Bernard's Schmalzlerfranzl Gold is something of an atypical schmalzler, but it is far from bad. Compared to the few other schmalzlers I have tried, this one is drier and lacks the stickiness or oiliness that I have come to expect of snuffs of this style. This dark, more or less medium-coarse snuff is quite complex, delivering notes of earth, pine, dark chocolate, straw, molasses, date, fig, raisin, nutmeg, fennel, celery, and prune with undertones of cream, coffee, and cinnamon here and there. The nicotine content is low, meaning you can easily go through a ton of this snuff very quickly. My only real gripes with this snuff are the lack of moisture-which is apparently by design-and the lack of nicotine. I kept wanting it to have more of a punch, but I guess that is what the Schmalzlerfranzl Silver exists to provide. While this is a solid enough snuff, I definitely prefer the other Bernard schmalzlers. I find them to be more memorable and powerful.
Schmalzlerfranzl Gold is a hearty snuff that panders seductively to my pre-existing nasal prejudices. A classic Schmalzler in the most time-honoured Bavarian tradition, Gold uses both Brazilian rope and Latakia tobaccos in its baseline. Sticky and dark, it brings to mind Weihnachtsstollen crossed with rum cake. Smokey from the Latakia, “Brazil Feinst’s” flavour profile combines dates, walnuts, molasses, chocolate, honey and allspice. A rich snuff, it is well suited to the Winter Solstice or the feast of St. John the Evangelist. Without bite upon uptake, Gold offers a welcomed and sustained burned akin to holding a well-pulled briar in the palm of an ungloved hand on a cold winter’s day. Slightly peppery, it uses similar base materials as to Rappees but with an effervescence that can only come from the fermenting process inherent to Schmalzlers. Sporting an adult dose of nicotine, Gold is a fine companion to aged dark rums such as Venezuela’s Diplomatico or Guatemala’s Zacapa.
I've only modestly dabbled into the German schmalzlers, so take this review for what its worth. Of the handful I've tried, this one is my favorite. From what I understand, in terms of a schmalzler, this is not as pungent as most. Its dryer than a typical schmalzler as well. To describe it using the same criteria you would for any general snuff, I would say its coarse, rather moist, and dark black in color. The smell, to me, is rather chocolately, but not so much so that you cannot tell that its tobacco that is up your nose. There is also a "fermented" smell to it, like a liquor or a brandy. It sits nicely in your nose but you can really feel it in there, as opposed to finer and dryer snuff which seems to have no weight to it, this stuff feels like you have some weight in your nose. Its a rather messy snuff due to its jet black color (which can leave stains on fingers and most definitely clothes) so might be better enjoyed within the comfort of your home. I believe this tobacco goes through a unique fermentation process, as do most if not all schmalzlers, which gives it a deep, dark flavor that is rather pleasant if you enjoy dark tobacco flavors. People say this is a good schmalzler to introduce someone to this style of snuff, and I would have to agree with that. If you're looking to expand your collection and explore the large range of schmalzlers, this would be an excellent starting point. Pick some up and give it a try!
I have heard a lot of good things about brasil snuffs, but I must admit that I'm not a fan. this was however the first brasil snuff I ever tried so if anyone has any suggestions for a better one I would probably try it. I'm probably not going to buy this again. I liked the fragrance, but after a few seconds it felt like a I had a cork shoved up both of my nostrils. I couldn't even blow my nose or use a medicated snuff to help alleviate the blockage. I'm probably going to find someone that likes it and hand it over to them. it's just not for me.