Smoking in 3/4'ers time

So long and thanks for all the Hookah!

2011-07-21T15:52:00.000-04:00

Well, all good things must come to an end and this too has come...

Thanks you everyone for reading my blog and commenting, watching my silly videos, being both mean & nice to me and everything else in between.

Life changes and so must we all. I'm not yet going to delete this blog because it's not that old and does have some good information on it.

One day in the future it may go away.

Untill then, I'll still answer emails, but just so you know, I rarely ever have time to sit down and enjoy this hobbie anymore. The costs have gone up, I don't have time, plus my hubby is trying to smoke, so for his sake I don't much anymore either.

In the famous words of D. Adams...

"So long and thanks for all the fish -> Hookah!"

Finally back in the swing of things...

2010-04-15T13:55:00.000-04:00

After a LONG vacation from one of my favorite past-times, I am finally returning to the world of Hookah.

I've placed a new order with Hookah-shisha.com for several 50g boxes of some new brand (Hyponosis) tobacco, some AF Coconut Coals, as well as a new glass base for my MYA QT (which broke over the winter when I tried to use it. The temp of the air was so drastically different from the warmed metal of the stem, it caused the glass to shatter).

So expect some new reviews, possibly new videos, and other general fun from yours truely.

Finally gonna get back to my smoking

2008-10-07T12:56:00.002-04:00

I had a trip to FL for work, so I couldn't get any smoking due to I didn't want to get lost trying to find the 1 lounge anywhere near where I was staying and none of my HP pals were close enough to come stop by... bummer :(

But anyways, finally got home and set-up the Froggie to smoke, mixed up some custom shisha - I call it Cinnamon Latte. Very tastie surprisingly, even Trance liked it :) Wanna know what's in it?

Shisha:
50% Al Waha Arbic Coffee
25% Nakhla Cinnamon
25% Al Fakher Vanilla

Mix well, I mean really get your fingers in there and mix that puppy up! I used my Vortex bowl, mostly because I was using 3 Exotica QL's and didn't want it to burn (the AW may get toastie w/ that much heat). Those plus the windcover worked perfectly - lasted about 45-50mins with two people chaining off it.

Very nice and yummie, the mix had the sweet from the AF - the spicy kick from the Nakhla (plus some nicotine buzz) and the background flavor of the AW (as well as the sleepy buzz which really didn't kick in until the last 20 mins or so). The mix was great, we never got the harsh taste coffee flavors can sometimes get, it was lighter and sweet, but nothing compaired to what I normally smoke.

This week I am gonna try to get BACK in the swing of making videos - I still have no clue about editing them, but that hasn't stopped me before... can't be held as an excuse now. My biggest excuse is LACK of TIME.... that and my dig camera is mucking up the sound in the videos, so that means I'm down to JUST the FlipCam... until I replace the Samsung. Oh well, atleast its still better than the Shadow - it's "flims" suck :P

Oh well, until next time - which I am truely hoping isn't that ling - smoke on and peace!

Chronic Hookah Quiklite Review

2008-09-05T20:44:00.000-04:00

Chronic Hookah Quiklites

Price: 13.99 for 108 - alittle more than my normal run, but cheaper than most other brands of Quiklites I use (Goldens or Coco's).

Appearance: square coals, rough but compact. Dense and stable. Black in color. 1.5" x 1.5" x .75-.50"

Lighting: Can be "violent" throwing sparks, but a lighter will start the coal. Completely burns over in less than 30 second, but does produce a good bit of smoke and smell. (Burn outdoors or with ventilation)

Ash: Light grey and sandy-grit like. Doesn't blow around, in fact can be hard to "ash" at times. Thankfully they don't need frequent ashing until last quarter of life.

Burn Time: about 50-55mins, produces good amount of heat. 2 with windcover will be more than enough for most hookah bowls.

Overall Score: 8 out of 10

A nice "QL" version coal. It does smell quite a bit when lighting (and can be violent at times - not nearly as bad as a Akhla) but produces a good amount of heat for the bang. Cheaper than Coconaras and easier to use, they are a good alternative to naturals when need be.

I did notice than all of the ones I used worked great up until the last 10-15min, the amount of heat they gave off drastically dropped requiring the windcover and lighting a new coal. Yes, that can be expected, but the same amount Exoticas did produce more heat in the last 10-15. Other than this, they worked spectacularly.

I would recommend if you are looking for a quiklite coal, give these a try.

Al Fakher Golden Grape Review

2008-08-04T14:04:00.000-04:00

Al Fakher Golden Grape

Shisha Cut: ultra fine, almost like it was ground. BRIGHT screaming red and beyond drippy (looks like blood).
Hookah Type: MYA QT
Duration: 1.5 hour (+/-)
Bowl: MYA
Foil / Screen: foil + windcover
Coal / Amount: 1 Akhla QL (2-3 total per session)
Smoke: thick & puffy
Buzz: none

Smell / Flavor: Smell – Sweet grape or something similar to Grape Bubble Yum. Taste – Realistic grape with slight sweetness and sometimes a faint bitterness (described as the skin taste).

Score: 7.5-8

Video Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JOFyOUaJnDE

Not quite the Al Fakher standard Grape, this is a more realistic grape taste, with a slight sweetness instead of a candy taste. Thankfully doesn’t suffer the same fate as the standard line grape (no rotten smell/taste) and alittle more pricy than the normal stuff, but a nice break from the overly sweet candy flavors out there.

Note: This stuff (new AF cut) has SO MUCH glycerin in it that it colored the base water. If the water changes color it has dripped ALL THE WAY DOWN the stem. It’s gonna me a MESS to clean. I recommend using a Phunnel type bowl with this stuff.

Al Waha Banana Split Review

2008-08-04T14:03:00.000-04:00

Al Waha Banana Split

Shisha Cut: med to course, med brown and drippy. Less stems than normal.
Hookah Type: 27” Syrain
Duration: 1hr 15min to 1hr 30min
Bowl: shallow E bowl
Foil / Screen: HD foil + windcover
Coal / Amount: 3 – 1” Exoticas
Smoke: med to thick
Buzz: typical Al Waha sleepy buzz - Med to HEAVY

Smell / Flavor: Smell – Smelt yummie, a mix of chocolate, strawberry and vanilla. No banana. Taste – Total opposite of the smell: no chocolate, no strawberry, rather cherry with undertones of vanilla and banana based on COLA. So basically a Cherry Cola.

Video Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LMoUBwze40Y

Rating (1 to 10): 7-7.5

Other than it’s NOT Banana Split, it’s a decent smoke. Alarming if you were expecting the taste to be like the smell, but overall alright. If you like Cherry Cola, I can recommend this flavor, but if you wanted a realistic Banana Split pass this over.

Can be slightly heat sensitive, so watch things.

Al Waha Memories Review

2008-08-04T14:02:00.000-04:00

Al Waha Memories

Shisha Cut: med to course, med to dark brown. Drippy.
Hookah Type: 27" Syrian
Duration: 45-55 min
Bowl: mod bowl
Foil / Screen: foil + windcover
Coal / Amount: 2 – 1.5” Stargate
Smoke: Thick
Buzz: typical Al Waha sleepy buzz - Med to HEAVY

Smell / Flavor: Smell – Sweet and fruity, with a light liquorish undertone (and a hint of mint). Taste – Sweet fruity taste with mild anise flavor, but hard to pin-point the actual fruit part. Fellow smoker suggested it might be figs.

Video Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L5_Hzt1wcuE

Rating (1 to 10): 6-7

Overall nice flavor, although hard to figure out what it was trying to taste like. It’s good, just not my cup o’tea in terms of flavor. One of the stranger smokes I’ve gone thru. One small side note, this flavor does coat the mouth and tongue, not a bad thing – adds to the appeal, just it does.

Sahara Smoke Vortex Bowl Review

2008-08-02T12:12:00.001-04:00

Received bowl on Thursday (7/30/08) along with my new AF. I originally purchased this bowl because of wanting a small phunnel. Figured this design, with the mod piece built in, would be interesting to try. Plus the price was lower than most other models (Sahara Smoke for 9.95).

Bowl is larger than most of my normal mod/Egyptian/MYA bowls, but not overly so. My KM bowl is MUCH larger. It's well made and has a sturdy feeling. I did find out the mouth is larger than my Syrian's necks (it fits my Eygptian fine although it's also too big for my QT), but a damp paper-towel wrapped around the existing grommet makes an air-tight seal.

For the first smoke, I based my packing off suggestions from other members. I packed it "loose and fluffy" to just below the hole on the center section with some of the new AF I received. Originally I received thin smoke - partially from not realizing the bowl wasn't making an air-tight seal and the tobacco itself. After 45min I called it quits. The next morning I checked the bowl and found 3/4'ers of the tobacco was unburnt.

Attempt two was much better - taken more hint from members, I overpacked the tobacco, making the level higher (right up to the holes but still far enough down as leave a good gap between the foil).

As to overpacking - I mean not making it "fluffy", just glopping it in and lightly tamping it down. It used slightly more tobacco than before, about what I pack into my Egyptian bowl (or a deeper MYA bowl). Now knowing the mouth issue, I set everything up and this time received a MUCH better smoke. Excellent flavor, great puffy clouds and even after 1.5-2 hours (and 5 coals) I could have added more coals and continued smoking for some time. After a cool down I checked, this time only a 1/3rd of the bowl was unburnt.

Both times, I checked the inside of the stem and found little to no "meltdown" from the bowl (although the bowl did already have the well-worn burn marks). The grommets/paper-towels had no staining/residue either. The base water was also "clear" - colored water normally means the melted juices reached all the way down the stem.

A single layer of Heavy-duty foil was used and that provided good protection, coupled with a windcover to manage heat. (2) 1.25" Exoticas heated the bowl perfectly, but a single Akhla wasn't enough to get decent smoke. A QL broken in half may work or two QL's placed on the edges may work better.

Although future experiments will show how well it can be used with other brands, I do believe most drippier tobaccos will benefit from the bowl.

PROS:

Good Price - 9.95
Does hold less tobacco than the MED phunnel.
Does help extend the amount of time, flavor and clouding during the smoke session.
Makes burning harder, but doesn't stop. Did help with recovery after overheating and allowed for continuation of smoking without re-pack.

CONS:

Make be larger than hookah's stem - additional grommets may be needed.
Still uses about 25-30g of tobacco.
May take some experimentation to perfect usage.
Requires more heat to produce good (cloudy) smoke.

RECOMMENDATION:

This bowl would be a good addition to anyone's collection. So far is works great, providing you are willing to "play around" a bit to figure out what it needed. I do consider this cheaper than purchasing a true phunnel and mod, but since I lack a phunnel (and the brand o'baccy it was designed for) I can't make a true comparison.

I would say if you had the money, pop for the bowl. It's only slightly more pricey than a good clay bowl, so even for some reason you don't enjoy it, you aren't out much money.

VIDEO LINK: (coming soon)

Sahara Order in

2008-07-31T18:30:00.003-04:00

As you can see, my order from Sahara Smoke came in today. Yeah, happy days! Anyways, on to what's in the picture...

The 3 tubs/bags of tobacco are Al Fakher - Peach, Watermelon and Vanilla. They all have production dates of 2008 (bwt Jan and May) and they are ALL the new cut of AF. Ok... dang it all, but atleast they smell ok. The peach did have a faint chemical whiff to it, but just leaving it open for an hour has made the smell much better. Hopefully these should all be yummie.

The small white bowl is the Vortex bowl - it's good sized and looks well made. If I believe the other reviews on HP, it should produce some good smoke. After I have played with it for a bit, of course I will make a video :P

Now they did throw in 2 extras - a tube of Hookah-Freak "The Dude" and a roll of Akhla quiklites. I've used the coals before (explodie coals - LOL) but never had the HF flavor before. But... it smells weird, like a cross between Irish Cream, Chocolate and Hazlnut. Who knows, might be good.

All in all, a good order and showed up fast. Packed well and shipped via UPS - which left it at the front door, which is scary since I live in a ghetto neighborhood and children are around. Oh well... Other than that, nothing went wrong. Yeah, I like it when orders work!

'baccy and a new bowl

2008-07-30T13:41:00.003-04:00

Finally, after months of not being able to fund any new stuff in the world of Hookah, I managed to sneak by a few things. I wanted to purchase a phunnel type bowl - I used to have one, a MED Tangiers in fact. Purchased about a year from MNHookah, also with the glass mod to go in it.

But I think a MED is really a LARGE... I hate to see how big a true Large is. It held so much tobacco that it was kinda useless for me, a single smoker. I can stok about 1-2 hours out a plain clay bowl, why do I need 3-4 out of a phunnel. I ended up selling it.

Now why you ask, is she telling me this? And what the heck is a phunnel?

Ok, let me give a quick run down. The Phunnel is the bowl itself - normally sold without the "mod" piece. Basically it's a modified hookah bowl that holds the tobacco in a lip/bowl section around a center opening. The reason for this is to keep the tobacco in it's own juices, which allow for more flavor and longer smokes, as well as keeping the extra juice from dripping down the stem when heated. Now, it may still drip some, but lot less than not using a phunnel would produce.

The tobacco is packed in the outer lip, with (or without) the mod (which has openings in the edges) over the center hole. Reason for the mod is to help with airflow (pushing it down and thru the tobacco instead of just over) and to take up space, allowing you to save on the shisha tobacco itself.

On top of the mod/tobacco goes the foil - the hole patterns people will suggest can vary:
~ if using a mod, I only place 3-4 rings of tight small (toothpick sized) holes along the outside edges of the foil.
~ if not using a mod, I put 1 larger center hole and random small (toothpick sized) holes all over the lip/bowl section.

When drawn on, air moves past the coals, heating the tobacco. It is them pulled up and underneath the mod section into the center hole and down into the hookah.

Originally made for a brand of tobacco called Tangiers, it was found out it will work with any of the drippier tobaccos. Dry brands like Nakhla and Sahara will work, but it can be harder to keep the smoke from going harsh.

Now.... back to the matter at hand. I wanted a SMALL phunnel - reason: The New Cut of Al Fakher. It's horrible, tiny almost ground cut that is very similar to Hookah-Hookah. It's also VERY drippy and tends to clog up most bowls. Now a members @ HP has figured out how to "pack" AF's new cut, but I've been wanting a new phunnel, which IMO I believe will help.

So.... off I went, looking at various vendors - trying to find someone who not only had a Small Phunnel (either clay or glass) and some of the newer AF flavors I've been wanting to purchase. I wanted to purchase from a vendor I hadn't delt with (or purchased from in a while) so that kinda narrow my rather difficult search from the get go.

MNHookah sells Small Phunnel, Glass Funnels and their new line of funnels. They also had the flavors I wanted in a nice (3) 250g pack set.

Chronic Hookah also had phunnels, although listed as Large/Med, so did look smaller. They also had the flavors I wanted, but not as a (3) pack.

And Sahara Smoke just came out with a new Vortex bowl, their spin on the phunnel design. They also had a (3) pack of 250g AF's (that turned out to be on sale).

After comparing prices,. shipping and chatting with the vendors on HP, for now I ended up going with SS's Vortex bowl and (3) pk. Grand total everything w/ shipping ran $38.01. I will of course post up my videos of the package and the items when they arrive later this week.

Now, I also decided to purchase a glass funnnel from MNHookah, but I will have to wait till later when I have more money as the bowl itself is pricey (and MNHookah only ships by USPS which can sometimes be more than FedEx or UPS).

CH will be the place I turn to for my next hookah purchase - I STILL am sans a KM and/or MZ, since a certain vendor ignored me and disappeared. I understand shyt happens, but it left a bad taste in my mouth that will take time to hopefully correct.

So for now, know that I am slowly working thru my shisha samples & making videos. I am finally back in the swing of things and will only (hopefully) be picking up speed soon.

~Peace~

Virginia Beach screws up again

2008-06-23T08:54:00.002-04:00

Where there's smoke, there's anger at Beach cigarette tax

By Richard Quinn
The Virginian-Pilot
© June 23, 2008
VIRGINIA BEACH

Max Weiner is mad, smoking mad.

