u/Ryoaficionado

Bali Shag Rounded Virginia is a hand-rolling tobacco that strikes a balance between strength and flavor. Made mostly from Virginia with a bit of Oriental, it's sweet, slightly earthy with subtle spicy notes and maybe some floral notes. Shag cut so it rolls nicely.

Overall, Bali Shag Rounded Virginia is a well-crafted, smooth but tasty 😋 rolling tobacco.

Rating: 8-8.5/10

Test setup: raw classic,slim long filters

Store was out of OCB Blue that I smoke religiously,so picked up these was hesitant because they are not a classic cigarette papers but gotta say they are excellent a little hard to work with tho deffo not beginners friendly due to thinness... But no paper taste and doesn't go out like OCB premium... Give them a try 🚬🚬🚬

So with some shortages of Mac Baren zware I found this one and was skeptical....

The moment you open the pouch, you are hit with a pungent, unmistakable aroma of a Zware tobacco. Dark fired Kentucky, gives it scent that is deeply smokey expected from a Zware tobacco.

Aroma:

Bold, heavy, spicy and smooth.The flavor profile is intense, smokey and full flavoured.

Cut and how it rolls

Classic long strand shag cut. Good moisture content fresh out of the pouch ,forms together perfectly, so it's easy to roll by hand.

Conclusion:

Strong, smokey , and a consistent burn. It holds its own against legendary rivals like Van Nelle or Drum in some aspects. I do like it more than Drum because it's smokier, stronger and is in my opinion closer to what I expect from Zware. And it burns a bit faster than Mac Baren zware I like slower burning tobacco but hey can't complain...

Only downside is the strong room note, and might not be the best choice for people starting in ryo like any Zware...

Drum Original Blue is such a classic that it doesn't need a review but might help some folks who are new to ryo.Gonna keep this review simple

It's a Halfzware so the smell hits you as soon as you open the bag.

What's inside: Dark fired Kentucky and Virginia

Flavor profile:deep, smoky, and slightly woody, with some dried fruits reminds of dried plums. It's by all means a full bodied smoke.

Cut: Long and fine making quite easy to hand roll or for use in tobacco Rolling machines.

What really makes Drum Blue special for me is the balance — it’s full bodied without being harsh on the throat. Kentucky gives off a dark, earthy flavour while the Virginia softens it with a pinch of sweetness expected from Virginia. 😋

Burns nice and slow, reliable good quality, readily available makes it a classic smoke enjoyed by older generations and today by us.

I was always smoking Danish Zware and halfzware so I was skeptical, orange is considered medium variant but it's a full bodied smoke. I would describe it as smooth but full bodied at the same time.

From what I observe It uses a high-quality Oriental and Virginia tobaccos.

It’s nutty with a hint of sweetness and it's own aroma. No "chemical" aftertaste.

IMHO It sits in the medium in terms of strength category. Plus Is that it won't won't leave you feeling dizzy or dry mouth like some let's say Kentucky Zware of halfzware blends. Room note is pleasant making it a bit less smelly in close quarters compared to zwares although I thoroughly enjoy those 😋.

How it rolls

It's fine shag cut: so it's very easy to handle, almost like silk under fingers.

Moisture level Straight out of the pouch, it usually has that just enough type of moisture level—not so damp that it won't stay lit, and not so dry that you can't hand roll. Final thought's:

If you find the Dark blend a bit too strong for an all-day smoke, tho Dark Blue also known as original is not much stronger just different.Orange is can't go wrong variant

Perfect for morning smokes or those who find heavy blends "too much" for daily use.

Perfect all rounder...

9.5/10