VERY smooth and mellow, and this odd casing flavour only enhances this fine weed.

To me it smokes like a richer version of FVF, in fact I added a flake of FVF to a majority bowl of 1792 and the results were outstanding. A cool dry smoke that has been one of my favourites to date and the first tobacco I have rated as four stars.

I've read comparisons to IF by Petersons... Nope, I/Flake is a lot stronger and less forgiving. Whereas 1792 is a real equisite experience. Smoke all the way to the bottom of the bowl in a steady temperate way, leaving not a hint of moisture, but fine white ash..

I'll give it a go on it's own tonight and see if the lack of FVF in the mix makes a difference. May even add some Petersons IF to really jump in with the big boys..

Brilliant stuff. A real thought provoking smoke if you want to nothing but relax and contemplate which came first....the chicken or the egg.

Highly recommended..

How I deal with this tobacco: I buy it in bulk and rub a lot of it out at one time letting it dry out in a cigar box (like most flakes it needs a good bit of drying out). Then I put the rubbed out portion in its own jar until I'm ready to smoke. My experience with using this method has been that the tonquin flavor is greatly diminished yielding a pleasent touch of the flavouring in the smoke. So don't let the tin aroma, which is nausiating to most, fool you. Also, proper drying ensures less of the ghosting effect.

A nicely formed flake blended with what I believe to be fine virginas and possibly some orientals, 1792 is a timeless classic. My vote is five out of four stars.

It's high quality leaf, which comes rather moisty and with a candy like smell in the tin (which noticeably spreads trough out the room). Rubs out easy, lights fine and burns cool.

The taste (tonquin) is something unique. It's more pronounced in the first third of the bowl, settling to the background later... to me it tastes like something old. Kind of as old churches and libraries smell, and very much like old ladies used to smell when I was a kid (I wonder if tonquin was used in old fashioned fragances). I like the taste, in a bizarre way, and I specially like the after-taste. Can´t see myself craving for it everyday, but will keep a open tin around for a once in a week smoke.

Nic content is really high, the strongest tobaccos I had so far, but smooth enough on the throat. If one wants nicotine, this sure delivers it.

I decided to dedicate a pipe to it and chose a little Big Ben billiard which I hadn't pick up in months, as it always smoked poorly... with 1792 it smokes dry, cool, tastefully, just like a champ, for which I'm very pleased. Also, I find 1792 tastes better in a briar then in a cob. Also better 1 or 2 weeks after popping the tin, as many reviewers have stated.

If you haven't yet tried it, do it by all means. One word for it: bizarre.

UPDATE: The more I smoke it, the more I like it. From 3 to 4 stars.

Stoving the tobacco (fancy word for heating it in the microwave) definitely changed its taste, but not necessarily for the better. The tonquin gave way to a heavy-bodied maduro cigar flavor, which I also did not care for. It sort of tasted like a Hoyo de Monterey double maduro robusto with a trace of spoiled egg spilled on it, if that makes any sense (which it probably does not!). A simple drying out of the tobacco for 3 hours worked ok and the tobacco tasted its best after about 3 weeks of sitting around in an unsealed tin. The tonquin was still noticeable but was a bit more subdued. If that is indeed what tonquin tastes like, it's definitely an acquired taste I did not acquire. I'm going to keep some around for blending purposes.

This is something all pipesters should try. There is enough dissension in the ranks that it could be something you'd love. Or it could be something that makes you vomit.

A put flame to tobacco and it took forever to get it lit. Then when I thought I had it lit, it went out. The tobacco was simply too moist out of the tin to light. I tried and tried and eventually dumped the bowl. I took another couple of flakes and completely rubbed them out and left them out to dry. After sitting out in the open for around six hours, I checked them and still found them too moist so I microwaved the rubbed out tobacco for twenty seconds and it was ready to smoke. I lit up with no trouble at all and to me it tasted just like Brown Rope No. 4. It was an acceptable smoke but to me it tasted too much like a cigar and not enough like a pipe tobacco. For me there are too many better pipe tobaccos that pack just as much nicotine and don't involve so much work too prepare for smoking. This tobacco reminds me a lot of Brown Rope No. 4 in smell, flavor, and the amount of work needed to prepare for a pipe full. I give 1792 Flake two stars.

Until now, Five Brothers shag cut burley was my favorite smoke. It now shares the pedestal with 1792. All else falls short for me.

Overall, the tobacco is dark, moist, no drying is needed and no bite throughout the bowl. If you are experience flake smoker, you will enjoy this. As for beginner, this blend might be a little strong for you.

I highly recommend this baccy!

Nor do I care. Nor should you!

It's an awesome, one-of-a-kind experience, and the tobacco is top-drawer.

What I really care for is that the casing really makes a bold statement and yet the quality and taste of the flake itself is never undermined; it's both a knockout aromatic AND a satisfying smoke. Get underneath the unusual, but alluring vanilla- esque fragrance, and there's a good deal of subtle flavour to be discovered: mixed spice and dark chocolate for a start. Furthermore, if you like a good nicotine rush, then you're on to a winner - and you won't get the dreaded niccups, or a coarse throat in the process. It's rather more mellow. Another point scored.

It rubs out well, with a nice moisture balance, and although some people will want to air it, my preference is to use it fresh, as the scent and taste diminishes quite rapidly. Frankly, I'm not entirely sure how much of a bonus you'd find in aging 1792. Rather, I think it detracts from the whole experience - especially given the tin isn't vacuum sealed. Indeed, open the tin as soon as you've purchased it and I guarantee you that you'll be wondering if you're smoking a different tobacco within a month.

All in all, though, a remarkably mouth-watering, potent concoction, based on an age-old recipe that really every pipe smoker should be advised to try. I'll most certainly be coming back to this in due course. In fact, I fancy some right now.

Just shy of 4 stars of heady glee from me.

I bought a can of this about a year ago, opened it once, smelled and pawed at the contents and promptly put it away in the box of tins of stuff that, though good, are not part of my rotations. I Saw it there a few times, and always figured out some excuse NOT to try it...concentrating on other things. Recently, picked up a few ouches and tins, and pulled my "inventory" out onto the table for a thorough going over. There was the orange labeled tin of 1792 staring at me. I felt guilty about it. So I opened it, and found, to my delight, that it had dried out somewhat and the flavor which had previously been reeky and weird had mellowed out somewhat. I brought up the reviews again, and decided that I would try it one of these days.

The tin sat on my coffee table for three or four days. I took the plunge.

Rubbed out nicely. Quality leave at the perfect "bends, doesn't break" moisture level. Stuffed into a half bent kaywoodie apple. Nice light.

Wow, this is smooth stuff. Great smoke consistency. Flavor of cloves and mild vanilla in the backround. A little tingle on the tongue but no bite. Virginia kicks in, smooth and stoved, still a nice flavor, less definably clovey, more like muted incense or some kind of baked spice cookies. the bowl continues to the bottom, the flavor gradually falling into the backround, leaving smooth, slightly sweet, dry stoved virginia flavor. The bowl never gets hot. I'm a cig sometimes smoker, so no appreciable nicotine side effects....just no feeling at all to smoke for the rest of the evening...probably a pretty heavy dose for the uninitiated.

A GREAT tobacco. Believe it or not, this might become a pretty regular player in my rotation.

Not nearly as "scary" as some on this board would have us believe. Not as fetid, and the tonka bean flavoring (the first time I've experienced it) is quite nice.

While it didn't taste anything like what I remember Schippers tasting like, it was really good. I'm not a big Virginia fan, although I'm from Virginia, I found what I like in a tobacco in this one.

It broke up and packed well and I only needed two lights and the burn was good and slow. I do appreciate the advice on strength. I sat on a lounge chair on the patio and just went into a wonderful nicotine high.

1792 is a finely shredded baccy that rubs out extremely easily and the thin string cut (with no sticks) makes it a snap for easy packing. The only drawback I found in it's delivered condition was too much moisture. Had to dry it out a full day on a cookie sheet to get it right. Unfortunately, the drying process seems to have killed the extra flavor of the added oriental. Packs extremely easily; lights easily with one false light; stays lit with no effort; smokes all the way down with no bad changes in flavor or smoking characteristics and leaves a nice, clean dark ash. Leaves the mouth and pipe with no bad after odors (the wife hasn't complained) or tastes.

The flavor is IMHO pure, high quality, Virginia with added well chosen oriental. Does not smoke hot and never a trace of a bite. This has become one of my favorite baccys but I find BBF a tad less strident and therefore, in deference to it, I will not further stock 1792 unless BBF becomes more difficult to obtain. Still, a good everyday smoke that I don't think I could ever get tired of.

Thank you, Sam!