The owner of Papa Joe's Smoke Shop near Lynnhaven Mall is upset about city leaders raising the per-pack cigarette tax 22 percent, to 61 cents from 50 cents. The increase was included in the city budget approved last month, but that particular levy got little public attention.

Now that retailers know about it, they're not pleased. The National Association of Tobacco Outlets even weighed in, questioning how the city could raise the tax without directly informing affected businesses.

Weiner said he found out only after he got a letter telling him the new tax rate. The trade group has not said whether it would take any formal action to protest the increase.
City Manager Jim Spore, in a response to the association, said the city publicized the increase in line with the law.

Still, Weiner said he'd like the Beach to reconsider the increase, as it did with the recently repealed machinery and tools tax increase. That levy also was adopted last month, but council members rolled it back after Stihl Inc. and the Virginia Manufacturers Association complained.

"They reversed the tax for them," Weiner said. "That's crazy. Why are they doing it for them and not for us?"

Weiner said raising the tax will only drive smokers elsewhere to buy cigarettes, including North Carolina, which has lower tax rates.

In South Hampton Roads, Portsmouth, Chesapeake and Suffolk all tax packs at 50 cents. Norfolk has the region's highest tax, at 65 cents.

Several Virginia Beach council members said they doubted that the increase in the cigarette tax - which overall will raise $13.2 million in fiscal 2009 - would be repealed.

Spore has said the money generated by the increase, about $2.4 million, will finance projects in the city's strategic growth areas.

Councilman Harry Diezel said the tax is politically popular, especially because smoking is a public health issue. He noted the unsuccessful push to ban smoking in restaurants and bars.

Diezel said he is sensitive to criticism from Weiner and others who question why one tax increase is repealed and another isn't.

Councilman Bob Dyer said the machinery and tools tax increase is different because it could have threatened future expansions of Stihl, the city's largest manufacturer.

"Obviously perception is sometimes 100 percent of reality," Diezel said. "But in this particular case, I think we just have to weather that particular storm."

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Although not directly related to Hookah smoking, but rather smoking general, this still pisses me off royally! And I don't even smoke ciggys! Argh, Va Beach is a city of idiots, they are almost as stupid as the lot who "pretend" to run Norfolk.... just raising the tax doesn't do ANYTHING because hard core smokers are either gonna: ignore the tax increase or buy ciggys IN ANOTHER CITY!

NC is less than 40min away... you can buy 2 boxes legally for your own personal use and BRING them back up here to VA with NO ISSUES. NC's tax is considerably less and the even considering gas prices nowadays - it still will save you money!

Va Beach keeps screaming it wants tourist, it wants their money... but what about the LOCALS who have to live here year round? What about us? The city leaders don't give a crap, they scream stupid laws and BS everywhere - smoking is a health issue.... NO SHYT, but what about ALCOHOL?!?! You opened ABC stores on SUNDAY to make more money, more people DIE because of liquor than ciggys..... and you apparently don't care if a few citizens pay with their lives if you can make a few extra bucks!

Blarg... :{

New in the world of gaming...

2008-06-23T07:51:00.004-04:00

June 22, 2008 Rock Band FINALLY came out for the Wii. YEAH! About freaking time, kool thing it's white unlike the other systems' versions. Bad part, it's the same price as the other console versions - about $160. Bummer...

Another new thing came out yesterday as well.... Guitar Hero: On Tour for the Nintendo DS. Yes, you just read that right... for the DS handheld. Guitar Hero has invaded EVERYWHERE (but the PSP) - you can even get it for your cell phones!

But here it is for the DS... It runs $49.95 but does come with several items inside. First it comes with a "finger pad" that you plug into the larger "Advance" port on the DS. This part has a clear outer shell that can be removed and the skin underneath can be replaced with diffferent ones, how cute.

Plugged into the backside of the "finger pad" is the puck needed to strum the guitar, although you can use the standard stylus that comes with the DS normally.

Then there is the game cartridge itself - it even comes with a clear plastic carrying case similar to what you find with memory cards (Like a SD). There's also another black piece that is only used if you have a Original DS, not a DS Lite (so, yes both owners can play GH:OT!).

Now after reading the included instruction sheet and simple game play guide, most people will figure out how to set everything up and be ready to play. BUT... I will warn you, this device wasn't meant for the adult hand. It gives you some tips on how to hold the unit to play, but you will quickly find it is somewhat uncomfortable. A massive downer for me was the "finger pad" wouldn't stay plugged in, the way I had to hold it, would cause it to fall off during game play.... But Necessity is the Mother of Invention - 1 piece of duck tape later, I can play.

If you have played ANY of the other GH games, you know the premise - hit the colored keys while strumming in tune with the song. It has (5) sets per section, 4 levels of difficulty, a new method of activating Star Power (shout at the device) and does support 2 player games, but both players need the game/set-up. 25 songs in total, a few that I've played on other games, but many more that are new to the series.

It's kool, but I quickly got annoyed at the thing - my arm and hand hurt considerably within 30min of playing. If you thought normal GH was hard, this sucker is worse - hitting those strums just right takes ALOT of practice, the touch screen isn't as sensative as I would like. Another really annoying thing is the sound - it even tells you to get headphones! Unless you're wearing 'phones you're not gonna be able to hear it well enough to play along.

Out of 5 stars, I'd give GH:OT for the DS...

Hookah Freak Blueberry Pancakes Review

2008-06-20T20:15:00.003-04:00

Hookah Freak Blueberry Pancakes

Shisha Cut: fine, some twigs (too small to call stems), med-dark brown, slightly moister than HH.

Hookah Type: 27" Green Syrian

Duration: 1hr15min to 1hr20min

Bowl: modern

Foil / Screen: foil + windcover

Coal / Amount: (3) .75 Dyni naturals

Smoke: thick (after 5 mins)

Buzz: none

Smell / Flavor: Smell = Not blueberry pancakes, but muffins + Diatap Grape. Taste = Blueberry muffins with undertone of Grape.

Video Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BzBLkXeAW1s

Rating (1 to 10): 7

Well, it's not quite Blueberry pancakes or even Blueberry syurp, but more like Blueberry muffins with a undertone of Grape. Not bad, some people may not like it, but it's a alright smoke.

Better handling of heat than HH, but still can be heat picky so watch your coals (and use a windcover).

Hookah Hookah Black Label Lemon Review

2008-06-20T20:09:00.002-04:00

Hookah Hookah Black Label Lemon

Shisha Cut: course (chunks, sticks, leaves), black color, and gooey.

Hookah Type: 27" Red Syrian

Duration: 30min MAX

Bowl: Egyptian clay

Foil / Screen: foil + windcover

Coal / Amount: (3) .75" Exotica (moved around alot)

Smoke: thick, but after 10min of cooking

Buzz: none

Smell / Flavor: Smell = lemon, but strange. Runs the gambit from Lemonheads, juice and Pledge. (I smelt Lemonheads) Taste = Lemon, but again strange. Starts sweet, goes sour, then bitter then disappears.

Video Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FxSCag_q-z4

Rating (1 to 10): 4-5

For an herbal smoke, it was alright. The taste was strange, starting sweet then shifting to sour, then bitter and then about the 30min mark it disappears completely. I've smoked it 4 times now, it repeats the same pattern - 30mins will give you smoke, but NO TASTE.

It's better than Soex (MUCH BETTER THAN), but nothing compared to a standard tobacco smoke.

Hookah-Hookah 7 Spice Review

2008-06-20T20:06:00.002-04:00

Hookah-Hookah 7 Spice

Shisha Cut: typical HH, fine cut, no stems, med brown in color and moist, not drippy.

Hookah Type: MYA QT

Duration: 1hr 30min

Bowl: standard MYA

Foil / Screen: foil + windcover

Coal / Amount: 33m Golden (2 per session atleast, 1 @ a time)

Smoke: thick

Buzz: none, even with chaining

Smell / Flavor: Smell = like a spice cupboard, similar to the spice used for Pumpkin Pie. Taste = Shisha Gobstopper! Anise, cloves, cinnamon, ginger, allspice and cardamom.

Video Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q1CJbK0Ynok

Rating (1 to 10): 9

OMG! This flavor rock! It's a spicy mix of flavors (all spices) that's not too strong, fading from one spice to the next. Each hit can have a different taste. I've identified most of the spices: starting with Anise, cloves, cinnamon, ginger, allspice and cardamom. There's got to be another if it's a true 7 spice, but I can't pin-point it.

It does suffer from the typical HH heat issue, but do everything you can (rotate coals, move often, use a windcover) to prolong this flavor as LONG as you can to fully enjoy it.

Hookah-Hookah Cranberry Review

2008-06-20T20:03:00.002-04:00

Hookah-Hookah Cranberry

Shisha Cut: typical HH, fine cut, no stems, med brown in color and moise, not drippy.

Hookah Type: 22" Egyptian

Duration: 55-60+ min

Bowl: modern

Foil / Screen: foil + windcover

Coal / Amount: (2) 1" Dyni naturals

Smoke: med to thick

Buzz: none, even with chaining

Smell / Flavor: Smell = not quite cranberry, but a tart sweet fruit. Taste = again, not quite cranberry but a sweet-tart fruity taste.

Video Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qo7Jz8lXX7I

Rating (1 to 10): 6-7

This flavor tries to be cranberry, but it doesn't quite hit the mark. It's a nice sweetish-tart fruity flavor, but not what I would consider cranberry. Even when smoked with cranberry juice in the base, it's still not hitting the mark. It's a good flavor, but don't expect a realistic cranberry.

Al Fakher Watermelon Review

2008-06-18T10:13:00.000-04:00

Shisha Cut: (unknown since it was at a lounge)
Hookah Type: 3-hose Egyptian
Duration: 1.75 hour (+/-)
Bowl: modern
Foil / Screen: foil + windcover
Coal / Amount: 1 belgum QL @ a time (2 coals total)
Smoke: thick & puffy
Buzz: slight
Smell / Flavor: Smell was a sweet almost candy watermelon. Taste was candy watermelon, similar to a Jolly Ranger or Bubbleyum.
Video Link: [ none since it was a bar - maybe later ]
Rating (1 to 10): 7

Considering I normally avoid Watermelon flavors (not my cup o'tea), but this was very good. Alittle sweeter than I would have liked, it was overall excellent smoke. Reminded me alot of Watermelon Jolly rangers and Watermelon BubbleYum! Good smoke, long lasting flavor, it lasted till the end of the second coal.

Highly recommended.

Baja Kahlua Review

2008-06-16T14:21:00.001-04:00

Baja Kahlua

Shisha Cut: med to semi-fine, twiggy stems (very few). Moist and sticky, dark brown/black in color.
Hookah Type: 4-hose Egyptian with Nammors/Razans (1 port sealed)
Duration: 55-60 min
Bowl: standard clay E
Foil / Screen: foil + windcover
Coal / Amount: 1 Golden QL - 33m
Smoke: Med then turning to thick
Buzz: slight to none
Smell / Flavor: Smell was a mellow coffee. Taste was the same, a nice mellow coffee - similar to Kahlua
Video Link: [none - no more to sample :( ]
Rating (1 to 10): 8

Considering the Baja Raspberry was a slight flavor disappointment, I was greatly surprised at this one's flavor. It was a nice mellow coffee flavor, not quite Kahlua, but very tasty. Didn't turn harsh till the end (as many coffee flavor may do) no got the "burn popcorn" flavor some get. Nice cut and a good smoke, if you want some coffee tobacco to try, consider this one of the mellower versions.

Al Fakher Golden Line: Rose Review

2008-06-16T14:19:00.000-04:00

Al Fakher Golden Line: Rose

Shisha Cut: (unknown since it was at a lounge)
Hookah Type: 3-hose Egyptian
Duration: 1.5 hour (+/-)
Bowl: modern
Foil / Screen: foil + windcover
Coal / Amount: 1 Belgium QL @ a time (2 coals total)
Smoke: thick & puffy
Buzz: slight
Smell / Flavor: Smell was that of a fresh rose. Taste was interesting mix of rose (just like you'd expect one to smell) with an undercurrent of lemon.
Video Link: [ none since it was a bar - maybe later ]

Rating (1 to 10): 7

I like AF's normal Rose, this one added alittle something to the mix that made it even more enjoyable. There was the faintest undercurrent of lemon on the exhale. It also seemed to be slightly "sweeter" than the normal. This isn't one of the "soapy - incense" type roses (as most tend to be), this tastes JUST LIKE you would expect a Rose to smell like.

Nimbus Hookah Lounge Part 2

2008-06-06T08:32:00.012-04:00

Nimbus Hookah Lounge
Providence Square Shopping Center
1005 Kempsville Road
Virginia Beach, VA 23464
757-200-6406
www.myspace.com/nimbushookah
Hours: 4pm to 3am

Ok, got up with two friends and headed over to the new place. Little shop, next to a Chinese restaurant, be careful you might drive by it (BadJuju spotted it). They had a sign out front stating their "Special" of the day - Black Grape. Nice :)

So inside we go and it's a nice, simply laid out place. Large sofas line the front, a few tables and chairs toward the back. Some extra seating tucked away and coffee tables scattered around. The walls had some nice ethic artwork/hangings, plus they had a kick-arse fountain inside.

They had a good collection of hookahs - some syrians, a few MYA's, mostly Egyptians and some moderns. They were offering to sell some of them, but not many (for now). They said they also sold hoses, but were currently out of extras for purchase. Always nice to know ;}

Now on to the important part: the shisha }:)

They offered 4 brands: Nakhla, Al Fakher, Layalina, and Starbuzz. They have a good selection of flavors for each brands, Starbuzz having the largest selection. Prices ranged from $10.95 for Nakhla to $14.95 for Starbuzz. The cool thing (we found out later) was the price was for the first bowl (or the hookah) and each additional bowl was basically half price. Very nice for people who want to come and chill for a few hours (like we did).

Also, they were using Belguim instant lights - they cooked quickly and didn't smell, provided good heat and did last a good chunk of time. We gave them a few tips to try instead of the BIC lighter - a candle works just as well. They had a coil stove, but didn't use it due to limited bussiness (don't need that many coals at one time).

They were selling some tobacco - only Starbuzz, 200g tubs for $23.95. Alittle pricer than I'm used too, but for a local shop it's a good price. I've seen it as high as $25 locally.

Now, due to VA laws they don't sell "real" food inside. Silly Commonwealth of Virginia... BAD VA! But good thing, they do sell snacks (chips, cookies, candy) and bottled drinks/water. Always a plus! Plus, if you are starving - head next door! Chinese is oh so yummie (next time I plan on hitting that place).

We talked with the woman working there (and later one of the owners, nice fellow)- I will say, she does know how to pack a good bowl (I watched her pack our second one). Offered up some tips, tricks and so on. She sat and chatted with us for awhile, they liked our hoses (I brought my Nammors). :)

All in all, it was a good time. They have some games in there, some nice music playing in the background (mellow) and even a playstation and TV! There was another fellow in there with his laptop, so they are PC friendly as well.

Other than more brands of shisha, a few more hookahs (the one we were using had a small leak), it was a nice overall experience. They are on there way to becoming a nice A+ lounge - they already seem to know a good chunk about what they are doing. We are most definitely coming again!

And of course, now for some smoking pictures

New Hookah Lounge in Town

2008-06-05T12:16:00.002-04:00

This morning while listening to Tommy & Rumble (WNOR FM 99 - Virginia) and one of the sponsors for their golf thing was a place called Nimbus Hookah Lounge. Well, blow me down - when did this happen? @_@???

A quick Google search provided some answers, they opened just recently - April 22, 2008. They are located at Providence Square Shopping Center (1005 Kempsville Rd, Va Beach, VA) - according to the article, they are open 4pm to 3am, offer 3 different brands of tobacco (Starbuzz for 14.95, Layalina for 12.95 and Nakhla for 10.95) and sell various hookahs. Their phone number is 757-200-6406.

Well, since I LOVE to scout out new local Hookah places, you can bet I made a few phone calls and this evening, me and a friend will be heading over there for some Hookah fun. I ran home and picked up my 2 Nammors and silver mouthtip (I have a cold, if they won't let me use my hoses, I have my own tip). Cell will be charged for pictures and I will give the place a good look-over and full review later. (Maybe even a quick Youtube vid if they allow).

