Windsail
A nice mild 'American' blend of Virginia tobaccos from D&R. Its a relatively fine cut short shag with a taste that is quite similar to D&Rs Three Sails and more like PS Danish than the typical Burley 'American' blend (e.g. Stoker's). ~$19lb.
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- Re: Windsail
- Posted by Me on Sunday, 19-Sep-2021
Another beautiful, simple Mark Ryan blend that has been completely bastardized by the "new and improved" ownership. This was hands down the best Virginia available anywhere. not anymore, obvious it is being "enhanced" with the same flavorings, toppings, and other crap that are #1 in every trailer park in the USA
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- Re: Windsail
- Posted by Frankie123 on Saturday, 22-Mar-2008
After reading about MYO for quite some time I finally took the plunge a few months ago. I picked up a hand Top injector and a pouch each of Bali Blue and Bali Red, and a box of Zig Zag FF tubes. It came to about $22, so worst case scenario is that I wasted $22. Turned out that I loved the taste of the Bali tobacco and i am now hooked on MYO!
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So I received my first D&R order yesterday and I am very impressed with them. My order was for a Premier Excel, and four cups of tobacco. Windsail Plat., Ryback Gold, Penhooker, and Three Sails. It was to my surprised when I opened the box and found inside 14oz bags of the Ryback and Windsail instead of the smaller cups! I don't know if this was a mistake or if it is common practice for D&R to woo new customers like this, but I have emailed them a thank you and offered to pay the extra in case it was a mistake.
Ok so now onto the Windsail Platinum. I opened up the bag and the aroma was very light and pleasant it smells a bit like fresh hay to my nose. Moisture content was just perfect for stuffing. So I made a few sticks for my girlfriend and I. Wow this tobacco is really good, very smooth and mild in a FF tube. It has a nice sweet Virginia taste to it and doesn't seem to have much flavoring added, its a very clean tasting smoke. I can definitely see a few sticks o this tobacco going into my daily pack. Anyone looking for a mild Virginia blend needs to try a cup of this tobacco. Two thumbs up for D&R!
- Re: Windsail
- Posted by ALLTALL on Tuesday, 18-Dec-2007
I am posting here because there is no "general" thread. Also it is remotely related to this brand. I got some windsail. It was OK. But, it had that taste. Man, it is hard to describe a taste. Every brand of syo tobacco I have ever smoked (about 30) had that same wild, or vegative taste. Reading here, I learned that Windsail is a quality brand. So, I thought that odd flavor might be missing. I have never tasted it in any packaged cigarette. I do not know what causes that flavor. However if anyone knows what I am referring to. And knows of a SYO brand that has eliminated it. Please pass on the name.
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- Re: Windsail
- Posted by zzz on Friday, 28-Mar-2008
I think what your tasting is Burley tobacco. It has a vegitive taste to it and is stronger in cheaper tobaccos. I think of it as tasting like dirt or an earthy taste.Rave tastes like that to me. Packaged cigs are full of artificial flavorings and chemicals but SYO is not in most cases so what you taste is the tobacco. D&R IMO is the best of the SYO tobaccos.
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- Re: Windsail
- Posted by Frank on Friday, 26-Oct-2007
I've tried Windsail, in both the standard and Platinum versions. I strongly preferred the standard version - honeyish, floral, very mild - maybe a tad two dimensional, but a great smoke. The Platinum seemed to have more earthy types of flavors - very similar to Ramback Balkan, actually. Also, I didn't find the Platinum to be better - I thought it would be even more of the same Windsail taste, but it was very different. Not bad at all, and I think those looking for a nice Virginia taste, with some earthy spice notes to it, this would be a good option. But for those looking for a cleaner, slightly sweeter taste, stick with the standard Windsail. I much preferred standard.
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- Re: Windsail
- Posted by Jeremy B on Thursday, 26-Jul-2007
I recommend anyone that likes this should try Vengeur Light. They are similar and I really like them both, but prefer the Vengeur Light.
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- Windsail Light
- Posted by D&R Fan on Sunday, 25-Feb-2007
I have tried kinds of tobacco trying to find something to match my desired tobacco taste. Both my wife and I have smoked Marlboro for years. We have tried several brands of myo tobacco. I can smoke almost anything but my wife is really picky on what she smokes. Just recently we have found something that we both really enjoy Windsail Light from D&R Tobacco.
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Even though the wife like the tobacco she was still saying she missed her Marlboro, so I decided to give her (and the tobacco) a little test. I broke down and spent the 5 bucks on a pack of Marlboro medium (it was hard but I did it). Before I left for work I put 10 Marlboros and 10 of the Windsail MYO in the tube box we keep in the freezer with our MYO smokes. When I got home from work I asked her "How were the cigs?"