Not a help knowing Samuel Gawith did it a lot of time before... I cannot stand this taste and smell present from the beginning in the tin.

Why on earth messing some good virginias and orientals with this thing?

I normally do not like flakes... but this one gives a punch in nauseating tones. The only one provoking me hiccups.

Rdx score: a very generous 77.70 (because of quality leafs)

1792 is full of candy-like flavoring. Opening a tin is like opening a pack of bubble gum.

Of interest though in this tobacco (to some users I presume) is the Ying and Yang principle of opposites attracting. This tobacco is very strong, yet it is contradicted by a children's candy flavoring. The contrasting flavors could not be starker.

Mayhap, of interest to some users.

It can be a special smoke for some of the pipe smokers because of the nice, tasty flavors which I liked too, but it is very strong for me. I just can't smoke it.

UPDATE I fell in love with this stuff, bought one pound in bulk, it is now an everyday smoke. Great taste, no bite. Room note-well that is another story.

First impression scent from the bag:

Perfect for one who grew up in S. Florida near the wetlands and beach: swampy, a bit of jasmine and gardenia - then the second wave scent: made me think of an Easter basket, kinda like Bob's Chocolate flake without the latakia.

WARNING!!

neurologists may know why, but there is something about certain sensory experiences that lock in neurological connections that are the definition of addiction.

This blend is addictive. The mysterious scent, the full flavor, the high quality base tobacco, the history. My favorite blend is Best Brown Flake, still 1792 is special. It brings back memories from years back when I tried to enjoy Condor and similar blends.

I won't get into the Tonquin thing, I don't care, I am hooked and love it.

Highly recommended for that special smoke, yet, I find myself going back to it many times a day. Damn! I am hooked!!

The following updated comments are for the tinned version:

Upon opening the tin I found that this is the strongest scented tobacco I have ever experienced. An overwhelming blend of almond, cherry and vanilla with an underlying dark stoved darkness. I can understand how some have been disgusted and turned off by this tobacco. But, by taking the flakes out of the can and drying out for a day or two the scent is quite moderated. Another thing I like to do is fill a pipe, light the tobacco, smoke for a minute then let the pipe rest all night. In the morning it is just right. although the scent is strong, it is not so noticeable while smoking.

I have not changed my view of this blend, I still include it among my top 10 - I am smoking it as I write in a beautiful Ser Jacopo Pipaccia.

This blend is rich, satisfying, and at least not boring. I recently received a bulk packaging of this blend and the scent was perfectly moderated and enjoyable.

I do think that 1792 is an aquired taste and you should not make up your mind after your first smoke of it. It took me a while to get used to and now I really like it. I don't smoke it every day and it is great after a heavy meal. I had a large steak dinner yesterday and afterwards fired up a bowl or two of 1792 when I was done eating. It was just what the doctor ordered and as I lay on my sofa digesting my food and smoking my pipe all was well with the world.

I think this is the best after dinner tobacco but too much for an everyday smoke. I always have some of this around for when I need it.

Not on my daily routine but have on hand for those rare masochistic pipe smoking moods.

* Bad ** Good *** Excellent **** Exceptional

Clearly many smokers like this blend, so my advice is this: try it if you're adventurous, but keep a bucket handy the first time, just in case.

03/08/09 Update: Same cob, I'm liking this flake more and more. Rub it into the cob and it burns cool and dry. Outside in the sun on the front porch on a warm, almost-spring day after a bowl of spicy beef stew this was flat out delicious. I changed the room note to "Pleasant to Tolerable" because of input from others. I am no longer detecting a palate coating, and certainly no bite. I like this as much as anything I have rated "Highly Recommended." I am hesitant to go there, just yet.

03/14/09 update: Saturday was a day for pipe smoking. The wife went to her sister's. Abingdon, Penzance, and now 1792. This was the highlight. Four stars, unqualified. Taste acquired.

07/27/09 UPDATE: I am revising some of my reviews. I have given out more 4 star ratings than anything else. That practice is probably not helping. So, I am reducing 1792 to 3 stars, not because I like it less than I did before, but because I am limiting 4 stars to fewer than 25% of all my reviews. One day I MAY use the 4 star rating to designate my top five.

12/04/09 Final update, I promise. After months of a steady diet of Kendall Kentucky, Irish Flake, ABF, and a few VApers, I returned to 1792 this week. I have to place it in my top five. Back to 4 stars to stay. If you like a strong, full leaf, I can highly recommend this dark Kendal flake.

In my records and memories 1792 is the sole tonka bean perfurmed tobacco nowadays. I cannot do without thinking back in my memories, tonka bean was one of the classic way the dutch tobaccos were flavoured with (I'm thinking mainly to Schippers, Amsterdamer and, if my memory is not failing, Egberts 44... all discontinued).

I find 1792 strong but not overwhelming - now smoking it as the first pipeful at 08:00AM this sunday morning and just need one more cup of coffee for my stomach... - the tonka bringing out sweetening and mellowing the heavier tones of the fire cured tobaccos (BTW: I don't think there is any oriental in here).

1792 is not everyday meal, that's sure, unless you mix it with something milder, which I have experimented with Troost Aromatic Cavendish with very good results (IMHO of course). I have three Castello shape 15 (a billiard-pot crossover) dedicated, the one with narrower bowl for smoking it straight the others for the mixture.

I remember the first time I opened a tin of 1792 Flake. The odor was simply foul and made my eyes water. The flake is unique, almost velvety to the touch and it breaks up easily enough and packs the same. It would be smarter to leave it less than fully rubbed because a slower burn is necessary to really appreciate this wonderfully tasty but explosive blend. And choose a small pipe. You don't want to smoke too much at once. The moisture content is heavy and drying is an absolute must before smoking.

The flavor is hard to describe. It is a unique experience to say the least. The Virginia is there as well as something mysterious that I can't put my nicotine stained finger on. It is as fine a smoke as I remember ever having. I just don't want to smoke it again anytime soon. Does that make sense? Probably not until you fire up a bowl.

I'd love to get a dozen or so folks into a slow smoking contest with 1792 Flake as the competition blend. We'd call the contest, "Survivor."

The aroma fools you. This is not a sweet tobacco at all, but a very earthy blend with slight flavorings that are hard to pick up on and quantify. Notes of juniper and a strong creamy flavor predominate as you smoke through the bowl, with the tonquin flavoring only poking its head in now and again. It is an exceptionally strong smoke, able to be felt in the throat and nose as you continue through the bowl. I also noted that this tobacco did make me cough a couple of times, something that happens rarely and not since some of Dunhill's Royal Yacht straight out of the tin like this. The room note is very strong, and while not exactly a perfume you'd want on your girlfriend or wife, it's definitely something different in a pipe smoke. It smoked down to very little dottle, with a little bit of gray ash and some unburnt rubbings in the bottom of my Spartan.

I would recommend this tobacco to a practiced pipe smoker, but not a beginner. Some of the odors and tastes may throw a new pipe smoker off of trying other Virginias that do it "better," but I still have to admit that I enjoyed the entire experience from tin odor to dottle. A practiced pipe smoker may notice some of the nuances that go with this tobacco, somewhat similar to Brown Rope but not nearly as offensive to some as Black XXX Rope can be. My estimation is that something this popular has to have something going for it, and I was suggested this tobacco by my own tobacconist who was smoking a bowl in his Meerschaum "Death's Head" as I talked to him about what new tins to try. He said the skull he was smoking from represented how some would view this tobacco, and he wasn't far wrong. I do plan on enjoying the rest of the tin, just not making it part of my daily rotations in the near future.

update: now this is strange: i let the tin rest (and dry out) for a couple of weeks, and then tried it again. and all of a sudden it seems to have become less harsh, less perfumed, and less strong. it now comes through as a tobacco of caracter and even refinement, the flavouring complementing the dark fired splendidly.

first review: it's not my kind of tobacco. i took two sips from it, and instantly felt faint and dizzy, as well as overwhelmed by the taste. too much nicotine, too much tonquin bean , and too dry a mouthfeel from the darkfired. not that i doubt the many who praise the quality of this blend, and i may try it again some time when it has dried a little - but it'll be a few weeks before i'll have the courage.

i've smoked irish flake without feeling queezy, and st. bruno - so this must be incredibly strong!

The smell when you open the tin is like no other, a vanilla-ish smell that is intoxicating and alluring and vaguely other-worldly. But once you start smoking it...wow. No subtlety or depth here, just in-your-face bombast from its unique tonecolor that must be the tonquin everyone talks about.

Bright, rich, powerful and jubilant, like John Adam's Grand Pianola Suite or Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture. Not an every day smoke, but a unique flavor delivered with strength that I now find myself craving with regularity. A power chord in my rotation.

