Rating

[Rating:5/5]

Cut & Composition

Social Smoke Absolute Zero is sufficiently slimy. The tobacco is medium cut with quite a few small stems mixed among the tobacco. This particular batch needed the stems removed because some were large enough to be disruptive to the packing process.

Price & Quantities Available

• 100g – $10.95
• 250g – $20.95
• 1kg – $69.95

The Set-Up

Social Smoke Absolute Zero was smoked using various hookahs and bowl styles. Most recently, for the purposes of review, an Al Fakher Large Solid hookah and an HJ Alien Mini phunnel bowl were used.

The Experience

Absolute Zero produced flavor from the very first draw. The smoke followed in the subsequent three or four draws. The smoke was strikingly thick, even when using only a single coal on the HJ Alien Mini phunnel bowl. In typical Social Smoke fashion, the flavor and smoke stayed comparatively strong for the duration of the session, which lasted about an hour and a half.

The Flavor

Absolute Zero is an intense mint/spearmint flavor, and in that way, it is fairly simple. However, Social Smoke has made some very subtle adjustments to the mint flavor. There is an extremely subtle sweet berry flavor underneath the mint. Identifying the berry is difficult. Blueberry is likely, but the flavor is so well hidden it’s not especially important. Thanks to this welcome addition of sweetness, Absolute Zero tastes less like a mint leaf and more like a very cold glass of Vitamin Water.

The Insight

Absolute Zero is a delicate flavor. I don’t mean that the flavor is mild. It’s definitely not. The mint is very strong. However, because there are some quiet sweet flavors beneath the mint, it’s very easy to muddy up the experience. While some flavors will taste the same, regardless of whether you’ve just cleaned your hookah or not, Absolute Zero will be dramatically affected by even light flavors left in your hookah. So, clean your hookah first. It should also be noted that Absolute Zero will most likely leave a very strong flavor in your hookah. You will want to clean your hookah again before smoking another flavor—particularly if it’s a very different kind of flavor. Like a spice, such as clove or cinnamon.

Who Should Try This Flavor

I suspect people who love to smoke straight mint flavors will absolutely love this one. But I would also guess that people who have never been a big fan of plain mint will enjoy this as well because of the sweet undertones. It’s likely a great bridge away from more gimmicky blended flavors.