Her reply was the usual "They was ok but I really miss my Marlboro's".
I explained that half of the smokes was Marlboro and the other half was the MYO. She was really shocked that she didn’t notice the difference between the smokes all day.
Needless to say I proved my point that the is very little difference between Windsail Light MYO and Marlboro's except for having no additives, not needing another smoke right after, and the price!
- Re: Windsail Light
- Posted by The Electromagnets on Sunday, 25-Feb-2007
Just please never switch someone's coffee with decaf...
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it may work but the resentment lingers on, and on, and on
also...the freezer may have affected the Marlboro's superior mix of "things", and caused her to think it was sub-standard like what we smoke.
I would recommend skipping the freezer, but I could be wrong and if so maybe somebody will "nicely" tell me my 11th grade education didn't cut it
have a nice day
mike c
- Re: Windsail Light
- Posted by Smokin n Jokin on Sunday, 25-Feb-2007
Have you tried D&R's Vengeur, actually it should be a better match for Marlboro. Windsail is straight virginia and Vengeur is a blend of Virginia, Oriental and Burley, which I have read is what Marlboro is. I gave a friend that smokes Marlboro light a few Windsail light and Vengeur light samples. She didn't think much of the Windsail but thought the Vengeur tasted just like a Marlboro. I do something kinda like you did with my friends. I give them one stick of Three Castles, one stick of Classic Canadian and one stick of Windsail light and then ask them if they can tell me which one is the $72.00 a pound tobacco and which one is the $12.00 a pound tobacco, No one has been able to so far.
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- Re: Windsail Light
- Posted by Joe Camel on Wednesday, 29-Jun-2016
My wife experienced the same thing. She smokes Marlboro Gold, and we went into Indian River Tobacco Traders here in Grand Rapids, MI. Eric (who is just awesome) had her try the Windsail Silver and she didn't like it, said it tasted more like a Winston or Pall Mall Orange. Next Eric had her try the Vengeur and it was an instant hit. She now prefers smoking that over the Marlboro Golds. :)
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- Re: Windsail Light
- Posted by Dano on Thursday, 01-Mar-2007
Ya know...my experience has been, If you're just moving into MYO the transition to this kind of tobacco is gradual.
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By that I mean, and I think everyone will agree, is that after about 3 months of MYO you'll spit out the Marlboro's, you'll say to yourself how could I ever have smoked that?!!
My journey was from Marlboro's to the MYO tobacco '61' which tasted pretty much like a Marlboro. Then I couldn't get it, and tried something else, then something else and this and that and got hooked on McClintock Virginia. 6 Months later I had an occasion to smoke a Marlboro and it was.. Oh MAN!! How Nasty!!! Throw it out the window! (for real) and I think everyone here will tell you the same thing :) Same for my wife, she used to smoke Marlboro Lites and if she has one today she makes a point of saying 'How did I ever smoke that'.
My wife ended up liking the McClintock Lite. Personally I can't stand it, not even the smell but she does. (I fed her some windsail lite) just a matter of taste. My wife did notice that the Premier Tubes sucked. She got all uppity after about 2 days with those. Put her back on a Zig Zag Lite or Rizla tube and she was a happy lamb :)
- Re: Windsail Light
- Posted by scott johnson on Thursday, 01-Mar-2007
I was running late the other day and didn't have time to inject any extras for work. I stopped and grabbed a pack of Marlboro's and ended up with a headache all day. It wasn't nasty to me, heack, I couldn't even taste it. But the additives made me almost sick.
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sj
- Re: Windsail Light
- Posted by mike somebody, ah just take a pick on Thursday, 01-Mar-2007
>>>I think everyone will agree, is that after about 3 months of MYO you'll spit out the Marlboro's, you'll say to yourself how could I ever have smoked that?!!<<<
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I had ONE camel the other day, and while it was fine (my brand was the bewitched Marlboro red), it's just that what you say about, say, a 3 month transition (and that's *if* you survive the learning/hassle/PITA, of WHATEVER mechanism your "curvedly" stumbling all over yourself trying to make a pre-made looking/seeming/smoking doppelganger, one day, it hits, and you go WOW!!!! WEEEEE!!
I taste tobacoo, and it is GOOD!!!~! you discover that SYO provides a better, more real cigarette....3 months sounds about right on....
- Re: Windsail Light
- Posted by ALLTALL on Saturday, 19-Jan-2008
I know these threads tend to go off into a free association form. However, I have a question about Windsail Light. How does it compare to Windsail FF. Does it taste the same but have less nicotine "punch"? Is it completely different? I tried to get a sample of the light with a Windsail order. But, they sent me a sample of Vengure light instead. I did not care for it. I tend to like bright Virginia leaf more.
