Ramback Balkan
D&R: "A light bodied and smooth tasting blend with a flavorful and characteristic oriental finish. An exquisite combination of premium Balkan Oriental and Balkan Virginia sun-cured tobaccos, exceptional Yenice (Yenidje) and Basma tobaccos, and the finest Virginia flue cured tobaccos. Enjoy a perfect balance of exotic and familiar smoking sensations. No chemical flavorings added." ~$22lb.
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- Re: Ramback Balkan
- Posted by ADyer on Saturday, 23-Feb-2013
So I finally found a way I could purchase some Ramback Balkan.. and the damn stuff has been discontinued! D&R e-mailed me very briefly to say that it has been indefinitely discontinued and they aren't even sure if it'll be back at all :(
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I am so incredibly sad to see that such a magnificent and outstandingly world-class tobacco has to be removed from production. Any firther news on it please post here! Thanks.
- Re: Ramback Balkan
- Posted by Scott on Wednesday, 09-Apr-2008
It appears that D&R no longer sells Ramback Balkan or Ramback Gold. Anyone know why?
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- Re: Ramback Balkan
- Posted by dave z on Wednesday, 09-Apr-2008
Not true, I not only just received an order, but also called and they have plenty in stock with no intent on stopping the sale, of the RB at least. I didnt ask about the Gold though. :)
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- Re: Ramback Balkan
- Posted by Kerry on Wednesday, 09-Apr-2008
Scott,
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I *think* you are referring to the fact that the D&R web site hasn't been updated in a long time. I always call in my order, but I still can't understand why Mark hasn't at least put up some pages with descriptions of the new products since the last site update. For that matter, I think he could save some money by simply putting up pages of descriptions of the products and prices, and the toll free phone number. This could be easily done and I am sure there are many who would volunteer to help for free, or at least for a discount on future purchases. (grin)
- Balkan Flavour
- Posted by ADyer on Saturday, 29-Mar-2008
I live in the UK and have endless trouble trying to get hold of any D&R tobaccos (I will get some of this eventually), but could anybody here tell me how this compares to the Ramback Turkish blend? What do people think are the best blends of Ramback Balkan and Ramback Turkish (and Ramback Gold perhaps)?
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I want as pure a Turkish/Balkan blend as possible but with good burning qualities. Does the Balkan burn better than the Turkish?
- Re: Balkan Flavour
- Posted by Captain U 96 aka Mike on Thursday, 10-Apr-2008
Welcome to the forum, ADyer.
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Ramback is a blend of Yenidje and Izmir, with other Turkish tobaccos. D&R uses only the highest grades of Turkish in all their Oriental blends. "a, ab & ag" grades! I had long searched for a true Turkish blend. What little I got from Bugler was enough to energize this desire in me for Turkish. Then, one day I decided to do a search on the Internet, and found RYO Magazine, D&R Tobacco, and this site; all in one sitting. When my first bag of Ramback arrived 3 days later I was extatic with joy, and for the next 5 days or so I smoked Ramback to the exclusion of all others. On the inhale Ramback is almost un-noticeable, but the exhale is a treasure trove of pure Turkish delight that is multifaceted, not one or two tastes. Ramback is as pure a Turkish as one can get, and it's made of the highest grades of tobacco too. Next comes Ramback Balkan which I also smoke everyday. The label reads:"Ramback Balkan- A light bodiedand smooth tasting blend with a flavorful and characteristic oriental finish. An exquisite combination of premium Balkan Oriental and Balkan Virginia sun-cured tobaccos, exceptional Yenice (Yenidje) and Basma tobaccos, and the finest Virginia flue-cured tobaccos. Enjoy a perfect balance of exotic and familiar smoking sensations. No chemical flavorings added.". The above description of Ramback Balkan only touches on the tip of the iceberg so to speak! I always try to keep one bag ahead on the above two Ramback blends to be sure I don't run out. These tobaccos blend well, and in my opinion are the one element of a blend that makes the blend all it can be! In fact I use it in all my blends. But, the really nice thing about the Ramback blends is that they are vary enjoyable on their own! I don't know if D&R does business out of the United States? But if you ever get your hands on some Ramback, I believe you will feel it was worth the effort to acquire! I simply can not say enough about the Ramback blends they are so good in my opinion! Ramback Gold is simply Ramback with about 40% golden flue-cured Virginia added. This is a blend I use to make myself, and is quite enjoyable all on its own, but add some Two Timer double toasted Burley, and you enter a whole new experience in the MYO world! I wish you luck in your quest to obtain some Ramback, and please keep us posted. Capt Mike
