First Impressions

I want to report favorable first impressions of C&D Epiphany and Sutliff No. 150 Mark Twain, the two bulk tobaccos I picked up at shops during my road trip. Epiphany was inspired by what Albert Einstein smoked, Revelation. From Tobaccoreviews.com:

We have a delightful new light English blend called Epiphany. Epiphany is reminiscent of the original Revelation blend that was said to be the favorite of a certain reknowned thinker named Einstein. Epiphany is another classic Tarler/Runowski blend of Va, Burleys, Latakia and Perique in perfect balance and harmony.

Notes: Reminiscent of old original Philip Morris – Revelation (not the House of Windsor version).

The site also says it has a citrus flavoring, but this is extremely light if present at all. Some Virginias can taste citrusy.

Regarding Mark Twain, Tobaccoreviews.com says:

A new pipe tobacco from A&C Peterson designed with Mark Twain in mind. Made with selected choice tobaccos, this blend has a striking, rich aroma. A wonderful Danish style aromatic, with great taste and no bite.

Notes: Now made by the Sutliff Tobacco Company under their banner as per Smoking Pipes website: “Previously known as an A&C Peterson blend, No.150 Mark Twain now flies under the Sutliff banner. A Danish-style aromatic, this mix of black Cavendish, Burley, and Virginia is known for its creamy aromatic flavors and mild strength, making for an easy smoke and a pleasing room note.

These are aromatics at their best, by which I mean the hint of flavor in no way masks the taste of the decent tobaccos.

UPDATE April 28: I’m finding Mark Twain a tad on the mild side but still pleasant.

Habana House

Albert Einstein

The next stop on my Greater Austin Tobacco Tour was Habana House in North Austin. (There’s a second store in South Austin.) This is a beautiful place with a humungous walk-in humidor and lots of comfortable seating. To the immediate right of the entrance are enticing shelves with many bulk and tinned tobacco, including some of the greats from McClelland, Dunhill, Cornell & Diehl, GL Pease, BriarWorks (blended by C&D), and more. After smoking a cigar and wandering around, I bought an ounce of C&D Epiphany, which is a match for what Albert Einstein is said to have smoked: Revelation. I didn’t stay long enough to smoke a bowl of it, but I will when I get home in a few days. Habana House also has a small, but high-quality pipe selection, featuring, among others, beautiful Savinellis and Petersons.

The tobacconist on duty, a nice guy, was not a pipe man, so my chat was brief. I’ll have to return to the shop on my next visit to the city.