Review of Scandinavian Tobacco Group's Half & Half and other ramblings.
Пікірлер: 372
@NorthwoodsAmerican2 жыл бұрын
It’s comforting to know that we still have John to carry on his legacy through these videos. He was such a relaxing story teller and will always be sadly missed. R.I.P Sir
@Hosunlee89 Жыл бұрын
I miss this man. He was one of the first KZbin pipers I watched when I first started. I’m a young 33 now, but was 27 when I started. Matches, Bradley, and Muttnchop Piper were the three I watched religiously. I still come here to watch Matches’ old videos, feels like I’m listening to my old man telling me these stories. Never gets old no matter how many times I watch them…can’t believe it’s been 3 years already.
@gabbyhayes15683 жыл бұрын
I like the way John smoked his pipe. Traditionally “freight training” is not the preferred method, or the proper way to smoke a pipe, but it worked for him which is all that really matters. A testament to the old saying there is no one way to smoke a pipe. R.I.P. ole son.
@richardchartier79922 жыл бұрын
It's an easier and better way to give a review or tell a story etc.
@SomeRandomOldFatGuy Жыл бұрын
It's December 2022 and I'm loving how soothing all these videos are
@ollewahlroos76808 жыл бұрын
One of uncles used to smoke nothing but Half&Half,I gave him once a pouch of Harmony by MacBaren...he filled his old weary pipe and after a half a bowl the told me it was crap. Thanks again.
@Matches8608 жыл бұрын
+Olle Wahlroos LOL
@RolyPoly248 жыл бұрын
Olle Wahlroos usjsjsjsj
@motorizedlifting25344 жыл бұрын
Hilarious
@doc68067 ай бұрын
I have been a pipe smo,ermsince 1986, I have really enjoyed watching, and learning things I did not know from him. He was a real treasure to YTPC, his stories, his reviews, his life experiences he shared, his calm easy going personality all pure gold! I really miss him, even though I never got the chance to meet him. He was such a kind fellow. We are all a little less without him physicqlly with us. Thankfully though, we can still watch all of the treasure that was Matches860! I am ery grateful for that. In this way he is still here with us, just a click away, anytime we want to remember him. That also, is pure gold, and yes I am still,learning things from him. Thank You Matches 860!
@jamie.7775 жыл бұрын
Newbie here, Got my 1st pouch of Half & Half arrive Saturday, wich was a sunny cool day in Massachusetts and I had a day of yard work and leaf removal ..seems the stars were aligned! Pouch was sealed and once I broke the seal I was in love with the sweet, nutty, earthy hay like scent.. Damn, I had 3 bowls total and even ditched my expensive red max blower, I was in heaven raking and puffin this classic tobacco! Perfect cut and moisture!
@Matches8605 жыл бұрын
Oh yeah! Leaf time is a great time for any tobacco! I'll have to pick up some more H&H as well, it's been a while.
@dougowen97568 жыл бұрын
Hi John: Half and Half takes me back o 1967. Bought a big old sandblasted billiard from Arthur Leonard's pipe shop in Portland, Oregon and then proceeded to borrow a bit of Half and Half from my dad's humidor. I can't really remember my reaction (48 years is a long time) but I do remember showing up on campus smoking my new pipe and one of my pipe smoking professors assured me that smoking a pipe would automatically add 40 points to my I.Q., at least in the eyes of those around me. I don't think it really worked but I do remember that Half and Half in those days was considered one of the better drug store pipe tobaccos. Regards, Doug.
@Matches8608 жыл бұрын
+Doug Owen I was planning on doing a video about my very early smoking experiences. I did smoke a corncob at about age 13, but I had no access to pipe tobacco so we put dried banana peels in it. Naturally, I've never cared for bananas since.
@gratefulpipeandcigar32392 жыл бұрын
I’m a new piper and this is the first comment I put on one of Matches videos. I’ve seen probably 15 or so of his videos now. What a gem this guy was. Everybody’s friend. I want so badly to interact with him but this is just the way it is. I’ve tried about 10 or 12 different tobaccos in the month and a half that I’ve been smoking a pipe and I love them all. It matches his right when he says half-and-half is a bit of an odd duck. The flavor is so unique and I like it very very much. Matches smoked like a freight train, didn’t he? I want to ask him if he smoked this feverishly for his own enjoyment when he wasn’t recording a video. Maybe someone knows this and can tell me. I didn’t know of you when you were still around, Matches, but I feel like I sure miss you buddy. I will keep enjoying your videos.
@RichardT21122 жыл бұрын
John would have loved to chat. He was a gem of a man. Welcome to the YTPC!
@todd15243 жыл бұрын
This gentleman is a great story teller. Even when it’s just a story without and ending. God Bless
@richardchartier79922 жыл бұрын
I really like to listen to Matches. He has a great way of speaking to others.
