The fact is that Tangiers Tobacco makes a line called “Noir” that also goes by the name “OG Tangiers”. This is an unwashed tobacco that has full bodied flavors and a buzz that will sneak up from behind and clock you in the face if you don’t take it slow or you’re not used to it. The nicotine levels in the tobacco actually change the chemistry of the tobacco calling for some TLC to get the desired smoke.

What The Heck is Acclimation

The owner of Tangiers, Eric Huffman has always told people to acclimate the unwashed tobacco after they receive it. Acclimation is simply letting the tobacco adopt the humidity levels of the local atmosphere. This is done so that the optimum balance of mando flavor and the sought after thunder clouds can be achieved. If the tobacco is not acclimated properly the shisha will smell like barbecue sauce and yield hazy clouds that are very harsh and impossible to enjoy.  Since the tobacco is processed and packaged in San Diego where, for the most part, it is a dry climate the smoker was told to treat the tobacco with the 420 method. This is done to get the tobacco’s chemistry in order for a good session.

The 420 Method

The 420 method consist of emptying the vacuumed sealed bag in to a shallow air tight container. The tobacco is to be left out for four hours while stirring every hour. Then, after the initial four hour period, the container is to be sealed for 20 more hours. All of this is done because the humidity in San Diego is most likely not similar to that of where the smoker lives. I’m no chemist and I can’t explain why this works with detail but who really cares… (more here)

The Low Down

Here is the whole point of what I’m trying to tell you. There is a new technique that, so far, has been proven (by myself and others) to instantly acclimate Tangiers Noir Tobacco. Before removing the tobacco from the sealed bag, massage the bag for 4-5 minutes. This completely mixes the tobacco in its “San Diego” climate controlled bag. Then, empty the tobacco in to your shallow air tight container, and let it sit for another 5-10 minutes.

I did this last night with Noir Guava and it worked perfectly. Like I said before, California is a dryer climate. St. Louis is cold and rainy right now and seeing that this process worked for me I can’t see it not working for anyone else based on climate alone. This process is still under discussion and testing so each flavor may react differently and I certainly cant guarantee that it will work every time for every person on every continent. Even if it doesn’t work the first time… just do the time tested 420 method and smoke it tomorrow.

This Hookafina Electric Lotus tobacco was purchased from Al- Tarboush Deli in St. Louis Missouri. It can also be found on many online retails sites for about $17-$18.

Rating

Flavor: 2.0/5, Smoke, 4.5/5, Resilience: 4/5, Longevity: 5/5

• The only reason I gave Flavor a 2 and not a 1 is because there is a floral taste to it.
• The smoke is big and light.
• It will burn, but slowly.
• Flavor last the entire session

Cut & Composition

This tobacco has a medium cut and its sopping wet with an exorbitant amount of light, oily, syrup.

Price & Quantities Available

• 50g – $4.99 TexasHookah.com
• 10 X 50g – $39.50 TheHookah.com
• 250g – $16.49 Hookah-Shisha.com
• kilo – $59.50 TheHookah.com

The Experience

I tried multiple setups when smoking this tobacco in an effort find a tolerable way to  way to smoke it. When packed in an HJ mini alien phunnel bowl the flavor was so strong and so sweet it made my lungs feel like I was huffing paint. Packing the tobacco in a Sahara Smoke Vortex bowl just lets the juices run to the bottom of the bowl leaving the top to char and the bottom still wet. I settled on folding a paper towel over the tobacco to soak up some (not all) the juices. Then I packed it to a medium density in an alien bowl with two Chronic Hookah nats on top. I found that if you light three coals and start with two, the third coal can be added in about 30 minutes into the session to maintain a suitable level of heat. Although I soaked up some of the syrup, the flavor did last throughout the entire session.

The Flavor

Electric Lotus should be renamed Little Girl’s first perfume. If you could take the drip tray from a Slushy machine and pour it over some tobacco and then sprinkle it with sugar and pollen… you would have this stuff. The flavor is as vague as the name is. There is a noticeable generic “flower” flavor but other than that there are no distinguishable fruits or spices in this flavor.