- Re: Ramback Balkan
- Posted by Frank on Friday, 26-Oct-2007
Ordered a tub of this based on reviews here. I figured it would be a nice, easy smoke, a little different than the standard offerings, not too exotic and not too bland. I think it fit the bill. Almost no taste on inhale, which is half the fun, and exhale was smooth, earthy, rooty. A warm smoke, with some herby types of notes. Very slight. I didn't find it to be extremely mild, and in fact it had some bitter bite to it in the back of the throat, even hydrated. That said, I'm not a big fan of Turkish - I prefer a sweeter taste. Balkan is most likely a crowd pleaser. Definitely exotic, but isn't a big step from Windsail Platinum. I remember smoking Ramses years ago, but Balkan doesn't have the butteriness of those. The rooty type of flavors were more pronounced.
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- Re: Ramback Balkan
- Posted by Captain U-96 aka Mike on Tuesday, 04-Sep-2007
Prior to the launch of Ramback Balkan I got a samples of the tobaccos to be used in the raw, unprocessed leaves. I still have some left only because it is so colorful, and the fact I have never had Turkish leaf before! All that was added was a little distilled water. To start with I de-vained the Balkan Virginia and other leafs, and the work was worth the reward when I finally was able to light up! It was unlike anything I have ever smoked before, and I knew then I'd be a fan of this new class of tobacco blend to me. Last month I ordered a bag of RB, and wasn't disappointed! The flavors are light on the palate, have a wonderful bouquet, and is magic in it's many facets. I haven't said anything up till now, because I wanted to be around this special creation, and blend some of my old favorites with it to see what happens. I've found that I could change RB's character with very small additions of other tobaccos like Two Timer, and Ramback. I feel I'll just enjoy RB as Mark's newest Oriental Blend for the time being. A friend who bummed a Balkan from me later asked where I got it, and that he'd never tasted anything like it, and thought it was expensive till I told him $21 a 14 Oz. bag! I've yet to receive a negative comment on any D & R tobacco I've had, and given samples of to friends. Capt.
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- Re: Ramback Balkan
- Posted by Dann Irish on Saturday, 01-Sep-2007
I'll try and make this quick:
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Over thirty years ago, I lived in a small town in SE Alaska. Every time i went to the city -Juneau- I'd buy tins [10 sticks in ea.] of a brand called Balkan Sobranie imported from England. I only smoked it on special occassions as it was very expensive and rare. The stuff was 100%, if'n I remember correctly, tobacco from the "yenidje" region of Turkey[?]
This was and is my all time favorite smoking experience. Alas that brand no longer exists. I stumbled upon D&R while searching online for a reasonable fascimile of the above smoke.
Long story short this new blend Ramback Balkan is the first time in many years I've tasted a hint of that unique Yenidji flavor in a blend and it was like finding an old friend. Terrific stuff.
D&R has also been very good to me over the years. If there was a mistake in an order they would more than compensate for it in spades. I've never done business with such generous people. And Mark is always available to answer questions and discuss blends with me.
There is on the horizon I hear another Balkan premium blend in the works at D&R
- Re: Ramback Balkan
- Posted by zzbruno on Thursday, 19-Jul-2007
After a dozen or so sticks of the Ramback Balken I can say without fear of contradiction that this is markedly better than any tobacco I've smoked in the past 28 years. A nice, clean smoke without any harsh finish or throat abuse. I'm not a big smoker (4-5 sticks a day, tops) but I really look forward to finishing the day with a RB. Strong work, D&R, you have a winner here.