Prep for this flake is easy, like all SG flakes, they rub out easy, pack great, smoke great.

It has a decent sized nicotine kick to it as well, which matches with the "up in your face" type flavors.

Flavors, to me, are hard to put to words, but it has a nice tingle on the tongue (not bite), a dark spice, kind of musty, like you're smoking it in an old attic (if you're into that kinda thing).

Just a great blend, all around, from prep, aroma, strength, burning qualities and flavors. Oddly enough, my wife loved the room note on this.

Taste is nice but nothing spectacular - reminds me of an unsweetened version of a American-style toasted Cavendish + a nondescript flowery scent. It leaves a coating in the mouth I could do without though.

As others have said - you have try this, if only once. Its weird stuff. I can see some nicotine fiends going ga-ga over it though.

I recommend buying this in a SMALL bulk sample to see if you really like it first. That is what I did and I think it may take me the next 10 years to finish the 1 oz. sample I do have.

UPDATE: The taste in my mouth the morning after such a small bowl is unacceptable - I have to give this only 1-star. No amount of toothpaste and Listerine seems to be able to make the awful taste and chalkiness in my mouth go away. Add to this the fact that tonquin is not a food-grade additive and I can't recommend this concoction unless you are:

1. The kind of person who needs lots and lots of nicotine (i.e., ex-cig smoker).

2. You smoke full English blends all day long, all the time and you don't mind what that does to your tastebuds/halitosis.

3. You like monotone tobaccos.

If you fit that description consider this a 2-star review for you.

Despite its somewhat forbidding appearance in the tin and its pungency, it fills the bill for me when I want a satisfying after-dinner smoke, preferably in a smalll or medium-sized bowl. It rubs out easily, lights readily and burns to the bottom of the bowl without the need for re-lights, producing generous clouds of rich, sweet, mouth-filling smoke and a general feeling of all being well with the world.

What more could I ask for?

[Update 2009] Seriously, this is good tobacco, quality at its best. Not overpowering as some people might say, just a good smoke. One of my top flakes.

Downgrading to 3 stars-I got tired of it and had to force myself to finish the tin. Don't hate it, it is just not a tobacco I would smoke all the time. Glad I didn't buy a pound, but not sorry I tried it. The taste seared itself into my epithelial cells every time I smoked it!

I smoked this once when a newbie--a thoughtless or malicious older gentleman gave me part of a tin--and I could not finish a bowl. I bought the tin I'm reviewing now sometime in 2004 or 2005. They aren't date-stamped and I don't recall exactly. But it was at least 3 1/2 years old when I opened it on June 29th. The aging had done it some good, I think. Distinguishing it from newer tins of Gawith flakes I have opened, it was the perfect smoking humidity right out of the tin. The flakes, also, were a uniform thinness, which is rare these days from Gawith, for what it's worth.

This stuff is strong...as if you needed me to tell you that. I had to smoke it in small bowls or only fill the bowl halfway at first, and I still got some headaches. I always smoked it, at least early on, right after a meal. But after 8 or so smokes I got used to it enough to smoke a whole large bowl of it even between meals. It works best when fully rubbed out. It burned evenly and cooly all the way down most of the time.

This only got better and better as I smoked it. At first, what I noticed the most was the Tonquin flavoring. But note: there was no Lakeland soapiness here at all! Tonquin is NOT what gives Lakelands their soapy flavor. It is, rather, a kind of sweet taste halfway between vanilla and citrus fruit. The base, which I noticed more as I went through the tin over the last three months, was of strong, earthy, smooth tobacco. It had some hints of the "peaty" flavor that really dominates Black XX rope, in my view, but only hints.

For a powerhouse of a scented flake, this is top-notch. Give it some age, be careful with it, and you should be rewarded.

I could not finish the first bowl and the tin is gone in the drawer.

* Bad blend ** Good blend *** Excellent blend **** Exceptional blend

1792 looks like strips of bicycle inner tube in the tin. It smells funky. My tin, from several years ago, smelled like rubber and old coffee. A buddy just ordered a tin, and we were both surprised that it contained a rather pleasant, sweet tin aroma, and seemed more broken than the strips of leather in my tin. I have not smoked any from this newer tin yet, so I cannot report on whether it tastes any different.

Like all Gawith flakes, the quality is second to none. You really cannot buy better quality or processed tobacco. This is as good as it gets. It rubs out nicely, takes a charring light easily, and burns coolly with a few relights down to the bottom of the bowl, if you can get there without passing out.

How does one describe the taste of 1792? Massive doses of tobacco, with the added flavor of tonquin. I cannot think of anything similar to this flavor to even offer a comparison. Maybe ouzo and coffee, mixed with chocolate (it tastes better than that sounds). If you do not smoke regularly, or are not used to large cigars, the strength of this tobacco is overwhelming. I have had to put the pipe down for a few minutes just to regain my composure before finishing bowl off. I do not exagerate. It is that strong. Read the Pipes and Tobaccos review of this blend if you think I am some beginner wussy.

This blend is singular. There is nothing else like it in the world of tobacco that I know of. It is a far cry from trying your 40th generic va blend. You owe it to yourself to have a tin on hand at all times, if for no other reason than to foist upon the unsuspecting. All hail Gawith!!!

Up Date.....My oh my what 6 months will do to ones taste! This was my first review. I have developed a unquinchable love of Virginias. This was the only blend that I absolutely could not stand...........Well as I worked my way through about 45 Va. blends I gravitated toward some stronger blends, such as Black XX rope, Irish Flake, and YES now 1792. Maybe having a tin that was opened 6 months ago let the tobacco dry, and air out some, or maybe my taste has changed that much. Either way, I find this an enjoyable smoke now, and will always have it on hand. Rate * * *

I had hoped to taste a good strong tobacco, but for me this is chocolate flavoured vitamin N.

Like many reviewers advised, a small bowl and good drying are a must.

I admit I got quickly accustomed to the weird aroma and even learned to find it enjoyable, but I don't want to get accustomed to the nicotine+tonquin hit this beast has to offer. Simply not my cup of poison tea. Sorry ma'am.

I took some out, broke it up evenly and let it dry for an hour or two.

I packed a good amount carefully into a corn pipe.

It's an amazing blend. It's just right: tastes amazing, burns well, and it had a peculiar calming effect like no other.

I'll leave the details to the experts down there, but I will just add that it is the finest tobacco I ever smoked.

update: Iam smoking some now. This is a damn good tobacco. Iam thinking of trying some xxrope.

Sorry guys, but as a huge fan of Gawith blends, this one just didn't do it for me. After reading the reviews here, I have to agree with the negative stuff about this tobacco blend. The tin smell was questionable, and keeping it lit was a chore. I disliked the flavor from the initial light-up to the end of the bowl, and what I seemed to taste was something akin to a strong Cigar. It took me a while to figure out what the weird flavor was, but for me it was a cigarish taste. Maybe it's the Tonquin, I just don't know, but I know I won't be buying anymore of this stuff. I have a lot of pipes to choose from, so I'll try it in some other models. I have a Calabash pipe, that really lets you get the true taste of tobaccos, without the flavors of the ghost tobaccos smoked previously. I'll be back with a final update, but so far, I'm not a fan of this one!

6/16/08

OK, so I'm trying this again in a St. Claude, large bowled billiard, and my head is spinning like Linda Blair's. Of course I didn't take some of your warnings about smoking it on an empty stomach, so I deserve what's happening to me. The flavor is still not my cup of tea. Cigarish for sure. The room note is stenchy. I'd like to try this without the Tonquin additive. I think I'll stick with my favorite Sammy blend, Commonwealth Mixture. I need to go lay down now, before I puke...

I am a big fan of SG and G&H Flakes and this is one that I had yet to try so I picked up a couple of tins with my last bulk purchase. Having read the reviews posted here numerous times I could not wait to open the tin and experience the aroma that everyone has had such a difficult time trying to describe. And when I did I understood why. Many thoughts came to mind as I took in the aroma of the tobacco. The first and probably most memorable impression for me was Halloween. Specifically, a pillow case full of candied corn. I could smell the ?vanilla ?like? tonka bean scent as well as anise or sarsaparilla root. There was the earthiness of the tobacco and a musty medicinal quality as well. In the background though was something that another referred to as ?almost offensive.? I concur. Oddly enough it reminded me a bit of Latakia as its burning. Pleasant if you are smoking it but akin to burning manure if you are not. Perhaps there is a similarity in the curing process because it stays throughout the smoke, translates to spiciness and remains well after you finish.

