I’ve had the opportunity to try some of Stitch’s snuff and a real pleasure it was too. The two types he sent me were Brandy Thai and Arizona Brandied Organic - both rich and full bodied and if they were available in a store anywhere near me I would certainly buy them. I got two small bags of the snuff from Stitch and put them into identical, clean, rosewood boxes to sample. Arizona Brandied Organic ****************************** This had a fine grind and rich colour. The flavour was not apparent when just sniffing the open snuff box and on taking a pinch I found it to be a nice, solid, snuff. I don’t know if it had aired too much in transit but I found the flavour too subtle to pin down, although there was something there in the distance that gave it it’s character. If ‘brandied’ means brandy is used in it, it was a bit too evaporated for me to get. However, I really liked it and would use it if I had a supply. Brandy Thai ************** This is a lovely snuff, full of character and elusive perfume. I got the raisin flavour that you get with Redman, somewhere in the background, and various spicy notes. This was the most flavoursome of the two and snuffers who like flavoured snuffs would go for this in a big way. Both snuffs are finely and evenly ground and pack a reasonable hit of nicotine. I would like to try stronger versions of them if possible - with a bit more punch, the Arizona would be a fantastic snuff
snuffster, the Thai snuff has some similarities with the american sweet scotch snuffs. So if you have never had a sweet scotch, you’ll get an idea of what they are like.
Snuffster, Thanks for your thoughtful reviews. I am just putting my toe in the snuff making waters, so getting the impressions of long-time snuffers is very helpful. I have tried not to be too heavy handed with flavorings, and your experience was pretty much what I was aiming for. Something that adds character. You would, of course, get a richer aroma decanting from a large jar as opposed to a couple grams in a plastic bag. But you are the first to suggest a stronger flavor and more nicotine. Of my limited sample, most rated it quite strong. I could make these snuffs probably twice as strong by discarding all the coarse material - pieces of veins and stems, after the first screening, Result: 90 to 95% pure leaf lamina by weight. With a thin leaf tobacco like Virginia, one looses a around half of the initial weight with this operation. The result is finer, darker, richer in scent, and higher in nicotine. It’s rather too strong for most accustomed to the popular European brands. This would bring it into the same league, at least in terms of nicotine, with Spanish Jewel. A few years to mature, and it may achieve a more complex flavor. I am very much encouraged by your review and thank you for participating in my initial snuff studies.
That said, maybe my natural tastes are more American - I usually struggle to find snuff that is strong enough, which is why, for the most part, I use SPs and toasts. It was a pleasure, though - I would definately be up for more if you ever get this project up and running.
I would love to see a new high nicotene snuff hit the market. I absolutely love the Spanish Jewel for the kick. If you could create a tasty high power snuff I would definitely be buying a bunch.
well, I think he is on the right path, there is a lot of potential for a really good snuff with what he’s doing