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- Re: Ramback Balkan
- Posted by Smokin n Jokin on Friday, 20-Jul-2007
I smoke a lot more than 5 sticks a day and that was my first impression also but I found that it didn't have that "staying power" and after about a week I went back to Custom Blends blend #1 for my daily smoke.
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- Ramback Balkan
- Posted by Kerry on Thursday, 31-May-2007
Has anyone else smoked Ramback Balkan and have a review, comparison, or something other than the purely anecdotal "it's really good" or "I really like it".
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This offering from D&R is a good product, but there seems to be a huge lack of qualified opinions about it. Not even the "esteemed" RYOmag has offered an opinion so far.
Come on now! Surely there are some experienced palates out there who have tried RB and have an opinion/comparison/review?
Also, does anyone know the price for the 14 oz bag from D&R? Getting close to order time for me.
- Re: Ramback
- Posted by mike c on Thursday, 31-May-2007
I suddely realised, I too, didn't know what the current Daughter's and Ryan prices were....
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the 14oz bag I am aspiring toward is $18.95.(balkan)
Vengeur is still $15.95
As I posted before the Balkan is quite good.
It is rather light, and so my being a Vengeur smoker must comment that I think it works as a step-up just perfect.
- Re: Ramback Balkan
- Posted by mike c on Friday, 25-May-2007
alrighty then
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I normally shy away from tobacco reviews but since I am getting older and wiser, I will.
I am prefacing this, however, with a forward:
this review is intended for purposes of people already "adjusted" to smoking MYO tobacco and is not intended for the new......
Oh it's nice! it's real good!!!
lots of essences in there!!! DELICIOUS!!!!
I'll be gettin' me a sack!!! unfortunately my sample wasn't as large as your sample.
- D&Rs Ramback Balkan
- Posted by fedora on Saturday, 19-May-2007
I stuff and mostly roll. I have been doing MYO/SYO for about 5 years now and have tried nearly every type (though not all brands) of tobacco out there. Recently I'd tried the Stokebye's Turkish blend and found it to be nice in flavor, though a bit strong to my liking. I then tried the straight Ramback. This was an interesting smoke, but I found that the lack of "feel" is something to get used to.
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Now however - D&R has come out with the Ramback Balkan - and I have to say that this tobacco is more than likely the finest tobacco I have ever had. I am not a professional and this is only my opinion. Anyone who likes a good smoke will find this to be excellent. It is a light color. It burns nice and smooth. One might think that this light color would leave something to be desired for flavor. I found this to be the opposite. In fact - it has exceptional flavor and complexity that delights. I have found that the stronger European tobacco has complexity and nice flavor, but they are too strong. Not so with the Ramback Balkan. In a tube I'll be blending it with a slightly stronger blend, but handrolled - this tobacco is by far, the greatest tobacco I have ever had. One final point is that it has no "bite" at all. Very, very smooth. D&R has come out with this wonderful tobacco that I expect to enjoy for many years to come and would recommend to anyone that you get a can of it from D&R and try it out. (I am NOT a D&R employee :) but I must say I am loyal fan of theirs and found, that aside from their great selection of tobacco, their service is great and their "Southern Hospitality" is even better!)
- Ramback Balkan Label
- Posted by Kerry on Thursday, 17-May-2007
Here is what is printed on the 3.5 cup of RB I received:
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"Ramback Balkan, tm - A light bodied and smooth tasting blend with a flavorful and characteristic oriental finish. An exquisite combination of premium Balkan Oriental and Balkan Virginia sun-cured tobaccos, exceptional Yenice (Yenidje) and Basma tobaccos, and the finest Virginia flue cured tobaccos. Enjoy a perfect balance of exotic and familiar smoking sensations. No chemical flavorings added. "
- Ramback Balkan "IMHO"
- Posted by Kerry on Thursday, 17-May-2007
I posted a reply message giving my "first impressions" of the new Ramback Balkan from D&R. Note: I did get this 3.5 oz cup sample from Mark without charge. This was due to a request for more information (fliers, price lists, etc.) which I sent via email. So, the free sample was a big surprise! I didn't ask for it, but simply information directly from D&R. I hate to be a nit-picker, but I didn't get a new flier and price list in the UPS package, so I still don't know how much the new RB and "other" new products cost as the D&R website hasn't been updated for nearly 2 years.