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- Re: Windsail Light
- Posted by dave z on Saturday, 19-Jan-2008
This is what my wife smokes, so I steal a pinch here and there. WL is nothing like VL. It is bright VA, its very mild and easy to smoke a lot of. Maybe too easy. It seems to have plenty of nicotine for a VA though, I smoke WP, and they are both pretty satisfying. In mho, of course.
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- Re: Windsail Light
- Posted by KL on Saturday, 19-Jan-2008
There is a store north of Grand Rapids,MI called Tobacco Outfitters that sell D&R under their brand name (same as store name) [KL knows this from "talking to them about it, seeing it done and it being 95% of all the tobacco they sell"]
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The Windsail regular is sold as " Medium Strength, Natural" and the Windsail Light is sold as their "Ultra light, Natural" I have not smoked Windsail light as of yet. Windsail Platinum is by far my Favorite of all the Windsails. If you have not tried Penhooker Light yet, you owe it to your self to do so. It has a great Nutty and Sweet taste, it also has just the right amount of Lightness and is more of a "bright Virginia leaf" than windsail is. It's one of the Best All Virginia (Light) blends an All Virginia Blend Fan might ever smoke.
Myself, I buy the Full Flavor Penhooker and love it. Also keep the light version Penhooker on hand.
[Replies deleted. While mostly interesting and informative, all were OT and there's no way to move OT posts to the forum]
- Windsail
- Posted by Major Havoc on Monday, 11-Dec-2006
(Stuffed in a Premier Light tube)
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Reminds me of Canadian Pre-mades, but not as harsh. In fact, not harsh at all. But the taste and smell still remind me of Players, DuMaurier, etc.
Since I'm in Michigan, right across the border, I've had the opportunity to smoke Canadian cigs over the years, and I can say I am fond of them when I get a chance to smoke 'em. But whenever I do, I'm always struck by the fact that they always have a "stale" taste to them.
Windsail is a pretty nice alternative because it has the foundational taste of the tobacco but doesn't have that staleness factor.
That said, am I doing cartwheels over this stuff? Nope... not yet... but I'll work my way through the cup and see how it grows on me.
- Re: Windsail
- Posted by Nancy Lizza on Wednesday, 11-Jul-2012
I smoked du Maurier for over twenty years until they pulled out of the US market. In my first order, I got 3oz Penhooker, Three Sails, and Windsail. I began blending all of them until I got close to the end. Then I tried finding my favorite. I like Penhooker best, so my first order of 14oz bags consisted of 2 Pens, 2 Threesails, and thought I would try 1 Windsail Platinum. I still miss du Maurier because I like my cigarettes stronger. If a seller has no idea what the flavor of du Maurier is, it is much harder to suggest an alternative. We are close, just not close enough. Has anybody a suggestion?
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Thank you.
- Re: Windsail
- Posted by Deekey on Wednesday, 22-Aug-2012
Try mixing Windsail and Ryback.....less Ryback than Windsail....this might be what you are looking for, also, try different tubes, they make a huge difference in flavor. I use Zen or Zigzag tubes, as the others seem to make the tobacco flavors seem off...I have tried many. Maybe try your Penhooker with Ryback Gold. The Ryback has some serious strength to it.
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- Windsail Platinum
- Posted by John on Thursday, 16-Nov-2006
Advertised as 100% gold leaf Virginia blend. Taste is kind of Sweet and floral. Kind of reminds me of English cigarettes. Not my favourite blend but good for a change of pace.
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As with most D&R tobaccos, this one stuffs easy from a freshly opened pouch. I use regular Premier tubes and a Top-o-matic machine.
- Windsail
- Posted by Scott Johnson on Friday, 06-Oct-2006
I've been working my way thru a bag of this this for the past week. I'm not impressed. The taste isn't good, moisture was OK after 15 minutes of drying. A little harsh on the throat. I will wait a few months before trying this again. I've tried it with every tube i have, only thing it tastes ok in is a Zen Light tube. Choked me to death in a vera cruz nocturne. Must just be a bad bag I guess.
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- Re: Windsail
- Posted by scott johnson on Saturday, 07-Oct-2006
Being frustrated with smoking this stuff, I picked up a pouch of Bugler at the local convenience store today as I had never tried that brand. I came home, dried it a few minutes, and injected a couple and went outside. I lit up and was really surprised by the initial draw. Bugler is a nice tasting smoke. I finished the stick and went back inside and blended the windsail and bugler in equal parts and injected a pack's worth. This fixed the Taste of the Windsail. I'm now enjoying one of the best packs of smokes i've ever had. All I needed was a $1.29 pouch to fix my nasty smokes.
