SG Full Virginia Flake review

[Cool Breeze]

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.

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.

[Cool Breeze]

3 quick things I forgot to mention.

1. The room note is great. Smells sweeter than it tastes which is good for me as I like it when my good looking half joins me on the balcony. She doesn't like a lot of non-aromatics, calling the smell "cigaretty".

2. It is a slow burner. You get a lot of time out of this one.

3. I'm going to buy a couple of tins of this and see what a couple years age does to it. It is great new, so being a Virginia flake, I figure some time will only do good things.

[Branzig]

Great review. I too love FVF. Probably my favorite VA of all time.

[Emperor Zurg]

Why buy tins? It's available in a 250g box for way less per oz and those tins are known to loose their seal. Divvy up the box into a few small mason jars and you're money ahead. Last I looked, Smokingpipes had the best price on SG boxes.

[Cool Breeze]

Yeah I checked that out after BryGuySC recommended the same thing.
That's they way I'll go. You basically get a tin and a half for free that way.

[BryGuySC]

Great review, @Cool Breeze .