The Insight

I suspect that most people won’t be able to tolerate more than about 30 minutes of this flavor. Though with some treatment (like sopping up, and throwing away some of the syrup before packing the bowl) you may find something you enjoy. But it definitely wasn’t for me.

Who Should Try This Flavor

It’s hard to imagine who would enjoy this flavor. Big fans of floral flavors may enjoy it. But if floral flavors are your forte there are probably other offerings out there that you will enjoy a lot more. If you’re going to give it a try, be sure to get a sample size first.

This Tangiers Noir Grapefruit flavor was purchased out of pocket from HookahJohn.com. Tangiers Noir tobacco is available for $14.95 in a 250g bag from HookahJohn.com. No matter how a product is obtained HookahReport will always report back an honest unbiased opinion.

Rating

Based on: Flavor: 3.5/5, Smoke, 4.5/5, Resilience: 2.5/5, Longevity: 3/5

Cut & Composition

Tangiers Noir Grapefruit is a medium cut, moist tobacco with very few small stems, lending itself to the typical Tangiers characteristics.

Price & Quantities Available

Prices from HookahJohn.com

• 250g – $14.95
• 250g – $14.31 in a 3 pack
• 250g – $11.99 in a Madness 5 pack

The Experience

This review was done using a new HJ mini alien phunnel and two Chronic Hookah Natural coals. I found this to be a skittish flavor that is hard to get right. This flavor produced typical Tangiers mando clouds that lasted throughout the entire two hour session, even when the flavor began to die down. The most disappointing aspect of this flavor is its tendency for the fruit flavor to take a back seat to an ashy flavor.

The Flavor

The flavor is light, airy, and easy to overheat. The grapefruit flavor is spot on to its name though; there is a nice citrus flavor backed with a bitter flavor that you would expect from an actual grapefruit. If the tobacco can be smoked successfully, it could be a very pleasant smoke on a hot, muggy day. Since the flavor is not heavy and thick like you might expect from Tangiers it might just become a summer smoke for the more experienced hookah enthusiasts.

The Insight

This grapefruit is a cowardly flavor that is hard to bring clouds and flavor to a proper balance. While keeping the heat low seems to be an insurmountable task for some that are new to Tangiers, this flavor is so touchy that it will generate an ash taste without becoming harsh or burning. I have found that keeping the coals to the edge of the bowl while circulating them constantly is the only defense from sending the session into a dizzying spiral of blahh.

EDIT: This shisha is better suited for a HJ Flying Saucer Bowl since the heat can be kept low.

Who Should Try This Flavor

Tangiers’ rendition of Grapefruit is a delightful light smoke that could be enjoyed by many people. People that tend to lean towards citrus flavors will like this flavor as well as those that may be the neighborhood mixologist. Tangiers Grapefruit should be left to those more equipped to handle the frustrations that arise while experimenting with Tangiers Noir.

Full Disclosure

This Social Smoke flavor was purchased out of pocket. Regardless, we always make every effort to review honestly regardless of what means were used to acquire the product. Social Smoke tobacco is available for $18.95 in a 250g tin directly from Social Smoke.

Rating

***½~ (3.5/5)

Based on: Flavor: 3.5/5, Smoke, 4.5/5, Resilience: 4/5, Longevity:3/5

Cut & Composition

Social Smoke Ginger Bread is a medium cut, slimy tobacco with a few small stems, none of which have been found disruptive to the packing process.

Price & Quantities Available

• 100g – $8.99
• 250g – $18.59
• 1kg – $62.00

The Experience

Gingerbread wastes no time getting started. The richest flavor and smoke are available within a few draws with adequate heat. The smoke is fairly impressive in the thickness department. The flavor is distinct, but not overwhelming. Overheating the tobacco will destroy the flavor producing an unpleasant burnt taste that the bowl will not recover from once heat is reduced, so watch your heat carefully. The session lasted about an hour and thirty minutes before the flavor and smoke began to die out quickly.

The Flavor

Gingerbread is somewhat true to its name. It does have a spicy ginger flavor, but it lacks the distinct sweetness of the cookie. That’s not to say it’s unpleasant. In fact, it’s quite nice. But it comes across as more of an almost tangy, spice flavor than a sweet Christmas-themed one.