Alittle pricey, but if they offer good service and such not, it will be worth it (So I have a place this side of the water to go and hang with friends - who for some reason WON'T come over and smoke :P).

Peace for now... more later!

Almost back in the groove....

2008-05-22T07:47:00.003-04:00

Almost, the Office fire is under control, things have slowly started to return to normal. I will be doing the videos again VERY SOON.

I recently got a mysterious package with my HookahPro screen name on it, it have several jars of shisha tobacco (From Hookah-Hookah) along with 4 rolls of coals. That made my day! Thanks Sambooka and the nice peeps from Hookah-Hookah. I received:

50g Cranberry
50g Irish Cream (nice and yummie)
50g 7 Spice (smells damn good)
100g Blueberry Pancakes (2nd jar - tastes like Blueberry muffins more than pancakes, but alright)
50g Black Label Lemon
50g Black Label something.... I can't remember
4 rolls of Akhla coals (the FIRESTARTER coals :})

This package just made my week... considering the last 1.5 weeks has sucked MAJORLY.

Anyways..... some news in the video gaming worlds - Got Silent Hill Origins (PS2), Viva Pinta Party Animals (360) and Okami (Wii). Tried to score Wii Fit (5/21/08) but it was sold out EVERYWHERE! So, I'll just wait till the "second round" or the ones who realized it really will cause them to SWEAT figure it out ... and sells theirs - LOL!

Peace for now peeps. More videos soon, I promise! Plus - I WILL MAKE IT BACK TO HOOKAHPRO VERY SOON! PROMISE!!!!

Fantasia Wild Mango Review

2008-03-24T22:47:00.001-04:00

Fantasia Wild Mango

Shisha Cut: med, some stems, xxx in color and drippy.
Hookah Type: MYA QT
Duration: 1hr
Bowl: MYA
Foil / Screen: foil
Coal / Amount: 2 Golden QL (1.5 at first, added extra .5 later)
Smoke: med to thick
Buzz: mild
Smell / Flavor: Smell was a nice crispy mango, with a faint sweetness to it. But the taste was a letdown. It was mango, but very, very faint.
Video Link: (coming soon)
Rating (1 to 10): 4

If I hadn’t known what flavor to expect, I wouldn’t have been able to guess that this was Mango. It smelt great, but the taste was very faint. What few wisps of taste you did get, you could figure out what it was supposed to be, but those wisps were few and far between.

Romman Banana Split Review

2008-03-24T22:46:00.001-04:00

Romman Banana Split

Shisha Cut: fine, a few stems, dark drown, moist not drippy.
Hookah Type: MYA QT
Duration: 50min
Bowl: MYA
Foil / Screen: foil
Coal / Amount:1.5 Golden QL + windcover
Smoke: meduim
Buzz: none
Smell / Flavor: Smell was interesting, but hard to pin-point. Taste was strange, it would change between hits. Picked up vanilla, banana and cola. Strange mix.
Video Link: (coming soon)

Rating (1 to 10): 5

A good taste, but nothing like a Banana Split. I thought it tasted more like Cola than anything else, with a slight banana taste in the background. There was vanilla at time, but that’s about it. Eh, it was alright, but I wouldn’t pay the price of Rommans for it.

Romman Chocolate Review

2008-03-24T22:45:00.004-04:00

Romman Chocolate

Shisha Cut: fine, dark brown in color. Moist, not drippy.

Hookah Type: MYA QT, 22” Egyptian

Duration: 45min

Bowl: standard clay, MYA

Foil / Screen: foil + windcover

Coal / Amount: 2” Exotica, 1 Golden QL

Smoke: medium to thick

Buzz: none

Smell / Flavor: Smell – defiantly chocolate. No second-guessing, it was a cross between Tootsie rolls and Heresy bars. Taste – BIG DISAPOINTMENT. Doesn’t live up to the Hersey, but favors the Tootsie rolls.

Video Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=205wuQij_eI

Rating (1 to 10): 4

A decent flavor, but a big disappointment if you were looking for a solid chocolate flavor. Smells lovely, but unless you like Tootsie rolls, this flavor will be a let down. It’s alright as far as chocolates go, but it’s not the grand-daddy CHOCOLATE that I’ve been looking for. I can safely say, you can pass this over if your looking for a true chocolate.

Baja Raspberry Review

2008-03-24T22:45:00.002-04:00

Baja Raspberry

Shisha Cut: fine, some stems. Dark red/brown in color. Moist & sticky rather than drippy.
Hookah Type: MYA QT
Duration: 1hr 35min
Bowl: MYA
Foil / Screen: foil
Coal / Amount: 1.5” Exotica + windcover
Smoke: thick
Buzz: mild
Smell / Flavor: Smell – faint but definite raspberry. Not candy-like, but more like the real fruit. Taste – light, but good raspberry taste. Slightly sweet.

Rating (1 to 10): 7

First time trying Baja brand, this is was a good kick-off. It has a stronger smell & taste than Layalina Raspberry, although not as drippy (which is alittle surprising). Not the strongest taste, but still very noticeable and long lasting.

Starbuzz Passionfruit Mohito Review

2008-03-24T22:44:00.000-04:00

Starbuzz Passionfruit Mohito

Shisha Cut: med w/ some stems. Red in color. Drippy.
Hookah Type: MYA QT, 28” 4-hose Egyptian, 22” Egyptian
Duration: between 1 hr 15min to 1 hr 35min
Bowl: standard clay, MYA
Foil / Screen: foil
Coal / Amount: 1.5” Exotica, 2” Stargate, 1.5 Golden QL + windcover each time
Smoke: thick
Buzz: little to none
Smell / Flavor: Smell – light sweet fruit smell w/ faint undercurrent of mint. Taste – exactly as it smells. Lightly sweet fruit (passionfruit I’m guessing) w/ a hint of mint on the exhale.
Video Link: (coming soon)

Rating (1 to 10): 8

This is a great flavor – lightly sweet fruit w/ the lightest hint of mint. Everybody who has tried this has liked it. Produced great smoke, little to no buzz and lasted the entire time it was smoked. One of the few flavors I would give serious consideration of repurchasing.

MYA QT Hookah Review

2008-03-24T22:39:00.002-04:00

MYA QT Hookah

Price – between $39.95 and $54.99
Hoses – standard 1, can be converted to 2 with adapter
Size – small, only 14” tall
Colors – Smoke, Aqua, Dk Blue, Green, Pink, Red

Ordered from H-S, came with MANY extras: tongs, metal screen, mouthtips, filters, 2 rolls of Golden QL, 2 50g Romman sample packs, hookah cleaning rod, silicon base protector, windcover and wire carrying cage. I also ordered an Auto-Seal adapter to turn it into a 2-hose hookah if & when I wanted. They offer a 2-hoser from the get go, but I wanted the ability to change is from 1 to 2 anytime I want.

PROS:

Small in size, easy to carry around. Came with wire carrying cage that everything will fit into
Solid 1 piece cast stem. Appears to be made from brass (?)
Purge valve & hose port easily removable
Downstem unscrews
Glass base is wide for it’s size, thus very stable
Will work with MYA hoses or wider hoses (Nammor or Razen) without modification

CONS:

Glass base is problem prone. First base that arrived had hair-line crack along base bottom. Leaked badly. Second base didn’t leak, but was visibly ugly. Air pockets, surface folds and an internal crack mar the beauty of the base.
Stem is hollow, heart is a common chamber
Auto-seal system (hose adapter) works… but only when 2 A-S adapters are purchased.
Hose grommet is SMALL and different shaped than typical. Hard to fit in normal grommet.
Bowl grommet is pathetic – wet paper towels work better.

Other than the leaking base, I have had no other problems with my new hookah. The wire cage works, but the handle must be removed to fit the base inside – which also doesn’t fit w/ the silicon protector on. It’s a nice small hookah, smokes as well as my others. It doesn’t seem to make the smoke much harsher than my 22” Egyptian, which never bothered me.

Time will tell if the hollow stem & common chamber will be issues, but so far clearing the base isn’t much harder that most of my other hookahs. The smoke purge valve is large and removable, but can be a pain. I love the feel of the stem too…any hookah stem heavy enough to be used as a weapon always scores well with me.

I was a little annoyed the bowl grommet didn’t work (bowl would pop off mid smoke) but any good hookah’er should have back-ups. Remarkably you can use Nammors and Razens with this little hookah. The short wide base makes for a stable rig and even with 2 Nammors plugged in, it wasn’t even trying to tip.

All in all, for a “cheap” under $50 hookah, it seems to rank up well to my others. It’s no Syrian or KM, but for what it is, it’s more than enough. The only word of caution I will offer is this: baby the base! No HOT water, no ICE COLD water without tempering. No dropping, kicking, and knocking it around either. For a “travel” type hookah, the base is remarkably fragile. It’s one BIG flaw.

Score: 7 out of 10

Recommend?

Yes, for a starter hookah, it’s great. For people who are used to taller, larger rigs, they may be happy with it, but it’s all dependent of the person. As a travel hookah – iffy, I would suggest getting a case to replace the cage, as the base is somewhat fragile. All in all – a good little hookah!

Al Ajamy Cherry Review

2008-03-24T22:38:00.000-04:00

Al Ajamy Cherry

Shisha Cut: med, good amount of stems, dark red in color and drippy.
Hookah Type: MYA QT
Duration: 25min
Bowl: MYA
Foil / Screen: foil
Coal / Amount: 1.5” Stargate + windcover
Smoke: med to thick
Buzz: mild
Smell / Flavor: Smell was a sweet fruity something, but not Cherry. Taste = NOTHING!
Video Link: (coming soon)

Rating (1 to 10): 2

This was my second try at Al Ajamy. This flavor had a sweet fruit smell, but not a definite cherry smell. Similar to mixed fruit flavors. The taste was the biggest letdown – there was NONE! It produces nice smoke, had a mild buzz, but NO TASTE?!? By itself it’s basically worthless, but I can see a use for this as a mixer in other brands.

Fusion Banana Review

2008-03-24T22:36:00.001-04:00

Fusion Banana

Shisha Cut: fine to med, some stems, light brown in color, drippy.
Hookah Type: MYA QT
Duration: 1hr 5min
Bowl: MYA
Foil / Screen: foil + windcover
Coal / Amount: 1.5 Golden QL + windcover
Smoke: Thick
Buzz: Mild to Med
Smell / Flavor: Smell was a candy-like banana, similar to Runts candy. The taste started the same, but turned into a Banana Bread type taste after 30min.

Video Link: (coming soon)

Rating (1 to 10): 7

I was told this was a good banana and it is, but I like Sahara brand’s better. A nice sweet candy Banana, it turned into a Banana Bread taste after 30min. Not bad by all means, just unexpected. Good thing, the taste lasted until the end, even when it got harsh (too much heat) and it recovered well.

Hookah Company order in!

2008-02-23T10:11:00.003-05:00

Finally got my Hookah Company order in.... but they did screw up (1) item. I had ordered Sahara Grape (250g) and they sent me Crystal Grape (250g) - see lower left hand corner .

I've already emailed them, but they may not respond until next week.

Crystal is alright, but I like Sahara better. I'm just afraid since they sent package via FedEx Ground, it's gonna be a B@TCH getting a replacement. I'm hating the fact that Hookah-Hookah still owes me a package, they also send via FedEx.

Now, if I could get ahold of PYH and get my rigs ordered, I would be a happy woman.

*sigh*

Hookah-Hookah Key Lime Pie Review

2008-02-22T08:38:00.002-05:00

Hookah-Hookah Key Lime Pie

Shisha Cut: fine, no stems, dark brown, moist not drippy
Hookah Type: 27" syrian
Duration: 5 min
Bowl: standard eygptian clay
Foil / Screen: foil
Coal / Amount: 2 - 1" stargate
Smoke: thin
Buzz: none

Smell / Flavor: Smell was a lime, with a undertone of something I couldn't put my finger on. Taste was repulsive - I got a single taste of something lime, then chemicals.

Rating (1 to 10): 1

OMG, it smelt decent, a limish something. But when I took that first hit, I got a slight lime then HEAVY chemical taste. I gagged. I tried hitting it 3 more time and that taste was just getting worse. Disgusting. After only 5 min in the bowl, I gave up and tossed it. Thankfully I only got a "shot", otherwise I would be angry.

Orders Up!

2008-02-21T18:58:00.003-05:00

Well, this week has been fun! All my orders are starting to show up.... first was the package from Nazar Hookah

One Razan Hose in Black with White handle
One Hose grommet
One Free 250g of Al Waha Arabic Coffee

Yeah! I love this hose, Trance does too. Very nice and the crystal handle is even better than the Nammor one's - LOL!

Plus, this puppy is more flexible that the Nammors - not sure why or how, but it is. I'm a happy hookah gurl!

Next up was the order from Hookah-Hookah... but not the complete order. I had placed the first part on 2/14/08, in order to take advantage of their "Free Double Blown Pyrex Bowl" with any 10$ order. So, a friend said some flavors she recent got were decent, so I ordered:

100g Hookah Freak Blueberry Pancakes
50g Hookah-Hookah Irish Cream
Key Lime Pie Hookah-Hookah Shot
(1) Hookah mouthtip filter

Kool thing was, the next morning I had gotten my taxes and called them up to add to my order - a Medium Green Polka-Dot base. They took it down, sent me a email receipt and I thought all was good.

Boy was I wrong. I opened the box and ONLY the mos'sel and filter were inside the bow - NO BASE and NO BOWL! I called them, they said something about a new shipper and had to wait till the extra $20 cleared my account (which already had) and someone would call me Thursday morning.

Thursday rolls around - no call. At 2pm, I called them and the guy I talked to said it would be shipped out ASAP. I get home as got an Email from them saying my order is shipped - BUT THE ORIGINAL ORDER, not the base or the missing bowl! I think this will be the LAST time I order from Hookah-Hookah.

Next order I got was my package from Exotic Imports - it's a huge mess of Afzal and Stargate coals. Me and 2 friends wanted to try some and it was a VERY good price, under 45$ shipped.

Hookah Company's order is currently trapped in FedEx hell! They have tried twice to deliver it, but no one has been home & since it's FedEx Ground, they can't allow a Pick-Up until after the 3rd failed attempt & only the original sender can change the shipping address. I'm NOT HAPPY! Hopefully I'll get it tomorrow.

That just leaves the Pimp Your Hookah order - I got ahold of him, but he's not put up the items so I can order them, so I'm still WAITING! Argh! Why does shipping anything have to bloody hell!

Al Waha Arabic Coffee Review

2008-02-20T15:19:00.002-05:00

Al Waha Arabic Coffee

Shisha Cut: med to course, good bit of stems. Med to dark brown. Slightly drippy.
Hookah Type: 22” Egyptian
Duration: 1hr
Bowl: standard bowl
Foil / Screen: foil
Coal / Amount: 2 – 1.25” Exoticas
Smoke: Thick
Buzz: typical Al Waha sleepy buzz - Med to HEAVY

Smell / Flavor: Smell was a sweet light coffee. Taste was a lighter coffee, with a slight sweetness to it. Did get harsher as time went on (taste wise) .

Video Link: (comming soon)

Rating (1 to 10): 8

I typically don’t enjoy coffee flavor, they are often strong and harsh. Havana makes one I love and now I found a Al Waha version I like. This version was lighter in taste to start, about 40-45 min in, the taste started getting stronger and more harsh, like other coffees. Did add some cheap imitation vanilla extract to the base water – it smoothes out the taste more, but doesn’t give a strong vanilla taste.

Taxes and Toys

2008-02-19T14:06:00.005-05:00

Well another year has passed and tax time rolled upon me again. The Evil Overloads of the IRS have smiled down upon my worthless self and granted me a tax return... 1 week later I awaken to the lovely sound of, " You have a deposit of XXXXX" - YIPPIE!

