60+ day. Be well, stay safe, and keep it awesome - best wishes for a Happy New Year! - peace
P.S. Probably the pipe smokers who wouldn't like this as the Watson proverbial first pipe of the day are those who are looking for a nicotine 'kick' to get their day started. 😉
Thank you Skipton! I agree, this would make for a fine introduction to both a Latakia blend and also an oriental forward blend, while remaining calm on the tongue and lighter in nicotine than many English blends.
@@hobbitonpiper Forgot to mention - my experience with Scotch was the opposite of yours. My introduction to Scotch was single malt. I was surprised when encountering blended Scotch. It seemed to be lacking in everything. I still can't say that I really like except as a component in a mixed drink - not something that you would do with a well-aged single malt (blaspheny!) 😉😂
@@skipton9511 Ardbeg 10 is actually a single malt, but peated. I’d had several different Scotches before but not a peated one until that moment :)
@@hobbitonpiper Live and learn - I haven't had a single malt that was not peated. Thanks for the info. BTW if you make to Edinburg, take the virtual Scotch tour. If you are in Scotland, take a Scotch trail tour 😎
@@skipton9511 that would be so awesome!!
Nice review my friend, makes me want to crack my jar and have some, it’s been well over a year.
😊✌🏼👍🏼
That would be nice! Thank you :)
Thank for rewiev. I dig your ring of Barahir. .)
Ah thanks, my wife got me that years ago! :)
EMP is on my must try list.
I imagine i would appreciate it much like fusiliers ration
Let me know how you like it, Paul! :)
After the first bowl İ was immediately addicted to EMP and İ cant appreciate other blends that much anymore 😅
You may want to stock up on this one then! :)
Fantastic review Kevin, Happy New Year to you and your family.
Thanks Greg, Happy New Year!
I definitely get the incense in the finish. It tastes exactly like the smell of a variety pack of incense cones I have.
Yes! It’s there… :)
What are you smoking? Oh you know just some electromagnetic pulse haha.
Might give this a go someday.
Thanks for the video.
You should try this one!
Just got some and jj burley flake and university flake
Nice choices! Enjoy!
This is my blend. Chelsea morning is more balkan, more oriental forward than this, but these light english blends is my own sweet spot. EMP ftw!
It’s a great blend loved by so many for good reason! :)
Still waiting to try this I can't wait to have to tin and to have my first emt from Canada hard to get it unfortunately
I hope you enjoy it when you get it!
Can't you just order some?
The order has been placed and is On the Way👍⌚
Nice! I hope you enjoy this one :)
Well done. It’s oriental forward, but the Virginias shines midway down the bowl bringing harmony to the smoking experience. Cheers, Art
It sure does! Those Virginias provide a wonderful balancing sweetness. Your opinion of this review means the world to me because I know how much time you’ve spent with this blend. Hearing “well done” from you made my day, Art! :)
I really enjoy your videos! Thank you^^
You’re very welcome! :)
my first tobacco! still discovering its taste
Takes a while, but that’s ok. Discovery is all a part of the fun :)
I am trying it. Need to spend more time. Campfire is very over powering at first. But starting to get more. No tongue bit at all. Can see why people like that.
Latakia is a jolt to the system until you get used to it! :)
Hey I just joined the pipe Comunity
Welcome!
Hello!
EMP very nice 😍 thx, Happy new Year 🍾 🍀 🎉
You’re welcome, Happy New Year! :)
Really enjoy your videos. I'm a new piper also from Missouri
Nice! I’ve recently moved back to my home state of Arkansas but I really enjoyed my time in Missouri! Good folks there :)
THE ONLY ENGLISH BLEND TOBACCO IN 51 YEARS OF SMOKING THE PIPE I FOUND NOT TO MY LIKING.
Ah, fair enough, it’s not for everyone!
I just my first tin of this last week. It’s pretty good.
Cool! Keep getting to know it! Fun blend :)
Having grown up with Captain Kangaroo and remembering them saying "Morning Captain" every episode, I sometimes blend this with Captain Black Royal. Of course I call it "Morning Captain".
I remember Captain Kangaroo well!
Wonderful friend!
Thanks so much man, I really appreciate it :)
Great review, thank you..........Bob
You’re welcome Bob!
Happy New Year hobbiton Piper
Happy New Year, John! :)
Need still to crack this tin 😆 have a great New Years Kevin!
Happy New Year! Yeah, everyone should spend a little time with this one, it has a rich history and large following :)
Goes great with breakfast tea
Ooh I bet it does, Justin! Nice :)
Happy New year enjoy your smoke
Happy New Year Derek! :)
A well thought out review!
Thanks Scott! :)