The Insight

I’ve very much enjoyed Social Smoke’s Gingerbread. Though I’d hoped embody a Christmas-y nostalgia in hookah-smoke form. Unfortunately, it doesn’t. I’d suspect Gingerbread would make a great mixing ingredient in other flavors—perhaps mixed with cola flavors to make a kind of ginger ale ensemble. Though given this is a seasonal flavor, it’s unlikely I’ll have a chance to test that theory out.

Who Should Try This Flavor

I think it’s all about the spice fans here. If you love spicy mixes, like cardamom and cinnamon, you’ll probably really enjoy this one. If you’re hoping for something to smoke while opening gifts on Christmas morning, you might want to check out Tonic’s Cinnamon Roll or Social Smoke’s Cinnamon Spice.

As a preface to the description of his alien phunnel just to make sure everyone is on the same page with the details, John writes:

“Before I start the description I want everyone to know that without Eric Hoffman of Tangiers this product would not be available anywhere. He is the true inventor of the Phunnel bowl from its design to the quality of materials used”

John has made many changes on the Alien’s design over its life time. None of the design elements have changed much between batches, until now. John has taken what was once a good bowl and has designed a great bowl. This bowl is one that any serious hookah smoker would be proud to own.

The most noticeable difference is the change in color schemes. John has added six new colors to the lineup but the one in question for this review is the “Blue Surf”. The color looks artful and worn. The variations of color depth and swirling texture are a beautiful deviation from the original.

When observing the structure of the bowl as compared to my “True Red” alien (purchased almost two years ago), the bowl is much sleeker and more stream lined. The diameter of the bowl remains unchanged but the depth of the bowl has been increased noticeably. With the greater depth, come steeper angled walls, bringing along sharper edges that seem to grab onto the foil when being applied. This sharper edge may or may not be appealing to you depending on how your skills are at foiling a bowl. Although I have not tried to test durability, I could imagine the bowl breaking if it were to be dropped or knocked off a counter top.

While the overall shape has been slimmed down, the inner diameter of the neck has also been made a bit smaller. In this picture, a dollar bill has been rolled up to the diameter of the neck and placed down and in the bowl so as to protrude out. This was done to continue that diameter up and out so it can be more easily photographed.

Something that I have found a bit displeasing is the lopsided angle at which the crest of the bowl slants. As with all hand made goods, there will be variations and yours may not have this issue. The bowl that I received slants to one side by a few degrees, and if the foil is not pulled absolutely tight, the foil will get sucked onto the spire.

Overall this bowl performs far better than John’s 60 minute claim and is a spectacular shisha bowl. Since the original phunnel bowls were created to smoke Tangiers, I have been testing this bowl with multiple flavors of Tangiers tobacco. By using Eric’s packing methods outlined in one of John’s YouTube videos, and Chronic Hookah Natural coals, I have achieved multiple two hour long sessions. The smaller gauge neck did not make a noticeable difference during my sessions and the slimmer design still conducted enough heat for a long enjoyable session.

In Conclusion

If you’re a fan of the original phunnel bowls, you will not be disappointed with this one. But keep in mind, because of subtle adjustments to the shape and design, as well as variations in craftsmanship, you might need to adjust your packing and foiling technique. So should you upgrade? Maybe. It’s going to be a matter of preference. If you find your current Alien Phunnel bowl wanting, you might find this updated version to be a mark improvement. But if you’re quite satisfied with your current Alien Phunnel bowl, you might want to wait until a drunken party guest knocks your bowl off the table.

In addition to the new packaging, the revised recipes make significant improvements to the smoking experience. Upon opening the package, the first thing you’ll likely notice is that the tobacco is significantly more moist. Upon breaking it up, you’ll also find that the tobacco is cut longer and there even appears to be a bit more of it. The actual look and feel of the tobacco is a bit more like Hookah-Hookah’s alternative brand, Ayam Zaman.