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- Re: Windsail
- Posted by Kerry on Saturday, 07-Oct-2006
Sounds like you may have similar tastes to my own.
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So, you may like my blend of equal parts Ramback, Two-Timer and Windsail. Actually, I use Windsail Platinum now.
I have always considered Bugler and Midnight Special to be my "in a pinch" substitutes. I would like to try Bugler Gold, but haven't found it locally.
In any case, if you found the Bugler (strong on burley) to suit you, then adding Two-Timer and Ramback to Windsail may be just the trick. Well, it works for me. ;)
- Re: Windsail
- Posted by scott johnson on Sunday, 08-Oct-2006
I have some samples of those on order, i'll give it a try.
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thanks
- Re: Windsail
- Posted by John on Wednesday, 25-Oct-2006
Try windsail in a Gizeh Silver Tip Charbon, the carbon in the filter makes for a smoother smoke.
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- Re: Windsail
- Posted by John on Thursday, 16-Nov-2006
Call them up and let them know if you got a bad one. I'm pretty sure they will send a replacement.
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- Re: Windsail Platinum
- Posted by AusD on Thursday, 06-Apr-2006
I got my hands on some D&R tobacco for the first time ever recently. I live in the UK and my uncle has to send it to me. I have smoked just about every pre made cigarette on the UK market, including the fancy brands - all have unfortunatly lost their quality. I am also an avid Havana cigar lover. I adooore the Ramback Turkish and bought Windsail Platinum to blend a little in with my Turkish. I tried some straight and dried it out nicely beforehand and I must say...it's rather average tobacco in my experience. I used to work in a tobacconist and we stocked some very tasty loose virginia tobacco called Kendal, particularly the Auld Kendal fine cut and Kendal Gold which I used to blend with my Gauloises (that's a nice smoke by the way). This seems rough and has a slightly sickly stale "flavour" to me, it was like smoking a modern day senior service only with a filter tip - stale, rough and bad aftertaste. A little blended with the Turkish is a treat for heating it up a tad but I'd never smoke this straight again. I will buy other light Virginia in future.
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- Re: Windsail Platinum
- Posted by Morey on Friday, 07-Apr-2006
I wonder about the vendor quality control of the Windsail Platinum brand (not D&R's quality control)...personally, I've never experienced a bad batch yet after almost a year's use, but I have noticed a slightly different taste now and again. From a slightly sweet, nutty taste to almost no taste at all. To be truthful, I've only noticed the no discernable taste from one purchase and one 14 oz bag; the other 5 or 6 bags have been more along the lines of ever-so-slightly nutty to a tad sweet--almost like a filburt might taste if smoked. But it would be interesting to hear whether this indeed is a vendor problem or what for D&R.
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- Re: Windsail Platinum
- Posted by platoslostdialogue on Friday, 07-Apr-2006
I also have noticed some of the tobaccos have a different taste the second time I order them. I got a pound of Two Timer that wasn't as dark or sweet tasting as the sample cup I had tried previously, and the last bag of Ramback I got seemed to have more lighter-colored tobacco in it. I've orderd four or five bags of Windsail Platinum. All of them delicious, but the last two have not been as flavorful. Given that, it is unlikely that I'll stop buying D&R.
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- Re: Windsail Platinum
- Posted by Kerry on Friday, 07-Apr-2006
I could be wrong about this, but here goes.
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Tobacco can vary from year to year and from field to field in taste and quality. Differences in soil quality, rainfall, etc. might be a few things that can affect flavor.
Given that, a tobacco that has little or no added toppings/casings/flavoring (chemical or natural) can and will vary somewhat.
I believe the tobaccos many folks think of as high quality and consistent flavor are flavored more by the additions than the actual tobacco itself. I think Bali, Stokkebyes, etc. fall into this category.
I think, if one is used to tasting those flavorings consistently, the natural variations which come through in a tobacco with no or little added flavorings/casings might seem odd. However that really is the nature of pure tobacco.
As I said, I could be wrong about this, but it makes sense to me.
- Re: Windsail Platinum
- Posted by Morey on Friday, 07-Apr-2006
I would agree 100% with your assessment. I'm not sure what the topping/casing situation is with WP, but it must be fairly minimal for the actual tobacco variation to come through as it appears to do.
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- Re: Windsail Platinum
- Posted by Kerry on Friday, 07-Apr-2006
Although there is still some question in my mind as to how much added flavorings and casings D&R uses. At least for some blends. I am absolutely certain that some of their blends, such as Cockstrong, have quite a bit of added flavorings. However, I do think they use much less in many other of their blends and less than most other "quality" tobaccos.