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No problem, I will get the info via phone when I make my next order. Yes I am an avid and loyal D&R customer!
Thanks Mark and all the folks at D&R! I don't know of ANY other tobacco company that offers the selection and quality of tobacco you do!
That said...
I have had a little more time (4 days) to "live" with the new Ramback Balkan. Last report I said I would try it with my regular blend of equal parts Ramback, Windsail Plat, and Two-Timer with the expectation of possibly replacing the WP with the new RB.
Well, the new RB as a 1/3 component of my regular blend completely over-powered the Two-Timer and Ramback. So, it most likely will not replace the WP in the mix.
However, I tried it in a mix of 2-2-2-1 parts, the 1 being the new RB and it wasn't bad at all.
One note, as I noted in my previous post about the new Ramback Balkan (RB), it is similar to Bali Red. If you have read my previous posts about Stokkebyes and Bali, you know that I think most of the flavor of those blends comes from toppings and/or casings.
The new RB leaves my fingers "sticky" after I handle it. I think this is due more to heavy casings, but may also be due to the added flavorings. Mark does say there are no added "chemical" flavorings, but that doesn't mean flavorings are not added. Semantics and marketing. (I guess I will never get another free sample again! (grin))
For those of you who liked Bali Red and maybe Bali Turkish (I never had the pleasure), you will be very happy with this blend.
For those of us who have become fans of the original Ramback Turkish, you will be at least surprised if not disappointed.
I have been able to recognize the oriental in the blend more now than at first, but for my taste the Virginia (and toppings which made me cough) are too heavy.
Although RB is a very high quality product, it misses the mark for me and I think many other "Turkish"/"Oriental" fans.
Please take this review as I wrote it. It is just my opinion and I am not an authority on tobacco. Your opinion and tastes most likely will vary greatly from my own.
- Got Some Ramback Balkan The Other Day
- Posted by Dano on Sunday, 13-May-2007
I made an order last week and got a cup of the Ramback Balkan.
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So here's what I think. First, when I opened the cup, the color is... eye catching. It's like pumpkin with bright yellow in it. I don't know what you call the cut but it's like the rest of the Ramback. It injects just fine and it really doesn't smell like anything in the cup.
My first impression was... Whoooo... this is a Lite smoke!
I've tried all of D&R's offerings labeled 'lite'. (Venguer, Roland etc.) and none of them are anywhere near 'lite'. I mean, I like the Roland Lite, and the Venguer is ok but certianlly both are nowhere near being a 'lite' smoke.
Let me put it like this, you light up, inhale, you don't feel anything in the lungs, it's like you didn't inhale, then... you get this very subtle taste on the tongue, on the exhale you get that subtle oriental/Virginia taste.
I was a McClintock Virgina smoker and made this last order in the hope of getting some of the new Roland Gold but let me say straight out, this new Ramback Balkan is excellent! A Home Run! I had no idea it would be like this.
This is the lightest smoke D&R makes, a real lite smoke, but at the same time it has such subtle flavor that anybody that likes Virginia tobacco is gonna love this.
I got a couple of pounds of Windsail Platinum in this order and believe me, i stuffed the cup of Balkan and kinda regretted ordering the Platinum (which I like).
- Re: Got Some Ramback Balkan The Other Day
- Posted by Kerry on Tuesday, 15-May-2007
I'll agree the color is lighter than I had expected, but it didn't have as much oriental flavor as I had hoped.
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The Virginia is very pronounced and the whole taste reminds me quite a bit of Bali Red, although I haven't smoked any of that in quite a while.
Those who are expecting anything like the original Ramback will be surprised.
I would call the cut a medium-fine cut. Medium length and fine width strands. Not a shag, but close. The moisture level of the 3.5 oz cup I received was perfect for stuffing.
