D&R European Blends - Ryback, Ryback Gold, Three Sails

[sawsmoke]

TRG: LBSS has Samson, call them!

[TheRescueGuy]

Hey, 2 sources, thanks "saw" and "Mef", right on time ............TRG

[db cooper]

Im a huge Three Sails and Ryback fan. I was never big on halfzware until I asked for a sample to be thrown in one of my D&R orders. Grew on me very quickly and is a great two or three times a day smoke. I will ask for a sample of the Ryback Gold in my next D&R order. Is the gold just Ryback with some flue cured virginia mixed in?

[Mentalgongfu]

Alright, after reeling from SCHIP and discovering the world of on-line tobacco ordering and the RYO subculture I never knew existed, I will be trying my first new 'baccy. So far I've just been getting Drum, my old standby, but I just put in an order for the trinity of European blends at D&R that are the subject of this thread. After much internal debate, I decided to just get one can of each to try them out before I commit to a whole 14 ounces. After reading the variety of opinions, I'm curious to see what I'll think of these tobaccos. I'll be sure to pop back in and add my thoughts to the mix.

[riff-raff]

I I will ask for a sample of the Ryback Gold in my next D&R order. Is the gold just Ryback with some flue cured virginia mixed in?

I don't think they give samples anymore.When I made my last order in the comment section i asked for a sample of Two Timer Gold .Checked my email order update and in the comment section they had wrote that they carried it in the 3.5.oz tubs.Received my order and no sample.This was my first time to ask for a sample by the way.Ive been a lurker for along time on this great site and the other one two,and have read the hundreds of post about the superb personal service they had pre SCHIP.Im not complaing about not getting a sample, i mad as hell that the damn U.S government with there greedy SCHIP tax that has made this fine company throw out the personal service just to make end meet.

Im Sorry mods if this is on the border of a hijack.Feel free to delete or move in the proper place.

Riff-Raff

[db cooper]

I have always called my orders in, and they have gladly given me samples in the past. Maybe you should try that.

[CTsmoker]

I have always called my orders in, and they have gladly given me samples in the past. Maybe you should try that.

Well, so much for callin 'em, D&R is no longer taking orders by phone, web only.

[Mentalgongfu]

This afternoon I received my new shipment of Ryback, Ryback Gold, and Three Sails. I've only had the chance to smoke a few so far, so my opinion is preliminary and subject to change.

Tried the Ryback first, since it sounded like the closest to Drum, which I've been smoking for several years. It was surprisingly smooth, but powerful, and I was surprised at the nicotine level. I actually caught a little buzz and could feel it going to my head as I was puffing. I've had two more since then, and they are definitely stronger than Drum, but the taste is great. It's certainly a keeper, but probably not an all-day smoke for me. The Ryback Gold might fill that bill, since it seems to be just a mellower version of the Ryback, as I expected. Is that the Three Sails that is blended to make it "gold," or some other tobacco? I've only had one smoke of the Gold so far, but I'm about to roll another one. I've also enjoyed just a single stick of Three Sails at this point; but I was wowed at the color alone when I opened the can. It sure looks like good tobacco, and I enjoyed the taste, but it will take me longer to decide how much I like it. I've been smoking pretty much Drum halfzware exclusively since I got off premades in college, so smoking a RYO that isn't halfzware is a new experience on it's own. The only non-halfz I've had is Top and Bugler. I was not aware all the alternatives existed or that there was a growing subculture of do-it-yourself smokers, but I'm excited to have discovered it.

All in all, I'm very pleased with my first D&R order, and there's a good chance I'll be shifting my brand loyalty, or at least ordering again. I don't want to judge prematurely, but puffin' on this Ryback Gold, I have to say I'm feeling quite satisfied.

My biggest complaint with D&R would be a very minor one and really related to packaging rather than the tobacco product - the cans are not very sturdy. I keep most of my empty drum cans and re-use them, fill them with sand or bottlecaps and stack them to make plant stands, shelves, etc. The D&R cans don't seem like they'd be good for much once the tobacco's gone, except maybe keeping worms cool for a while. And it seems the larger volume package comes in pouches. But hey, if a plastic tub and plastic pouch help keep the cost down, I suppose I'll just deal with it and drink more coffee if I want some sturdy, stackable containers.

BTW, if anyone happened to see (or not see) my post over in the Rolling Papers thread in the RYO -Papers, FIlters, ROllboxes section, I'm still looking for some good recommendations on rolling paper alternatives, if anyone has any input.

-Mental

[Mentalgongfu]

Update:

My initial impression that Ryback was "too strong" for me was just plain wrong. I'm not sure what was going on, but at this point I am loving it straight. I discovered the Ryback Gold had a little too much gold in it for my taste after a while, but the Ryback has been a dark-fired flavor sensation for me the last few days. I've been neglecting the Three Sails, not because it's bad or anything; it just doesn't do anything special for me. I'm getting ready to order some more of the Ry and I'm thinking I'll throw in some Ramback to see what all the fuss is about and to see what it can do when mixed with some halfz.

[Bill Ross]

...I'll throw in some Ramback to see what all the fuss is about and to see what it can do when mixed with some halfz.

One of my favorite smokes in 50% Ryback & 50% Ramback. I call it my "dessert" smoke and enjoy it after meals.