I have gone through a tin of 1792 in a very short period of time recently and have noticed that as I got closer to the end and the drier it got, the better the smoke. No surprises there. As far as strength I did not get the impression that the nicotine content was exceptionally high. (In fact Kendal Cream seems stronger in my observation.)

The room note leaves a lot to be desired however I will say it does smell the same as it tastes and the aftertaste does linger. I did not appreciate this at first but it quickly grew on me. In some ways the Virginia in this blend reminded me of Coniston Cut Plug (unscented). Very earthy, slightly spicey and exceptionally dry in texture. It takes effort and a little time but I can see where this could become a staple for a lot of English blend smokers. Especially those trying to wean themselves from Latakia enough to fancy a quality Virginia. In fact, I wish I would have tried this sooner when I was doing the same.

With that said, would I recommend it? Without hesitation. It has all the fine smoking characteristics one would want in a solid dark English flake and the quality that we all expect from Gawith. It is absolutely four stars worthy. Will it be in my regular rotation? That will have to be determined, more than likely by Cob Plug which I intend to try next. I have a feeling that more of 1792 will be revealed in time spent with the plug version. (Similar to Kendal plug and BB or FVF) Nothing like getting to know a new tobacco, especially one with such a rich history as 1792.

I'm so enamored with 1792 that I've decided to scrap my old favorite, Peterson's University Flake, in favor of this one and will purchase a bulk quantity to set some aside for cellaring.

Though my preference is for the flake, many other reviewers seem to favor the plug version. Their argument that the blend looses some of its characteristics after being flaked has merit. Certainly, the plug version affords much more flexibility to the smoker and can be cut into cubes or whatever else he desires. (This process is in itself an enjoyable exercise, though the novelty will eventually wear off.) If you intend to cut it into flake anyway, this versatility may be a moot point. Indeed, the much higher moisture content of the plug necessitates that it be set aside for a length of time and allowed to dry.

One final note: The use of tonka beans (the topping in 1792) as a food additive is prohibited in the US (CFR Title 21, section 189.130) since the seed contains coumarin, a toxic and possibly carcinogenic substance.

I guess all good things must come at a price! But, unless you plan on ingesting your tin of 1792, the trace amount of tonka shouldn't send you to your grave.

I must admit I puffed vigorously trying to get a handle on the flavors. Very rich, thick smoke that starts out a little strong but mellows around the one third bowl mark. A Virginia sweetness hangs out somewhere there in the middle as the tonquin begins to fade into the background. Things got a little moist at the bottom but I attribute that to my voracious attack, the flavor is just THAT APPEALING!

The nicotine started to really kick in about half way through the bowl. Not that I minded but it was subtle as to how it snuck up on me. I had it on an empty stomach but it wasn't so much as to make me woozy.

As for the room note, this one isn't going to be a big hit with the ladies. My wife liked the smell in the tin but didn't much care for it once it was lit.

I like it, will recommend it, and am out to stock up on some more. It's a nice change from some of the heavier latakia and/or perique laced blends.

For starters, the tin aroma is lovely, the aroma of tonquin is quite delicious. It is rather oily and moist so I rubbed it out entirely and left it to dry. It never really does dry out, it still retains its oily texture. It is easy enough to pack, but I just can't get it to stay lit. I am personally not a fan of relighting every couple of minutes and there is nothing I have been able to do to keep this tobacco burning. That is a big mark against it for me.

The flavor is semi-sweet, with that dark fired taste in the background. I don't know what happens to the tonquin once you light it, but it disappears. Overall, I find it to be rather boring, but I also can't seem to keep it lit long enough to find out.

The other disappointment with this tobacco is that not only is it tough to keep burning, but every relight features an acrid taste that is absolutely not enjoyable. There is a fair amount of nicotine, but compared to Dark Flake by G&H and Peterson's Irish Flake, I find this pretty manageable. It is slightly stronger in nicotine content than Nightcap.

This certainly isn't a tobacco without quality and it is obviously well crafted when examining the leaf in the tin. However, I just can't find a reason to waste my time trying to enjoy this when I haven't gotten it to work for me over the course of the past month.

If you are big into the strong lakeland tobaccos created by Gawith or Gawith and Hoggarth, give this a try. If not, don't pick this tobacco to try the genre out.

I love this stuff. It is strong, smooth and creamy tasting, provided it's not too dry. The flakes are nice sometimes because they, in my experience, are perfectly cut. They're thin enough for an easy rub out, if that's your choice.

I do like the plug more because it's so pleasurable to fondle and take in all the Grand Reekiness excreted as I slice it to bits with sharp and dangerous appliance. (yes, I realize all the potential problems of that sentence).

But, here's the real real point of the review, no joke. Room Note. Every time I smoke this tobacco, in whatever form, my wife asks within ten minutes, "Who's got Stinkfoot?". Well, tonight my mother in law came in the house and asked the same question. So, be warned that 2 to one (me being the one) the roomnote smells like stinkfoot.

I might add that, to my absolute enjoyment, my daughter thinks it smells good good good. Smells good good good. She is four, and she sings this information, so it's gotta be true.

An occasional smoke for me, but once this tin is done I won't be buying more.

By the way, for those of you who have struggled with the tonquin, here's a tip...fill a couple of pipes with 1792 and leave them out for a day or so. When you come to smoke them you will get all the flavour of a well made baccy and the tonquin will have subsided into the gentle background.

Lastly, I share the sighs of those who try to give reasoned, helpful reviews for the benefit of fellow pipe smokers and to have to put up with folk who admit they don't like this type of blend and then give it a 1 star. This adds nothing to anyone's knowledge or appreciation. Please don't do it!

Smells sweet and tobaccoey in the tin, a very rich, strong smelling baccy, but with an unusal vanilla/liquorice aroma that is very pleasant, and not AT ALL sickly. This tonquin is vanilla for real men, a world apart from the sticky, saccharin aromatics.

The flakes are dark, oily and stringy, fairly moist, and irregular, cut quite thin. It rubs into a stringy mass that takes a knack to fill a pipe with. It lights with two matches, no difficulty, but it doesn't invite the flame onto it as some do.

The flavour is rich, very full, but IMMENSELY smooth. Like velvet. There's a sweetish taste that hovers in the background, but most of the flavour is an honest, rich tobaccoey taste. There is NO tongue bite, it would be impossible to produce it, and it has none of the harshness I've found in the twists.

It smokes much the same all through the bowl, the aromatic notse dwindling, but the sweetness of the leaf building toward the end, and the smoke getting steadily richer. Then you notice that it is incredibly strong... Good job I chose a small pipe.

Something to have after a hearty meal I think- a stew with dumplings, or lancashire hotpot. Or as an after breakfast smoke, after a full english with black puddings. Have a strong cup of tea with this, anything else will be drowned out by the flavour of the baccy. A pint of a fairly rich ale might go well with it too.

Good stuff, don't be afraid of it, just choose a smallish pipe and don't smoke it on an empty stomach.

--------------------------Update----------------------------------

I've smoked a lot more of this now, and have thoroughly enjoyed every bowl. It is strong, yes, but has never made me feel at all queasy, so it's no blend to be afraid of. It seems to be well appreciated for it's aroma by several friends who don't like the smell of the sweetest aromatic tobaccos, and various cigarettes smokers who have tried it out of curiosity have gone away muttering about having to get themselves a pipe!

The dark flakes are very moist and I cant seem to get it into a dry enough state to light easily,and the amount of relights it takes to keep this burning is not worth the effort.Not as strong as the various ropes or Irish flake,but still a potent smoke.

So I apologize to all of the 1792 fanatics,but I personaly cannot tolerate the Tonquin smell left on my fingers after handling this product,and I would rather smoke tobacco than Tonquin.

*** update*** 09/13/07 Not wanting to waste the remaining tins of 1792 I have,I decieded to experiment a little.I rinsed the said flakes briefly in the wifes colander under hot water turning each flake once,placed on paper towels and dried in full sun.This created a wonderful smoke still 1792'ish but for me much more tasty and smokeable.

The flakes now light and stay lit easily,the flavor is still peppery and full bodied and the best part the Tonquin essence is now more in the background instead of dominating the smoke.

I'll be finishing these tins now after this "cleansing" process and would now give 1792 at least 3 stars,but its something I wouldnt go out of my way to do again.

I ordered a tin of 1792 simply to top off a SP.com* order to hit the free shipping minimum. I like to order my bulks and then at least one new thing to try each time. Selected simply by the ingredient listing on this site and the overall rating, without reading the reviews. It sat around for a couple of months waiting for me to crave something new and the craving hit me this morning? 11am, empty stomach? on a break from a task requiring multiple trips up and down a ladder?. Oh my !! Shoulda read the reviews first, Ed!