@MultiFisherofmen Жыл бұрын
I still come to his channel to listen to the stories again and again. Sure miss the old fart
@todd15243 жыл бұрын
Drank miller high life beer! Had cut and scared knuckles from working on his prized machine. My dad was a worker! Never complained about his circumstances. Just worked hard Monday through Friday. Never worried about what other folks thought of him. He is a real man, hard calluses on his hands. Scars from years before. Always had a great story to tell to us youngsters.
@MonolithMike3 жыл бұрын
I just picked up my first pouch of H&H yesterday and you’re so right about that first whiff when you unseal it...unique and sublime simplicity. After smoking two bowls of it now, it’s going to be in my regular rotation for sure!
@hunnybadger_dsm18162 жыл бұрын
back to the first Matches video I ever watched
@MisterChris19788 ай бұрын
smoking half and half at the moment, though I would just on KZbin and watch a review or two. Matches pops up as the top video. Damn, I miss this guy. Watched him for a few years and think of him often. I am just going to sit back and have a smoke with my old friend.
@revenger7004 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the vid..I've been sitting on a pouch of half and half for awhile now...after seeing this I rushed home and packed a bowl..delicious!
@todd15243 жыл бұрын
White bread and sugar sandwiches. The old man working on his Harley Davidson in the garage. Remember my buddies dad with wheel grease on his hands and then grabbing a glazed donut , eating it ! And the saying Wheel grease ads another layer of flavor. A man ! A true man .
@fordsmokingpipes22474 жыл бұрын
Three classics Matches, a custombilt and Half&Half. Salute! Even a story of a flood is interesting when he told it.
@JWW9228 жыл бұрын
Thank you for your time and sharing your experiences! Another lurker.
@lunsj7 жыл бұрын
Hi Matches. Just came across your channel because of the Dagners. You smoke in the nicest looking places. Really enjoying how peaceful these videos are. Thanks for making them for us.
@doneanddone49527 жыл бұрын
I have tried and enjoyed many tobacco brands and mixtures and Half and Half is my favorite.
@PaulBielicki8 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the review, John. I've seen Half & Half on P&C and have considered getting a pouch but haven't done it yet. Your positive comments make me want to try it.
@baldpipesmoker17 жыл бұрын
Another fine review Matches! I became a fan of Half&Half about a year ago. I wasn't crazy about it when I first tried it, but my tastes changed and I gave it another shot. Now I smoke it almost everyday. After watching your review of Velvet I'm going to give it another chance. I ordered some the other day. That's a beautiful park you were in.
@Matches8607 жыл бұрын
Velvet is a nice smoke and it's understandable why it was so popular back in the day. It's a hidden gem!
@bandicoot54126 жыл бұрын
It's cased/topped with coriander, cardamon, and maze, how cool is that!
@insightvideo61366 жыл бұрын
Diane plowed over Long Island and took out enough timber to build 125,000 new homes. Love your videos and your video reviews sir. Thank you!
@Matches8606 жыл бұрын
Oh yeah, Long Island has a great history of stormy weather!
@todd15243 жыл бұрын
He’s like a man thinketh! Just a raw man telling about his pipe and tobacco experience. Love this gentleman!
@Joshua_Nikolai8 жыл бұрын
Lovely lovely spot. And a mighty fine pipe :) Glad you got to have some peace and quiet today. Thanks for the mention my friend. Talk soon! Peace
@Matches8608 жыл бұрын
+Joshua In The Woods I only had a view of a lot of trees, but it looked mighty good to me! Be well Bro!
@Pipesandstooges8 жыл бұрын
MMMMATCHESS 860.... Good afternoon John happy Friday to you..... Great video as always..... I agree with Joshua great spot...I Appreciate the mention about his videos.. Great Channel great message he has on things..... I enjoyed the story about the hurricane.. I'm a history guy... By the way I love that pipe! I wish I could get one....! Have a great weekend my friend thanks again
@Matches8608 жыл бұрын
+Pipes And kayaks What a wonderful pipe I had, and I couldn't help but think back on that hurricane. Of course, I was only 6 mos. old and living in Massachusetts at the time, but the story is still alive here in CT.
@Pipesandstooges8 жыл бұрын
Great story.. I enjoy history my friend
@grandpacavendish44228 жыл бұрын
Hi John: Thanks for the review, and the history. That's always interesting!! When my father smoked a pipe (which was infrequent; he mostly smoked Chesterfield cigarettes), he would choose this, or Edgeworth RR. I remember that he enjoyed it, when he did, though. Have a fine weekend. Stay clear of the rain. Be Well. Ed
@Matches8608 жыл бұрын
+GrandpaCavendish While the two tobaccos are different flavor wise, they are so similar in the way the topping works so well with the leaf. I'm surprised he didn't smoke Sir Walter Raleigh, which for me, seems closer to the cigarette taste.