Hookah-Hookah claims the new tobacco “has been reformulated with Better Ingredients, to deliver Richer Taste, Thicker Clouds and a Stronger Buzz.” Sahara Smoke was kind enough to send some new flavors (which will be reviewed in coming days and weeks), as well as some older flavors that we’ve already reviewed. Initial experiences suggest all of these are true, with the exception of perhaps the delivering a “stronger buzz”. However, any seasoned smoker will have difficulty picking up on a change to the buzz intensity.

The most notable change, however, is the longevity of the smoke. Where Sahara Smoke tobacco has historically been somewhat fickle in how long a single bowl will last, the new formula seems to deliver a more consistent, longer experience.

The price of Hookah-Hookah tobacco has also been increased from $14.95 for a 250g jar, to $19.95 for a 250g jar.

Full Disclosure

Tonic Shisha was kind enough to send us this tobacco for free to try it out and share our opinions. We always make every effort to review honestly regardless of what means were used to acquire the product. Tonic Shisha Tobacco is available for $18.95 in a 250g tin from Hookah-Shisha.com.

Rating

****~ (4/5)

Based on: Flavor: 3/5, Smoke:4/5, Resilience: 4/5, Longevity: 4/5

Cut & Composition

Tonic Kama Sutra is a “Made in America”, medium cut, extremely juicy tobacco. There are some moderately sized stems and tobacco leaves, some of which need to be plucked out to avoid any disruption in packing the bowl.

Price & Quantities Available

• 250g – $18.95

The Experience

Kama Sutra required a little extra time to start. After about 15 minutes the richest flavor and smoke was available. The smoke was fairly resilient to changes in heat and didin’t easily overheat. The smoke and flavor also had a good equilibrium, with the proper heat for great flavor also being the proper heat for great smoke. The tobacco produced no head buzz and the session lasted about an hour and forty minutes.

The Flavor

It’s a bit challenging to identify the flavors making up Kama Sutra. At the beginning of the draw, there is a bite, perhaps a sour sensation. On exhale, there’s a sweet watermelon flavor. There are also most likely some berry or fruit flavors mixed in as well, but they are indistinct.

The Insight

Kama Sutra is a somewhat interesting flavor. Being sweet and sour, and still a bit ambiguous, yet almost certainly a crowd pleaser. Personally, I’m not a huge fan of watermelon hookah flavors, this one was decent and absolutely smokeable. Still, in spite of interesting take on the watermelon sensation, it’s just not something I would likely smoke on a regular basis.

Who Should Try This Flavor

Fans of watermelon flavors will probably like this one. Fans of cocktail flavors will also probably really enjoy it. This is most certainly a party favorite and worth trying out.

Full Disclosure

Sahara Smoke was kind enough to send us this tobacco for free to try it out and share our opinions. We always make every effort to review honestly regardless of what means were used to acquire the product. Hookah-Hookah is available directly from Sahara Smoke for $14.95 in a 250g jar.

Rating

***~~ (3/5)

Based on: Flavor: 3/5, Smoke:3/5, Resilience:3/5, Longevity:3.5/5

Cut & Composition

Hookah-Hookah Ginger Ale is a long stringy cut. Something much like roll-your-own cigarette tobacco. There are no stems to be found. The tobacco is wet, but more oily than other brands. It will leave your fingers wet but not slimy.

Price & Quantities Available

• One Shot – $1.10
• 50g – $3.25
• 250g – $14.95
• 1kg – $47.95

The Experience

Hookah-Hookah Ginger Ale began smoking quickly. The richest flavor and smoke were available in the first five minutes. The smoke was okay, but a little unsatisfying and the balance of heat necessary to get great smoke and great flavor was a little challenging. Enough heat to produce heavy smoke would degrade the flavor, while heating for the flavor would leave the smoke lackluster. The tobacco produced no head buzz and the session lasted about an hour and twenty minutes.

The Flavor

Ginger Ale is definitely similar to the real thing, but really not quite right. There is a distinct cola flavor present, and something a bit spicy, like ginger, but the over all flavor was more reminiscent of soft-drink sweetness than actual ginger ale.

The Insight

The flavor wasn’t bad, absolutely smokeable. But it’s also indistinct, which makes it unlikely that anyone will really fall in love with this one.

