While the quality of the Virginia tobacco used here is good it is not outstanding and what I enjoy about this blend is in the flavoring and topping which overwhelms any quality and taste shortcomings of the tobacco used.

Supposedly both Virginia and Perique are used in this blend but the Virginia is definitely the more noticeable of the two with a "tin" note reminiscent to me of fresh cut hay, sweet Valencia oranges and tangerines. Its a unique mix of notes and flavors but one that smells very fresh and clean.

Having spent the earliest years of my life in Central Florida this blend immediately takes me back to my childhood as the room note of this tobacco reminds me of the early summertime smells of a humid Florida afternoon just after a passing mid day rain-shower has stirred up the pleasing scent of freshly mowed grass and nearby citrus groves.

As to the technical aspects of the smoke itself I found it best to rub the ribbons out a bit and let dry some before lighting when pulling from a 100g tin (not as necessary with 50g tins as the cut is finer). After doing so the tobacco burns well enough but can be a bit wet when fresh especially in Peterson system pipes or any other with a condenser or filter. The result is a heavy liquid which can condense in the system chamber or cause a filter to be necessarily used only once. If smoked quickly this is definitely a blend which can get hot, especially in humid climates and may lead to gurgle so some care is required to get the most out of this blend.

For myself, still living in the tropics, I find this tobacco fits perfectly with the natural smells of the tropical plants and fruit which can be found here in Hawaii. I can also see how others might find the citrus flavoring to be a bit over powering or simply not for them. Overall 3 stars and I would make it 4 if not for the tendency of the blend to be a bit wet when smoking and for the fact that some may not like the heavy citrus note which for myself makes this blend an all time favorite!

Great Tobacco. Round tin from UK tobacconist with a large long flakes, very similar to Rattray's Marlin Flake in appearance. Wonderful citrus and hay notes from the tin.

Bright and sweet Virginia taste, noticeable citrus in amongst the hay and the Perique. An Awesome tobacco which provides consistent smokes in the smallest and the largest bowls. Get some! I wish I'd tried this earlier, and I'll be buying more for the cellar.

Can't understand the low stars from other reviewers. This stuff really is a delight.

Just as an aside, I often mixed a small amount of 1792 flake (which I simply cannot smoke alone) with this and the result was wonderful. The 1792 added depth and sweetness which is somewhat lacking in this tobacco.

The smoke is tangy and at times, very slightly peppery. The topping, if used, is unnoticeable so you really have the sensation of smoking a pure, unadulterated Navy Cut Flake Virginia tobacco that is perfectly spiced. The Perique is used to support the Golden Virginia, giving it more body and that dried prune taste at times and graciously disappearing to allow you to savor a divine offering for a Virginia tobacco lover.

I believe this is a great choice for one taking their initial leap into Va's and flakes. Could definitely be an all day smoke. In my humble opinion, it lacks a bit in the flavor dept. I prefer C&D's Briar Fox when craving a milder VA.

There's a distinct citrus/orange arome in the tin, but I doubt it's a casing/topping as I've come across other non-aromatic bright VAs and some cigars that have this. It's really a "green (fresh) tobacco" odour that some young leaf has which gets lost with age unless trapped in a tin or cigar tube.

Golden Sliced isn't really like a factory-produced cigarette, but does remind me a bit of hand rolling tobacco such as Golden Virginia (though GV actually has more taste as it's darker cured and contains some oriental). Very grassy/hay like, with no VA low notes or perique spice and richness at all.

Can bite a little if rushed, but has so little flavour that I tend to end up rushing it.

It's not objectionable but to my taste there are far better takes on a mild/medium strength VA flake around. Gawith & Hoggarth's Bright CR, for example, blows it away, though Bright CR is quite a bit stronger.

I can see why fans of mild tobaccos would go for it though, so somewhat recommended if that's what you're looking for.

Most reviewers claim a smell in the pouch of oranges or hay. I personally feel a hint of licorice, definitely pleasurable. It smokes fair and rich, but has mild strength and flavor, no bite, and acceptable temperature. It's a tobacco which I recommend to have around for a long, relaxed, unsophisticated smoke, but having to choose between this and an Early morning, I'd prefer the EM.

I strongly advice to smoke it in a small bowl. Flake burns for a very long time, and unless you want to smoke for hours, a traditional cob will probably be already on the "too big" side. I used a clay pipe and I was generally happy with the temperature of the bowl, which never reached untenable temperatures.

Technology makes some things just too easy. had I went old school and exchanged my money I would have been much more cognizant of my folly and would have passed and enjoyed the tobacco I brought. But enough of this and lets get to this great smoke.

Orlik knows how to do flakes. Dunhill Flake is my favorite VA and this is likely my favorite VaPer although the Per is very light. It is just a really enjoyable smoke. Tastes sublime. I look forward to ordering some from here at the real price. 4 stars. Buying tobacco in Norway minus 4 stars. :) I think if I was a norwegian piper I would just buy exotic discontinued blends on ebay. If you are going to spend that kind of bank, you might as well enjoy some Sobranie or something like that. lol

Gentlemen; If you like true Virginia, buy Orlik Golden Sliced