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Some of their blends state that they have "No chemical flavoring or casing added", but I don't like the wording they use as it leaves me wondering if it means NO FLAVORINGS OR CASINGS or just no "chemical" or "other than natural" casings or flavorings. If the latter, that leaves a lot of substances which could be used and still fit what is written on the bag.
In any case, I like D&R and my personal blend is all D&R. I do think they use less casings and flavorings than most manufacturers, but I have no way to prove it.
- Re: Windsail Platinum
- Posted by Captain U-96 aka Mike on Saturday, 07-Oct-2006
It makes sense to me too! If you go look at the videos on RYO Magazine's site you will see pictures of many of these blends. For instance, the Ramback appears to be much darker in color then in 2004 than my just received bag of Ramback. I think you are right; as it makes sense to me too.
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- Re: Windsail Platinum
- Posted by KL (kendall leonard) on Saturday, 15-Dec-2007
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That is exactly right. Weather has everything to do with consistency. It's natural for it to change (like the weather) and the tobacco blender/buyer/broker has the job of trying to keep it to a min.
- Re: Windsail
- Posted by Mary on Thursday, 09-Feb-2006
Does the Windsail Platinum have a fruity aroma like McClintock FF? I like the the McClintock, except for that fruity odor.
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- Re: Windsail
- Posted by V.B. on Thursday, 09-Feb-2006
No, WP does not have any kind of "fruitiness" about it. The aroma is subtle and, to my taste, far more pleasing in the long run than the more obvious aromas of, say, Danish Export.
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- Windsail Platinum needs to dry up a bit
- Posted by V.B. on Thursday, 12-Jan-2006
When I tried Windsail Platinum for the first time last September, I thought it was an exceptionally smooth tobacco, but also felt it was too mild and neutral in flavor/aroma. What I didn't realize at that time is that this tobacco was fairly moist - not Stokkebey most, to be sure - but still the moisted of D&R blends I tried. So it burned quite cool, giving "too mild" impression as a result. After sitting in that 3.5oz tub for a few months, the tobacco dried up to become crisp (tough not too brittle). When I smoked it in FF Premier tube a few days ago, the hotter burning smoke was a revelation: The strength on inhale was just right (as McClintock Virginia), the aroma alluring, and the flavor carried the kind of very subtle sweetness I could never get from tobaccos finished with "toppings". And despite hotter burn, there was no harshness all the way to the end.
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In short, I now must stand corrected: WP is a stunning tobacco in every respect, but really needs to dry up a bit to reveal its full glory.
- Re: Windsail Platinum needs to dry up a bit
- Posted by Kerry on Thursday, 12-Jan-2006
I recently received my first WP and was very impressed. I replaced my usual Windsail with the platinum version in my 1-1-1 mix of Ramback, Two-Timer and Windsail.
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I agree that the Windsail Platinum is similar to McClintock Virginia. Slightly sweeter than the original Windsail and mild. I will continue to buy WP instead of Windsail for my blend.
I also like tobaccos with no or little toppings and no casing. The problem with having no casing (or very little) is that it is definitely harder to keep the tobacco at the proper (according to individual taste) moisture level. That's why I only blend small amounts at a time (4-6 packs worth) as it seems easier for me to keep the moisture level consistent. Not to mention that with this type of tobacco (no casing) the cigs will tend to take on the ambient level of humidity in a relatively short time after they are injected. So I only stuff what I need for each day away from home and stuff as needed when at home.
In the more humid months I often place tobacco in the refigerator (driest place in my home) for a short time to dehydrate too moist tobacco. However, right now, it is a challenge to keep my tobacco moist and not too dry. For a little over a month I have been trying this technique:
I always use gallon sized ziplock plastic bags and place the OPENED D&R original 14 oz. bags each into their own gallon ziplock. In order to keep the moisture level correct for me, I simply zip the gallon bag almost closed and then fill up the bag with my own breath. The moisture from my breath is enough to keep the tobacco from drying out. I've been doing this for 5 or 6 weeks with no problems. BTW, I only stuff for myself, but I can imagine there might be some issues if someone were stuffing for other folks as well as theirselves. I mean, human breath and all. ;)
I started using the gallon plastic ziplock bags originally because the D&R bags zipper will come apart (break) in about 50 to 60 percent of the bags I have bought making them unsealable using the original bag's ziplock.
- Re: Windsail Platinum needs to dry up a bit
- Posted by Lister on Thursday, 12-Jan-2006
I agree that Windsail Platinum is an excellent Virginia; I've been a McClintock Virginia smoker for quite some time, but not long ago tried a couple 14 oz packs of WP...not quite as sweet as the McC, but that's fine by me. After proper drying, the WP is a mighty tasty 'baccy and has officially replced McC as my main smoke.
