4noggins Bulk: HARVEST MOON

After a very long hiatus I’ve taken up the pipe again. It’s been 15 years and I’m well into my 70’s now but over 50 years ago when I first was introduced to pipe smoking in the early 70’s, as a college student I read an article in Playboy Magazine. It touted Lane’s Crown Achievement as one of the best blends available. It just so happened that a tobacconist was going out of business in Rochester, NY so I moseyed on down there and picked up a tin. I think it was about $10 which was a lot for me at the time but I to this day clearly remember twisting off the lid, noticing the little bit of staining on the delicate paper wrapping and then opening it up upon which my olfactory senses were treated to an aroma which I had never experienced and have not ever since. I was forever hooked on English blends after finishing off this exquisite, apparently for me, once in a lifetime experience. Many years later I found Crown Achievement again but it was not the same.
I’m still looking so if anyone can point me to something close I would be so appreciative.
In addition to a new Peterson pipe, I ordered the English sampler and am just now starting with Harvest Moon which is pleasant but no where near what I am looking for.

Since I started buying this in 2008, this has always been the go to for me. I don't smoke all day most of the time. I smoke before work, lunch and after work. This is my noon on blend. It is soft on the palette yet fulfilling to me. The Burley tobacco makes this seem mild but gives it body. The stoved Red Virginia tobacco adds a little sweetness and flavor then the Latakia just fills up the smoke like dessert! I get great body and a full mouth with Harvest Moon. It is not overpowering, not too much nicotine and I don't have to drink something all during the smoke. No tongue bite, burns slow and clean. I love the smell and taste of this one. I have played a little, adding perique or orientals, it adds more but isn't needed. This is just an easy satisfying smoke. The room note is not always liked but seems to be tolerated pretty well.

It's been a while ago that I placed my last order at 4noggins, and completely forgot about the pouch of Harvest Moon that I just found that Rich had put in with the order. What a good surprise! I love the real Latakia bombs that he sells, but I guess harvest moon could be a very nice good-morning smoke. The latakia is definitely there, but it's a kind of mellowed out, keeping a certain complexity. Thanks Rich, will be placing me next order soon! DavidK

This was one of the first blends that introduced me to pipe smoking. I'm now spoiled. Harvest Moon is wonderful for sitting on a stump contemplating where I'm going to grub brush or at my computer in the evening. It is my all day smoke. I would recommend it unconditionally.