Friday, February 11, 2011

     Hey everyone! Before I start reviewing the shit out of Social Smoke Cosmopolitan, I just wanted to thank everyone who has followed my blog, left a comment, or even just viewed the page. You guys are awesome, and I can't thank you enough for your interest! Now on to the review!
     If you've already read my first review of Potion 9, you'll know what a Social Smoke fan boy I am. It's my stuff. They impress me every single smoke sesh with their consistent quality. Their Cosmopolitan flavor just reinforces their awesomeness. This stuff is good! I do feel a little self-conscious smoking it due to the stereotype behind the cosmopolitan, but hey, everyone needs to delve into their fruity side every now and then. ;)
     Social smoke describes Cosmopolitan as "a swanky & sophisticated blend of sweet Cranberries and zesty Lime juice." Now usually Social Smoke is dead on with their descriptions of their shishas, but they definitely could have gone with a much shorter, simpler description with this flavor. Two words. Fruity Pebbles. Yes, that's right, the cereal you had as a kid with Fred Flintstone on the box. Cosmopolitan tastes and smells EXACTLY like Fruity Pebbles! It's uncanny! It's also extremely delicious! The flavor is sweet and fruity, and not at all tart as the description would imply. It is a little strong, and could be overwhelming if you're sensitive to sweet things, but even so, it's damn good, especially if you enjoy it every now and then so the flavor stays new and interesting. As with all Social Smoke, the flavor lasts throughout the session, and the shisha is very forgiving when it comes to heating. The clouds are full and white, as one would expect from SS. This shisha is about as good as they come. The only possible downfall I can think of is that, like I previously stated, the flavor is a bit strong, which is actually a positive if you're like myself and enjoy strong flavored shishas. You might not enjoy this flavor as much if your into deep, rich, traditional shishas like Nakhla Zaghloul or Al Fakher Soft Black, as this flavor is definitely a sweet, modern, designer flavor. 
     If you can get over the stigma behind the flavor, and like sweet things, Cosmopolitan is for you! Who cares if people think you're a little on the fairy side? Be proud of what you enjoy! Get some Social Smoke Cosmopolitan, smoke it, and trust me, you'll be hooked! I couldn't recommend this flavor more strongly! Social Smoke is amazing. Simple as that. Even if they're not always 100% accurate with their flavor descriptions. ;)
     Until my next post, keep smoking!
     -Will

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

Social Smoke - Potion 9

     I'd like to preface my first review with a thank you to everyone who has subscribed thus far! :) It gives me hope for the future of this blog. I'd also like to give a brief history of my experience as a hookah-nisseur. ;)
     I started smoking hookah approximately a year ago. My friends and I attended a local hookah bar, and were instantly hookahed...hooked. Smoking hookah with your friends is one of the most relaxing, social, and bonding experiences you can have. So, with a new-found love of the traditional middle-eastern past time, I dove into the culture. Soon, I found myself with 5 hookahs, one of which belonged to the Shaikh of Kuwait at one point (long story, I'll go into it some other time,) and a large box FULL of different flavored shishas. For those of you who don't know, shisha is the American term for the tobacco, molasses mixture smoked from a hookah (traditionally called moassel.) I usually smoke hookah once every 1 to 2 days, so it'll take me a while to get through all the flavors I own. I'll put up a picture of my stash one day ;) So, now that you all know a little about me and my history as a hookah smoker, I'll delve right in to the reviewing.
     Social Smoke is a brand of American-made shisha located in Texas. The company is renowned in the hookommunity (sorry, I couldn't help myself,) for it's strong, long lasting flavor, and it's large, white clouds of smoke. Their prices are a *bit* on the higher end, but it's definitely worth every penny you spend.
     Potion 9 is one of the first shisha flavors I smoked out of a hookah that I owned. It is marketed as a "tempting mix of fresh Melon, tart Cherries, ripe Raspberries, and juicy Pineapple." The flavor has a strong citrus side to it, as the description implies. It is very pleasant, but comes on a little intense at first. The description of the flavor is very accurate. One can taste at least a hint of every flavor mentioned, as well as additional flavors that range from lemon to the unexpected popcorn ball. All the flavors mix very well, however, and provide a very pleasant, fruity smoke.
     As with all SS shishas, the clouds of smoke are beyond compare. The shisha produces voluminous, white smoke that lasts the duration of the smoke. Potion 9, in my experience, has been very flexible with heat, producing equal amounts of smoke with 2 and 3 coals. With very little management, it is easy to keep Potion 9 smoking full and non-harsh.
     If you enjoy tropical, citrus flavors, and aren't worried about spending an extra dollar or two for quality, then pick up some Potion 9. Social Smoke never disappoints, and you won't regret your purchase. Definitely recommended.
     Until my next post, keep smoking,
     -Will

Hey!

     Hey everyone! This is my first post of many! Welcome to Hookahviews, a blog where I guide you all through my experience sampling all the great hookah shisha's out there! I'll try and put up reviews every few days, so please subscribe :) Thanks!
-Will