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- Re: Windsail Platinum needs to dry up a bit
- Posted by Kerry on Friday, 13-Jan-2006
P.S.
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Note that some of the D&R tobaccos list "no chemical flavorings added". It says this on the Windsail Platinum bag. It doesn't say "no topping" or "no added flavoring" and it also doesn't say "no casing" on the bag.
Don't get me wrong, I like D&R tobaccos very much! However, before you think there are "no" added flavorings or casings, look at what D&R actually says about those things. That is, "no chemical flavorings added" might not necessarily mean "no flavorings" added. There are many "natural" flavorings which would not ncessarily fall into the "chemical" flavorings category. A little playing with the words and phrasing? I would like to see it in plain english without any doubt. That goes for all other tobacco companies/brands as well. Not just picking on D&R. I do think some people may be misled by the phrasing and choice of words D&R uses when it comes to added flavorings and casings.
Also, I have noticed (and I may be wrong) that D&R usually does state clearly if a D&R blend has "no casing". So, I guess it would be safe to assume that any blend that does not state that directly on the bag, has casing(s). Two-Timer says "finished with a light topping" which could mean both added flavoring and casing. Either or both. Ramback states "no chemical flavorings or casing added". Here again, this could be read several ways. No chemical flavoring, but possibly other "natural" flavorings. "No casing" or "no chemical casing"? Sorry to seem like I am nit-picking, but these are ways that we may be getting "more" than we think we are getting. I like D&R tobacco and it is all I smoke these days, but I would like to see them be more direct about what is actually added to their (my) tobacco. A public list of added ingredients other than the tobacco should be law for all tobacco manufacturers. Just like the foods we buy. Not the recipe, but the ingredients list so we know what we are ingesting/inhaling.
This is one thing, along with making their ziplock bags better, I wish D&R would make improvements on. It would put them a few steps ahead of most other myo tobacco companies.
- Re: Windsail Platinum needs to dry up a bit
- Posted by V.B. on Saturday, 14-Jan-2006
I agree with all you say here, and I myself noticed the "variety" of ways in which additives or lack thereof are described by D&R.
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As for Windsail Platinum, whatever is added to it, it certainly exhibits a far less "obvious" flavor than Stokkebye (way too much, after a while) or McClintock Virginia (more noticeable in comparison). But perhaps all tobaccos must be "manipulated" to some extent not to offend some basic taste expectations hardwired into human brains (e.g., I'd hate to smoke a completely additive-free (of any kind whatsoever) tobacco if it tasted like hay).
All this said, D&R tobaccos do taste fantastically "natural" when compared to any overprocessed mass-produced cigarette. I recently had to bum one from a colleague at work and almost puked (one of those "ultra lights" that burned in less than 5 min and left a certified Refinery Waste Basin aftertaste in my mouth for a while).
- Re: Windsail Platinum needs to dry up a bit
- Posted by Kerry on Saturday, 14-Jan-2006
I have to agree that nearly ALL of the Stokkebye blends (including the Bali Shag line) have too much added flavoring and casing. Although many of their tobaccos are quite good, I found that there was more in the toppings for the flavor and I didn't feel that I was really tasting the tobacco not just the toppings.
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I think many, if not all, tobaccos "we" buy have something done to them or things added. All I would like to see is a listing of what else we are smoking. I think we have a right to know exactly what we are smoking.
As for the pre-mades, well I forgot my own smokes a while back when I was going to work. Work is too far away to make a quick trip back home for the smokes. So, I was forced to buy a pack of premmies. Over $3 for one pack of Camels.
I can't say that I hated them, but I was real glad to get home and smoke one of my own personal blend. Much better!!!
- Re: Windsail Platinum needs to dry up a bit
- Posted by andrew on Friday, 20-Jan-2006
I tried the same thing after reading your post because i have WSP stored in tupperware for several months so i roll some up to compare to London Export. The first WS in months i liked...mild, slightly sweet. But the second WS an hour later just didnt agree with me.
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- Re: Windsail
- Posted by MyFaceFrozeThatWay on Sunday, 20-Nov-2005
Recently ordered a couple 14 oz bags of Windsail Platinum...the first was OK, but the second bag I just opened has a peculiar aroma (not quite like the first) and leaves an "oily" taste in my mouth as well as creating a harsh sensation in my throat (although it doesn't *taste* harsh). Also, this second bag has far more brownish tobacco than the first, which was 90% yellowish. Anyone else notice this about the WP?
