My curiosity was getting the better of me, and I decided I couldn't wait for my online orders to arrive. So today on my lunch hour I walked over to my local B&M tobacconist (Kremer's Smoke Shop, for you locals). All they had were American scotches -- Bruton, Red Seal, and Garrett (both the regular and the sweet). I hadn't really intended for any of these to be my first brands to try. I was wary, having read that they were not for beginners. But I had intended to try them at some point, anyway, so I thought, what the hell? I bought a can of Red Seal and a can of Garrett Sweet.
My work environment is pretty laid back. Mostly everyone is concentrating on their jobs and not paying any attention to anyone else, so when I got back to my desk, I figured I could discreetly try a couple of small sniffs. Did pretty well, too, for being a raw newbie. I inhaled a little too deeply once, which caused me to cough a couple of times, but otherwise I was OK.
I may change my mind further on down the road, but I don't think American scotches are going to be my first choice in snuffs. The Garrett tastes/smells OK (although it has a kick like a mule!), but I didn't care so much for the Red Seal. Primarily what I picked up from both brands was a hay-like smell, some smoky and malty notes, and an underlying sweetness.
With the Garrett, the sweetness is more of a sorghum-like flavor, and it balances well with the other elements. The hay-like notes are fresh and clean, the smokiness is pleasant, and the malt only adds a grace note. Although it will probably take me a long time to finish the can, this is one I think I'll return to once in a while.
With the Red Seal, the hay smells like it's been laying around in the barn too long and has gotten extremely musty and unpleasant. There's little smokiness, and far too much malt. The sweet notes smell/taste like a malt-flavored syrup. The worst part is, the musty hay smell lingers far too long and becomes cloying. The nicotine level is OK -- strong but not overwhelming -- but otherwise, this snuff is not my cup of tea at all. I'll probably put it up for trade, if anybody's interested.
I'm glad I tried these, and that I found one keeper. But overall, I can't say that the aromas/flavors were ones I'm eager to seek out again. I have a feeling I'll like the European and Asian snuffs much more.
My work environment is pretty laid back. Mostly everyone is concentrating on their jobs and not paying any attention to anyone else, so when I got back to my desk, I figured I could discreetly try a couple of small sniffs. Did pretty well, too, for being a raw newbie. I inhaled a little too deeply once, which caused me to cough a couple of times, but otherwise I was OK.
I may change my mind further on down the road, but I don't think American scotches are going to be my first choice in snuffs. The Garrett tastes/smells OK (although it has a kick like a mule!), but I didn't care so much for the Red Seal. Primarily what I picked up from both brands was a hay-like smell, some smoky and malty notes, and an underlying sweetness.
With the Garrett, the sweetness is more of a sorghum-like flavor, and it balances well with the other elements. The hay-like notes are fresh and clean, the smokiness is pleasant, and the malt only adds a grace note. Although it will probably take me a long time to finish the can, this is one I think I'll return to once in a while.
With the Red Seal, the hay smells like it's been laying around in the barn too long and has gotten extremely musty and unpleasant. There's little smokiness, and far too much malt. The sweet notes smell/taste like a malt-flavored syrup. The worst part is, the musty hay smell lingers far too long and becomes cloying. The nicotine level is OK -- strong but not overwhelming -- but otherwise, this snuff is not my cup of tea at all. I'll probably put it up for trade, if anybody's interested.
I'm glad I tried these, and that I found one keeper. But overall, I can't say that the aromas/flavors were ones I'm eager to seek out again. I have a feeling I'll like the European and Asian snuffs much more.
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