Based on what I've heard, I was expecting the casing to be over the top, but it's actually very well suited to the base tobacco, and for me is supportive of the tobacco rather than overshadowing it. The 'tin' note was significant, but the casing is quite mellow in the smoke. While it might ghost a pipe, I tend to smoke Lakelands mostly, and I think Condor will be the least of my worries in that regard.

I first tried rubbing out completely, which left a very nice, easy to pack ribbon, but I found the flavour to be somewhat 1-dimensional that way, actually quite similar to when I tried smoking white ox in a pipe (in fact, white ox is probably much closer to the base tobacco flavour of Condor than the No.4 rope is). The second pipe, I used my usual method, which is to fold the flake a couple of times and rip small pieces off the resulting 'log' and sprinkle them into the bowl. This provided a much more complex flavour, and the casing became more noticible.

Condor burns evenly and requires few relights straight out of the pouch.

While I prefer the Samuel Gawith and Gawith Hoggarth tobaccos, I could see myself buying this one again, as it has a certain rugged charm.

Condor Brown is even better than the Green! As where the Green unveiled mostly a good old Lakeland taste that was progressively replaced by solid, well - aged dark VAs, this unveils some liquor/alcohol taste and is stronger, richer than its sibling.

I am smoking it in a brand new MM Great Dane, for a change, which unleashes all its flavours. Surprisingly, I have a tendency to relate to SG's FVF when I smoke Condor Brown - they have the same creaminess -, but with an alcohol topping, more vitamine N and which behaves much better in its burning qualities.

Gents, this is one fine dark VA flake, with some golden VAs, that you must absolutely try if you can.

As far as I am concerned, Condor Green and Brown will be part of my regular rotation.

I travelled in Europe extensively in the 1980's- 2002, and has been suggested, this tobacco is available everywhere. I hadn't smoked any of this in the last 10 years until I found a friend who would send it to me on request.

In my recent re-discovery of this traditional British flake, I very much enjoy this smoke. Certainly not as refined as others available today but a tobacco that seems to never leave my senses. The moment I opened the 50 gr. pouch, it was like an old friend coming home. It is a strong tobacco for many, although I class it as a full body medimum smoke. I smoke it moist and never have trouble keeping it lit.

The floral scent is present and its one of the few scents I have no issues with. Perhaps because of my early smoking experience with this tobacco, and its difficult to get here in the US, I like this tobacco very much and will keep it in my tobacco rotation.

I give it 4 stars because it meets all my criteria for what I consider a great smoke. I smoke this in a group 3-4 size bowl and even though it may "ghost" to some extent, what taste or flavor it does leave, it does not interfere with smoking other strong tobaccos.

...a pipe is to be savored...

Taste wise, it's almost the same as it's ready rubbed brother except a tad weaker, but not by much though, it's still as strong and soapy but with less soap, I know that sounds silly but it's the only way I can describe it, other flavours included a zingy citrus flavour, floral and some spicy rum and cloves, it starts off very soapy but mellows out after the first few puffs, it burns fairly cool too.

One problem is that it ghosts your pipe for a long while and in a way claims it, you should have a pipe dedicated to this blend.

It's not too bad, but I prefer the ready rubbed version, not for a timid beginner either, as the nicotine hit is very strong.

[Edit] I don't think this baccy is very good for briars: it seems to have done for my Invicta Rhodesian. When I smoked 'Squadron Leader' in it recently, after two smokes of Condor, it tasted nothing like it should. Therefore, I'll reserve it for my meers and clays, and give the Rho a longish rest to recover.

Having smoked it a few more times since, I've re vised my initial enthusiasm: it's not bad for an OTC, but that's not saying much. It can be good, but sometimes is too soapy. I've down-graded my recommendation to 'somewhat recommended'.

Having packed my favourite pipe with the stuff and lit said brand, the sandalwood smell from the packet that rendered so many reminiscences continued to avail itself upon my senses during a I very enjoyable smoke. The lack of any tonguebite or Lesley Ash lips was a welcome surprise on top of a highly satisfactory smoke.

This is now one of my favourite tobaccos and have started making a point of keeping up a steady supply amongst my pipe stash.

I can recommend this without hesitation.

These flakes are quite thin and not particularly dense so you get more flakes than you'd expect for your money.

Sweet, mellow and with a just a hint of florals this is a tobacco, that once tried, you'll find yourself craving on a regular basis.

This flake is commonly available in British newsagents and perhaps this leads to it being overlooked as a great tobacco. I've tried, but I can't think of a reason why this should be anything other than highly recommended.

I love the idea of an "OTC" flake. This flake came cut thin and loading was a breeze using the fold and stuff method. It burned quite nicely if I dried it properly. The flavor was of typical Brit florals and "soap".

A lot of virtual ink has been spilled comparing this to St Bruno. The only comparison I can make is that they both come in pouches and both originated in the UK. This is no St Bruno. Where that blend produces a flavor burst of natural tobacco with a floral topping, this one goes overboard with the flavoring... WAY overboard. The taste was medicinal throughout most of the bowl, and this flavor did not change much until it turned ashen towards the bottom. There were times when it settled into a groove that was quite enjoyable but eventually the thin, artificial taste returned. Whereas most Lakeland blends use flavorings sympathetically, this one seemed more discordant.

I probably will not try this one again anytime soon. However, I think everyone should. It has history, it has a following and it has the "Condor Moment". Unfortunately, I found that moment too momentary. As always, your mileage may vary.

Update: im updating this review to 4 stars.....it calls to me in my sleep, this is truly wonderful stuff...for me nirvana!!!

This has the strength of Gawith & Hoggarths Dark Flake. However that is where all comparisons end.

This stuff smokes as hot as hell, and is akin to smoking a bowl full of highly scented soapy 'Cilit Bang' flakes.

Horrible 'ghosting' mess of a tobacco, that thoroughly deserves it's title as an over the counter drug store blend.

All in all this is absolute bollocks in a plastic pouch.