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I'm a usual smoker of the Two-Timer and Two-Timer Gold; I'll be sticking with those, I believe--and see about returning this WP....
- Re: Windsail Platinum
- Posted by MyFaceFrozeThatWay on Monday, 28-Nov-2005
Got in touch with Mark Ryan, who apologized profusely and immediately priority shipped a replacement. This bag is excellent--no problems whatsoever. D&R comes through once again.
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- Re: Windsail Platinum
- Posted by andrew on Friday, 09-Dec-2005
yes i had this problem with WSP before. I still have a package in tupperware somewhere where it awaits ominously, that i wouldnt dare smoke. Just saving for desperate times if i run out of tobacco for a day. Im hoping that day never comes. It does taste pretty stale.
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- Windsail Gold
- Posted by andrew on Tuesday, 02-Aug-2005
Wow this is good. Not harsh like other MYO tobaccos, and great flavor. Also better than commercial cigs. One of the best tobacco's around. And for about $20 including filters through the mail.
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Windsail totally kicks Ryback and Zig-Zags ass.
- Re: Windsail Gold
- Posted by andrew on Saturday, 29-Oct-2005
*Update* Well..recently i ordered two 16. ounce bags of both Windsail light and Windsail Platinum, and the quality just isnt as good compared to the first container of Windsail Lite i got from D&R. (See review above)
Both brands have tasted extremely stale, or harsh with a funny aftertase. But the pouches were moist when opened. Sometimes i wonder if the packaging they use doesnt somehow affect the tobacco. I did return two pouches of WS light because the taste was pretty bad, and they replaced them free of charge. But the two pouches they sent back werent all much better. I smoked them, but was thinking about trying out something else the whole time.
Im next going to try some H&R light. And look for more Virgina blends...Just not from D&R. They havent figured out how to maintain the quality of their tobacco.
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- Re: Windsail Gold
- Posted by JD on Saturday, 29-Oct-2005
I just received a new shipment of Windsail Platinum yesterday UPS as well--perfectly fine, excellent taste and no problems at all compared with the previous orders I've received. I've never tried the Gold, so can't contribute anything there.
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I did speak with a friend of my who always orders Penhooker, Two Timer and Ramback and he stated he's received only one pouch of Penhooker in a little over a year that tasted radically different from all others, but nothing consistent like your problem. Try a call to Mark and see if they've changed anything--vendors for the bags, tobacco, etc. and let us know.
- Re: Windsail Gold
- Posted by andrew on Saturday, 29-Oct-2005
I talked to Mark through email once, he said they use the same tobacco. When i tried the samplers they came in plastic tubs, the quality was excellent in those. But when i got the bigger vacuum sealed bags it doesnt taste good at all. I dont know if the tobacco is just bad or its packaging. Dont think i will order from D&R again though. I was interested in trying RamBack but after reading other people talk about inconsistent quality in Ramback, dont think i will give it another try.
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- Re: Windsail Gold
- Posted by andrew on Friday, 04-Nov-2005
Hearing alot of good things about Peter Stockebye Danish export. Both London and Danish Export are mild Virginia blend. Costs a few dollars more, but if i enjoy every cigarette its worth it. Excited about tobacco again.
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- Re: Windsail Platinum
- Posted by Scoot on Wednesday, 08-Jun-2005
Yes its now available. Just got some today. Much lighter yellow color than regular Windsail or even Windsail Light. Extremely mild in a full flavor tube which is just what I've been looking for. Much like Danish Export without all the additives. This is probably the moistest tobacco I have ever received from D & R with SJ Rimboche being second. Just goes to show you that you can have a light cigarette without a light tube. This will be an excellent base for blending. Also has more leaf and less stems making it an even better value.
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- Re: Windsail Platinum
- Posted by Kurt Wall on Friday, 10-Jun-2005
The "platinum" varieties are supposed to be the pick of
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the leaf (hence "more leaf and less stems"). I'll try placing an order for some of the platinum versions to see how they smoke.
Thanks for the update.
- Re: Windsail Platinum
- Posted by Wood on Sunday, 12-Jun-2005
Do you have to call to order? It's not available on their website yet.
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- Re: Windsail Platinum
- Posted by Scoot on Monday, 20-Jun-2005
Yes you do have to call to order and they had to check for availability. Must be currently a limited supply or maybe the website has not been updated yet. They sent me a Tobacconist publication with my last 2 orders. On the back it shows several new brands. These are Vengeur Platinum, Windsail Platinum, Rowland Light, Windgate Gold, Ryback Gold, Ramback Gold, Two Timer Gold, and 2 Don Giovanni cigar blends. None of these were listed on the printed order forms they sent me. I have not checked on the availability of the other new brands.