@englishmanpipesmoker3425 Жыл бұрын
Miss you John 😔
@fishinpiper69728 жыл бұрын
Thanks again for another great review. I really enjoy your videos because you show just as much enthusiasm for an old blend like Half & Half or Carter Hall as you do for a much more expensive tin tobacco. Half and Half and Velvet are the two "different OTC's" for me. I like them both but more as a every now and then smoke as opposed to Carter Hall which I keep a tub handy. I recently tried John Patton's Moe's Confetti and like it very much. Congrats on all the views, looking forward to your Lurker video. Take care, Phil
@Matches8608 жыл бұрын
+Fishin Piper Oh yes, I'll most likely be smoking Moe's Confetti in an upcoming video...fantastic stuff!
@ReedbenderBud8 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the review and the bit of history. Great setting as usual. Lurking in the shadows (for now). Safe Travels.
@Matches8608 жыл бұрын
+Reedbender Bud Oh, a lurker! Join me May 20th and chime in on the discussion!
@GrayItalo8 жыл бұрын
Have been pondering placing some H&H into an upcoming order. Your vid convinced me to give it a go. Thank you and have a great weekend!
@Matches8608 жыл бұрын
+Ban Yeogja I hope you enjoy it as I did. I'm currently not into the more complex stuff, so this really fills the bill for me.
@JohnnyRebKy5 жыл бұрын
Half Half is about the only " drug store" I haven't tried. I guess we get set in our ways. My grandpa only smoked Prince Albert. When I started smoking pipes I learned how to smoke using Prince Albert. Now I've explored all these different blends, flavors, ect.....I always have a tub of Prince Albert on the desk. Perhaps being a Kentuckian who worked in Tobacco as my first jobs it reminds me of that Burley aroma coming from the barns in the fall. Prince Albert has that same chocolate smell to it. Ill have to check out the half and half soon though.
@Matches8605 жыл бұрын
It's a great experience to explore what our forefathers smoked back in the day. Love it or hate it, it gives you a sense of what those times were like.
@trailingthewoollymammoth39938 жыл бұрын
Beautiful place for your talk. Thanks for the Half & Half review. I very occasionally buy a pouch for a change. Fruity confectionery flavors is the closest definition I can give for the top note. Except for the black Cavendish, STG/Lane's Ole Shenandoah Bootlegged has a very similar mystery flavor to me.
@Matches8608 жыл бұрын
+Trailing The Woolly Mammoth Looking back at what I've liked in the past...they all seem to contain mystery flavors LOL.
@OhioMafiaPiper6 жыл бұрын
i can remember my first pouch of half&half i enjoyed it so much went and bought another pouch and cellered it
@DrummerKeithScott5 жыл бұрын
Haha, long time lurker here. I had a custom-bilt exactly like the one that was from my ex father in law I sold on the bay a few years ago. Interesting pipes that have a history here in Indianapolis. I had s Captain black pipe I sent away for off the coupon on the pouch back in the the 90's. I enjoyed half and half in that pipe. It was wonderful. One day I got brand new a Virginia Colonial long stem clay pipe. I fired that clay up with a bowl of half and half. The horrid taste that came through reminded me of Welch's grape juice but in a bad way. I haven't look back on half and half since but after watching this video I'm thinking about giving it another try but this time in a briar.
@presto5115 жыл бұрын
Great video...brings back memories of my Dad smoking Half and Half.. Enjoy your smoke!!!
@Matches8605 жыл бұрын
It was very popular back in the day for sure!
@troynov19658 жыл бұрын
Nice review, i use to smoke Half &Half all the time in my cobs. I never could figure out the topping neither lol. I still have a half a tub in my cabinet. I've always liked the OTC burley blends and like to switch them up over time. I have been on a Granger kick now for a while. Lane has done a really good job on the old OTC blends. The old blender of Half & Half you were thinking of was Pinkerton . I never did care for their version of Half &Half .The lane version is so much better and truer to the original recipe.
@Matches8608 жыл бұрын
+troynov1965 Yep, I think Pinkerton had the QC problem with Half & Half...perhaps too much anisette or something...it tasted like floor cleaner LOL.
@troynov19658 жыл бұрын
+Matches860 LOL ......used floor cleaner at that.
@Matches8608 жыл бұрын
+troynov1965 Mop strings and all.
@todd15243 жыл бұрын
I could hang out and have smoke with this gentleman. Great story teller. I liked the one about the girl. Takes me back to when I was a kid. My girl , that lives behind me two houses down. She was the shit! Wonder where she is now. Roller skates, street lights , block parties. The smell of our old mans cigarettes, food on the grill, the cracks of beer cans opening.