So of course this had to happen the VERY NEXT DAY, I broke down and ordered something. From Hookah-Hookah, various flavors of shisha, to take advange of the "Free Pyrex Bowl" deal they had going for 2/14. Well, I needed to order my boy's new green base, so after several orders of sweating, I give them a ring. Sure enough, they add the bowl (which was $19.50) and let me know that shipping would go up $.50 and if they could hit my CC for the extra $20 (since my order was already in the processed stage). A few minutes later and she lets me know that it will be shipped that day. :)

Well, of course that isn't the end of the Hookah Happiness in my future. Oh no - Alexis gave me some $$ to order her some stuff off Hookah Company, when I put in my order. So I did - order ran about $124, but it has about 4.5 POUNDS of tobacco in it.... :P

Nope, not finished there either. I need another good hose. Well, I have 2 Nammors and I love them, so I want something similar - I head over to Nazar Hookah and figure I'll get a new Razan hose, in Black w/ White Handle. He was having a special that if you ordered $20 (subtotal) of stuff, he would throw in a 250g of Al Waha (random flavor) free. He sent an email Sat that it was shipped out. Danke Mahir.

And then comes to the 2nd to last order; Gabe @ Exotic Imports has a "free" item section. I wanted a few of the items, plus another HookahPro member and a co-worker did too. So I contacted him and chatted about the prices - got it set and placed that order. (25) 50g boxes of Afzal tobacco and (3) 1 kilo bags of Stargate Coal Fingers. That was done earlier in the week, so it should be coming soon.

And now we get to the final part of my Tax Spree Spending (I'm helping the economy)... I want some new hookahs. I'm planning on 3 (2 complete and 1 stem only) from Pimp Your Hookah:

A pink MYA QT (w/ 2nd hose adapter)

Small Candy Pharoh Madgy Zidan

Large KM Stem

So, most of this stuff is arriving this week - well, not the hookahs, I can't get ahold of PYH to order them. So I have a arseload of stuff coming and guess what, lots of video vendor reviews to do! Peace!

PS: Not all the $$ went toward Hookah stuff, I bought 2 video games, clothes and furniture too! LOL!

Fantasia Blueberry Review

2008-02-15T11:02:00.003-05:00

Fantasia Blueberry

Shisha Cut: Med cut, some stems, drippy.

Hookah Type: 22” Eygptian

Duration: 55min

Bowl: standard Egyptian clay

Foil / Screen: hookah foil

Coal / Amount: 2 coco-nara’s

Smoke: med to thick

Buzz: slight to mild

Smell / Flavor: Smell was a nice sweet candy-like Blueberry. Kinda mouthwatering. Taste was completely different – it reminded me of Fruit Loops. On the inhale you got a sweet Fruit Loop taste, the exhale gave you something else, not overly pleasant. I couldn’t pick out what the taste was either.

Video Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8s4VPO4-E8E

Rating (1 to 10): 5

It smelt wonderful and others had given it great reviews, but I was disappointed in this flavor. It was a great candy blueberry smell, but the taste was similar to Fruit Loops cereal. Plus, the exhale gave a strange bitter-ish taste that I couldn’t pin-point and by the time I gave up smoking, was rather sick of.

Just to verify that it wasn’t my Hookah that was “adding” flavor, I’m gonna smoke the remainder of the sample from a different rig.

Fantasia Sweet Red Melon Review

2008-02-14T23:52:00.002-05:00

Fantasia Sweet Red Melon

Shisha Cut: Med cut, some stems. Red in color. Drippy.

Hookah Type: 27” Syrian

Duration: 1hr 25 min

Bowl: standard Egyptian

Foil / Screen: HD Reynolds

Coal / Amount: 2 coco-naras + windcover

Smoke: med to thick

Buzz: depending on smoke style, mild to heavy

Smell / Flavor: Smell = candy watermelon, similar to a Jolly Rancher. Nice and sweet. Taste = Slightly disappointing, was weaker than expected, but a sweet candish watermelon taste.

Video Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LFdw76qXBb0

Rating (1 to 10): 5 (myself – other smoker only gave it a 6)

Received as a sample from fellow HP member. Smelt decent, considering I normally dislike watermelon flavors. Reminded me of a Jolly Rancher candy. Taste was very disappointing; it was a sweet candy watermelon taste, but very weak and at times, disappeared completely. In order to produce good thick smoke, had to use windcover, then had to watch as it tried to burn twice. Smoke was strange, thick but not puffy. Felt like it coated my mouth.

It might be good as a mixer, but the flavor was somewhat weak. What flavor there was did last the whole session, which is why it got the score it did.

Coco Nara Square Coals Review

2008-01-29T08:41:00.000-05:00

Coco Nara Square Coconut Shell Charcoals

Home Site: www.coco-nara.com
Site: https://www.coco-nara.us/default.aspx (For US based customers)

Site is simple, uses drag-in-drop interface to add items to shopping chart. Has a “Home”, Wholesale, About Us and Contact Us Sections – no direct address for the company or telephone number listed. Whole site shows up as {https://}

Box insert has Tell/Fax number: 961-1-870881, Cell: 961-3-885206

Only 2 items available for purchase: 16 count package for 2.99 and 84 count package for 12.99.
Shipping was very cheap - .99 to my location (Southern VA), expected in 3-4 days.

Site accepts (according to icons on bottom): Visa, MasterCard, Amex, and Discover.

Placed order and later received 2 emails: 1st was a confirmation of the order. 2nd was an invoice from PayPal for the item, with a note that my “Credit Card Number was Incorrect”. I used a Visa ATM/Debit card and I’ve gotten this error before. Already had PayPal account, sent funds. If you contact them before ordering, they may be able to send a PayPal invoice outright.

Order Date: 01/25/2008

Date of Arrival: 01/28/2008

Packaging & Shipping carrier: USPS, padded envolpe

http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m53/lazria/hookahs/box_package2.jpg

Charcoal package itself: Cardboard outer box, plastic bag inside – tapped.

Appearance of coals: 1” x 1”x ½” square. Black in color. Sides are smooth, bottom & top are rough. Very dence, unable to break by hand.

http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m53/lazria/hookahs/coals_2.jpg

http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m53/lazria/hookahs/coalsonbowl2_35min.jpg

Smell
before cooking: none
during cooking: none
after/smoking: first 5 min picked up slight “wood” smell

Ease of Lighting
Source needed: substainded heat – lighters will NOT work.
Time Needed: 8-10 mins to glowing red hot and ashed over.

Ash
Appearance: On coals, thin grey coating. When knocked off, crumbly pieces mixed with red-hot embers. Very small amount.
Frequency: Only needed to ash 4 times total for entire smoke session. Did not overly block heat output.

http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m53/lazria/hookahs/first_ashing.jpg

Duration: 1 hour 25 min

Heat amount: Good – required 2 square to heat 1 clay bowl to “Thick” cloud level. Did not need windcover till end of coals (over 1 hour mark with 1 coal). Did not see "heat lines" but most defiantly felt the heat.

Reusable: test still pending

Overall Score: 9/10

Recommend: should be good, but want to use a few more times before recommending 100%

It appears the 16 count box is equal to about 1 standard (10 piece) roll of Quicklights (3 kings or Goldens). Needed 2 coals to smoke session, but heat was uniform and constant. No noticeable smell or taste, other than first 5 minutes on bowl – had a faint “woody” smell.

Box had a small insert that listed facts for the coal:
· Is a charcoal made from Coconut shell and vegetables
· Is 100% natural· Burns 3 times longer than any other charcoal
· Leaves less than 4% ash· Is more economical to use
· Is easy to light
· Is an environment friendly product “Not a single tree was cut to make the product”
· Is ordorless and tasteless
· Is easier to handle and cleaner to use
· Is a tropical product adapted for the Arab market

Box states that coals should be RED hot before using. 8 mins produced a “glowing” coal, but coal wasn’t completely ashed over. This coal still produced similar heat and may have been source of “woody” smell. After 35min of constant smoking, semi-ashed coal was fully cooked.

After 45 min, put 1 coal out in water for testing (re-lighting) but 1 coal was still able to produce enough heat to smoke (medium smoke). After 1 hour 15 mins, the coal required windcover to continue to smoke (med to thin smoke, but full taste). After 1 hour 25 min coal was too small to continue to smoke. May have gone longer if BOTH coals were still on bowl, more testing is needed.

Romman Blend: Strawberry Chocolate Cake Review

2008-01-17T20:28:00.000-05:00

Romman Blend: Strawberry Chocolate Cake

Shisha Cut: med, some stems, dark brown in color and sticky (not drippy, but more than HH)

Hookah Type: 22" Egyptian

Duration: 1hr to 1hr-20min (up to 1 hr 40 min)

Bowl: standard egyptian clay

Foil / Screen: HD foil

Coal / Amount: (2) 1" Exoticas

Smoke: Thick

Buzz: Slight to heavy (depending on smoking style)

Smell / Flavor: Smell = it's strange, you pick up some strawberry but no chocolate rather a cola. And something sweet. Taste = You can taste strawberry, some cola, very faint undercurrent of chocolate and some sweetness. Not sweet like candy, but it's sweet. It heavily reminds me of Cherry Coke, no joke.

Video Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ryEFm1Zp87w

Rating (1 to 10): 7/7.5

This is an interesting smoke, not the best or the worse, but middle of the line. And it's not anything like a strawberry chocolate cake, really is more like a Cherry Coke... which is weird. LOL. A decent smoke if your looking for something new to try.

Probably would mix well with some mint or cherry, maybe even some Cola flavors

Layalina Raspberry Review

2008-01-16T15:14:00.002-05:00

Layalina Raspberry

Shisha Cut: med , light stems, dark red and drippy
Hookah Type: 27" Syrian
Duration: 45min
Bowl: Egyptian clay
Foil / Screen: foil + windcover
Coal / Amount: 2.5" Exotica
Smoke: med to thick (depending on heat)
Buzz: none to speak of
Smell / Flavor: Smell was a nice raspberry, slightly sweet but decent. Taste was a disappointment. It had a very faint raspberry taste, not bad when you could taste it, but hard to pick up.

Rating (1 to 10): (updated) 7.5

Smokes well, smells great, but the taste was a let down. It could be the way I was smoking it - room temp water & Egyptian bowl. I may make a foil phunnel tonight and chill the stem/base/water to see if that enhances the taste (also, I have a bit of a head cold, so that doesn't help, but the AF Esk Apple tasted perfectly fine).

Raspberry is one of those flavors, that although light, is a true tasting flavor. I've been told it's much better in a Phunnel bowl, but I don't have one any long, so I have to go on their word. The taste is there, it's nice, but if your used to SCREAMING in your face flavors, this is NOT one of them.

Fusion Chocolate Strawberry Review

2008-01-16T15:12:00.001-05:00

Fusion Chocolate Strawberry

Shisha Cut: Fine, with some stems (more than normal). Light brown, very drippy - Lay or Tangier drippy.
Hookah Type: 27" Syrian
Duration: 2hr
Bowl: MED Phunnel w/ Mod and windcover at times
Foil / Screen: foil
Coal / Amount: 2-3 (33m) Goldens to start, replaced when needed. Grand total of 5 coals.
Smoke: Thick
Buzz: Mild
Smell / Flavor: The smell was strawberry, almost no hint of chocolate. Sweet smelling, but not candy-ish. Taste was defiantly strawberry - sweet, but not sickly sweet like candy. After shisha heated up (15min) started to get some chocolate taste.

Video LINK: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cOtHglSXXIg

Rating (1 to 10): 7-7.5

Very good, mild shisha. Pleasant smoke - not overly chocolate tasting. Sweet strawberry was the main flavor - but it wasn't candy sweet. Would be good to mix with some Vanilla or Coconut, or a staple like Peach, Orange and the like. Very drippy wet tobacco, would work great in a phunnel & can handle alittle bit of heat.

Highly Recommend.

Al Fakher Rose Review

2008-01-16T15:10:00.001-05:00

Al Fakher Rose

Shisha Cut: med to fine, light on stems. Dark Red in color. Drippy.
Hookah Type: 17" Modern, 27" Syrain
Duration: 1.25 hr-1.5hr
Bowl: mini clay, standard clay
Foil / Screen: screen
Coal / Amount: 2 JST, 2 1" exoticas
Smoke: med to thick
Buzz: mild
Smell / Flavor: Smelt just like a rose, no joking. Fresh picked flower! I couldn't believe my nose. Taste... I have to assume that if I ate a Rose, that's what it would taste like. Very interesting taste, not horrible, but alarming if you aren't expecting it. Slightly sweet as well. Surprising good.

Video Link: (One day soon)

Rating (1 to 10): 7

I was happily surprised by this shisha. It was bought for a friend who hasn't gotten around to smoking it - so I tried some. Smells and tastes like a Rose (taste I'm guessing). Very nice and mellow, if a bit surprising at first. Can get a little overpowering, but still a good smoke.

Added a small pinch of AF Mint about 40mins in - mellowed the "flower" taste down and turned in into a very good smoke. Made the house smell good for several hours afterwards.

Mixes well with Apple (none anise versions).

Al Fakher Mint Review

2008-01-16T15:09:00.001-05:00

Al Fakher Mint

Shisha Cut: med to fine, very little stems. Red in color. Drippy.
Hookah Type: 27" Syrian, 2-hose Engineer
Duration: 1-3 hours, dependant on number of people (1 = 3hr, 4 = 1hr)
Bowl: X-lg clay
Foil / Screen: foil
Coal / Amount: 2 - 2" natural coal fingers
Smoke: thick
Buzz: slight
Smell / Flavor: Smell = mellow minty smell. Not overpowering, not sweet, just minty. Taste was mellow as well. Not overly strong, but just powerfully enough to "wow" you. Not sweet either.

Video Link:

Rating (1 to 10): 9.5

I wanted to try another brand of Mint, plus wanted some for a mixer. By it's self, this is a good smoke. A lot less harsh than Havana's, more mellow and refreshing. As a mixer - it can't be beat! Works well every time I've used it so far!

Some of the people I was smoking with did consider it a little strong by itself, but I didn't (they are new to hookah) nor did my BF - the ciggy smoker. He enjoyed it because it was lighter than a Menthol ciggy.

Al Fakher Strawberry (not Golden line) Review

2008-01-16T15:08:00.001-05:00

Al Fakher Strawberry (not Golden line)

Shisha Cut: med, light on stems. Dark Red in color. Drippy.
Hookah Type: 27" Syrian
Duration: (2) 1hr sessions
Bowl: split deep bowl (party)
Foil / Screen: foil
Coal / Amount: (1) 2" of Dy Natural Finger, then (1) 33m Golden - windcover both times
Smoke: med to thick
Buzz: slight to mild
Smell / Flavor: Smelt very similar to Bubble Yum Strawberry gum. Sweet candy-like smell. Taste was just like the smell, very similar to the gum flavor. Not a true strawberry flavor, sweeter and had a creamy undertone to it.

Video Link: (someday soon)

Rating (1 to 10): 8

I like strawberry and this one I really like. I love the sweetness, the candy taste to it, although it can get a little overpowering. Had a nice creamy undertone - I can understand why some people don't like it or say it has a faint coconut taste to it. It's more like smoking bubble gum or Strawberry Creamsavers candy, it has a definate Creaminess to it that some people don't enjoy.

This stuff mixes well w/ Kiwi, Lemon, and Mint.

Tonic Chocolate Mint Vanilla Review

2008-01-16T14:37:00.000-05:00

Tonic Chocolate Mint Vanilla

Shisha Cut: med cut, some stems, dark brown/black in color, sticky
Hookah Type: 27" Syrian
Duration: 55min
Bowl: Egyptian clay
Foil / Screen: foil
Coal / Amount: (2) 1.5" exotica’s
Smoke: med to thick
Buzz: light to med
Smell / Flavor: Smell was a nice minty chocolate mix, not as strong as AW's After9 or Nakhla's Cocomint, similar in smell to SB's Chocolate Mint, but with a vanilla undertone. Taste was nice, you defiantly know it was chocolate mint - weaker (in taste) than AW or Nakhla, stronger than SB's. Chocolate, with vanilla tones and a nice mint aftertaste.
Video Link: (coming soon)
Rating (1 to 10): 8

I had grown tired of AW's version and Nakhla's is quite strong, SB's was iffy (and costs too much) but Tonic seemed to hit the mark on this flavor. Just the right mix, you can defiantly tell it's chocolate, the vanilla is a nice sweet surprise and the mint makes a great finisher.

