Hands Tied

[ih303]

A lady came into the lounge Saturday night looking to buy some baccy.

She first asked for Green Apple. I knew she was after the "green apple jolly rancher" type taste, but let her smell the Esk. Apple since it's the sweetest apple I carry. She didn't like it.

She then asked for Raspberry. The best Raspberry I've found so far is Tangiers (which tastes more like raspberry tea than straight raspberries), so I let her smell that. She didn't like it.

Next she asked for Blueberry. Again, since I didn't have straight Blueberry, I let her smell Blue mist and BGB. No dice.

Her last request was for Kiwi and I had nothing for her at all.


WTF?! These are pretty common flavors! I serve NK, AF, TN, and SB. Why is it so hard to find renditions in these top brands that don't suck? Now, before you all start yelling at me, I've tried Eric's interpretations of all of these. Noir Green Apple Candy and Kiwi never acclimates for me, Classic Raspberry tastes like Raspberry Tea, and I don't really remember any difference between Blueberry and Blue Gumball - they both taste like blueberry muffins IMO.


My only hope lies in the fabled AF Kiwi, AF Blueberry, and NK Mizo Raspberry. For apple, I'm going to give SB Sweet Apple a shot.


Are there other alternatives? I felt like an idiot because I had nothing this woman asked for.





By the way, I ended up selling her 50g's of Fusion Raspberry I had gotten from a vendor to try on my quest for a good raspberry.

[Tyler]

For an apple - non floral or anise, SB Sour Apple and Sweet Apple are really the only two choices -- I personalyl don't like either.

Raspberry, Layalina is by far the best, for a general berry flavor, SB Wildberry or SS Berry Punch

Kiwi -- just don't

[mushrat]

Al Amir raspberry is good. Layalina Raspberry is also decent for the unwashed crowd.

I have had the same problem with a sour Green apple.

SB kiwi is ok, Layalina Kiwi smells horrible but people around my bar like the way it smokes.

Layalina Blueberry is the only blueberry next to tangiers I have found that's worth serving.

AA blueberry is NOT good. SB blueberry tastes like a blue snow cone, nothing blueberry about it.

Then again, you just can't make some people happy.

[Arcane]

[quote name='mushrat' date='26 April 2010 - 04:46 AM' timestamp='1272293172' post='465498']
Al Amir raspberry is good. Layalina Raspberry is also decent for the unwashed crowd.

I have had the same problem with a sour Green apple.

SB kiwi is ok, Layalina Kiwi smells horrible but people around my bar like the way it smokes.

Layalina Blueberry is the only blueberry next to tangiers I have found that's worth serving.

AA blueberry is NOT good. SB blueberry tastes like a blue snow cone, nothing blueberry about it.

[b]Then again, you just can't make some people happy. [/b]
[/quote]
This.

Also, I actually think Tangiers Raspberry is a nice mix between fresh Raspberry and Raspberry Jam....Tangiers Green Apple Candy is true to its namesake.

And there really is no good blueberry....or kiwi. But, i don't consider kiwi to be a popular flavor anyways.

How many customers do you have that actually find something to buy? If it's more than 2....well, then you really shouldn't be concerned about pleasing that 1 customer (who, imo, has bad tastes )

[delSol_si]

[quote name='mushrat' date='26 April 2010 - 09:46 AM' timestamp='1272293172' post='465498']
Al Amir raspberry is good. Layalina Raspberry is also decent for the unwashed crowd.

I have had the same problem with a sour Green apple.

SB kiwi is ok, Layalina Kiwi smells horrible but people around my bar like the way it smokes.

Layalina Blueberry is the only blueberry next to tangiers I have found that's worth serving.

AA blueberry is NOT good. SB blueberry tastes like a blue snow cone, nothing blueberry about it.

Then again, you just can't make some people happy.
[/quote]

Layalina is great stuff. The only qualm I have with it is the dye they put in it. Both their blueberry and raspberry are probably what that lady wanted, both are candy like. If you smoke Layalina Raspberry correctly, it will taste just like a blow-pop.

I know I have talked to you about this before, but you should really try Tasty Puff, I'll hopefully be able to make it to the local shop today or tomorrow and see if they have any bottles left. That shit really packs a punch when you add it to your vase water. Haven't really noticed a huge difference adding it to the shisha though.

Like Mush said, Layalina kiwi normally smells like shit, but most people I have shared it with love it. Actually, I think I might have a little left in my stash, I'll look and see...I normally smoke Tangiers now a days because the dye gives me headaches.

Oh, and not trying to go against Mush, but I am think Layalina is washed, not unwashed, could be wrong though.

[IMG]http://i571.photobucket.com/albums/ss156/delsol_si/IMG_0102.jpg[/IMG]

[ih303]

[quote name='mushrat' date='26 April 2010 - 08:46 AM' timestamp='1272293172' post='465498']
Al Amir raspberry is good. Layalina Raspberry is also decent for the unwashed crowd.

I have had the same problem with a sour Green apple.