@michaleanmcelveen69397 жыл бұрын
Hurricanes isn't nothing to play with but I tried half and half for the first time today. Good stuff
@backcountrypipe8 жыл бұрын
Awesome video john. We share the same thoughts about the past when it comes to pipes and tobaccos. I enjoyed every second of this video. Thanks Regards Mark
@Matches8608 жыл бұрын
+backcountrypipe Mark, how's it going! Yes, stepping back in time with a pipe...nothing quite as satisfying! Hope all is well Buddy! BTW, I finally got around to trying MacBarens Vanilla Cream...wow! Very nice!
@UFO4X5 жыл бұрын
I’m smoking some in my Savinelli 673KS Rusticated Tortuga, aka Friday Savinelli, as I’m watching this video! I had it sitting in a jar for two years. Tastes great! Don’t know if it Aged, because it may have some preservative in it, not sure! I would sure love to get me one of those Custombilts! Great video and scenery! Happy Smokes! 💨
@MadameM.8 жыл бұрын
What a great video, and what a handsome pipe! Love it. Yes, my own grandfather smoked half and half, and I could smell it in his pipe years after he passed away. Cannot wait for your "tribute to lurkers" video. That'll be a gem!
@Matches8608 жыл бұрын
+michellev222 Tribute to lurkers is expected to be a blockbuster...don't mess it up LOL.
@MadameM.8 жыл бұрын
+Matches860 No messing up, guaranteed delivery!
@Matches8608 жыл бұрын
+michellev222 I have tons of faith in you!
@MadameM.8 жыл бұрын
+Matches860 Well that right there means everything, John. What a nice thing to say. I've been going over it in my mind for days. I'm very excited about it all! What an honor for me! After all, you're a legend!
@tastymouse6 жыл бұрын
Yes, whatever flavoring there is, is extremely subtle, to me. I like Half and Half, and all the other drug store blends, too. But Velvet, not so much. Thanks for posting.
@MrSliderdad2 жыл бұрын
My grandpa smoked this & my grandma called it half tobacco & half horse poop!
@oleberg6158 жыл бұрын
I have a small collection of custom built I really like them ..what do you think
@jackcasner84197 жыл бұрын
Watching your blog and seeing your mustache come and go reminds me of when I grew a lip awning and then shaved my upper lip. I grew a full beard back in 1960, to recognize the hundredth anniversary of Kansas statehood. I liked the beard and stash but I became acquainted with a woman who told me "Nothing Doing" unless I shaved. Always being a man of no principles whatsoever, and being given to frolicking with people of the female persuasion, I hastened to a barber who brandished a sharp instrument and proceeded to bare my soul. When my garnishment had been removed the barber handed me a mirror. Zounds! I beheld what seemed to be a forty-seven-acre upper lip. I immediately re-grew my trimmings and I've worn a beard ever since. I was 24 at the time of "The Great Denuding" and I'm a hirsute 81 now.
@Matches8607 жыл бұрын
I basically never shaved my upper lip until I hit forty something. During a mid-life crises in my late fifties I grew it back again. If it gets any grayer then it's coming off I think.
@Smokenscotch8 жыл бұрын
Wonderful setting and sounds like a nice blend. Cheers!
@Matches8608 жыл бұрын
+Smokenscotch It appears as though Half & Half may be discontinued soon...it's a real shame!
@bremenpipesmoker65718 жыл бұрын
Hello John! Great review - as always! Is it some kind of "good by"? ...because, some days ago, I was at Ronny`s place...and one old man ( he was only smoking Half & Half for over 50 years) ordered a pouch...and we got the information, that STG just shut down the complete production of Half & Half (without any announcement)...so...its not available any more ... at least on the German market... Thank you so much for sharing! And take care, John! Mark
@Matches8608 жыл бұрын
+Bremen Pipe Smoker Wow! Perhaps my timing was perfect. Haven't heard that news before now.
@tomsawyerpiper94125 жыл бұрын
Bremen Pipe Smoker Update: Half&Half is still available, still made by STC, on the American market.
@DropbearWoodworks8 жыл бұрын
One of my favourite tobaccos that I always seem to have hanging around. It's a toss up for me between Velvet and Half & Half. Stay well mate.
@Matches8608 жыл бұрын
+Pipe Nutter Thanks for coming by Mate! Somehow Velvet just never did it for me...I may have to re-try it again.
@DropbearWoodworks8 жыл бұрын
+Matches860 it's not for every one. I do however love to bounce around all the OTC's. I seem to have a penchant for these blends as I find the more cigaretty and that is enough to curb my need for my beloved cigarettes. Lol. You never know, one day I might forget to buy cigs and just keep puffing. By the way, do you own a falcon? I love smoking H&H in my falcons.
@Matches8608 жыл бұрын
+Pipe Nutter Just gave my only Falcon away to DuncPandyboyFuller in the U.K. as I'm trying to downsize.