Who Should Try This Flavor

Fans of unique or interesting flavors will probably enjoy this one. Also, fans of ‘Coke’ flavors may also find this one inviting.

Full Disclosure

Tonic Shisha was kind enough to send us this tobacco for free to try it out and share our opinions. We always make every effort to review honestly regardless of what means were used to acquire the product. Tonic Shisha Tobacco is available for $18.95 in a 250g tin from Hookah-Shisha.com.

Rating

***½~ (3.5/5)

Based on: Flavor: 3/5, Smoke:4/5, Resilience: 3.5/5, Longevity: 4/5

Cut & Composition

Tonic Virgin Strawberry is a “Made in America”, medium cut, extremely juicy tobacco. There are some moderately sized stems and tobacco leaves, some of which need to be plucked out to avoid any disruption in packing the bowl.

Price & Quantities Available

• 250g – $18.95

The Experience

Virgin Strawberry wasted little time getting started. The richest flavor and smoke were available within the first 10 minutes. The smoke was adequate, but not impressive. The flavor was more sensitive to heat than other flavors in the Tonic lineup. Too much heat produced a distinct kind of smoky taste—but not like what you might expect from burning tobacco. If the heat is corrected quickly, the flavor can be redeemed, for the most part. The session lasted about an hour and thirty minutes.

The Flavor

Virgin Strawberry doesn’t taste much like strawberries in a realistic sense. But in the world of artificial strawberry flavors, this one isn’t bad, but isn’t great either. This one is candy-sweet and In real world comparisons, Virgin Strawberry tastes quite a lot like those individually wrapped strawberry candies.

The Insight

It seems as thought most, if not all, strawberry hookah flavors fall short of what most of us are really hoping for: something sweet, but also fresh and maybe the tiniest bit tart. To date, I haven’t tasted a strawberry hookah flavor that really hits the mark and this one isn’t really an exception. That been said, for what it was enjoyable and company in the smoking circle responded quite well to it. For a strawberry flavor, this one is among the better that I have tried.

Who Should Try This Flavor

If you’re in search of the perfect strawberry hookah flavor—this one probably won’t be it. However, if you’re a fan of sweet berry flavors, or you’re already a fan of other strawberry flavors on the market, you’ll probably really enjoy this one.

Full Disclosure

Tonic Shisha was kind enough to send us this tobacco for free to try it out and share our opinions. We always make every effort to review honestly regardless of what means were used to acquire the product. Tonic Shisha Tobacco is available for $18.95 in a 250g tin from Hookah-Shisha.com.

Rating

****~ (4/5)

Based on: Flavor: 3.5/5, Smoke:5/5, Resilience: 5/5, Longevity: 4/5

Cut & Composition

Tonic Hitman is a “Made in America”, medium cut, very juicy tobacco. There are some moderately sized stems and tobacco leaves, some of which need to be plucked out to avoid any disruption in packing the bowl.

Price & Quantities Available

• 250g – $18.95

The Experience

Hitman began smoking almost immediately, with the richest flavor and smoke available in the first five minutes! The smoke, at its best, was really impressive; thick, billowing clouds without a hint of harshness. The session lasted about an hour and thirty minutes before the smoke and flavor quickly began to die out.

The Flavor

Tonic’s Hitman most likely intended to be an energy drink flavor—designed to taste like an energy drink. And it does, to some degree, but better. Who really likes the taste of energy drinks enough to taste it for an hour and a half? In actuality, it’s a well blended mixture of berries and fruit, likely strawberries and guava with some indistinct floral flavors throughout. Unlike some of the other ‘energy drink’ flavors on the market, Hitman has no mint flavors whatsoever.

The Insight

Hitman is easy to smoke. It’s smooth and fresh, even without a minty-cooling sensation. It’s also hard to imagine someone really disliking this flavor.

Who Should Try This Flavor

If your a fan of guava flavors, or cocktail fruit flavors you’ll probably enjoy this one. But keep in mind, it has a uniqueness that really sets it apart from those flavors. This is likely a crowd pleaser.