But I love this strange taste? this is my first non-latakia English-Oriental blend, and I?m slowly moving away from latakias. Initial tin scent hit me as licorice-like (I was hungry remember) and though it took many lights to get things rolling, roll they did.

Guess the rest of that job can wait until this afternoon? whooopeeee! I love this stuff!

Good pleasure/price ratio, smooth gentle draw, no bite whatsoever and it defers quite well if allowed to sit and go out for a few minutes. But do eat first!

From Utopia, TX? hava goodun!

*top kudos for smokingpipes.com for consistent quick shipping and precise orders, never once delayed or shipped short because of inventory problems.

You will want to dry this in the sun for about five (5) minutes or 30-40 minutes indoors before attempting to light. If left in flake form instead of rolling out, you will have no problem lighting and keeping it lit.

If you like this, but it is not quite right or perhaps smooth enough, try Peterson Irish Flake instead. Everything good about the SG 1792 flake is even better in the Peterson Irish Flake, which I think is the world's best pure tobacco-flavored flake.

Sadly it does take some effort to get it into a fit state to smoke.

I've found that when it's fresh from the tin, 1792 requires a whole box of matches and a selection of pipe cleaners tackle its moistness. Being very moist and the thickest cut I've come across in a long time isn't the best combination for the impatient smoker. Although, once it's been left open overnight it becomes much easier to handle. Though it does loose a lot of the tonquin casing.

When first opened, it smells and tastes like a chocolate flavoured cereal. Luckily, when it has been thoroughly aired, this characteristic fades and its medicinal nature begins to shine.

If you enjoy strong flakes -like Peterson's Irish- and want a lighter break from the fruity and floral, then this is a tobacco for you.

Wet and very dark...sticky and oily.

Packed well...a little tight...my fault.

Hard to light...but still too moist...could benefit from some drying.

The flavor....sorry to all you 1792 fans but...YUCK!!! It tastes medicinal...I'd swear its laced with camphor..good for my lip balm...not for my palate.

I had bought a cob pipe for $5.25 in case I didnt like this and did not want to corrupt my briar pipes.....I'm glad I did so....I don't like this.

No real overwhelming buzz from the nicotine, but to be fair I didn't burn this bowl more than one half down...it just tasted too badly to me....so I abandoned it...I threw away the tin since I dont have any close friends who smoke.

I think that one fella summed it up well...you either like this or you don't...I dont.

Smells and tastes are notoriously difficult to classify, so I won't try too hard. Tonquin, doubtless like many other aromatics, strikes a positive note with some and not with other tasters; I'm one of those people who like the aroma. Likening it to the smell of rotting garbage may have been fun to write, but it really didn't help me (but I must say I did enjoy the anticipation of getting my hands on such a notorious tobak...)

I took the plunge and bought half a pound - anything that arouses such passions has to have something to commend it! My package arrived, but the flakes were surely too dry - almost crumbly. Certainly not the wet slices I'd read about. Nonetheless, I lost no time in rubbing out a hapless flake, filled pipe, applied light, and....was surprised to be somewhat underwhelmed. Strong enough to keep me interested, sure, but a little one-dimensional, and a wee bit hard to keep evenly burning (never a problem with Irish Flake, or SG's Brown or Black plugs). A few pipes later, I still was less than ecstatic.

I believe that I came up with a rather effective solution, although it might be specifically effective for me given that I tend to smoke slightly smaller pipes (Group 4's and 3's). I re-hydrated the tobacco the old fashioned way: with pieces of cut-up apple, and left the 1492 for about 3 days to see what happened. Well, as you might expect, the tobak took on a very faint apple hint, but now it felt right; pliable, and somehow more organic. This made the rubbing out much easier - I now believe this flake behaves best when very fully rubbed out. Result - Heaven! Delicious, slow burning, cool, satisfying, one pipeful leaving me wanting another.

A marvelous tobacco, not for the inexperienced no doubt, but full of rewards if treated properly. Highly recommended!

The one thing that is consistant is that this stuff seems to always stay cool. When I do smoke it, I find it enjoyable to produce copious amounts of smoke. Most blends I sip, but this one I go at with a little more verve. It is good with a cup of coffee with a splash of Jameson whiskey or Kahlua.

I love the look and feel of this flake and it's aroma in the tin. After my first smoke, I let it dry out for a day and tried it again. It begins very peppery, but settles into a range of nutty flavors. It burns cool and to a white/grey ash. But it is a powerhouse, and gave me thoughts of dropping it from any rotation of blends.

Then it dawned on me to do a little "aftermarket blending." McClelland's Dominican Glory is a rather bland blend in a ribbon cut I thought would mix well with this flake. Rubbing out 1792 and mixing it 50/50 with Dominican Glory produced what I was looking for -- a mild to medium smoke that knocked the power of 1792 down, but imporved the taste of Dominican Glory. This was also a great solution for the several tins of McClellands I had sitting around.

I stuffed a Pete 307 full and lit her up. The flavor was wonderful. It was a little bit peppery at first and then as I got about half way into the bowl it really mellowed out into the rich sweet virginia tobacco flavor. Very nice...

The mistake was that it was so strong that I had to pull my F-250 over on the side of the road and sit for more than a minute! I was seriously not in a condition to operate a motor vehicle! And no, I had no adult type beverages with my lunch. I have smoked it a couple of times since and can say without inhibition that it is indeed a strong one.

It burned clean to the bottom with only white greyish ash left behind and almost no moisture. I do like this blend a great deal, not as much as UF, but a lot. But you must eat first or it will knock you silly...in my humble opinion! It makes for a great smoke at the end of a long day...like today!

2002: My "desert island" smoke, my holy grail of tobaccos. This is the only tobacco I purchase by the pound. 1792 is simply amazing; very mild with a strong earthy flavor. You see, I'm not a lover of latakia or aromatics; just honest to goodness real tobacco flavor...and this is what 1792 delivers. The base taste is very similar to Brown Rope #4 but the tonquin bean additive mellows the earthen flavors, yet adds a unique aroma to the experience. When I smoke 1792 in large Oom Pauls, the overall smoke is very mild, however, small well-caked bowls seem to awake it into a sharper more pleasant smoke. You may keep your raspberry-vanilla-mocha-chocolate-cherry-flavored tobacs, 1792 is real and a classic. Thank you SG.

I've smoked it twice now, both times in a small cob, sitting outside watching the sunset, and it was a pleasant experience both times. The first time was after a meal, and today on an empty stomach. The nicotine was definitly there, and for a few seconds both times I was aware of a slight queaziness in the stomach, but it wasn't severe or prolonged.

I love the presentation, and the tin aroma is rich and delightful. Rubbed out, it burns fairly well even without much drying, and once it gets going it produces copious smoke and requires little effort to stay lit. Whatever it is about the tonquin that upsets others doesn't seem to bother me at all. At various times there is a slight peppery feeling on the tongue, and occasionally a strange irritation/taste way at the back of the tongue - otherwise it's smooth and rich tasting. It was easy to burn down to a grey ash. It left my mouth feeling fine.

So, not my favorite, but fairly satisfying and pleasant, at times even fairly contemplative. I'll try it again from time to time. I recommend other newbies not be automatically put off by the reviews below: it's worth a try.

No one spoke for a very long time. As I looked up we were all grinning madly.

This is what I'd imagine would result if one were to take rancid refried beans, sweet woodruff, overly spiced eggnog, and cardboard, throw them in a blender and dry the vile mixture in a used litter box doused in pine-sol.

Considering you can get past the *odor* emanating from the tin, have the courage to touch it with your bare hands, and load it in a pipe, you are in for a nightmare.

Totally disgusting.

Zero stars.

Here is my saviour, just as delightfula tobacco as can be had anywhere.

This is my Desert Island tobacco. I would not care if every other pipe tobacco were to be discontinued as long as this 'Nectar of the Gods' is around.

One of the only tobaccos I buy in bulk for cellaring like the finest of wines.

Not for everyones taste especially for the candy store tobacco wimps.

God bless 1792 True Manna from Heaven. 5 Stars out of four!

On the plus side of 1792 is the fun history of the thing. The presentation (think: tin of side-bacon strips) is great, the flake is beautiful. This is probably the coolest smoking tobacco around... you can literally smoke a bowl of this without heating a pipe up at ALL, if you are careful.

On the down side (for me) is that tonquin is completely disgusting, and this stuff is soaked in it. Couple that with a huge smash of nicotine, and you've got your body conditioned to feel woozy and sick at the faintest smell of tonquin. Really Pavlovian.

I can't stand to smoke this stuff, but I LOVE it, and I LOVE that it exists. I'm hoping that my Irish Flake allows me to return to the realm of manly tobak, but at this stage, I just don't know.