@dyskover8 жыл бұрын
Nicely paced video. I think the smell I get from Half n Half is a cherry sort..though not a thorough aromatic, more in the codger line. It took me longest to appreciate of the big 4, those being SWR, PA, and CH, along with 1/2 &1/2 from the days of my youthful experience, which only intermittently took the form of a pipe.
@Matches8608 жыл бұрын
+dyskover Yep, I read that too, but if it is cherry, it's very muted.
@MartyLJ575 жыл бұрын
Half & Half was my grandfather smocked next to his White Owl Cigars. As a new bee in the late 70's it was my first Tabasco.
@alfonsomural47924 жыл бұрын
This stuff is so nutty for me, I love it.
@SmokinBriar8 жыл бұрын
Over the years, I've watched many times as an older fella would walk into some tobacco shop I was at, go right past all the great blends we have now days and pick up a pouch of half & half. I often wondered why. I guess I still do lol. It's not a blend for me John...you know me and burley but I sure did enjoy this video of you in the woods! Take care my friend!
@Matches8608 жыл бұрын
+Smokin' Briar Mike, I often think along those same lines...imagine an old codger in the 50's smoking latakia the first time! Old habits die hard!
@SmokinBriar8 жыл бұрын
+Matches860 Ha...I grew up with my dad and his buddy smoking Borkum riff Bourbon blend! I'm surprised I even took up pipe smoking after being around that all my younger years. But then again, I smoked good old Capt. black white for years before I got into the "Good stuff" lol.
@Matches8608 жыл бұрын
+Smokin' Briar I usually don't like to make negative comments on tobaccos, but for me, Captain Black is the bottom of the barrel!
@SmokinBriar8 жыл бұрын
+Matches860 Some people swear by Capt. black....Now days I swear at it 😂
@Matches8608 жыл бұрын
+Smokin' Briar LOL, well, it's whatever floats your boat...it just doesn't float mine.
@MrStevie578 жыл бұрын
Yo John,I just got some Latakia Junction which I don't particularly like,so I put it next to the vanilla cream which I also don't like much .Then I had an idea,I took a pinch of each mixed them together and I love it.Maybe you can do a review on my new blend,what u think?
@wogy738 жыл бұрын
Moin Moin John, having a great trip with my Burgman to Motzeks tobacco shop in Kiel, now i smokeked a pipe and watched Matches 860, tonight I have some drinks with my british frien Alistair. . . . the day can't do any better:-) In 1969/70 when i was stioned with the german navy at the east coast of the US, I smoked only Half and Half. Because the PX did not have anything else. Since that time I cannot stand this tobacco anymore. But still, a lot of smokers love this stuff. So You do:-)) Have good time best wishes Wolfgang
@Matches8608 жыл бұрын
+wogy73 LOL, I guess that would turn anyone off a tobacco. BTW, I mailed out a package to you yesterday...you should have it before Christmas I would think!
@kernicusrax8 жыл бұрын
a Matches video. Must be Friday! I know what you mean about Joshua. He manages to turn the slightly mundane into a magical event. Great to watch. Thanks for the views from on high and for the extra education.
@Matches8608 жыл бұрын
+Kernicus Rax Thanks for watching Kevin! Yeah, Joshua always leaves me pondering on one subject or another...a terrific entertainer.
@johnspencer72915 жыл бұрын
i love half and half,the only way i cxan explain its flavor is it reminds me of russian tea
@imawrench8 жыл бұрын
Fine video John. So many names I don't recognize in the comments. What a great way to include the "lurkers" I have a few that I encourage to jump in and make a video due to their fine comments. I need to re-visit my Half and Half. Not to thrilled the first time I tried it, but its been in the jar awhile and maybe got a little tastier. Loving the Custom-Bilt. I like so many are on the hunt for one, thanks to Tom, hehehe. Be well my friend, Stephen
@Matches8608 жыл бұрын
+imawrench Amazingly, I'm getting a few lurkers ready to make their first video! I believe we have a lot of folks on the side who just need a push!
@nathanhassey47244 жыл бұрын
Miss you. RIP
@climb4him5728 жыл бұрын
Love the birthday shoutout, Happy Birthday Matt McGill!
@Matches8608 жыл бұрын
+Climb4Him Yeah! I got a message from him this morning and we may have pushed him to make a video!
@rjlionheart5 жыл бұрын
Half and Half - it’s what Grandpa smoked in his old rusticated squat bulldog straight stem sitting on the back porch under the Concord grape trellis. As a little boy I knew I would someday be a pipe smoker...
@TheCastelloCodger8 жыл бұрын
Looking forward to May 20th! I consider myself a lurker, but I do comment from time to time, and I've made a video or two, with the intent to make more soon after I get over this persistent cold. So I guess I'm not really. Happy Birthday Matt! Early in my pipe smoking career, I tried H&H and I can't say I liked it, but maybe on account of you, I'll go buy another pouch and give it a more thoughtful chance. Thanks for the company John.
