Is there any real difference between the more expensive F&T High Dry Toast and Wilson’s No. 22? I sometimes find it hard to believe that they’re not just putting the same snuff in two different tins. There’s maybe a more “creamy” taste to the F&T, but I wonder if that’s all in my head.
I believe that there is a difference but to be honest that may just be batch variation. The HDT and 22 are quite variable in quality it seems to me. The emperor may indeed have no clothes.
I saw this post… And I just had to say… I love F&T’s High Dry Toast. I haven’t tried Wilson’s of Sharrow’s Irish High Toast #22 though, so I can’t compare the two… But the HDT is one of my favorites. Just had to say. Enjoying a pinch of it right now actually!
There’s small but clear difference in colour, texture and scent and of course cool F&T tin. I always order them together from Wilsons of Sharrow, pound of #22 and large tin of HDT.
@AllanH How are you?
I find the #22 has more flavour vs HDT. Not to take anything away from HDT, very good powder indeed.
Edit: I love all my English toast.
@Bipolarbear1968 I’m fine, nice to see you back here! Hope you’re well. And I agree, Wilsons #22 has more flavour than HDT, but sometimes more subdued flavours are great too. Variety is the spice of life.
I find the HDT quite creamy too.
#22 has a much more deep wood aroma to it. I actually do not smell that much from the lighter HDT. For me the smell of #22 is pretty damn good. Like a hunting lodge or something. However #20 smells insane! I want to EAT it.
I just like the idea of everyone sitting down with these two fine snuffs and doing a side by side comparison. One is a damn fine snuff, the other is a damn fine snuff that is even better at being damn fine, more biscuit. Epic win right there! Just do it! ( I sure like me some biscuit btw!).
@JohnnyFriday - Now the #20 is a whole different animal entirely, and a must try in my book. There is nothing else like it IMHO. I have been a fan for a long time, a must have in my daily rotation.
@Whalen Which one is more “biscuit”? Can you elaborate a bit?
I really don’t mind HDT, I think mine is more evenly milled as its very uniform when snuffing. #22 is my flavor choice, but I think it does have a bit of dustiness that can mean just a few specs go all the way up. HDT is mellow, #22 is rich.
On #20, I don’t care if it is a toast or an SP… that’s not what its about. What is important is that it smells so damned deliciously insane. Its perfectly zesty, there is nothing cloying about it, and the tobacco still comes through. I’m pretty sure it is my favorite.
Some would call it more of a nutty flavor, but I get a bisciut flavor in the F&T, which I love. The #22 has a bit more smoke.
#20 is a true classic and there is no other like it.
@Whalen : You know where it’s at man. BISCUIT ! … Where’s the butter
I must order #20 on my next order, you’ve made it smell amazing in my mind!
Now I’m a bit self conscious regarding expressing my love for #20. I hope other people can chime in on their experience with it. Perhaps we need to create a separate thread regarding it so we dont clog up this one and get too far off topic.
I had one going a long time ago, I believe everyone should give it a go. It is a Toasted SP, along with … Unique!
Lots of WoS snuffs are duplicated in the other ranges that they make and some are actually identical - which they don’t hide - I forget which it is but something like Tom Buck and Queens. I have definitely been sent 22 when I ordered HDT and vice versa.
Maybe we should make a thread that states which snuffs are identical so newbies like me don’t have to over buy. Mine are definitely different, color, flavor, and grind. But that could just be the batch I have. It does however sound like Whalen, myself, AlanH, and Bipolar bear have the same batchs.
Nope the two are very different. I’ve gone through multple tins of each. My results have been consistant. I’ve decided on the WoS as my keeper, as I prefer the stronger flavor. As to what snuffs are exactly the same as another, this happens often with contract brands (Tranter’s, Smith’s, Atherthons, Jaxsons, etc - though Mullins and Westley seem exempt from this trend). The only two WoS labeled snuffs that are identical are Tom Buck and Queens Extra Strong. SP Silver is the same as Best SP but a finer grind. Pöschl have a few that they market in different regions that are identical in all but name. I’m not as familiar with those, but my understanding is Johhny Apricot is the Austrian version of Gawith Apricot. MiB/Red Star has some extensive analysis of these over at snuffreviews.com.
I’m with Xander, they’re very different. One test is to put some of each in a smashbox for 2 years. At that point, the Wilson’s will taste like the day you opened it. The F&T will be different and challenging IMHO.