Get a tin, have some fun. Make sure you eat before you smoke.

As for the tonquin flavor, the best I can describe it would be to put garbanzo beans in your pipe and smoke them. Not horrible, but I won't ever smoke this blend again, if this intriques you, by all means give it a try, but it failed to hook me in.

No other tobacco I have ever tried has tasted like this, so it may be worth a try just for that reason, just don't be too worried about the massive nicotine kick, as I feel this to be a reasonable amount for most people to handle.

I don't find tonquin overwhelming or unbearable. Aye, this blend is a wee bit strong at the start, but at the quarter-mile, it's a delight. It stays that way until the finish; it gives a rich smoke, pleasant taste, and an aroma that's like well-turned earth and new-cut grass on a late spring day. Good stuff.

Try to dry this out just a touch before packing and lighting. It does come moist. I like it moister than drier, though. It just seems to me to be a little easier to pack and more flavorful as I smoke it. I can live with relights. If it dries out too much, though, I feel it becomes much too brassy. I try to keep a tight seal on my jars with '1792.'

I can't give this four stars, because I don't see myself smoking this on a regular basis, like I do SG's 'Full Virginia Flake.' '1792' is a favorite, eccentric uncle who visits for a weekend, every couple of months, instead of the steady mate you sit at a bar with after work. Both are great to have in your life, but you look forward a bit to the occasional visitor, and the rich experience you've come to expect, a little more than the good friend you pal about with.

Ende

Four of five stars

I found the latest iteration of 1792 Flake to be far off the quality mark. The tobacco was stuffed in the tins and the flakes were not at all uniform. I was totally disappointed in the manner in which this was packaged.

As far as quality - it's downgraded too. It was as though someone rushed to get this out the door. This is not a tobacco (in my opinion) that should be smoked without at least some moderate age on the tin. One would expect that when it's purchased it's ready to smoke, and I don't believe that to be the case here. I'll leave the sloppily manufactured tins I have in seclusion and visit them again sometime next year. In the meantime I'll be very harsh with my review based on the departure from quality that SG displayed in this batch.

VC

Meerschaum Man Smoking an Andrea Bauer Smooth Bent Panel

Appearance: A mostly black with some brown and tan mottling leathery flake of varying thickness.

Tin aroma: The first thing that is apparent when opening a tin of 1792 Flake is that it is fairly heavily scented. Tonquin is a scent like no other and not easily confused with anything else. It is fairly sweet and vanilla like but has other deeper and more mysterious properties. The Deeply steamed and pressed Virginia underneath the tonquin is evident in abundance. The over-all smell is rich, sweet almost hay-like with other smells of post and paddock. It reminds me of horse stalls which while not particularly appealing, accurately describe this strong and flavorful tobacco for me.

This tobacco seems too moist to me, and after my first bowl I decided to air it for at least ½ hour before smoking another bowl. The first bowl smoked pretty dry, though a little steamy, the airing out helps tremendously with this one. I have increased the time to a full hour for this review smoke. As with most flake tobaccos I simply take several flakes together, fold them in half and insert them length-wise into the bowl trimming off the excess. I find it has a much better burn this way and makes for a long enjoyable smoke.

For this review, I've chosen an Edward's Husky Canadian which is dedicated to scented flakes.

A first light is brings billows of rich white smoke, followed with a brief visit of the tamper and then a tamping light. The tonquin is immediately there and while a bit odd at first becomes a nice compliment to the fine quality leaf underneath. It is immediately sweet and rich and dominates all other flavors. This tonquin dominance will eventually fade but for the first 1/3 of the bowl it drones on in ever deepening swirls of thick rich smoke.

Mid Bowl: Approaching mid-bowl, the fullness tends to build and deepen. It seems odd to say this but the flavors widen as well. Mid-bowl finds 1792 opening up and really beginning to sing, though not as with other Virginia mixtures. The tonquin begins to fade while a rich earthy Virginia character builds in intensity and strength. This is the portion of the bowl that separates the men from the boys! The tonquin sweetness drones on as flavors emerge that no other Virginia mixture even come close too. Rich and velvety clouds of thick tangy smoke exhaled nasally tingle in the nose. Deep tones of raisin, fig and spiced fruits are evident. A resonance of hay or grasses is there too with deep forest and leather tones. There are rich mildly astringent flavors that remind me of Orientals which I know to be absent in this mixture.

Home Stretch: As end of the bowl approaches, I find that it becomes more intense though never overpoweringly so. What begins to emerge are tones so deep and rich as to defy description. Cigar-like qualities enter in and mingle with the spiced fruit and sweetness of tonquin. I find during the final third that cutting my puffing cadence by 2/3 is quiet beneficial. While tongue-bite has never been an issue, the blend can be provoked to bitterness and become very harsh indeed. When properly smoked though, the reward is amazing, a nearly endless supply of rich sweet powerful smoke, of almost stupefying intensity. Is it strong? Yes, very. Is it overpowering? No, I don't find it so, simply irresistible in flavors. I find myself craving it!

Supplemental Notes: This is one of a handful of tobaccos that I would take to the 'desert island'. I now purchase it by the pound! **** 4 full stars

It has been said that smoking is bad for your health but this over-dose of tonquin is yukky. "Check out the web re. tonquin.

The best thing about it is how full the flavor is. So many go crazy for an insane level of latakia in their blends because it makes for a very full taste, imagine a virgina that gave that same level of fullness. This is it. It explodes with virgina flavor, smoothed and mellowed by the tonquin.

The downside of this is overwhelming strength. This is not a blend to be treated lightly. It's sort of like accidentally buying 121 proof and not realizing it until you've already had 3 rum and cokes. By then, it's way too late and you might as well just get into bed before you do something stupid. If you're concerned with nicotine content, try using escudo and haddo's as stepping stones. They should prepare you for what is sliently waiting for you here. Seems to smoke best for me in small bowls, and you'd be wise to keep it chained to only a few pipes.

1792 is appealing to the nose in the tin, and the vanilla-like tonquin imparts a soft, sweet nature to the flavor; however 1792 is strong stuff and you will require patience and respect to stay on this horse without injuring yourself.

Dedicate (or sacrifice) a pipe to this one, it does linger.

Some people make that comparison, but to me, the taste is almost incomparable to anything I know. The smell out of the tin reminded me of brand new sneakers, and though that may repel some, I promptly put on a wide grin.

I agree that this is strong, but I didn't find it as overwhelming as some suggested. It burns beautifully and there isn't a hint of tongue bite, which I found unusual for a blend with a topping.

If you're looking for a tobacco with a unique taste and a strong full bodied hit--this is all you.

I opened an aged sample that had been sent my way and thought...someone #%@! in the tin. I imagined that at some point someone literally had dropped drawers, filled the tin and then rinsed it out and put in the tobak. Real funny guys. But I let it air a bit and got past that. At that point, I was completely positive I would hate it. But packed a small bent bowl and lit it up anyway. Out of the concetration of the tin the aroma of the unburnt leaf is not so bad. The initial light is kind of flat. The first few puffs...

HOLY %$#! this stuff is good! At least I think so. The characteristics have been reviewed so heavily here that I won't belabor the point. I will add to it.

I've fallen completely in and out of love with Kendal Flake, Ennerdale, Glenngary, etc... They aren't bad but I could never imagine reaching for them more than once a year. If it weren't for the fact that 1792 is just so potent in every respect, I could smoke it more frequently. It has an earthiness that is accented by the Tonquin. It creates kind of a sweet vanilla-herb flavor that I can only describe as ancient and well bred. I imagine this as perfect in a pub with a stout or bitter. Amazingly cool, mellow tasting, with the signature burnt sweetness of steamed VA.

It has become a daily smoke for me. I love the strength and flavor. I prefer it as a final smoke before calling it a day. The tonquin seems to have some medicinal effect on me that promotes relaxation. Highly recommended!

Update (12/23/2009) A lot of things have happened to me since my last review of 1792 four and a half years ago. For one thing, I learned to love cigars and smoke 2 or 3 a day, if not more. But I still love 1792! It has to be the greatest form of tobacco ever made. I feel so sorry for smokers who can't enjoy this for one reason or another. I can't imagine a world without 1792. I used to be an atheist, but after smoking 1792 I knew there must be something out there making sure those presses and steaming chambers are working. And who planted tobacco in Tanzania, anyway? And where the hell did tonquin come from? And what mortal in their right mind would say, "let's put some tonquin on that tobacco"? It all points to a superior being out there, doesn't it? It's undeniable.

Also, give Cob Plug a try. It is very similar to 1792, perhaps it's pressed more densely before steaming.