@Matches8608 жыл бұрын
+mgvsquared I'm still not sure of the proper definition of a lurker...there may be varieties!
@mindfulnessqueretaro51298 жыл бұрын
My dear friend Matches860. I just receive my package from SmokingPipes. And I have my Half and Half here with me. From my point of view, It taste like smell! Amazing for me. Maybe a poor man blend. Mike Jagger says in cases like this, "but I like it!" Thank you friend for teaching me so many things. Glad to found you here in internet.
@Matches8608 жыл бұрын
Oh Cesar, so glad you were able to get some! Half & Half was actually one of a few mass produced tobaccos that were available readily in the U.S. back in the day. For that reason, some now turn up there noses at it, but this was what American pipe smoking was before the internet.
@maxboonkittypoison5 жыл бұрын
Nice review and so is the view over the valley. Really great place to life there. Greetings,, Kitty.
@judge4all9 ай бұрын
Great review RIP
@josephblum90558 жыл бұрын
Master John the Story raconteur.....;-) absolute great ! I smoke Half&Half 1970 . 2 pipes----nevermore. Have a nice Time, Joseph
@Matches8608 жыл бұрын
+Joseph Blum Thank you Joseph!
@SouthwestAficionado8 жыл бұрын
Relaxing video. I'm doing a little reminiscing myself this afternoon. I'm smoking some Amphora Red in my Ropp Cherrywood. Outstanding!
@Matches8608 жыл бұрын
+Southwest (Micah) Somone else just mentioned Amphora...I'll have to look into it.
@bjornrippen91998 жыл бұрын
Hi John. I have to admit that I haven't tried half and half yet. So thanks for the reminder. Have a nice weekend, my friend. I am allready looking forward to may 20th :-) Be well Björn
@Matches8608 жыл бұрын
+Björn Rippen Keep an eye on your mailbox Bjoern, I sent something out Thursday for you...hope you like it!
@tubesurfing2 ай бұрын
The tin note smells like some kind of olives...I'm surprised at how good it is overall...perfect everyday smoke.
@PadrePiper8 жыл бұрын
Ordered a pouch earlier this year and never opened it. You've motivated me to give it try this weekend! Hope you have a GREAT weekend, my friend! +PP
@Matches8608 жыл бұрын
+Padre Piper Yeah, go for it! This would certainly be ideal in the heat of summer too.
@PadrePiper8 жыл бұрын
+Matches860 Looking forward to the Lurkers' Edition!
@sasquatchpiper76098 жыл бұрын
Another great review bro. I picked up a pouch today, even before watching this review. And was doing some research as well. And your right. Nothing on what the flavor is. I love this baccy though. Stay well and sweet smokes.
@Matches8608 жыл бұрын
+sasquatch Yeah, it's odd that something this old still keeps that secret.
@dreimer28 жыл бұрын
The only drug store blend I see around here is Prince Albert. It is really interesting that I can't find any others around here (Montana). I will keep my eye out for some Half & Half.
@Matches8608 жыл бұрын
+Drew Of The Shed Fewer and fewer places here are selling any of this stuff anymore...what a shame.
@manicheanwarrior85898 жыл бұрын
Back in the sixties Half and Half was the first tobacco I ever smoked. For some reason it left me a little green around the gills. I switched over to Velvet. Might be time to pick up a another pouch since the one I have is probably a little dry by now. Thanks
@Matches8608 жыл бұрын
+ManicheanWarrior Velvet didn't do much for me. This is actually pretty good!
@chg3398 жыл бұрын
A great tobacco John. Have a nice Weekend. Best wishes from Bavaria. Christian
@Matches8608 жыл бұрын
+Christian Greim I won't be buying a tub of this, but it's really got a place in the "once in a while" department.
@chiliwalker82635 жыл бұрын
I smoke half and half almost daily...it has a cherry and menthol flavor..i blend 50 percent h&h 25 percent carter hall and 25 percent sir walter and its really good in my opinion..smoking the blend right now..love it
@Matches8605 жыл бұрын
So, the question back to you is, do you smoke H&H from pouches or bulk? Have you experienced a difference between the two? (Asking for Sgt. Savinelli, LOL)
@chiliwalker82635 жыл бұрын
Matches860 ..pouch only..i rarly buy any brand in bulk.
@pipesmoker42388 жыл бұрын
I just had my first bowl of H&H in a cob. Very smooth and mild. No bad after taste. Milder than Carter Hall but I also enjoy CH. I believe H&H will be in my rotation which also includes 965 and English Luxury. H&H lit easily and stayed lit. 45 minute smoke that I enjoyed. Enjoy your next bowl, I know I will.....
@Matches8608 жыл бұрын
I really like it as a change from my usual somewhat bland burley's.