SB kiwi is ok, Layalina Kiwi smells horrible but people around my bar like the way it smokes.

Layalina Blueberry is the only blueberry next to tangiers I have found that's worth serving.

AA blueberry is NOT good. SB blueberry tastes like a blue snow cone, nothing blueberry about it.

Then again, you just can't make some people happy. [img]http://www.hookahforum.com/public/style_emoticons/default/smile.gif[/img]
[/quote]

I'll have to try AA Raspberry. I tried both Layalina Raspberry and Blueberry and thought they were both pretty bad. I think the Tangiers Raspberry is closest to the mark but the flavor's just too light. If Eric could do a Blueberry with that same natural flavor, I think I'd be in love. It's the same with his Strawberry - right direction, just not enough flavor.

I'd be stoked if he expanded his Lucid line to include all these. There are also so many other great Tangiers flavors that would be so much nicer if without the hassle.


[quote name='Arcane' date='26 April 2010 - 08:54 AM' timestamp='1272293688' post='465500']
This.

Also, I actually think Tangiers Raspberry is a nice mix between fresh Raspberry and Raspberry Jam....Tangiers Green Apple Candy is true to its namesake.

And there really is no good blueberry....or kiwi. But, i don't consider kiwi to be a popular flavor anyways.

How many customers do you have that actually find something to buy? If it's more than 2....well, then you really shouldn't be concerned about pleasing that 1 customer (who, imo, has bad tastes [img]http://www.hookahforum.com/public/style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif[/img] )
[/quote]

I was so excited for Tangiers Green Apple Candy. But no matter what I did I couldn't rid it of its tobacco flavor.

I've never had a customer leave empty-handed. I'm happy to report she left completely happy after I sold her that Fusion and kicked her down a 50g of NK Apple El Basha to try. I'm sure she'll be coming back. See, our selection is good enough that we WILL find something the customer wants - even if it's not what they ask for. It was just kind of a shock to be confronted by the reality that four seemingly common flavors were non-existant in my inventory! I mean, we have chocomint, pomberry, margarita, mimon, static starlight, and fuzzy lemonade but we don't have blueberry. Lol...

[ih303]

[quote name='delSol_si' date='26 April 2010 - 09:05 AM' timestamp='1272294328' post='465501']
Layalina is great stuff. The only qualm I have with it is the dye they put in it. Both their blueberry and raspberry are probably what that lady wanted, both are candy like. If you smoke Layalina Raspberry correctly, it will taste just like a blow-pop.

I know I have talked to you about this before, but you should really try Tasty Puff, I'll hopefully be able to make it to the local shop today or tomorrow and see if they have any bottles left. That shit really packs a punch when you add it to your vase water. Haven't really noticed a huge difference adding it to the shisha though.

Like Mush said, Layalina kiwi normally smells like shit, but most people I have shared it with love it. Actually, I think I might have a little left in my stash, I'll look and see...I normally smoke Tangiers now a days because the dye gives me headaches.

Oh, and not trying to go against Mush, but I am think Layalina is washed, not unwashed, could be wrong though.
[/quote]

Yeah, I remember you mentioning that Tasty Puff. I really want to give it a try. Have you come up with any good combinations yet?

Everytime I mention Layalina to my partners they just start laughing. They've got it in their head that it's total crap. I have mixed feelings about it. I'd compare Layalina Blueberry and Raspberry to Fantasia or Fusion - very synthetic tasting. I certainly don't think it's up to par with the other brands we sell. Maybe SB will pull through for me on these flavors until AF, NK or TN can come out with something closer to what I'm looking for.

Does anyone know how Romman handles these flavors?

[Tyler]

[quote name='ih303' date='26 April 2010 - 11:33 AM' timestamp='1272296022' post='465509']
[quote name='delSol_si' date='26 April 2010 - 09:05 AM' timestamp='1272294328' post='465501']
Layalina is great stuff. The only qualm I have with it is the dye they put in it. Both their blueberry and raspberry are probably what that lady wanted, both are candy like. If you smoke Layalina Raspberry correctly, it will taste just like a blow-pop.

I know I have talked to you about this before, but you should really try Tasty Puff, I'll hopefully be able to make it to the local shop today or tomorrow and see if they have any bottles left. That shit really packs a punch when you add it to your vase water. Haven't really noticed a huge difference adding it to the shisha though.

Like Mush said, Layalina kiwi normally smells like shit, but most people I have shared it with love it. Actually, I think I might have a little left in my stash, I'll look and see...I normally smoke Tangiers now a days because the dye gives me headaches.

Oh, and not trying to go against Mush, but I am think Layalina is washed, not unwashed, could be wrong though.
[/quote]

Yeah, I remember you mentioning that Tasty Puff. I really want to give it a try. Have you come up with any good combinations yet?

