Cool Breeze
03-13-2015, 11:18 PM
Well, as a newb to pipes (been at it for a few months now) I have discovered that I love love love pure Virginias. They're not all I smoke but the longer I'm at it the more often I find myself wanting and reaching for them. Anyway, here we go.
I'm sure this has been reviewed a lot as it is a very popular tobacco, but I'll give my thoughts on it anyway.
Name: Samuel Gawith Full Virginia Flake
Blend: Straight Virginias
Age: Unknown (Got it in the NST from Tony78) I'm assuming it is fairly new as he didn't mention that it was aged.
Smoked in: MM Legend
I took out one of these gorgeous dark flakes and rubbed it out. It has a slightly sweet pure tobacco aroma. It was pretty moist, which is normal for this tobacco. Due to its moisture content, I allowed it to sit out after being rubbed out for a couple of hours before packing it.
It took a little longer than most blends to get lit up and going, taking 3-4 charring lights and light tampers. I assume this is because of the moisture.
The taste is delightful and straight forward Virginia tobacco. It reminds of of how wet grass smells when freshly mowed. A sweet grassy flavor that I absolutely love. If you're wanting subtle nuances of flavor and flavor shifts, look for something else but if you're a Virginia lover you have to try it.
For my palate, I would classify the flavor as medium to full.
I would say the strength is medium as well. I can feel it but just enough to relax and enjoy it. Perfect for my preferences.
The only negative thing I have to say (and it's not really a big deal) is that it is kind of a PITA to keep lit. It required several re-lights. If you are new to pipes, don't let this turn you off. Pipes don't taste nasty after a relight like cigars do. If you're experienced, well I reckon you already knew that. ;)
This part is strictly personal preference but I prefer it in a larger bowl. I tried it in a MM Huck Finn, which is a pretty small bowled pipe and it was good, but not great. In the Legend it is sublime. This may be because bigger pipes are easier to pack and the draw was perfect. And maybe it's just me I dunno. :pipe:
Overall it is great. Probably in my top 2 Virginia blends. If I want a milder smoke, I'll reach for Orlik Golden Sliced. If I'm in the mood for a fuller, slightly stronger tobacco, FVF is where it's at.
I'm sure this has been reviewed a lot as it is a very popular tobacco, but I'll give my thoughts on it anyway.
Name: Samuel Gawith Full Virginia Flake
Blend: Straight Virginias
Age: Unknown (Got it in the NST from Tony78) I'm assuming it is fairly new as he didn't mention that it was aged.
Smoked in: MM Legend
I took out one of these gorgeous dark flakes and rubbed it out. It has a slightly sweet pure tobacco aroma. It was pretty moist, which is normal for this tobacco. Due to its moisture content, I allowed it to sit out after being rubbed out for a couple of hours before packing it.
It took a little longer than most blends to get lit up and going, taking 3-4 charring lights and light tampers. I assume this is because of the moisture.
The taste is delightful and straight forward Virginia tobacco. It reminds of of how wet grass smells when freshly mowed. A sweet grassy flavor that I absolutely love. If you're wanting subtle nuances of flavor and flavor shifts, look for something else but if you're a Virginia lover you have to try it.
For my palate, I would classify the flavor as medium to full.
I would say the strength is medium as well. I can feel it but just enough to relax and enjoy it. Perfect for my preferences.
The only negative thing I have to say (and it's not really a big deal) is that it is kind of a PITA to keep lit. It required several re-lights. If you are new to pipes, don't let this turn you off. Pipes don't taste nasty after a relight like cigars do. If you're experienced, well I reckon you already knew that. ;)
This part is strictly personal preference but I prefer it in a larger bowl. I tried it in a MM Huck Finn, which is a pretty small bowled pipe and it was good, but not great. In the Legend it is sublime. This may be because bigger pipes are easier to pack and the draw was perfect. And maybe it's just me I dunno. :pipe:
Overall it is great. Probably in my top 2 Virginia blends. If I want a milder smoke, I'll reach for Orlik Golden Sliced. If I'm in the mood for a fuller, slightly stronger tobacco, FVF is where it's at.