@dyskover7 жыл бұрын
Recently, I've dyskovered D&R blends, and their Athey might find a sweet spot in your rotation, as a change of pace.
@normanwilliams78538 жыл бұрын
Awesome video John and yes my dad use smoke half and half and I do to it is a good tobacco
@Matches8608 жыл бұрын
+Norman Williams If I didn't have 40-11 tobaccos in the house, I could easily settle down with this one!
@RichardT21128 жыл бұрын
"I was watching Joshua in the woods before I came out here" John, I never pictured you as a peeping Tom - maybe an influence from the pipe.. LoL ;) Great review! I need to find some!
@Matches8608 жыл бұрын
+Richard T That was sick Richard, very sick! LOL.
@RichardT21128 жыл бұрын
+Matches860 Would you have expected anything less than that from me? It was just too easy to resist ... To be fair, as Tom is responsible for the pipe, it was that nucleation which started the whole mental mess that put me down that train of thought ;) yes, I know, I need help!
@Matches8608 жыл бұрын
+Richard T Yeah, that's pretty twisted...I like it!
@Theobacconist8 жыл бұрын
Very nice review, John! I do like the flavor of this blend. I do find that it can be a bit on the bitey side though. Do you get that as well, or no? Cheers, Eric
@Matches8608 жыл бұрын
+Theobacconist Nearly everything bites me Eric because I tend to smoke aggressively, but this remains cool for me...that was one helluva good smoke I had there.
@althepipelesspiper98308 жыл бұрын
Never tried H&H and now I will. Great vid! Oh, I just realized it's Friday and you're not smoking the Friday Savinelli? Oh the humanity of it all! I'm depressed. lol
@Matches8608 жыл бұрын
+The PiPeLeSs Piper Yeah, I have to consider a number of things when putting a video together. The Friday Savinelli is almost a given, but the Custom-bilt fit in much better this morning, plus I had already taken the thumbnail pic LOL.
@MrDavidMoriarty8 жыл бұрын
I've never had any of the drugstore blends, which probably means I've skipped a huge rite of passage as a pipe smoker! I've been looking for that shape of custombilt for the longest. I have to assume that Tom gets them all!
@Matches8608 жыл бұрын
+The Joy Of Piping Well, all my experience goes back to the days (pre-internet) when my choices were limited. It's a lot of fun though to experience what the old timers smoked. Yeah, Tom is Mr. Custombilt!
@mercoid8 жыл бұрын
I recently picked up on H&H again after 25 yrs or so. I'm finding its not what it used to be, but oh well... it's an agricultural product after all. It can't always be 100% consistent. Still I do enjoy it on occasion.
@Matches8608 жыл бұрын
+mercoid I have always been amazed that a company like C&D can maintain their consistency given the fact that they're really buying a different product all the time. I'm not familiar with how much tobacco varies from year to year, but I always get the same tasting stuff.
@mercoid8 жыл бұрын
+Matches860 C&D and most tobacco companies do a remarkable job at maintaining consistency. It's incredible.
@guywitherspoon22288 жыл бұрын
Enjoyed the vid immensely, both for the review and the scenery. Smoked a new Savinelli bulldog with "Bat With a Hat" 'baccy whilst watching. You have a good weekend also, and God bless! ~ Guy
@Matches8608 жыл бұрын
+Guy Witherspoon Thanks for joining me Guy! Oh boy, a Savinelli bulldog!
@leatherneck_p15108 жыл бұрын
Interesting matches, I haven't tried half and half yet. Based on your recommendation I did get some carter hall and lane ready rubbed. Very impressed with the lane, but the CH was a little to sweet for me. However, 50/50 CH and Lane is a great combo! On another note I tried Peretti 333, now I have the huge jar of Lane RR that's being neglected! Sweet smoke! Kent
@Matches8608 жыл бұрын
+Leatherneck_Piper LMAO! The same thing has been happening to me lately, a great tobacco gets pushed to the back seat for a greater one. It's all good!
@andrewwomble27223 жыл бұрын
I enjoy half and half from time to time but I don't enjoy how it ghosts a pipe. It lingers around longer than Latakia in my opinion. You really need a dedicated pipe for it.
@Dartmouth_CNC8 жыл бұрын
I never tried the half & half, I'm interested in giving it a shot. That hurricane sounded like it really messed up Connecticut WOW
@Matches8608 жыл бұрын
+PipeLeisure My house and neighborhood was under construction at the time and was one of the few places that stayed relatively dry around here. I'm guessing that's how the neighborhood's nickname "Highlands" came to be.
@Dartmouth_CNC8 жыл бұрын
+Matches860 oh interesting
@toddemfield65766 жыл бұрын
Love half and half its the best I've had.
@Matches8606 жыл бұрын
It certainly can hit the spot sometimes!