Tin: If your nose is anywhere close to the tin when you pop it open, the strong and unique aroma of the tonquin flavoring will certainly be the first thing you notice. Trying to communicate the tonquin smell seems like a fairly pointless exercise. I've heard it described as "vanilla on steroids," and that seems somewhat appropriate, but you really have to experience it firsthand. Once you get over that, you'll find a moist, even sticky, thin-cut flake similar in construction to Gawith's other flakes. 1792 was a little too moist out of the tin for me and required 20-30 minutes of drying time after rubbing it out (though even then, some stickiness remains).

Pack: Rubbed out, 1792 packs very easily into the bowl with no unusual techniques required. For the true flake-smoking crowd, the flakes remain pliable enough that they should easily accomodate any manner of folding, rolling, crushing, or other manuevers.

Lighting/Burning: The tobacco lights easily and burns well throughout the bowl. For such a strong, straight VA tobacco, it burns remarkably cool and bite-free. Very nice.

Flavor: The first puffs of 1792 are a blast of tonquin flavoring, almost as strong as the smell from the tin. But after just a few puffs, the strength of flavoring diminishes somewhat, revealing the strong, dark VA's underneath. For the first half of the bowl the tonquin stays very much in the forefront, but not in an unpleasant way to my taste. In the second half the VA's become predominant, though the tonquin is still there close behind. The VA's in here are some powerful stuff, as the reviews here make clear. But there's definitely solid tobacco flavor there, something like a jacked up Full Virginia Flake. As others have mentioned, this is not a tobacco to DGT - smoke it all in one go since the tonquin flavoring gets ugly at relights.

Pipe/Technique: 1792 is certainly a good reason to own some small-bowled pipes. If I smoked this in anything bigger than a small Group 4, I think I'd probably go blind. The strength of both the flavoring and the tobacco benefits from both narrower bowls (less smoke) and shorter bowls (less time). 1792 is satisfying even in my smallest pipe, a Sav Punto prince that has perhaps half the capacity of a Group 4 billiard. Since I smoke indoors, I rubbed out the flake completely as I usually do. Other than that, no fancy technique is required - while this is certainly strong tobacco, it is also very well-behaved.

Overall: This is the epitome of "love it or hate it" tobacco. If you find the tonquin flavoring agreeable (I do) and can stomach both the strong flavor and nicotine (I can), then this should be a favorite. The tobacco is excellent quality, burns very well, and has great flavor. Still, as much as I like it, I couldn't possibly smoke this all day - it's just too potent. But I find it perfect as a once-every-day-or-two kind of smoke. If you haven't smoked 1792 yet, you owe it to yourself to try it - though you may want to sample somebody else's in case the flavor is not your cup of tea.

Update 4/23/05 - My most recent tin of this (which was only my third, given how infrequently I smoke it) showed me what people were talking with complaints of inconsistency between batches. In some sense, it was recognizably the same tobacco - I mean, how many jet-black, tonquin-powered flakes are there? But in another, it was a whole different animal. Poor burning, rough around the edges, and somehow different even in the way the tonquin tasted. I don't know what the deal is, but I'll downgrade my rating to 3/4 for now. If you're going to buy this stuff, try to check out your source with regular 1792 smokers to make sure it's OK.

Unlike other reviewers maybe I just don't have a nose for the supposed sweetness of the tin aroma despite the obvious bloom BUT once lit, the tobacco's sweetness does make it's presence known. Don't get me wrong, this is still a very bold blend, it's just that the sweetness is more on the level of black licorice rather than a "circus peanut".

Not an all day smoke for sure but well worth keeping on hand.

The tin aroman is pure cocoa, very interesting.

While smoking, the flavour is of powerful (and somehow natural vanilla) but enjoyed by people in the room, including even non smokers.

But what is great about this tobacco is what it does to you: it lifts you up your chair; it makes you high, literaly!

I doubt its nicotine, since I can puff on dark Cuban cigars and feel sick from too much nicotine --but this feels way diferent. Its not the nicotine: its the Tonquin, stupid.

My prediction: This stuff gets outlawed or the formula changed in the next five years.

By the way I say I smoke this regularly, but this is only because its the highest recommendation available. According the classification available here, Coca-cola would rate over a $600 dollar bottle of wine just because you can drink coke everyday! Lol!

The tobacco looks gorgeous, smells ok (if you like Tonquin/Vanilla) but unlike many vanilla-flavoured aromatic I just couldn't taste anything but the tonquin.

So if you like tonquin - fill your boots, but if you prefer the taste of tobacco (like me) then I'd strongly suggest looking elsewhere.

Room aroma is definitely awful, leaving an almost pungent stench that has nothing to do with other "strong" room aroma, such as the incense like smell of Latakias or Orientals. The nicotine punch is very much in evidence and even if you smoke this flake in a calmly and paused manner, dizziness is, in my experience, inevitable.

Otherwise, this a real tobacco. Have a go and picture yourself in one of those XIXth century clippers, in the company of brawling sailors or pirates. Don't forget the parrot perched on your shoulder.

-Interesting, but not for me.

-Recommended for the experimentor and people with high metabolisms

Update 1-26-05 In reconsideration of my former review this is horriable. I don't know why I had some extreme open mindedness for this tobacco. This smells like a horse's stall. This illustrates by analogy why acient peoples would smoke such unrefined and bitter tasting smoke from a weed... its' the nicotine, duh! I guess that may be the appeal of this blend that it's potent nicotine content in it's pharmacological effect will override it's unpleasant sensory qualities.

Update Update I have tried this again and have swung back to not only respecting this, but enjoying it. The smoke aroma is quite pleasurable, rounded sweet and full. Taste likewise but a little less. That tin aroma though can only be describe as foul as stated above. I think it may depend on mood. Another maybe that it is so satisfying, overly so in conjunction with it's "round" mildly sweet aroma. Oh, will the schizophrenia ever stop?!

Despite the fact that this is the double espresso of pipe tobacco, I have a feeling that I will be craving it from time to time. There is something indescribable about it that is oddly alluring, despite the fact that the word "MULE" should be written on the outside of the tin.

I'm not normally big on toppings, but the tonquin in this blend is delicious, perfectly harmonizing with the flavors of the dark flake. Very strong, but smooth.

If you are a cigar smoker looking to match the fullness of a Hoyo Rothschild or a Cohiba Robusto in a pipe tobacco, you need look no further. This is Terrific. Unlike some of the reviewers above, I fully rubbed this out for outdoor smoking and had no problem keeping it lit. I also loved the tangy tin aroma, unlike some other folks. It does pack a nicotine wallup, even for a lifelong cigarette smoker, and even if you don't inhale. Highly recommedned if you like a powerful smoke. This is by far my favorite Gawith product.

Like Brown Rope, this tobacco is a good after dinner smoke. It is very relaxing and satisfying. Smoke this slowly and deliberately and you will be more likely to enjoy it. As a sometimes hard puffer, I offer this advice from my own experience. This is a good tobacco to add to a blend that may lack taste. When I do this, I use it sparingly at first as to not overwhelm the base blend. I love experimenting with this because I love this tobacco so much (but I do find it difficult to smoke straight everyday).

I agree with other 1792 fans, give me this as I take my last breath and I'll be smiling as I go.

PS: Some of the other reviewers have commented that they got woosy the first time they smoked this and gave up. The blends that have done this to me that I have returned to are now my favorite blends. Tobaccos this strong aren't supposed to go down easy the first time; there is something to be said for making you work for it, I suppose! Give them another try!

Not my thing.

And if you do decide to try it, do so on a full stomach (trust me on that one). It will go to work on your constitution by mid-bowl and you better be ready.

Also, as Tatum pointed out, the smell of some tins of 1792 is pretty bleak. Garbage might take offense to being compared to some tins of 1792 I've smelled.

However, if you can get past all of this, this tobacco can yield some very complex and interesting tastes. Stick with small flake bowls and be sure to write out your will first.

Good luck.

I do not like them, Sam-I-Am I do not like Brown Flake (or Spam)

'Do you like it, from the tin?' The revolting stench, it keeps me thin

'Do you like it in the house?' I cannot smoke it near the house, The stench infuriates my spouse

'Would you, could you, in the rain?' I would not, could not, in the rain, That acrid smoke, it gives me pain

'You may like it, you will see,' 'You may like it in a tree!' I do not like it in a tree, Let?s face it Sam, it?s not for me

I will not smoke it here or there, I will not smoke it anywhere I DO NOT LIKE 1792 FLAKE (OR SPAM), I DO NOT LIKE IT, SAM-I-AM!

