What is a true navy flake?

[BryGuySC]

What makes a navy flake tobacco, “navy”?

Is it the addition of rum?
Is the the pressing of the tobacco?
Is it the blend?
I couldn’t figure it out, so I started researching.

Most are flavored with rum.
Most are aged under pressure.
Most are mainly virginia.
Some have cavendish, some have latakia, some have burley, some have perique.

I have not been able to determine if “true” navy flake should be a certain blend.

I’m trying to get together a decent sampling of navy flake tobaccos, so I can do a back to back to back (etc) comparison. I have a handful, and my next order will be as many other “navies” as I can find/afford.

Obviously, I’ll share my experience with the group!

Here's where I need your help:
Before I start this, do any of you more experienced smokers have more definitive info on navy blends?
What best exemplifies navy flake to you?
What is your favorite navy flake?
What are your “must try” navy flakes?

Thanks for your input!

[Tobias Lutz]

You should always wear an eyepatch when smoking Navy Flake- or at the very least have a parrot on your shoulder

One of my favorites is Escudo Navy Deluxe

[Emperor Zurg]

The label on the tin makes it a Navy flake. If it says 'Navy' on there and it's a flake, then it's a Navy Flake. Really.
You need to try the following...

As Tobias suggested: Escudo
Samuel Gawith Navy Flake
Newminster 400 Superior Navy Flake (pretty similar to FVF but cheaper)

On my list is PS LNF but I haven't tried it. I've enjoyed every navy flake I've tried tho.

FTR, I think @Tobias Lutz is confusing Navy Flake with Pirate Kake.
AAArrrggghhh!! Me send 'im to Davey Jones!!

[Tobias Lutz]

FTR, I think @Tobias Lutz is confusing Navy Flake with Pirate Kake.
AAArrrggghhh!! Me send 'im to Davey Jones!!

Would you rather dress up like this when you smoke it?



I'll take the parrot

[Emperor Zurg]

Would you rather dress up like this when you smoke it?

Those girlyboys don't even have eye patches...
Oh, and those are obviously Ennerdale smokers

[JustTroItIn]

PS Luxury Navy Flake is very good and nicely priced.

[BryGuySC]

PS Luxury Navy Flake is very good and nicely priced.

I agree. It is a good one.

I guess I should have included what I already have!
I currently have:
PS LNF
Escudo
Mac Baren Navy Flake

[Bruck]

What Zurg said re Navy Flake - kind of like "habano" cigar wrappers - it's what they call it, not necessarily what it is.
But generally you're right, VA predominant, pressed and sliced, rum casing.

To your list I would add Newminster Superior Navy Flake. Good stuff!

[PMR]

Those girlyboys don't even have eye patches...
Oh, and those are obviously Ennerdale smokers

I'm not sure if you all it Ennerdale...

Ps- once seen, you cannot un-see that. Thanks!

Thanks.

[NeverBend]

I feel that I'm gong to be too serious.

This is the story of how Navy Flakes evolved as I heard it told.

Tobacco, long ago, was sold sold wrapped in paper and tied with string.

At sea there was the problem of keeping it moist and protecting it from the salty air so thy would soak the paper in rum or other high sugar spirits.
Whiskey has been used too. I don't know that there's a specific model for Navy Flake, more like meatloaf, every mom makes it their own way but it's still meat loaf.