@SgtSavinelli7 жыл бұрын
Love Half and Half
@alexmcgregor70828 жыл бұрын
Cardamom, Coriander, and Maze.
@onastariknight26528 жыл бұрын
I swore off Half & Half and Bali shag after using them for hand rolled cigs when I was a kid haha. Now that I converted over to pipe smoking might have to give it another try.
@Matches8608 жыл бұрын
+On AstariKnight In all of my readings for this, I thought I may have read that this was once rolled into commercial cigarettes at one time...I didn't inhale this, but I'd guess it's pretty smooth going down.
@matthewgabbard64158 жыл бұрын
What makes me say that is I get the same flavor as a Hearth and Hime blend that Russ blended to be like the old OTC blends. He mentions cinnamon so I think it has a bit in it. Also some sort of fruit or milled spice maybe? Your guess is as good as mine haha. It just tastes like Half and Half
@Matches8608 жыл бұрын
+Matthew Gabbard You won't believe this, but I just ate a purple jelly bean that had the same flavor as H&H...maybe it's grape???
@Pipesandstooges8 жыл бұрын
John believe it or not I just finished my first Bowl of half and half and it was pretty darn good was just like you said it was very cool I enjoyed it I still think I would pick SWR over this but it would be my second choice I definitely like it better than Carter Hall all the lane Limited RR it's going to be one of my go to tobaccos... Thank you
@Matches8608 жыл бұрын
Yeah, it's a refreshing change now and then. I wouldn't mind being stuck with a pouch if I had nothing else.
@Pipesandstooges8 жыл бұрын
It's definitely in my rotation now.. well that place that I went hiking in my last video somebody in the town here tells me that there was a plane crash up there in World War II and that there's a memorial somewhere in the woods on that trail I'm going to go and see if I can find it today now that's what I want to do it today let's see if that happens thanks John
@Matches8608 жыл бұрын
That sounds awesome...wish I could join you!
@Pipesandstooges8 жыл бұрын
John that would be great! Hopefully we can down the road 👍👍
@sirjames37718 жыл бұрын
I can't figure out if you are inhaling the smoke or not. You do great videos - keep 'er up. btw, I continue my infatuation with Haunter Bookshop Jim
@Matches8608 жыл бұрын
No, while some pipers do inhale, pipe tobacco is not treated with all the chemicals which allow one to inhale cigarettes, and is actually extremely harsh going down.
@vincesun34638 жыл бұрын
Actually you know what tobacco is quite good now believe it or not, Paladin black cherry. It tastes like burley and black cherry, thats it. No more cherry robitussin taste ! It has a pleasant aroma too. I was shocked at how much better it is compared to the older version.
@Matches8608 жыл бұрын
+Vince Sun I'll keep that one in mind also.
@riverrat61057 жыл бұрын
love me some half n half. great videos man
@Matches8607 жыл бұрын
I'll take a pouch anytime. It's a refreshing change from my usual.
@riverrat61057 жыл бұрын
+Matches860 yes sir
@tlt83247 жыл бұрын
Matches860 I'm new to smoking and i like the vids, you sound like a radio personality with your intro
@Matches8607 жыл бұрын
Welcome! You have to ham up the intro. (I think it's a rule).
@ziggynumnums52436 жыл бұрын
Half and Half was my first taste of non-aromatic pipe tobacco. It was stimulating in it's own right. Haven't smoked it in nearly a year, but plan to crack a pouch soon.
@Matches8606 жыл бұрын
Technically speaking, there is a flavoring (or flavorings) added to Half & Half, but it most certainly isn't one of those over cased blends. I'm unable to detect the anise casing which others detect, so for me it's a non-aromatic I guess.
@ziggynumnums52436 жыл бұрын
Matches860 For sure. I'm interested to see what my palate picks up after this last year of trying new blends and their general make up.
@Matches8606 жыл бұрын
"Palate exercise" took me maybe 4 to 5 years. The last type I mastered was Orientals, but I usually need a hint that they are in a blend because they can be difficult to find.
@vincesun34638 жыл бұрын
I used to like it when both pinkerton and american tobacco made it. Granger too was one i liked as well as Velvet.
@Matches8608 жыл бұрын
+Vince Sun Granger also fell into that QC issue back in the '90's. The tobacco had a mild taste of burning plastic...it was probably made by the same manufacturer then.
@vincesun34638 жыл бұрын
You are correct, both were nasty then.
@GTFiorano8 жыл бұрын
love it, I am still working on what half and half is for me too.
@Matches8608 жыл бұрын
+GTFiorano I doubt this would ever become my everyday smoke, but it's terrific to visit now & then.
@MegaGuitarplayer925 жыл бұрын
I just got some for the first time and it’s amazing definatly my favorite otc blend
@Matches8605 жыл бұрын
Funny, over the years I've had various luck with Half & Half and recall reading that there were a few bad batches along the way. When it's good, it's really good!