IMO, this stuff is more like a drug than a tobacco, and must be used with care, in small doses, and not in confined spaces, unless well-ventilated. I smoked a bowl in my office and could still detect the unique room note several days later. I also got a righteous case of the whirlys with my first bowls, until I had the true measure of this tobacco.

Still, I keep coming back. I have found that the unusual tonquin flavoring grows on me with repeated application. The full body of the smoke is also a winner, even though it is a bit harsh on the throat. Everyone should try this one (carefully) at least once in their piping career as a horizon broadener.

It seems to light well and stay lit even though it is greasy enough to leave stains on the wax paper in the tin.

The room note is VERY unpopular with everyone I know. The "wife rating" on this one would be a 0. I can get away with smoking anything but this with a group of smokers or non-smokers. (Yes, I have very forgiving friends most of the time) It took 2 weeks of not smoking this before people stopped saying "Sure you can light up as long as it's not that stinky one."

It tastes like unsweetened chocolate mixed with compost. Very heavy smoke, which is nice but a taste that just won't go away and does remain in any pipe for weeks after you try it.

Like I always say, if this is what they smoked in 1792 it's amazing we still smoke anything today. If this was all that was left on earth I would quit smoking. It was a real effort to finish the tin, and pipe smoking shouldn't be an effort.

Anyway, on the initial light I could tell. Pleasant Tonquin flavoring, strong but still letting the tobacco through. Blast of strength on the back of your throat.

I'm in love. Strength, pleasant flavoring, cool burning, slow burning, semi-pleasant aroma. Good stuff. Also, economical considering the actual amount needed to produce the desired effects.

In short, smoke it. If you don't like it, send it to me!

It is is easy to pack, but due to it's stickyness once you press it down it doesn't spring up like other tobaccos so pack it carefully. If you pack it too tightly, all you can do is empty the bowl and start again.

It's easy to light and right from the first puff you know you are dealing with one strong concoction. The smoke is very thick and creamy and you can almost feel texture in the smoke with your tongue. There is serious nictine aplenty here, don't inhlae this stuff or you might go blind.

The flavour is unmistakable virginia and quite strong it is too, but the orientals add a pleasant edge to it. There is a very mild sweetness to it, with overtones of cinamon and is that honeyness I can sense, hmm nice!

Despite the strength of this blend, I got no tongue bite and found it very cool burning. I suspect however a poorly filled pipe would be a different kettle of fish and you quite bad bite would result. Stick to small bowls and puff slowly, less ye shall go off on a mad nicotine rush.

I had to re-light this fella a few times. (8 to be exact.) and initially had to babysit it with the tamper. I admit that I smoked this at the wrong time, and to that end, it is HOW I smoked it that reduced the potential enjoyment of it. The taste is unlike anything I can compare it to. All I can say is that it's simply unique, worth trying, and in my case, I'll have it again, but not on an empty stomach, and not bright an early in the morning.

My current tin of 1792 is on the dry side and a bit difficult to light. I am currently smoking it in a well smoked 90 year old meerschaum which imparts a full, rich flavor. The tonquin flavoring, which dominates the blend, is hard to compare to other tobaccos. Fresh baked bread comes to mind, which is understandable since tonquin is also used in baking. I only smoke this relaxing at home even though I do not get a tonka buzz that others have felt.

I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys the rich full tobacco of the English Lake district.

the flakes are very dark and oily, no doubt from the cooking process and the unmistakable flavoring. The tonka bean flavoring which is quite strong upon opening the tin has a nearly overwhelming presence upon lighting, easily eclipsing any of the VA tastes. It does dissipate about 1/3 to 1/2 through the bowl at which point the high quality VAs which comprise this flake can be appreciated -though the tonka flavor will continue to play peek-a-boo until the bowl is finished. This tobacco leaves an incredible ash and despite the strength of the tobacco, it doesn't seem to leave a ghostly presence in a pipe like a more haunting aromatic would.

this is not a tobacco I smoke often, nor could I consider it among my favorite tobaccos -but it *is* an experience. If you like strong, in-yer-face tobaccos, this is definitely a msut try... hell, even if you don't you've still got to try this at least once.

Appearance: It arrived in longish flakes (3" or so) which I broke up for drying purposes but didn't rub out. It's about 90% dark brown and black with a light sprinkling of yellowish bits that could be stem and rib pieces. The flakes are about 1/16" thick and are soft and easily broken up.

Packing and Lighting: I'm sampling this tobacco first, in a newish Savinelli Linea Piu. It's not broken in yet but has already provided me with some great smokes - and I'm in the mood for that pipe this morning. Being indoors I'm going to rub the flakes out well, and I'll try them unrubbed when I take my evening walk tonight.

It rubs out into a nice mass of broken ribbon and loads quite easily. A pre-lighting draw brings a muted version of the pouch aroma, more of the molasses than anything else. The charring light is easily accomplished, with the tobacco raising a noticeable crown, and the initial flavor is that of spiciness, both of dark-fired tobacco and allspice. Blown out the nose there is a bit of a tingle, and I think there will be a nice bit of nicotine in this. I almost don't need to relight at all, but I tamp anyway and lay the pipe down and leave the room for a few minutes to get the room note, which is not as heavy as I would have thought. It's merely sweet, like the way the kitchen smells when I'm caramelizing sugar to bake a flan. No heavy overtones, just s soft musky sweetness.

Exposition: After the first relight, I get a good sense of the strength hidden under this mild-tasting, sweet tobacco. There is air-cured tobacco here, as it leaves a familiar taste in the back of my throat. The flavor, however, is light and soft, even when blown out the nose. The smoke rising from the bowl is quite sharp and spicy and reminds me of burning pear wood, leading me to believe that this might best have been smoked in my bent Peterson rather than this Lovat. Still, it's quite a nice smoke and it meshes well with the cool Russian Caravan tea (milk and sugar if you please!) that I'm drinking with it.

The Story: As the bowl burns down a little way, the sweetness gives way to a sourish, fermented flavor. The aroma reminds me of being far downwind of a cotton-candy vendor but the flavor is definitely changing, gaining in body and becoming more 'pointed'. It's pleasant, but the smoke rising from the bowl is getting a definite ammonia cast to it and I'm not fond of that part.

The sour note is getting more prominent now and is starting to come through in the room aroma a bit. It still smells nice but the taste is getting murky and sharp, reminding me of swampy smells. I lay the pipe aside to go out, as I want to see how it handles a relight after five minutes or so.

Prior to relight, I draw through the pipe and get the same unpleasant ammoniac flavor that a cigar can get if allowed to go out. The match brings this out sharply for a few puffs but it goes away soon, leaving a musty, musky flavor in its place; also, the allspice flavor is returning in force. The strength is definitely increasing, and if you're one who occasionally inhales your pipe, I wouldn't advise it with this tobacco!

Approaching the half-bowl point, the ammonia flavor is intensifying again. It's getting unpleasant, and if this wasn't an 'official review' I'd probably dump the bowl and smoke something light and sweet to get the taste out of my mouth! The problem here is that this nasty taste gets to the point of annoyance, then recedes so I get the soft, sweet, musty and spicy flavors that I like. Just when I get settled into it, the swampy taste comes back. Each relight brings this taste to the fore, then it fades away again. I thought I could cure the problem with liberal application of pipe cleaners but that doesn't help, although dumping the ash frequently makes it a bit more tolerable. It burns evenly, smokes cool and stays lit well, but I need more than tantalizing hints of what it could be to keep my interest. I think this is mostly burley, as that seems to be a common experience with me and air-cured tobacco.

Denouement: From the last third down, the flavor has been getting nastier and nastier. It has turned bitter, alkaline, ashy and sour and is leaving such a terrible taste in my mouth that I'm officially abandoning it. After I dump it, I'll clean the pipe thoroughly with alcohol (bowl and all) and condition it with vinegar to get rid of the rank ammonia smell that it seems intent on leaving in my pipe. Gack.

Pros: It starts out nicely enough, and holds up well until the halfway point. The room aroma is quite pleasant, and the flavor is smooth and enjoyable.

Cons: Everything from the halfway point on. 'Nuff said.

Addendum: It's now 3 days later and I'm trying it again - this time in a blasted Stanwell Hans Christian Andersen #1. It's broken in better than the Savinelli and is very forgiving when it comes to what I smoke in it. It's starting out similarly, but I'm really waiting for the half-bowl point to see if I can get an enjoyable smoke out of this sample.

So far, this smoke is much better than the last. The sour, ammoniac swampy flavor and odor is much more in the background but it's still not something I could honestly say that I like a lot. The finish is MUCH better in this pipe - I don't know if it's just this pipe or the fact that it's well broken-in, but I'm almost enjoying the smoke this time. It still didn't smoke easily all the way to dry ash, but at least it didn't gag me this time!