But, there were a few reasons for the 8 score: 1) heat sensitive just like SB and 2) not much cheaper than SB.

All in all, if you want a newer version of Chocolate Mint (Vanilla) try this, just remember - it's NOT Al Waha's Afternine and it suffers the same issues as Starbuzz.

Quick Link to the best Prices

2007-12-29T17:49:00.000-05:00

Boomhauer on Hookah Pro has made up a list, detailing the best prices & places to purchase tobacco and coals that he can find. He does update it often. Another member, High_Society, has also made a website with lots of information about various brands of Hookah Tobacco.

So if you'r looking for a list of places to buy a certain brand of tobacco for hookah (shisha), then why not make a trip over to HookahPro.

Membership is free, we have lots of info and help, plus it's a great place to hang out and chill with fellow Hookah'ers.

Vanilla Cappuccino, Sour Grapes w/ a Twist, Red & Blue Mint mixes

2007-12-27T11:22:00.000-05:00

Vanilla Cappuccino

Bowl of Havana Cappuccino
Base full of (1) 8oz bottle of CHEAP vanilla extract, ice, and chilled water
(2) 1" exotica fingers

I've found any cappicinio flavor tends to be strong! Adding milk to the base helps, but if you've ever used milk you know the DANGER that milk has. A better way to "mellow" out the strong taste is to put (1) 8oz bottle OF CHEAP vanilla extract (go to the dollar store - they have immation vanilla extract). Add ice and chilled (for 3-5 hours works best) and smoke away.

Sour Grapes w/ a Twist

70% AF Grape
25% Lemon (layalina, rommans, havana)
5% AF Mint
(1) Lemon sliced up w/ ICE & CHILLED WATER (or chill base for 2-3 hours with cold water)
add 3-4 crushed mint leaves (fresh) if you can get them

Mix well, pack and enjoy. Put the sliced lemon in the base water (mint leaves too if you have them). The mint evens out the strangeness I often find most Lemon flavors have. 3/4'ers of the time, you'll taste Grape on the inhale, with a slight mint chill and Lemon/mint on the exhale. Very mellow and relaxing. Make sure to either CHILL the base or use ICE & CHILLED water.

Red & Blue Mint

40% Layalina Raspberry
45% Layalina Blueberry
5% AF Mint

Mix well, pack and enjoy. Chill base with water (put water in base & put whole into fridge) or use ICE. The Raspberry is weaker than the Blueberry, but you can make it out on the exhale. The mint blends the two berries together as well as cools the whole mix down.

Well, it was fun while it lasted

2007-12-17T09:20:00.000-05:00

I took down BOTH my Sothern Virginia Hookah Tribe Groups (on Yahoo and Myspace) - lack of emembership and local interest. There are local hookah smokers, but for some reason they tend to hide... I have a good reason to understand why some do.. (bad people, shame on you), but still.

*sigh*

By the way, the 1st contest, "Design-a-Hookah", on Hookah Pro is over. The voting on the entries has begun and I've started on the 2nd contest - Hookah Pop Quiz... but I don't think there are gonna be many entries. I suck :P

Mouj Al Bahr Triple White Apple Review

2007-11-10T15:00:00.003-05:00

Mouj Al Bahr Triple White Apple

Shisha Cut: fine cut, drippy/sticky, dark brown/black in color.

Hookah Type: 22" Egyptian

Duration: 1hr 15min

Bowl: clay

Foil / Screen: foil

Coal / Amount: 2 33m golden QL

Smoke: thick

Buzz: none

Smell / Flavor: You can tell it's an apple from smelling it; tart, slightly sweet, with a undertone of something floral and spicy. I do believe it's supposed to be anise (which I hate ). Taste is exactly how it smells; mild apple with some sweetness, a faint floral touch and a spicy undertone. Remarkably mild.

Video Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=skPDHfghqBA

Rating (1 to 10): 7.5

Considering my dislike of anise, I'm a hard one to please with most apples. This version is nice, although mild in taste and having some anise in it, the taste was more apple than everything else. It produced good smoke, no buzz and the price was good. I found it at HC for 2.95 for 50g. If you want to experiment with some apples, try this one.

Al Fakher Grape Review

2007-11-09T08:19:00.001-05:00

Al Fakher Grape

Shisha Cut: Medium cut, dark red in color, drippy

Hookah Type: 22" Egyptian

Duration: 2 Hours

Bowl: Deep Clay Egyptian

Foil / Screen: Aluminum Foil

Coal / Amount: (2) 2" Dynimight Coals, heated then broken in half - with windcover on/off

Smoke: med to thick

Buzz: mild

Smell / Flavor: Smelled like a cross bwt Grape Jelly and Grape Bubble Yum. Taste: basicly the same. Very sweet, tastie and mellow. Not a realistic grape, but very good never the less.

Video Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pePSzNH3wWw

Rating (1 to 10): 9.5/10

I've had a few bad Grape smokes, but this was the first time smoking AF Grape, and I'm sad I waited so long. A great taste, wonderful long smoke, forgiving with the heat and an excellant staple! Another great flavor from Al Fakher.

Mixes very well with Mint, SB X on the Beach and Marlette. I want to try it with some lemon and maybe a few other flavors.

------------------------------------------------------------

Update: There seems to be alot of production issues with bad batches of Al Fakher Grape. Most seem to stem from Aug, Sept, and Oct production lots, but even then it seems to be hit-or-miss. I've gotten several Aug batches that were fine. I received a Sept batch that wasn't. It smelt like it was rotten.

Many people have temp given up purchasing AF Grape until the "Rotten" batches are fixed, as no-one Official from Al Fakher has stepped up and explained what is going on.

Al Waha Afternine

2007-11-08T10:11:00.001-05:00

Al Waha Afternine

Shisha Cut: course, stemy, dark brown in color, drippy.

Hookah Type: 27” syrain

Duration: bwt 45 & 2hours (avg time: 1hr 20min)

Bowl: standard Egyptian clay

Foil / Screen: foil

Coal / Amount: (2) exoticas – 1” & 1.25”

Smoke: thick

Buzz: mild to heavy, depending on smoking habits (typicall sleepy AW buzz)

Smell / Flavor: Smell is a chocolate mint mix, similar to a Thin Mint cookie. Taste, basically a realistic chocolate mint flavor, just like smoking a Thin Mint cookie, without the sweetness. Kind of reminds me of the Andes candys, but heavier on the mint than the chocolate.

Video Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vQgG7vRSG6I

Rating (1 to 10): 9/9.5

One of the best Chocolate Mints I’ve smoked. Very realistic to the real thing, not overly sweet. I love the sleepy mellow buzz it always gives. I often use this as a Dessert Shisha.

Have noticed that people tend to love this flavor or hate, there are very few who go for the middle ground.

Al Sultan Peach Review

2007-11-08T10:04:00.001-05:00

Al Sultan Peach

Shisha Cut: med to course, some stems. Bright med red. Drippy.

Hookah Type: 22” Egyptian

Duration: 45 to just over an hour

Bowl: Egyptian clay

Foil / Screen: heavy duty foil

Coal / Amount: (2) 1.5” Exoticas

Smoke: med to heavy

Buzz: mild to heavy (depending on smoking method)

Smell / Flavor: Smell was a simple Peach – more realistic than sweet or candy-like. Did have an undertone of a chemical smell. Taste = a simple generic peach. Nothing fancy, slightly sweet. Stronger than Rommans, but not anywhere close to Pharaoh’s or Starbuzz.

Video Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ByQ_HIk4Lk

Rating (1 to 10): 7 (although I think after finishing that last bowl, drop it to a 6)

A very simple generic peach. Mostly realistic, slightly sweet. Nothing to write home about. For the price, you can get other Peach’s (Layalina or Al Waha) that have more kick, but in all, it’s decent brand. If you can find it cheap, try it, otherwise it’s safe to pass over.

Al Ajamy Esk Apple Review

2007-11-08T09:41:00.001-05:00

Al Ajamy Esk Apple

Shisha Cut: med to fine, some stems, light brown

in color, drippy

Hookah Type: 22" Egyptian

Duration: 1hr 15min

Bowl: standard Egyptian clay

Foil / Screen: foil

Coal / Amount: 2" exotica

Smoke: thick

Buzz: mild

Smell / Flavor: Smell was that of a Sweet Apple crossed with Rose. Taste was pretty good, faint undertone of rose (non-soapy) with strong sweet apple taste. No anise flavoring.

Video Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vQgG7vRSG6I

Rating (1 to 10): 8

With 3 people hitting this, it still lasted over a hour and NEVER got burnt! Great taste, considering I was worried about the smell - I picked up a Rose, with apple undertone. They (other 2 smokers) smelt apple w/ rose undertone.

I'm pleasantly surprised with this flavor, not quite as good as Al Fakher Esk Apple, but very close. The only downside I see to regularly purchasing this brand/flavor - it's the same price as Al Fakher, which is more commonly found. But, since this flavor in this brand was decent, I may be willing to purchase other flavors for experimenting.

Rosetta Grape Soda Review

2007-10-18T15:34:00.000-04:00

Rosetta Grape Soda

Shisha Cut: fine to med, dark red in color, drippy - some stems, but very hard to spot
Hookah Type: 27" Syrian, 33" Egyptian
Duration: 45min
Bowl: mod clay, shallow clay
Foil / Screen: foil
Coal / Amount: 1.5 33m golden, 1 - 2" Dynamite coal : w/ windcover both timesSmoke: med to thickBuzz: mild

Smell / Flavor: Smell was a sweetish candy like grape, not quite a soda like, but more than a Jelly smell. Taste was a sweetish candy grape, but not overly strong in taste.

Video Link: "coming soon"

Rating (1 to 10): 7

This was a decent smell/taste, but it was alittle heat senative and the flavor died out toward the end rather suddenly. Good smoke, but not one I'll keep in stock.

Rosetta Super Strawberry Cream Review

2007-10-18T15:32:00.000-04:00

Rosetta Super Strawberry Cream

Shisha Cut: fine to med, dark red in color, drippy - some stems, but very hard to spot
Hookah Type: 33" Syrian, 33" Egyptian
Duration: bwt 30-55min
Bowl: mod clay, shallow clay, glass bowl
Foil / Screen: foil
Coal / Amount: 1.5 33m golden, 2" Dynamite coal, 3 Sultan JST : w/ windcover both times
Smoke: med
Buzz: mild
Smell / Flavor: Smell was a sweetish strawberry jam, very yummie and mouthwatering. Taste, was a different story. Had a strange undercurrent taste of something I couldn't place my finger on... was a semi-sweet strawberry, but the other taste over-powered the flavor.

Video Link: (not sure if I'm gonna do one, that's how much i dislike this flavor)

Rating (1 to 10): 4

I was disappointed in this flavor, the strange taste this shisha had overpowered the strawberry totally and destroyed what should have been a good smoke. Plus it left the tip of my tongue tingly and feeling like it was coated. Smoked this twice, out of 2 hookahs to make sure it wasn't just a dirty hookah/hose.My BF loves this flavor, more than any of the other Rosetta's... he says the taste I'm picking up is a "Clove cigg" taste - I didn't like it.

Sahara Banana and Milk Review

2007-10-18T15:14:00.001-04:00

Sahara Banana and Milk

Shisha Cut: med to coarse cut, some stems. Dark red and drippy (gives Layalina a run for it's money). Over time, it does dry out and ends up looking like Nahkla.

Hookah Type: 22" Eygptian

Duration: 55min - 1hr 25min (see below for new max time)

Bowl: Eygptian Clay

Foil / Screen: Foil w/ windcover

Coal / Amount: 2.5" Exotica

Smoke: thick

Buzz: med to heavy, depending on smoking habits. Similar to Al Waha Buzz.

Smell / Flavor: Smell is a Laffy Taffy Banana Candy. Taste is slightly weaker than the smell, but it's a sweet candish creamy banana - in no way is it a realistic banana. First 20-30min of the bowl, it did have a faint undercurrent of a floral taste, but wasn't distracting from the main taste. After 30min, it wasn't noticeable.

Video Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K7Nh7rUmgkY

Rating (1 to 10): 8

I love this stuff. The smell made me want to eat it, the taste, although not as strong as the smell, was highly pleasant and long lasting. The faint floral start was interesting, but not distracting - sorta like a bonus.

It probably would mix well with strawberry, maybe coconut and pineapple as well. I will try adding Coconut Milk to the base next time to see how that goes.

And after lighting a 2nd 2" chunk of Exotica coal, I managed to coax the bowl for a grand total of 2hr 10min before I started getting a burnt taste. Up to that point, the smoke/buzz/taste was strong and pleasant.

Happy Hookahween

2007-10-18T07:27:00.000-04:00

Oh, the things we do when bored.... and pumpkins are cheap :)

Introducing the Hookah Pro.... Hookahween Jack-o-latern

Rosetta Cherry Bomb Review

2007-10-04T14:39:00.000-04:00

Rosetta Cherry Bomb

Shisha Cut: med to fine, some stems (hard to spot). Dark red in color and drippy.

Hookah Type: 22" Eygptian

Duration: 50-60mins

Bowl: standard clay

Foil / Screen: foil

Coal / Amount: (2) 1-1.5 Dy Finger coals

Smoke: thick

Buzz: none to notice

Smell / Flavor: Smell was cherryish with a slight cough drop undertone (medicine like). Not as sharp as Nakhla Cherry. Taste was a slightly sweet cherry, with a faint cough drop/cough syurp taste, although not overly strong like Nakhla's cherry.

Video Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IB5YaygXOD0

Rating (1 to 10): 7.5-8

One of the smoother cherries I've smoked, only has a slight medicine taste/smell to it. Smooth, mellow, relaxing smoke even if not an overly realistic cherry. Seems to be more forgiving to heat than the Peach version. Should mix well, try vanilla or other fruits.

Rosetta Peach Passion Review

2007-10-01T19:29:00.001-04:00

Rosetta Peach Passion

(this is a new brand of shisha on the market, from the makers of Dajruim ciggys - cloves for those of you who don't know.)

Shisha Cut: med, some stems, but hard to spot. Dark red, drippy, but wet not sticky.

Hookah Type: 22" Egyptian

Duration: 50min total

Bowl: shallow clay

Foil / Screen: modified "pocket" method foil

Coal / Amount: 2 (33m) goldens

Smoke: med to thick, not overly "cloudy"

Buzz: little to none

Smell / Flavor: Smell was a light Sweet Candy Peach. Taste was basically the same; a very light sweet peach taste. Very smooth and mellow, but not overly heavy on either the sweetness or the peach.

Video Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LCEkXV2qmAo

Rating (1 to 10): 7.5-8

I expected alittle more Peach flavor, but this was an over-all enjoyable smoke. Very mellow, light taste, no buzz and easy to sit back and enjoy. Probably better as a mixer than alone, the taste was too light.

One word of warning - once this shisha burns, DON'T TRY to save it. The Burnt taste will only get worse, not better.

Al Fakher Orange Review

2007-09-27T08:36:00.000-04:00

Al Fakher Orange

Shisha Cut: med, light stems. Med brown. Very drippy.

Hookah Type: 22" Egyptian

Duration: 55 mins

Bowl: glass

Foil / Screen: foil

Coal / Amount: (2) 1-1.5 inch pieces of Dy Natural Fingers

Smoke: med to thick

Buzz: mild

Smell / Flavor: Smell was a fresh squeezed orange. Nice and tart, citrus-y. Taste was light orange, true orange, not sweet or candy-ish.

Video Link: "coming soon"

Rating (1 to 10): 7

A decent Orange, very "true" smelling and tasting, but rather light on the taste. It was there, but not nearly as strong as I would have hoped. Still, overall a very nice smoke. Maybe with some OJ in base it will enhance the taste.

Al Waha Orange Cream Review

2007-09-21T07:51:00.000-04:00

Al Waha Orange Cream

Shisha Cut: med to course, good bit of stems. Med to dark brown. Med drippy.