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- Re: Windsail Platinum
- Posted by Barry on Tuesday, 18-Oct-2005
Real nice smooth light non burleyed-non flavored virginia type tobacco, in fact I found it too light (for me) in a silver tip light tube! I went to an escort tube for this one. Sometimes it even seems to light in an escort filter tube & I wonder where the flavor is! With this D&R order I also bought 2 packages of Ramback Gold & what a winner that is in my book!
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- Re: Windsail Platinum
- Posted by JD on Thursday, 20-Oct-2005
Windsail Platinum has got to be the mildest MYO smoke I've tried. Nothing harsh or bitter about it...in fact, it's so velvety smooth and cool that, in a Silver Tip Light, anyone who smokes Marlboro Lights would probably kick themselves for ever bothering with such a poor excuse for a manufactured "light."
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Its unobtrusiveness will certainly lend itself to being a quality base for almost any manner of blending.... The pack I received from D&R was a bit moist and hard to inject straight from the pouch, but a good 30 minutes in an AC'd room took care of that. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a clean, light everyday smoke.
- Re: Windsail Light
- Posted by Kev on Monday, 30-May-2005
Definitely an American blend. Much like prepackaged cigs but without all the unknown filler. Nice and smooth but a little too light for me so I stuff them in regular tubes. The short shag stuffs perfectly in an Excel.
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- Re: Windsail
- Posted by Juan on Tuesday, 12-Apr-2005
Windsail is a good smooth tobacco. I smoke it with Charbon tubes and the result is a nice smooth smoke. Some people have mentioned about how the fine cut jams their machine, I have found that if I let it dry out a bit before trying to stuff the tubes it tends to stuff better. When I say dry out, I mean to let it dry on a cookie sheet for about 2 to 3 hours at room temperature occasionally turning over the tobacco to allow for uniform drying and to not over stuff the tubes. Thankfully I have not had any problems with jamming, Knock on wood.
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- Re: Windsail Light
- Posted by G on Saturday, 06-Aug-2005
I recently rediscovered this tobacco. Its sweet, and almost buttery smooth tasting. Only negative is that the short cut makes it a bit tricky to stuff.
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- Re: Windsail
- Posted by D. on Saturday, 10-Jul-2004
When I first tried Windsail in 2002 it instantly became my regular brand. At that time it had a very light golden yellow color and was very similar to the currently unavailable Three Castles brand made in England by WD & HO Wills. Then Windsail changed within the last six months or so. Gone was the light yellow color and delicate flavor. It was just brown and the flavor was common.
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I stopped buying Windsail, and have yet to settle on a new regular brand. The current contenders are Danish Export, McClintock Virginia, and Bali Golden Shag. There's also a relatively new Bali Smooth Virginia that could be worth trying.
I wrote to the maker of Windsail to express my concern, and I'm hoping they'll get Windsail back to the way it was. But I'll call them to ask if that's the case before placing another order.
- Re: Windsail
- Posted by Tim Aydt on Friday, 26-Sep-2003
This is my wife's pick for an alternative to Marlboro Lights, out of the tobaccos we've tried. It has a "nice and mild flavor", her quote. It is a mild and flavorful American blend with a fine cut. The fine cut has a tendency to jam the machine more often that a traditional shag, but not enough to be more than a minor annoyance.
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- Windsail update
- Posted by Tim Aydt on Friday, 02-Apr-2004
H&R light has replaced WindSail as the base tobacco in her cigs. It stuffs better and tastes better.
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- Re: Re: Windsail
- Posted by Tim_Mc on Wednesday, 14-Apr-2004
I tried some of this recently. Out of everything I ordered I was expecting the least from the Windsail. I suppose I thought it would be a bit mundane. I am glad I gave it a try though. It actually is so pleasing to smoke. Its very clean and satisfying. Thanks for the comments. Its one of the reasons I took a chance on this stuff. I think it could be a valued mainstay for me from D&R's line.... if I can get myself off the Cockstrong/Ramback mix I indulge in so often!
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- Re: Re: Windsail
- Posted by D. on Sunday, 11-Jul-2004
Tell me you're joking! The only thing I can think of that would be worse or stronger than your Cockstrong/Ramback mix would be pure black Latakia pipe tobacco in a cigarette. Equally strange is that you can even taste the very mild Windsail after abusing your senses with such a concoction. In fact, you're lucky you can still breathe!
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- Re: Re: Windsail
- Posted by KL (kendall leonard) on Saturday, 15-Dec-2007
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That concoction is not strong at all. The ramback really brings it down, The cockstrong by it's self is a nice sweet regular smoke anyways. I add Vengeur LT to that mix for the nutty taste vengeur has.