Mehkrisoft

Interesting to see all of the responses here, I've been smoking all of the Middle Eastern brands for a while, and I've only recently tried Starbuzz probably a few weeks ago. I've gotten the flavors to last longer, and something about it just tastes different then what I was used to growing up. I actually never saw the box it came in, someone just gave me two ziplock bags, one with margarita, one with blue mist, (aka glorified lemon and blueberry). And while I was expecting some bullshit, I was actually surprised, and I've noticed that many of the lounges here are beginning to carry that brand. Not that lounges know what they're doing, but it seems as if the people are opening up to these American brands. Anyways, I'll most likely end up getting the ME brands mainly due to the fact that I refuse to spend $20 per 250g of Starbuzz.

[quote name='Codename067' date='27 January 2010 - 12:32 AM' timestamp='1264581161' post='447953'] Not trying reign on your post, but almost every tobacco manufacturer is headed by a person of Middle Eastern decent, even Starbuzz. I might be made here, sure, but its run by a Middle Eastern guy [I forgot him name]. Someone correct me if I am wrong. Lets not forget something, what you are saying here is simply an opinion. I can find plenty of people that will disagree with you regarding those two brands being their favorites/best. On the other hand, I can find plenty more who do agree. [/quote] Well I'm not referring to the person who makes it, rather the country of origin of the tobacco. I'm more wondering if it has to do with freshness or just the methods used in the different countries.

Sams Smokes in U District is a great place for tobaccos, coals, and Hookahs. There are also a bunch of smoke shops in the south end that my friends cousin owns, I'll have to get the names, but those are some good places for hookah stuff.

I've been smoking for well over 8 years before lounges really grew here, and I would buy my Nakhla tobacco from my cousins grocery store. Now being from Pakistan, I was used to to the usual double apple, licorice, and peach flavored tobaccos that were normally imported. But recently, my taste buds have been invaded with the likes of Starbuzz and Fumari. I'm wondering if these tobaccos are better because they're made here and more likely to be fresh, or because (Not to sound like an arrogant American) we here usually take something, and make it better. Eitherway, I've never had a more smooth smoke than Starbuzz Blue Mist, I'm not a newb when it comes to smoking Hookah, but all these new brands are throwing me off, I'm thinking of not even going with the old school brands and sticking with these American ones. What about you guys, do you prefer the American brands or the Middle Eastern ones? Starbuzz would have to be my favorite, followed by Fumari.

[quote name='Jeff_T' date='27 January 2010 - 12:06 AM' timestamp='1264579590' post='447946'] Hey Mehkrisoft, welcome to HF. That mix does sounds pretty good. There is a 7/11 pretty close by and I have never thought of putting some slushy into my base, but now may try it. I've only got grape that would go with that mix, but it could be pretty good. I've put a few ounces of red wine into the base diluted with water for el basha grape and it went very well with the grape flavor the shisha has. I've also tried tea a few times and did a little Sunkist and water with some tangiers orange soda, which was great (maybe only because of the tangiers, but still). I'll definitely be interested to see what other mixes you come up with and share with us. Good luck with the lounge as well, hope it turns out well. If it opens in/around Seattle let me know since I'm in the area, I'd love to check it out. Enjoy the forums. [/quote] Whenever I put soda in the base it always has a semi burning taste because of the CO2, I usually let the soda sit for a while, let it flatten out. Never tried wine in the base, but that sounds like it would be interesting. Yeah we are working on permitting, got the location for our spot, it's in Seattle, like I said, I don't plan on shamelessly promoting it here as much, I just want to perfect the craft I've been working on for years now. Where in Seattle are you?

Hi all, long time smoker, first time poster. I rediscovered my love for Hookah after I've recently quit smoking cigarettes. Not sure what the tradeoff is healthwise (1 bowl a day as opposed to 1 pack a day). And I figured an online community to share my love for Hookah, some tips and resources for making the experience perfect. My biggest idea is focusing on different mixes in the base and the tobacco bowl. The best Sheesha I ever made was a Mountain Dew Code Blue Slushee from 7/11 mixed with a little ice water, and blueberry/grape tobacco in the bowl. I could have sworn the smoke had a purple hue to it. Anyways, I'm also currently building a lounge, but I wont be shamelessly promoting it until I'm allowed to, or not much at all, since it doesn't really make a difference marketing on a forum as opposed to in person. Regardless, I look forward to meeting you all, and reading these forums as a part of my day.