Hookah Type: 30" Green Syrain (Froggie)

Duration: 45min to 1hr 15min

Bowl: standard bowl

Foil / Screen: foil

Coal / Amount: 2 chuncks of Starbuzz Coals (4 total)

Smoke: med to thick (dependant on heat amount)

Buzz: typical Al Waha sleepy buzz - Med to HEAVY

Smell / Flavor: Smell is like fresh squeezed oranges, with a creamy undertone of vanilla. Taste is the same - not a candish tasting Orange, but a true Orange w/ a Vanilla undertone.

Video Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XsjZDKwjFTk

Rating (1 to 10): 8

Not that I've had a second go at this shisha, I do realize it's a decent mix. True Orange taste w/ Vanilla undertones. Reminds me of something "trying" to be a creamsicile - not quite, but similar.

No dissing to SamB for the original sample - I understand where it came from, but the fresh tub is almost like a different shisha. Very tasty, considering I don't overly enjoy Orange. Dankes.

Starbuzz Marlette Review

2007-09-21T07:48:00.000-04:00

Starbuzz Marlette

Shisha Cut: med to fine, light stems. Dark red in color, very drippy.

Hookah Type: 22" Eypg, 27" Syrian

Duration: bwt 50min and 2 hours

Bowl: clay (deep), mod

Foil / Screen: Foil, thick pre-cut sheets

Coal / Amount: 1 Golden QL (33m) whole @ a time, 1 (2") Dyimite Finger @ a time, 2 med chucks of SB natural (with windcover on/off for all 3)

Smoke: thick

Buzz: very slight

Smell / Flavor: Smell was a rich grape, sweet and heavier than most grapes I've smelt. It faintly reminded me of "sparkling grape juice". Taste was excellent - it seriously reminded of me a wine, but with a sweetness to it that counters any of the bitterness wine would have. Very "deep" and rich grape taste.

Video Link (coming soon):

Rating (1 to 10): 10

It was like smoking wine, without the hangover or the bitterness involved w/ real wine consumption. Very rich, deep, but sweet grape taste. If you could make a "wine" candy, this would probably be what it would taste like. It's not quite the same taste as it's "wine" namesake, but still very similar.

Out of all the "grapes" I've tried, this is got to be my favorite. Heck, this shisha even outranks my liking of Irish Cream, X on the Beach and White Peach (which is my absolute favorite SB flavor). I highly recommend!If you want to enhance the taste, add some Merlot or Sangria to the base jar and smoke this! OMG! It rocks!

Pimp Your Hookah order

2007-08-31T09:15:00.000-04:00

Well, I finally got my order from Pimp your hookah yesterday. Ordered on the 16, it was shipped out the 20, arrived on the 29th and sat at the post office until the 30th.

I feel bad for making such a small order (and uninvertently taking advangae of his free shipping deal), but I wanted to see how good he was (reopening his shop) and I wanted some SB & Layalina.

Starbuzz 100g Sample pack w/ 1k Starbuzz Coals
(White Peach, X on the Beach, and Marlette)
Blue Med Base Protector
Layalina Blueberry (250g)

Went to pick up the box, the ladies there had a good giggle over the "Pimp Your Hookah" sticker on the top/bottom of the box (which I suggest NOT doing in the future). The tapes up edges were coated in a "dark grainy" material from the inside, but otherwise the box was intact.

Opened, was surprised at the 100g tins of the SB, got 2 Base Protectors (ordered and a red one) and the Layalina was good too. The SB coals where in a box, that was stuck in the outer box - i ripped it trying to get it out. Found out the coal dust was from the ripped inner plastic bag, but there wasn't much he could have done about that.

SB smells great. So does the Layalina Blueberry... the coal is standard NATURAL lump coal, but some of the chuncks are freaking HUGE - as big as my hand! I've got to find a container for it.

Other that the coal dust everywhere and the lack of tracking number (which an email took care of), it was a good experience. I'll probably order from him again in the future - his prices for Layalina and Al Fakher are great, plus he offers various great deals!

Also got a package from Sambooka of Hookah Pro - he just sent back the hose covers I made too short, but enlcosed a 250g box of Nahkla Peach - which was very good, although not a true peach taste, more of a necturine or apricot, but tastie never the less. Video reviews this weekend.

Mahir from Nazar Hookah will be back from his vacation soon, so I'll get my Nammors and AW Orange Cream very soon - :) me so happy!

Pharaoh Exotic Peach Review

2007-08-20T23:30:00.000-04:00

Brand and Flavor: Pharaoh Exotic Peach

Shisha Cut: med w/ stems, light to med brown in color. Drippy (when mixed).

Hookah Type: 27" Syrian, 17" Modern, 22" Egyptian

Duration: 1hr to 2hr

Bowl: glass, standard clay, deep clay

Foil / Screen: foil (all)

Coal / Amount: (2) 33m goldens (broken), (2) 1-1.5" Dinamite Natural Fingers

Smoke: thick

Buzz: med to heavy (don't chimney)

Smell / Flavor: Smell was awesome! Sweet yummie peachy goodness. Mouthwatering! Taste was the same - peachy goodness. Alittle on the sweet side, but not overpoweringly so. Very good and long lasting taste.

Rating (1 to 10): 9.5-10

Possibly my Absolute number 1 shisha flavor I've smoked yet. This even out ranked SB White Peach, but only due to price rather than any flaw w/ the shisha itself. Wonderful yummie peach smell & taste - well worth the 10$ price tag.

This can easily be smoked for and hour plus, even if you "smoke the hell out of it". The taste lasts till the last minuet and by the time it goes "burnt" you know it's done and over with.

One thing of note - do not underpack the bowl. For best results, do a normal packing (atleast 3/4'er of the bowl) to get the best life and smoke out of the shisha. Too little will give you less smoke and start to burn early.

Starbuzz Lemon Mint Review

2007-08-20T23:10:00.000-04:00

Brand and Flavor: Starbuzz Lemon Mint

Shisha Cut: med, stems, dark green in color. Drippy.

Hookah Type: 22" Egyptian

Duration: 1hr 15min +

Bowl: standard clay

Foil / Screen: foil

Coal / Amount: 2" dinamite natural coal

Smoke: med to thick

Buzz: none

Smell / Flavor: Smell was a light lemon, with an undercurrent of mint. Taste was mint w/ a exhale of Lemon. Refreshing.

Video Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CFjndqq-hho

Rating (1 to 10): 7-8

I was very surprised with this flavor, I did expect alittle more Lemon flavor, but it was a good refreshing and relaxing smoke. Thankfully it doesn't seem to suffer the typical SB heat issues, but it could be I know SB has this issue and handled right.

Wish i had enough for a 2nd bowl, as I would have done a video review. I may even consider purchasing this flavor by itself, if it could be found at a decent price.

Recommended if located at a good price.

Nahkla Tropicania Review

2007-08-20T23:02:00.000-04:00

Brand and Flavor: Nahkla Tropicania

Shisha Cut: typical nahkla, course and oil, dark brown in color.

Hookah Type: 22" Eypgtian

Duration: 15 min

Bowl: standard clay

Foil / Screen: foil

Coal / Amount: 2" dinamite natural coal finger

Smoke: thick

Buzz: heavy

Smell / Flavor: Smell was strong; overly fruity and heavy on the citrus. Taste was gross; sickenly sweet taste, mix-mash of fruit and lemon. Very strong and overpowering.

Rating (1 to 10): 2

I am glad I only bought a 50g pack of this flavor as the smell & taste (most importantly) was horrible. The smell was strong, the taste even worse - it was a horrible mix/mash of fruit + lemon, overpowering and somewhat nauseating. After 15 min of fighting w/ it I gave up and tossed the whole thing (even the unused).

Perhaps mixed (lightly) with mint it may have been smokable, but as it was, I considered unsmokable.

Hookah Pro Prize!

2007-08-17T15:27:00.000-04:00

Well, I finally got my hookah - turns out the post office has it since the 6th and NOBODY told me! I even went there and picked up another package on the 8th and they said NOTHING! Damn it people!

But anyways, it's a nice steel 22" Eypgtian style hookah. Blue glass base, blue hose (non-washable) and a clay bowl. Bowl wouldn't stay on the stop (mouth was too narrow for the stem top) but I have several other bowls that fit fine.

Smoked him already - it's great! Hits like a champ! Nice and stable as well, works wonderfull!

Many thanks to Mahir from Nazar Hookah for the prize, was well as SamBooka, Admin of HookahPro!

I'll work on a new video for him once my PC it back up and running - it's refusing to Boot into Winsucks anymore... so I give, Linux here we come!

Nakhla Pistachio Review

2007-08-17T15:23:00.000-04:00

Nakhla Pistachio

Shisha Cut: Typical Nakhla; medium, some stems. Medium to dark brown in color. Oily.

Hookah Type: 2-hose Syrian

Duration: 45-50min, 1hr 15min

Bowl: standard clay

Foil / Screen: 2 layers of thin foil, 1 sheet of thick coal

Coal / Amount: (3) 2” Dyinmite fingers, Windcover, (2) 33m Goldens (whole)

Smoke: Medium to Thick

Buzz: Nakhla typical – it will floor you if you aren’t careful

Smell / Flavor: Smell = Similar to unmade pistachio pudding mix. Taste = strange, hard to pin-point. Not a full “nutty” taste, not a pudding, a strange mix w/ a undertone of Almonds.

Video Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VYaI8TZmcWw

Rating (1 to 10): 6

The only reason for the middle-grade score is the strange taste. It’s not a bad taste, just very different. At first I wasn’t sure if I liked it, but now that I smoked it a second time, it seems to be growing on me.

May be good mixed with some Vanilla or Mint.

If you want a new experience, I highly recommend picking some up. For the price, even if you dislike it – you haven’t wasted too much money.

StarBuzz Chocolate Mint Review

2007-08-17T15:20:00.000-04:00

StarBuzz Chocolate Mint

Shisha Cut: Medium, flaky, too many stems. Dark green in color. Drippy.

Hookah Type: 17” Modern, 27” Syrian

Duration: 1-1.5 hours

Bowl: glass bowl

Foil / Screen: pre-cut foil

Coal / Amount: Japanese silver tabs: 2 @ a time, 4 total

Smoke: Thick

Buzz: Mild to None

Smell / Flavor: Smell = a mild mint, with a slight undercurrent of chocolate, similar to a tootsie roll. Taste = the same, mild mint w/ barely any chocolate taste.

Rating (1 to 10): 7

This is a weak version of Chocolate Mint – Al Waha and Nakhla’s versions are considerably better. For a SB shisha, which is supposed to be a premium tobacco, I was slightly disappointed – both in taste, cut, and over all heat sensitivity.

I don’t recommend buying this shisha at it’s full price, but if you can get some for less, it’s still a decent smoke.

Video Review Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ijvWDa9am24

Hookah-Hookah Pumpkin Pie Review

2007-08-03T14:02:00.000-04:00

Brand and Flavor: Hookah-Hookah Pumpkin Pie

Shisha Cut: fine, no stems. Wet and slightly sticky. Brown in color.

Hookah Type: 30" Syrian

Duration: 35min

Bowl: standard clay

Foil / Screen: foil

Coal / Amount: (2) 1-1.25" finger coals

Smoke: light to med

Buzz: none

Smell / Flavor: Smell was very similar to Pumpkin Pie spices. Taste was similar, but not quite - had a strange incense like taste, but not unpleaseant.

Rating (1 to 10): 4

Although the taste was good, other issues destroyed this smoke. This HH flavor requires more heat than normal to get going, but due to the increased heat - the shisha BURNS faster, thus shortening the length of time BEFORE the shisha burns. Also, without the extra heat - I got almost NO smoke. Flavor, yes, but smoke - nope.

Starbuzz X on the Beach Review

2007-08-03T13:59:00.000-04:00

Brand and Flavor: Starbuzz X on the Beach

Shisha Cut: choppy, med cut. Brown in color. Wet. Stems, but less than other SB.

Hookah Type: 17" Modern

Duration: 1hr 15min (becasue I was tired and stopped)

Bowl: mini-clay

Foil / Screen: foil, thin

Coal / Amount: 33m Goldens, broken in half. 2.5 used in total, 2 pieces at a time. W/ windcover.

Smoke: thick

Buzz: mild to med - did give me a slight headache

Smell / Flavor: Smell wasn't like the drink, but a sweet fruity smell. Yummie, but I couldn't pin-point it down. Taste was basically the same, but that didn't detract from the smoke - taste was very good and not overly sweet.

Video Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0iXHWEtsLuU

Rating (1 to 10): 9

This shisha is one of the better SB's I've smoked - Peach was the best so far. Less stems than the others, good taste, although was hard to pin-point what it really was. More heat tolerant than most SB. The only downfall was a slight headache it gave me, probably more my fault than the shisha.

Hookah Hookah Butter Scotch Review

2007-07-28T15:13:00.000-04:00

Hookah Hookah Butter Scotch

Shisha Cut: fine, no stems. Med Brown in color. Wet and slightly sticky.

Hookah Type: 30" Syrian w/ iced water and ice in base

Duration: 45-50min

Bowl: standard clay/modern

Foil / Screen: foil

Coal / Amount: golden (33m) broken in half w/ windcover

Smoke: med

Buzz: none

Smell / Flavor: Smell is that of a Butterscotch candy, w/ a slight undertone of something "chemically". Taste was butterscotch like, slightly sweet, with an undercurrent of something like cookie dough.

Rating (1 to 10): 6

Although it smelt wonderful (i wanted to eat it), the smoke didn't quite live up to the smell. It was still good - had a butterscotch taste, but on the exhale it kinda reminded me of cookie dough. Not overly bad, but kinda unexpected. Still, a decent smoke for Hookah-Hookah.

This shisha needs consent heat - but 1 golden coal w/ a windcover is enough. Too much heat simply burns it, although you do get more smoke and buzz.

Hoookah-Hookah Hazelnut Review

2007-07-28T15:04:00.000-04:00

Hoookah-Hookah Hazelnut

Shisha Cut: fine, no stems. Dark brown, slightly sticky and wet.

Hookah Type: 30" syrain

Duration: 45-50min

Bowl: glass

Foil / Screen: foil

Coal / Amount: 2 (33m) goldens, broken in half - 1 @ a time

Smoke: med to thick

Buzz: slight to mild

Smell / Flavor: smelt very nutty, strong and life-like. Was mouth-wateringly real. Taste was very similar to smell, strong, nutty and interesting.

Rating (1 to 10): 8

Probably one of the best Hookah-Hookah flavors I've smoked so far - true tasting, strong and for HH, long lasting. I was doing large pulls and it still lasted 45-50 mins.

Smiley's Snack - Orange Review

2007-07-23T19:21:00.000-04:00

Smiley Snack - Orange

Shisha Cut: courser than old Smiley’s, similar to AW in cut and stemage. Not as drippy as before but still moist.

Hookah Type: 17” Modern

Duration: 1 hour

Bowl: clay standard

Foil / Screen: foil

Coal / Amount: started w/ 1.5” Dynamite finger, added 2 JST – removed 1 piece after 15-20 minutes.

Smoke: thick

Buzz: at first (25-30 min) was good and buzzing. Then stopped completely, even with massive drags – nothing.

Smell / Flavor: Smell was fresh oranges, not candish or sweet. Very tasty smelling and made my mouth water. Taste: at first, (25-35) mins it was nice mellow true Orange tasting. After that point the taste slowly went down hill, acquiring a bitter taste. After 45min it reminded me of Nahkla Orange, but still got even more bitter. Taste started going “burnt” about 55-60 mins, where I stopped.

Rating (1 to 10): 4.5-5 for taste, 8.5 for smoke

When I received the sample, I checked out the packaging. Plastic over-wrap, cardboard inner, with a “seal-a-meal” bag inside of shisha. No leaks. Has standard smoking warning inside with weight and Tar/Nic amounts.

Outside of Bag/Box

Inside of Bag/Box

Also states: Don’t be Sqaure, Be Smiley! Smiley’s is the ONLY American Based Shisha! The Legend of Smiley Begins TODAY!

