Name and Format: Halfzware Shag – Classic blends line (Tabacchificio 3.0) – Concentrated flavour 20 ml – received by the manufacturer
Batch: 01/20
Nico: 3 mg/ml
Used Base: 50 PG / 47 VG / 3 H2O
Expiry date: 01/2022
Devices:Svoemesto Kayfun Lite 2019 24 mm RTA single coil 0.9 ohm (Kanthal A1 28 AWG) + Kizoku Limit RTA single coil 0.9 ohm (Kanthal A1 28 AWG) with Cotton Bacon Prime.
I can’t deny it, today I’m going to talk with great curiosity about the Tabacchificio 3.0 company that made its debut here on our pages only a few weeks ago. The approach with this Emilian manufacturer has been absolutely positive, therefore I cannot hide the incredible expectations on the new product that I am going to test, after the more than good impressions received from the test of Eclissi aroma.
So are you ready for the Halfzware Shag test?
Before starting, I remember that Tabacchificio 3.0 products are marketed in the format of concentrated flavors in 20 ml glass bottles and must be diluted between 10% and 20%, for a final composition as close as possible to VPG 50/50. The manufacturer informed me that they do not require maturation, they are immediately vapable even if a few steeping days are always advisable.
The manufacturer provides us with this description of its Halfzware Shag:
Una classica miscela da rolling, caratterizzata dalla presenza di Kentucky fire cured, Virginia e Burley. Per non essere scontati, abbiamo voluto dare la nostra interpretazione a questo classico, utilizzando tre diversi tipi di Virginia ed aggiungendo una giusta misura di Maryland. Un aroma duro, ma allo stesso tempo,complesso e ricco di sfaccettature.
A classic rolling blend, characterized by the presence of Kentucky fire cured, Virginia and Burley. In order not to be taken for granted, we wanted to give our interpretation to this classic blend, using three different types of Virginia and adding the right mixture Maryland. A hard aroma, but at the same time, complex and rich in facets.
SMELL TEST
Although this blend, as stated by the manufacturer itself, is strongly characterized by a Kentucky fire cured, the olfactory evidence of this aroma does not offer such high aromatic load, or at least less consistent than what could be expected; on the nose the mixture is of medium intensity with a light vegetal undertone and above all a lively note of leather. The feeling that Halfzware Shag transfers to me after on the smell is that of a very balanced and not excessively Kentucky oriented blend, and in this sense it would reflect exactly what its name tells us: a medium strength rolling (shag) blend (halfzware).
I am preparing for the vape test which, after several tests, I decided to officially carry out with the Kayfun Lite 2019 and the Kizoku Limit atomizers.
VAPE TEST
When I start vaping Halfzware Shag I immediately realize how complex and refined this mixture is, and not even easy to describe. A challenging aroma to vape and tell…
Kentucky is immediately on the front line at the start of the vape, showing its dark tones with a certain swagger even if it does not prove excessively smoked; a Kentucky that contributes to creating a very full-bodied aromatic setting on which the light tobaccos of the blend are soon inserted, not at all intimidated by the strong stage presence of fire-cured tobacco.
In the heart of the puff, in fact, the scene is completed and the exchange of “jokes” between the different protagonists of the mix becomes the main and peculiar characteristic of Halfzware Shag. A very articulated and multifaceted aromatic dialogue; the stony and woody hints of Kentucky are flanked by the lovely vegetable facets of Virginia and an unexpected dry note.
This dry note on the Limit RTA tends to take over a bit with a consequent minimal reduction of the noble nuances of the whole mixture; on the other hand with the Kayfun Lite 2019 I can perceive a greater exaltation of light tobaccos that play the fundamental role of skilled flavorers for the whole mixture. The aromatic picture shows greater balance, is a little less strong but certainly more harmonious.
On a shiny and vivid leather bed, the Virginia, Burley and Maryland perform a ballet of rare intensity and refinement, alternating grassy and sweet notes with drier points, topped with imperceptible acid shades. A ballet with joyful tones that ends in exhalation again with Kentucky, peremptory in closing the dances as it had opened with a fine earthy-stable trail.
The liquid interpretation of a classic rolling blend turns out to be richer and more complex than I could have imagined. Very skilled and worthy of praise is the flavourist ability to make a mixture that I can perceive dark despite the Kentucky is well stuffed with light air cured tobaccos.
Halfzware Shag is not an all day tobacco, but neither it’s a typical “after coffee” dark blend; this aroma needs time and “listening” to be better picked and appreciated. Know it if you decide to try it!
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Suggested dilution: 15-20%
Steeping time: ready to vape, recommended 5-7 days
Pro: innovative and surprising blend for its richness and complexity
Cons: this aroma is not so easy to be interpreted and grasped in its fullness