I hate to admit that I actually coughed a little after smoking a couple of sticks. Not sure why. Since I have only had this sample from Mark Ryan since Monday and I haven't made any final conclusions.
Definitely a quality blend, but so far I must say I am a little disappointed. I was expecting more from the oriental tobaccos in the blend. Of course, my palate may not be as experienced as some others. I need more time with this blend to really explore it.
Next I am going to try using it instead of Windsail Platinum in my regular blend of equal parts Ramback, Windsail Platinum and Two-Timer.
Who knows, this may become the replacement for Windsail Platinum in my daily smoke.
- Re: Ramback Balkan
- Posted by DNO on Thursday, 10-May-2007
In case it's not common knowledge, D&R is now shipping RAMBACK BALKAN. I just received it today, and it's a very nice smoke. I'm a newbie to the MYO thing, and a very occasional smoker. I've been an exclusive smoker of the Original Balkan Sobranie, Sobranie Black Russian & Sobranie Cocktails. Since those are no longer available (except latter in HK), I don't smoke much! I've tried 6 of the D&R blends, I like RB Gold the best, and their Windsail Platinum 2nd. For me, the tobacco's smoke smoother if I hydrate them; I've yet to try that on the RB Balkan. So far, so good!
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- Re: Ramback Balkan
- Posted by Clarence Walker on Wednesday, 25-Apr-2007
The NATO show ends tomorrow. I understand that the RAMBACK BALKAN will be formally announced there and be ready for distribution. My impression is that this is one of the mildest tobaccos I have experienced and yet with considerable complexity in terms of the intriguing flavors and aroma. It is a rich flavor, but not heavy or hot, yet spicy and nutty, but totally different from anything from elsewhere. Not dark in color or heavy in flavor. Good straight, but great for mixing to add with others such as the other Ramback, VA, Canadian or the tiniest bit of Burley. It would be a shame to mix this with really heavy flavors that would overwhelm its subtlety. Great when barely dusted with a sprinkling of Latakia and the new Green River Perique. This is a mixture that has some fine Balkans with flavors that are very different from traditional Ramback and light years better than many other sub-par, heavy and disagreeable "Turkish" tobaccos.
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- Re: Ramback Balkan
- Posted by cheap & chippy chopper on Wednesday, 25-Apr-2007
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Anything like a fresh Sobranie Black Russian or Cocktail? I've never had the pleasure of "Latakia" but I do remember the Sobranies, ovals & all.
- Re: Ramback Balkan
- Posted by Clarence Walker on Wednesday, 25-Apr-2007
Re the Ramback Balkan. IF you added the touch of Latakia and the perique ( your pipe smoking husband probabaly has an English blend around, but be sure to chop it a bit for cigs), plus some regular Ramback or maybe even a touch of the Cockstrong you would be close to the fuller blends you mentioned with tons of flavor and aroma. I would tend to lighten this and add a touch of VA sweetness with some (not much) of the Windsail Platinum. Propertionally, you don't want to lose the flavor of the Ramback Balkan/Ramback base. The key is to use the perique and the Latakia as just a touch of spice.
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I have just smoked my first Balkan Prospect Balkan Premium for RYO. It is a TOTALLY different taste experience, with Izmir, Samsun, Yenidje and other Balkan and Turkish tobaccos. Darker, thicker cut, and Delicious. Now to begin today's blog.
- Ramback Balkan
- Posted by Clarence Walker on Tuesday, 24-Apr-2007
With no paradigms referenced, you can find a review of the newest in the D&R line RAMBACK BALKAN in my latest blog
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[link]
- Re: Ramback Balkan
- Posted by Dano on Sunday, 13-May-2007
I read your review and agree with it 100% with the exception of, the 'nutty' flavor. I didn't notice any of that. I suppose it's a point of reference. For me D&R's Ryback Gold has some nutty taste in it. I didn't see that in the Balkan at all.
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Be that as it may, I completely agree with everything else you said. It's light but it's full flavored, people are going to be talking about this blend for a long time!