Weighed the bag before and after opening - .5oz of shisha (Google says .529oz is 15g), so it true to the amount. Sliced open bag and was greeted by fresh squeezed Orange smell. Nice – not candy, true fruit.

Shisha itself

Shisha cut was different than previous shisha – rougher, similar to Al Waha, with med to light amount of stems. Wasn’t nearly as drippy as before – was moist & slightly sticky. Wet moist, but not as bad as Hookah-Hookah.

Bowl Packed

Packed bowl and used foil – 3 rings of holes. Started with a 1.5” of natural wood finger (Dynamite) but after 5 min, lit 2 Japanese Silver tabs to add to bowl. Took 11 min w/ windcover to produce smoke, taste started 1 min after.

Taste was that of a fresh Orange, true fruit not over sweet. Very nice.

Video of me starting

After 25-35 mins, shisha picked up a bitter taste, no amount of moving the coals would alter the bitterness. Removing a coal didn’t help either, but did decrease the amount of smoke slightly.

Continued on till about 45 min in, started getting “off” taste similar to Nakhla Orange taste, but very more bitter and was rapidly losing it’s “true” orange taste. About 55-60 min in the shisha lost all Orange taste and was just “burnt”. Stopped smoking.

¾’ers of the bowl was burnt black – very bottom was still moist.

All in all, the taste in my opinion hasn’t improved. It does have taste now, but it it lost serious points due to the bitter turn of the taste which then disappeared. It lost its “smokablity” somewhat fast in my book. I’m used to not losing taste till 90-100 min has passed.

The loss of the buzz as the flavor changed was also disappointing. For those who don’t like a buzz, you’d like it – clouds of smoke w/ no buzz. I’ll give it points for the clouds – they rocked.

As to my purchasing this shisha – No. I can enjoy more taste, longer, for less. I will state that it is an improvement over my first batch of Smiley’s (purchased about 4 months ago from the man himself), but it hasn’t proven to me yet that it has become as it claims. It may continue to improve over time and I am willing to try perhaps a few months down the line, but it isn’t up to my level of “par” as it currently is.

Al Fakher Mango Review

2007-07-16T20:10:00.000-04:00

Al Fakher Mango

Shisha Cut: medium cut, some stems. Dark red in color. Drippy.

Hookah Type: 27" Red Syrian

Duration: 1.5 hr to 2.5 hr

Bowl: standard modern, x-lg

Foil / Screen: 2 layers thin foil

Coal / Amount: 2 pieces of Silver Tab @ a time, broken. 6 Total.

Smoke: thick

Buzz: med to mild

Smell / Flavor: Smell was a sweet fruity Mango. Very yummie smelling. Taste was basically the same, but minus the true sweetness. It was Mango tasting, very much like the real thing. Had a very faint Mellon aftertaste, but not unpleasant.

Rating (1 to 10): 7

Surprisingly, this is good shisha. The smell was sweeter than the taste, but an overall good choice if your looking for a real fruity tasting shisha, without the overkill of sweet. Careful, can be heat sensative and burnt.

Video Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GbAEvbN-e7Q

Starbuzz - Not so Premuim in my Eyes

2007-07-13T21:43:00.000-04:00

So, I've finally scored me some Starbuzz: Irish Cream, Peach and Chocolate Mint. Been smoking all three flavors, several different times, with completely different set-ups each time. Even used 3 different hookahs.

My verdict? Not worth the money.

Why?

It appears to be quite heat sensative. No matter what I do or try (different coals, bowls and covers) I only get a good smoke for 45-55 mins before it starts to taste "burnt". At this point, I have to remove the foil/screen and scrape away the burnt shisha, then either add more fresh or stir the remaining up. Re-foil/screen and smoke as if I was starting from scratch.

Plus, the cut of the shisha and amount of stems - ridiculous. Al Waha has less stems than Starbuzz!

This stuff and Hookah-Hookah, are the only two shishas that this seems to occur. HH is, in my opinion only, a lower end shisha. It's good if you can't handle the nicotine buzz on most brands, but even compared to Al Waha, it's weak. And it doesn't last long, smoking.

Starbuzz flavors are nice, the Peach is freaking great - but in my eyes - not worth the $20 price tag. Fusion, Layalina, and Al Fakher all have very good taste, smoke and are proven shisha - I never have had a bad smoke with any of them. Starbuzz is good... but too picky.

Al Fakher Coconut Review

2007-07-04T08:32:00.001-04:00

Al Fahker Coconut

Shisha Cut: medium, some stems. Brown in color, juicy.

Hookah Type: 17" Modern

Duration: 1 hr

Bowl: small standard

Foil / Screen: foil

Coal / Amount: 1 golden, broken in half

Smoke: med to thick

Buzz: slight to mild

Smell / Flavor: Smell was defiantly Coconut. Taste was also Coconut, but not a strong version. Layalina's was stronger and sweeter, but this is more realistic. Very nice and mellow.

Rating (1 to 10): 8.5-9

I like Coconut, although this was somewhat weaker than I expected, it was still a nice smoke. Mixed with some sweet fruit flavors (Mango, pineapple, orange) would give a good tropical twist. If you enjoy Coconut, I recommend picking up a tub.

Video Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mgDK9SLeQgI

Al Amir Mocha Latte Review

2007-07-02T10:38:00.000-04:00

Al Amir Mocha Latte

Shisha Cut: fine, few to no stems. Red in color, juicy.

Hookah Type: Engineer 2-hose

Duration: 45min-50min

Bowl: combo

Foil / Screen: Metal screen

Coal / Amount: 1 33m Golden, broken in half

Smoke: Medium

Buzz: slight to none

Smell / Flavor: Smell was more like a chocolate caramel than anything coffee related. Taste was the same, sweet chocolate caramel taste with the faintest hint of coffee in the background.

Rating (1 to 10): 3

Considering I dislike Al Amir, this has been one of the best flavors of the brand I have smoked. I didn't buy the tub, it arrived as a FREEBIE with my latest Hookah Company order. Figured maybe it was just the 50g packs I had tried before - nope. This stuff has always let me down, this flavor was better than most, but still disappointing. Too sweet, wrong flavor, weak on buzz & smoke.

I wouldn't recommend to buy it, if you are given it, smoke it, but otherwise pass.

Havana Coconut Review

2007-07-02T10:23:00.000-04:00

Havana Coconut

Shisha Cut: med, some stems. Dark brown in color. Slightly wet (but not dry)

Hookah Type: 27" & 30" Syrain

Duration: 1hr +/- 10 min

Bowl: standard

Foil / Screen: foil

Coal / Amount: 2 Lemon wood coals or (1) 40mm Golden or 3 Silver tabs

Smoke: medium

Buzz: none

Smell / Flavor: Smell was great, very nice coconut. Taste was another thing - almost NO coconut taste. Every once and awhile a good strong whiff, but for the most part very weak.

Rating (1 to 10): 4
I like Coconut - I like Havana, so i figured they couldn't mess up the Coconut. I was wrong. So far this has been the only flavor of Havana I've smoked that has let me down - if you didn't smell it before, you'd have no idea it was coconut. Wasn't bad, just had no coconut taste.

2-Hose Engineer Hookah Review

2007-06-30T16:53:00.000-04:00

Pipe: Engineer 2-hose auto-seal hookah (Syrian) in Blue and Gold
Hose: 2 wide style hoses
Bowl: Tiny brown glazed (replaced w/ larger)

Recently purchased this hookah and already smoked it twice. Stem is seperatable, solid and heavy. Screw together airtight. Gold in color - possibly brass (?).

Pros: Nice very looking pipe. Heavy durable stem, can be screwed apart for cleaning, storage/transport, and reassembles into 2 different sizes. Easy to draw, hoses are wider than normal. Base is large enough for the hookah (although I have a larger version). Ashtray can sit on top (smaller stem size) or be placed bwt sections, very stable. Auto seal system work very well - no need to cap other hose. Head/stem top is Egyptian style, not true Syrian style. Glass base well made, nicely decorated and thickness was good.

Cons: The auto seal system works, a little too well. To use the smoke release valve, I had to remove one ball bearing from the set-up (On hose I was using, left non-used hose & valve alone). Hoses had plastic smell - unsure if washable, but washed with HOT lemon juice to remove smell. Base jar smaller than my Large Egyptian Hookah's jar, but does have enough space for ample smoke. Bowl was small - 5-10g, but I have several so it wasn't an issue. Hookah does rock slightly when drawing thru hose (may have been because on carpet). Also, stem is slightly different than one pictured, but very close. Assembled, hookah sits at 29" instead of 30"

In all, a very nice hookah if you're interested in a 2-hose Syrian hookah. Hookah came with: 3 rolls of coal, tongs, 2 hoses, bowl, metal screen, grommet (3 hose, 1 bowl, 1 base), carrying bag and BONUS combo bowl.

Smokes very well and a great looking "room decoration" when not in use. Recommend.

Purchased thru Nazar Hookah.

Orders in!

2007-06-30T16:48:00.000-04:00

I was highly surprised as my Hookah Company order arrived today (July 1st - Sat), but very happy. Everything was there and I had a bonus tub of shisha - Al Amir Mocha Latte. Sounds good, but I've never had a good smoke with Al Amir - we'll see. Trance should like this flavor - he's into coffee flavors.

Got the Engineer hookah yesterday, I must say I'm loving it. There was some issues, but after messing around, I figured everything out and got him smoking. Wanna see a video?

Smoking Fusion Mango Raspberry in Engineer Hookah

So far everything seems to be doing well and I'm loving my new hookah! Thanks so much Mahir, owner of Nazar Hookah! I highly recommend him for your hookah needs!

Fusion Mango Raspberry Review

2007-06-30T16:47:00.000-04:00

Brand and Flavor: Fusion Mango Raspberry

Shisha Cut: Medium, flaky. Some stems, small & thin. Red in color and very wet.

Hookah Type: Syrian, 2-hose Engineer

Duration: 2 hr

Bowl: Mod Combo

Foil / Screen: Screen

Coal / Amount: 4 total, Golden (33mm)

Smoke: Thick

Buzz: Slight to mild

Smell / Flavor: Smell was sweet raspberry with a touch of something else, I have to assume the Mango. Very pleasant. Taste - I mostly could taste the Raspberry, but every once and awhile, would pull a distinct Mango taste. Nice and juicy, sweet but not overly so.

Rating (1 to 10): 9

I bought Fusion because I wanted some different flavors than AF currently offered. This one (Mango Raspberry) is a very pleasant surprise. Nice fruity taste and smell (not overly sweet - true fruit taste), good smoke and only a slight buzz (don't chimney it). Handles heat well, even after the 1st hour and it had burnt to the metal screen I was using, I just scrapped off the burnt stuff, put on a new coal and went for another 45min.

Highly recommend!

Yeah - my Hookah is here!

2007-06-29T10:41:00.000-04:00

Came home yesterday to a notice in the mail that my Hookah is sitting in the Post! Dammn! Well, I get to pick it up today after work - I can't freaking wait!

Spent almost an hour showing and explaining what a "hookah" was to several fellows at work - they understand now I've shown them a picture of what I was talking about, but at first they had the typical reaction to hearing the word - HOOKAH. I wish that people would get the idea that it's a drug related item OUT OF THEIR HEADS! *sigh*

Since I also have a shisha order coming (hopefully tomorrow according the the web site) I needed to pick up some more containers and shuffle around some things. Word of advice - DO NOT BUY DOLLAR STORE TUBS! They aren't air-tight... 3 different shisha were getting dried out - I went to Wallie and picked up some Zip Lock brand ones, much better!

On the game front - finally picked up a copy of God of War 2! Got it used for 35$ - not too bad! Now I have an excuse to turn my PS2 back on, it hasn't been used since Feb, give or take. I really need to finish Okami - I love that game!

Well, tonight I get to enjoy the new hookah, play some video games, and maybe go bowling - we bought 4 used balls (for $17 - 3 included bags)! I need to get one filled & redrilled, the finger/thumb holes are too small, but I'm happy overall!

Last call for Shisha!

2007-06-26T14:12:00.000-04:00

Today, my bad little fingers lead me back to Hookah Company and finally got a shisha order in!

250g Al Fakher Coconut
50g Al Fakher Mint (they where out of 250g tubs)
250g Layalina Peach
250g Fusion Mango Raspberry
250g Fusion Chocolate Strawberry

Grand total w/ discount and shipping = $57

Not too bad, although in the last 2 days I've spent nearly $177 in hookah related items. This is "last Call" for hookah for the next 4-6 month! Unless I run out of coals, break something, or need a staple shisha, no more!

I have several high dollar items I need to work towards: a car, a wedding, a new mattress...

Life's little things, you know?

But it's all good... I made a list of the stuff I have at home... OMG, I have enough to stock a small army with tobacco for several weeks. Too bad I don't know more "Hookah Lovers"....

Both my MySpace group and Yahoo group are still empty and unloved. Other than a few friends - nobody I know smokes Hookahs! *big sigh*

Oh well, more reviews when everything gets in and enjoyed!

New Hookah

2007-06-25T13:42:00.000-04:00

Today I placed my order with Nazarhookah to purchase a new hookah - Engineer Double Hose Hookah in Blue and Gold. Along with a box of coals, shipping and discount, everything ran me about $122. Very nice! I've been talking with the owner, Mahir, for a bit about getting this and finally had the funds to jump for it! Thanks so much Mahir!

I am SO PUMPED! :)

I want to order some more shisha too, but kinda low on funds until the PayPal gets transffered into my bank account. I sold my old cell on Ebay - I got my upgrade last week. Made a nice penny - it was enough to allow me to get my hookah in confort instead of pinching the purse strings.

My next order will probably be more AF flavors: Strawberry, Coconut and Mint. I also want some Layalina Peach - it's been awhile since I've had an good peach and I miss it so. Also *crosses finges* may have bought some Starbuzz Chocolate Mint from a Forum member and another Pro member said he's send me a sample of "X On The Beach". I think I'm gonna send him some Kashmir Peach (which I can't smoke due to it's strength and I puke) becasue he's never had any. It's nice to have friends in smoky places ;}

More when the order comes in.... now it's the hardest part...waiting!

Hookah-Hookah Mocha Review

2007-06-22T12:46:00.000-04:00

Hookah-Hookah Mocha

Shisha Cut: fine, no stems. Wet, not drippy - damp.

Hookah Type: 27" Syrain, 17" Modern

Duration: bwt 30-55 min

Bowl: standard

Foil / Screen: foil

Coal / Amount: (2) Japan ST

Smoke: med to thick

Buzz: none

Smell / Flavor: Smelt like strong black coffee. Tasted just the same, no sweetness there. Kinda strong (but less than Al Fakher Capp).

Rating (1 to 10): 7

If you like strong, non-sweet shisha, this is one of them. Good taste, strong. I didn't like it as much as my BF did, but it was less harsh than AF's Capp. Too much heat burns it and gives nasty aftertaste.

Starbuzz Irish Cream Review

2007-06-21T07:23:00.000-04:00

Starbuzz Irish Cream

Shisha Cut: med to fine, stems. Wet but not overly drippy.

Hookah Type: 17" Modern

Duration: 2 hours

Bowl: standard

Foil / Screen: foil

Coal / Amount: (2) Japan ST then 1 Natural Lemon wood chunk

Smoke: thick

Buzz: mild to heavy, leaning more toward mild

Smell / Flavor: Smelt odd, like vanilla cream. Reminded me of Smiley’s Wedding Cake. Tasted sweet and vanillish, creamy and interesting, slight hint of coffee. Not sure how close to Irish Cream it was (don’t drink that flavor of coffee), but it was nice.

Video Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mm06yPmHf1s

Rating (1 to 10): 7

Considering this was my first Starbuzz, it wasn’t too bad. Expected better cut of shisha: a lot of stems. Good smoke, got a cloud on my 2nd drag. Good taste, lasted until the second round of coal(s) burnt out – only got “burned” tasting when left the windcover on too long. Good smoke, but for the Price, I’ll stick with other brands of shisha. Recommended, except for the price.

Layalina Peach & Vanilla Reviews

2007-06-18T08:39:00.000-04:00

Layalina Peach

Shisha Cut: med, few stems. Dark red in color, drippy.