Everytime I mention Layalina to my partners they just start laughing. They've got it in their head that it's total crap. I have mixed feelings about it. I'd compare Layalina Blueberry and Raspberry to Fantasia or Fusion - very synthetic tasting. I certainly don't think it's up to par with the other brands we sell. Maybe SB will pull through for me on these flavors until AF, NK or TN can come out with something closer to what I'm looking for.

Does anyone know how Romman handles these flavors?
[/quote]


forum rule 4 sub point c: all Romman questions must be directed towards Stuie

[delSol_si]

Yea, I normally use blueberry tasty puff with blueberry shisha and raspberry tasty puff with raspberry shisha...yea, i know, boring, lol.

i can understand their hesitation. its got a shit load of dye in it. like, sometimes I think there is more dye than tobacco. and, there are a select few layalina flavors that are amazing, but a lot that are total shit. Like, I have tried a ton of flavors and have come across about 3-4 that i think are great, and the rest were shit. margarita was probably one of the worst, orange coming in at a close second...

Try Fantasia Purple Haze...pretty fucking amazing, it isn't spot on to blueberry, but close. I only say taht because Stuie sent me a free sample under the terms taht I promote it. haha, jk....well, jk about the terms, he sent it with the MZ i bought.

[Stuie]

[quote name='delSol_si' date='26 April 2010 - 10:52 AM' timestamp='1272297169' post='465513']
Yea, I normally use blueberry tasty puff with blueberry shisha and raspberry tasty puff with raspberry shisha...yea, i know, boring, lol.

i can understand their hesitation. its got a shit load of dye in it. like, sometimes I think there is more dye than tobacco. and, there are a select few layalina flavors that are amazing, but a lot that are total shit. Like, I have tried a ton of flavors and have come across about 3-4 that i think are great, and the rest were shit. margarita was probably one of the worst, orange coming in at a close second...

Try Fantasia Purple Haze...pretty fucking amazing, it isn't spot on to blueberry, but close. I only say taht because Stuie sent me a free sample under the terms taht I promote it. haha, jk....well, jk about the terms, he sent it with the MZ i bought.
[/quote]

Trying to get me in trouble aren't you. I gave that stuff to a lot of people, I picked up a carton of it for $10...that's a $1 per pack on Craigslist. I handed it out to a pretty much anytime i traded with someone.

Back to the OP.

I haven't found a great Kiwi. I like Tangiers and Layalina best, but it's nothing can really recreate Kiwi.

Raspberry, I can't say for sure, I am not a raspberry type person. I can smoke it for about 10 minutes before it bugs me.

Blueberry, Alas, Fumari had the best then changed it to Blueberry Muffin. I like Tangiers but it's not my favorite. My favorite at this time is probably Romman it has a subtle sour to it like the old Fumari, but it's not as good.

Okay if you like apple and AF Esk Apple doesn't float your boat... I.... I... just can't help you. I am not a big AF fan but that's one they knocked out of the park in my opinion.

[ih303]

[quote name='Stuie' date='26 April 2010 - 01:33 PM' timestamp='1272310439' post='465542']
Okay if you like apple and AF Esk Apple doesn't float your boat... I.... I... just can't help you. I am not a big AF fan but that's one they knocked out of the park in my opinion.
[/quote]

Don't get me wrong. I love Esk Apple. I just don't think that's the flavor John Q Hookahsmoker is thinking of when he orders apple. But it's the best I've found so far. The search continues...

[K1024]

purple haze is grape XD fantasia blueberry is amazing though, and one of the few flavors that im willing to pay that much for. the only raspberry ive had was fantasia, but its been so long that i dont remember how it smoked, or if it was the kamikaze or the lemonade.

[rahl071]

purple haze is a solid flavor, but as said it's based in grape.

[Pretender85]

romman blueberry is pretty good...doubt u would want to pay that much for it though.

[agunn1231]

[quote name='K1024' date='26 April 2010 - 02:10 PM' timestamp='1272316226' post='465564']
purple haze is grape XD fantasia blueberry is amazing though, and one of the few flavors that im willing to pay that much for. the only raspberry ive had was fantasia, but its been so long that i dont remember how it smoked, or if it was the kamikaze or the lemonade.
[/quote]

Fantasia Raspberry Kamikaze had a pretty decent raspberry taste to it....but it also had another aspect to it that i couldnt quite put my finger on

[Skoozle]

[quote name='ih303' date='26 April 2010 - 03:37 PM' timestamp='1272314263' post='465556']
[quote name='Stuie' date='26 April 2010 - 01:33 PM' timestamp='1272310439' post='465542']
Okay if you like apple and AF Esk Apple doesn't float your boat... I.... I... just can't help you. I am not a big AF fan but that's one they knocked out of the park in my opinion.
[/quote]

Don't get me wrong. I love Esk Apple. I just don't think that's the flavor John Q Hookahsmoker is thinking of when he orders apple. But it's the best I've found so far. The search continues...
[/quote]


[size="2"]Yeah, I was sorely disappointed when I first tried AF Esk Apple. Then I backed way off the heat and got mostly apple.[/size]

[size="3"] [/size]