Hookah Type: 33" Eypgtian, 27" Syrain

Duration: 1hr - 1hr 30min

Bowl: standard

Foil / Screen: foil

Coal / Amount: 4 silver tabs (2 @ a time), 1 extra large chunk of Lemon Wood

Smoke: Med to thick

Buzz: slight

Smell / Flavor: Faintly Peachy smelling. Taste: not a super strong peach, but you can tell it is peach. Sweet, rather than like true fruit. Long lasting.

Rating (1 to 10): 7

The taste is alittle weak, but it's still a good peach. Not quite as strong as Romman Peach (in my view), but a real good mixer to other shisha. Goes well with Strawberry, Mint, Lemon and Vanilla.

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Layalina Vanilla

Shisha Cut: med, few stems. Black in color, drippy.

Hookah Type: 27" Syrain

Duration: 1hr

Bowl: smiley

Foil / Screen: glass for first 25 min, foil for remainder

Coal / Amount: 1 silver tab w/ glass, 2-3 for foil

Smoke: med to thick

Buzz: slight

Smell / Flavor: Creamy vanilla scent. Taste was less vanilla (vanilla bean) than I expected, was "sweet" like a piece of candy (french vanilla).

Rating (1 to 10): 7

I tend to like my Vanillas more like a Vanilla Bean than French Vanilla - less creamy, more tart. Was still a good vanilla - mixes well with just about anything. Adds some creaminess and sweetiness, even to Nahkla. Good to keep around for "mixing", but not as a stand-alone smoke.

Hookah Video

2007-06-15T12:26:00.000-04:00

I finally got around to making a "How to set-up a hookah" video and posting it on YouTube - it sucks! Lighting is bad and it's grainy. Will try again next sunny day!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=el0yLrEQPoM

I'm aiming for better and more soon!

Al Fahker Golden Eskandarani Apple Review

2007-06-12T19:00:00.000-04:00

Al Fahker Golden Eskandarani Apple

Shisha Cut: med to fine, little to no stems. Light brown in color. Very drippy.

Hookah Type: 27" Syrain

Duration: 2 hours +

Bowl: Smiley

Foil / Screen: foil

Coal / Amount: 4 total Japan ST, 2 @ a time

Smoke: thick

Buzz: light to mild

Smell / Flavor: Smell was nice tart green apple. I'm not the fan of Apple shisha, but this smelt great and was missing the typical anise (liquorish) smell. Taste was a little on the light side, but very good. Slightly sour on the exhale. Mild and tasty - even took a slight burning well (recovered fast - moved coal).

Video Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6mi-89xYuuI

Rating (1 to 10): 10

I typically don't like apple that much, but this is a nice version. A little light on the taste, it was still very enjoyable and extremely long lasting. 2 hours later and I still have taste, thick smoke, and no burnt smell/taste.

This is One of my Staple Flavors. I highly recommend this to anyone who wants an apple without the anise flavor.

Bases Mixes - Cherry and Strawberry/Kiwi

2007-06-11T07:52:00.000-04:00

At Walmart, I noticed these containers of Sno Cone syrup, in various different flavors. Well after reading a thread on a forum board, I decided to give mixing it into the base water a try and see if it enhances the taste of the smoke any.

Basically the syrup is very similar to another item found online called HookahJuice, which is flavored liquid you add to the base water to flavor the smoke. Sounds cool, but it's pricey for what it is.

Sno Cone Syrup isn't... $1.87 per 20oz bottle. Not bad. Picked up Strawberry/Kiwi, Sour Apple and Cherry Vanilla.

First try was Cherry Vanilla with Cherry Nahkla. Used about 2.5-3 oz of the stuff. Packed the Smiley, used 4 (2 @ a time) Sultan tabs.... and Low, the Shisha is Saved! That medicine taste is almost gone and replaced with a sweet candy flavor. I now LOVE this cherry shisha!

On Saturday, I set up and tried the Strawberry/Kiwi one with Al Waha Kiwi. Again, used 2.5-3 oz in the base, used the Smiley bowl, same amount & type of coals. It gave it stronger Kiwi taste w/ sweeter aftertaste - not quite strawberry tasting, but sweeter (like candy sweet). Not bad at all.

I've ordered a new tub of Al Fakher Golden Esk Apple (250g $9.95) from Al Fakher's new Online site. Ran less than $15 with USPS shipping. Not bad at all, cheaper than any of the other sites even with the discount codes. Hopefully it will be as good as the reviews from the boards - I ordered it for Trance more than myself. Why? It's supposed to taste like sour apple, so mixed with the Sour Apple Syrup = he should like! :)

Layalina Strawberry Review

2007-06-07T12:42:00.000-04:00

Layalina Strawberry

Shisha Cut: med, some stems. Dark red in color. Drippy.
Hookah Type: 27" syrain
Duration: 1 hr
Bowl: standard
Foil / Screen: foil
Coal / Amount: 4 silver tabs, 2 @ a time
Smoke: med to thick
Buzz: light
Smell / Flavor: Sweet smelling, you can tell it's strawberry. Taste: sweet almost candy like strawberry.

Rating (1 to 10): 8

This is one of my favorite strawberries. I don't often smoke it alone, but often mix it with Kiwi, Vanilla, Mint, or Peach. Nice and sweet, not overpowering - with too much heat it fades out, but remove some coals and it comes back. Even better when used with Strawberry juice or liquoir in base.

Coal Reviews

2007-06-07T12:24:00.000-04:00

Romman Lemon Wood Coals (bulk natural coals - wood)

PROS: No smell, no taste. Price is good at less than $7 a bag.

CONS: Needs stove/grill/propane torch to light. Random small pieces. Ashes ALOT. Messy. Tends to break/shatter easily.

Verdict?

There are MUCH better natural wood coals on the market - stay away from these, too many issues for the small amount of good they offer. Try a "finger" version of coals, but these work if you got nothing else.
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Smiley's CocoShell Coals (bulk compressed ground coconut shell)

PROS: Soild, doesn't break easy. Clean to handle. No smell. No taste. Price is very good at less than $7 a bag. Can be reusable. BURNS VERY HOT!

CONS: Random sized pieces. Ashes a bit, very fine dust. Needs stove/grill/propane torch to light.

Verdict?

Highly recommend these coals. Other than Japan sticks, these are all I use anymore. One small word of caution: if dousing them in water - REMOVE THEM FROM THE WATER AFTERWARDS. They'll break down in to a pile of brown mush and go to waste.
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Sultan Japanese Silver tabs (silver coated coals - stick, breaks into 4 smaller pieces)

PROS: Clean to handle, easier to light than natural coals. Light amount of ash. Rarely ever breaks. No taste/smell providing you cook off silver coating before use.

CONS: Can be hard to light - not quicklites. Less heat than standard QL rounds. Needs to be cooked before using. Can be pricey (local shops sell 12 sticks [48 pieces] for $5.95).

Verdict?

Since I can buy these locally, I use them alot. I don't know how they compair to other Silver tabs, but they work great for me. No taste, good length of time for use, good heat.

Nahka Cocomint Review

2007-06-07T12:10:00.000-04:00

Nahka Cocomint

Shisha Cut: med, some stems, dry. Little brown in color.
Hookah Type: 30” & 27” Syrains
Duration: 55min up to 2 hours
Bowl: standard or smiley
Foil / Screen: foil (with both), glass with smiley (to start, often switch to foil later)
Coal / Amount: 4 silver tabs (2 @ a time) or chunks of coco shell
Smoke: med to thick
Buzz: med to heavy

Smell / Flavor: Smells strongly of mint, the chocolate is overpowered by the mint, Taste: very good, more mint than chocolate, but it’s defiantly there.

Rating (1 to 10): 7

Alittle strong on the mint side, this is a nice shisha. Careful, it does pack a buzz and can get strong (watch the heat). Very good as a dinner or dessert shisha.

If you want more chocolate taste, add some chocolate syrup to the base. Or try Al Waha's After Nine (different buzz, but easier to smoke).

Also tastes good mixed with alittle sweet strawberry shisha (Layalina or Rommans).

Al Waha Coconut Review

2007-06-07T12:00:00.000-04:00

Al Waha Coconut

Set-up: 27" Syrian
Bowl: standard mod w/ foil
Base: Iced water
Hose: MYA washable
Coal: (3) Japanese Silver tabs, broken in half

Cut: Med cut, some stems. Good amount of juice.
Smell: Strong coconut smell.
Taste: It does taste like coconut. Out of all the brands I’ve tried, this one does offer one of the better bangs. Could be stronger, but good enough to taste.

Smoke: Medium
Buzz: Light to Med, typical “sleepy” Al Waha buzz.
Time: about 1hr 25min

Score: 7/10

One of the better Coconuts I’ve had to date. Good smoke, good taste (lasting), but could have been better on both issues. Of the non-fruit flavors I like, this is one of my Top 10.

Alternate Base Mix:
Killer Whale: 4 oz Whaler’s Killer Coconut Rum. Add to chilled water and ice. Added more coconut flavor and enhances the buzz.

Layalina Coconut Review

2007-06-07T11:58:00.000-04:00

Layalina Coconut

Set-up: 30" Syrian
Bowl: smiley w/ foil
Base: Iced base and cold water
Hose: mod hose
Coal: 1.5 (33m) 3 King or 2 silver tabs (2 @ a time, 4 max)

Cut: Med cut, some stems. Typical Layalina juiciness – dripping.
Smell: Sweet Coconut.
Taste: Sweet coconut, not the strongest coconut taste, but better than Havana. Lasted the whole bowl, never got burnt tasting. Stronger than Al Waha’s version, without the buzz.

Smoke: Medium
Buzz: mild
Time: 50min to 1hr 25min

Score: 8/10

Layalina is one of my favorite daily smokes. Super sweet, very flavorful, long lasting. This was a good coconut, not as strong as Al Waha’s, but defiantly stronger than Havana. Only got a slight buzz, but didn’t give it much heat. With more heat, you should get more smoke & buzz. Should mix well with other flavors, such as chocolate, pineapple, or orange.

Tangier's Noir Style Reviews - Kashmir Peach, Kiwi, Vanilla, and Juicy Peach

2007-06-07T11:49:00.000-04:00

Tangier’s Kashmir Peach

Shisha Cut: typical Tang cut, drippy. Black in color.
Hookah Type: 27" & 30" Syrian
Duration: 1hr 30min to 2+ hrs
Bowl: phunnel w/ mod
Foil / Screen: foil (many, MANY holes)
Coal / Amount: 3-4 silver tabs, 2 large chunks coco shell
Smoke: med
Buzz: mild to heavy
Smell / Flavor: Spicy peach smell and spiced peach taste. The peach was alittle understated, it could have been stronger, but it was a nice mellow smoke (for Tangiers).

Rating (1 to 10): 9

I don't smoke Tangier's hard (I wish I could) but out of the 4 flavors I've tried, this was the easiest and smoothest so far. Nice relaxing taste/smell, could get harsh - but that was more me than the shisha (I believe). Most defiantly will buy again.
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Tangier’s Vanilla

Shisha Cut: typical tangiers, drippy, black in color.
Hookah Type: 27" syrian
Duration: 1hr +/-
Bowl: phunnel
Foil / Screen: foil (holes!!!!!!)
Coal / Amount: 3-4 silver tabs
Smoke: med to thick
Buzz: heavy
Smell / Flavor: Strong vanilla scent, slight undercurrent of something smoky. Taste was creamy vanilla, with an undercurrent of hickory. Not a overall bad taste, but slightly odd.

~ Taste changes ALOT with acclimation - min of 4 hours. ~

Rating (1 to 10): 7

The smell is good, but the slight hickory taste is strange. Not bad, as vanillas go, but could be better. Mixed with other Tangier flavors, it tends to mellow them out. For more vanilla flavor, add vanilla extract to the base.
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Tangier’s Juicy Peach

Shisha Cut: typical Tangiers, drippy and black in color
Hookah Type: 30" Syrian
Duration: 55 min
Bowl: phunnel w/ mod
Foil / Screen: foil (again w/ the holes)
Coal / Amount: 3-4 silver tabs
Smoke: med to thick
Buzz: A$$ kicking
Smell / Flavor: Peachy with undercurrent of Pear. Taste is Peach mixed with Pears, with a hint of something I couldn't put my finger on. (New sample was defiantly more Peach, but the Pear taste was still there).

Rating (1 to 10): 7

Once I got a new sample, I was more impressed with this flavor. It's peach mixed with some pear, instead of just Pears. Had an undercurrent of something I couldn't figure out, but that may be the Tangier's tobacco. Was a nice mellow smoke - watch the heat. Just alittle too much had me coughing up a storm.
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Tangier’s Kiwi

Shisha Cut: typical tangiers, drippy, black in color
Hookah Type: 17" modern
Duration: 1hr +/-
Bowl: phunnel w/ mod
Foil / Screen: foil
Coal / Amount: 3-4 silver tabs
Smoke: med to thick
Buzz: HEAVY
Smell / Flavor: Sweet fruit - kiwi! Taste, I have to assume this is what a kiwi tastes like, but it's sweet fruitiness. Yummie - mouth watering.

Rating (1 to 10): 9

One of my favorite Tangiers flavors (before I had KP), mixes well with strawberry (Layalina). Doesn't sting me like most of the other Tangier flavors, I can smoke this one pretty well.

Nahkla Cherry Review

2007-06-07T10:48:00.000-04:00

Nahkla Cherry (rehashed and revamped)

Shisha Cut: med cut, dry-ish. Red in color and some stems. Sticky.

Hookah Type: 30" Syrian (1st) , 27" Syrian (2nd)

Duration: 45min (1st) 1hr 35min (2nd)

Bowl: standard modern (1st), smiley (2nd)

Foil / Screen: foil (both)

Coal / Amount: 2 silver tabs (1st), 4 silver tabs 2 @ a time (2nd)

Smoke: med to thick

Buzz: light to mild

Smell: Smelt like those candy-like cherry cough drops. Had a faint chemical/medicine smell to it.

Taste: Cherry cough drops, with a strange undercurrent of mediciny taste that seemed to coat my tongue.

Base Mix: On second go, added 2.5oz of Sno Cone Cherry Vanilla syurp to the base water.

Rating (1 to 10): 4 - by itself, 7 - mixed with syrup

Orginialy I was disappointed by this shisha - I expected more real cherry taste and less "cough drop" candy taste. Due to the unexpected weridness, I cut short my session and kinda gave up.

But, due to the sugesstion of others, I bought some "Cherry Vanilla" sno cone syurp. Added to the base water - chilled, repacked the shisha in a different bowl (I love Smiley's bowl for dry shisha) and tried again. DAMN! 100% improvement on the taste - it still has a fant undercurrent of the cough drop deal, but now alot for "cherry candy".

My suggestion - if you don't like the cough drop taste, pick upsome of this syurp (or some other cherry flavored one) and add to the base water. It should enhance the taste considerbly.

Al Fahker Cappuccino Review

2007-06-02T12:51:00.000-04:00

Al Fahker Cappuccino

Shisha Cut: med to fine, little stems. Wet, but not drippy.

Hookah Type: 33" Egyptian, 30" Syrian

Duration: 45-50min +/-10 min (1/2 shisha not burnt - could have gone longer)

Bowl: smiley

Foil / Screen: glass for 15 min, foil for remaining of the time (both sessions)

Coal / Amount: 2-3 silver tabs or 2 chucks of cocoshell coals

Smoke: med to thick

Buzz: slight

Smell / Flavor: STRONG coffee smell, almost like an espresso than a Cappuccino. Taste was STRONG - way too strong for my tastes, like smoking coffee beans. Had a strange aftertaste upon exhale that kinda reminded me of... fish. Trance did not notice this aftertaste, he LOVES it.

Rating (1 to 10): me = 3, Trance = 8

I tend to like sweet shisha, Trance likes strong bold non-sweet shisha. This was bought for him, and I'm glad he likes it - I don't! Too strong, too overpowering. We tried some milk, no help. Next time I will add some vanilla extract or maybe some vanilla shisha, see if that smooths it out some. Very strong flavored shisha.