I put my pipes down for about a month because it was just too cold outside or in the garage. The weather warmed and I headed to a small tobacco shop up the street for something different to put in my baby fresh mouth and picked up a tin of OGS, I suppose because the tin caught my attention.

I'm now in my fourth tin in as many weeks. My taste was cleared of heavy tobacco and ready to accept this nearly straight VA.

The tin smell was of new hay and nothing else that I could detect and with some difficulty in quitting the sniffing, I rubbed the flake, filled a favorite pipe that hadn't been overly subjected to latakia and lit up. There will be pipes dedicated to VA's now.

I was taken to tobacco heaven. I found the taste to be full but not strong. The VA was light and delicate with the small amount of burley providing the bass notes necessary to give that full mouth feeling. For me, it was like drinking tea after years of coffee. There was as much flavor (aroma in the case of tea)yet it was different,cleaner, more ethereal perhaps.

Many of the reviews noted different flavors and toppings. I didn't get any of these. I can see where citrus was perceived but I believe it is a characteristic of the tobaccos, not an additive as is the sweetness that may remind some of honey. It has a sweetness not unlike honey's sweetness but it doesn't have a honey flavor. I saw licorice mentioned and I didn't detect this at all. Perhaps licorice has a shared characteristic with tobacco. Sir Walter Raleigh has licorice; I don't believe OGS does.

Perique? Not a chance.

Cigarette flavor. Were that true, I would have never given up cigarettes. What it does have in common with cigarettes is a pure tobacco taste. Cigarettes, however, are not made from quality tobacco and have an acrid quality - save some RYO.

I am drawn to this tobacco for it's true tobacco flavor, it's natural sweetness and importantly to it's burn quality.

I believe the room note to be wonderful because I love the smell of tobacco. My wife would likely think it stinks.

This is a quality tobacco undisturbed by a tobacconists tinkering, with a lightness to be appreciated as often as possible. I love this tobacco.

The taste is a very fresh virginia, slight citrus and never cloying or overbearing.

Mo, South Africa

This is a very good tobacco although not in the same league as the original B&H old virgina flake or the Sobraine rich virginia flake. Several reviewers compare it to SG FVF but in truth it is miles better and it is substantially better than Union Square or any of the Rattray's or other Gawith variations.

This stuff is not bland and has a genuine fruity virginia flavour but not biting and it smokes well. There are not many virginia tobaccos out there as good as this. The "new" B&H Virginia flake is very similar to this (I wouldn't be at all surprised if Orlik makes the B&H)but the Orlik is more generally available.

My advice is that if you want to smoke a tasty virginia flake then smoke this stuff.

Out of the tin this is one to put a smile on your face. Overwhelming sugary golden VA's - no doubt about it! There's a touch of burley in there, but I guess it's just to up the smoking ability, so probably no more than 5-10% That warm summer smell of countryside haystacks, and that fresh lemon-like smell natural Virginias have (the good ones anyway).

The taste is classic too. Instantly you recognise this to be very high quality tobacco- And you know, how I described the tin-aroma, is just about what you get smoking it too. In the ranks of pure golden VA's, I don't think there ever was any competition to this blend.

Rate 7/10

Flake cuts perfect but fully rub my flakes...Easy fill, lit and smoke well...

- Handsome red and yellow tin ("Smoked by all shrewd judges" printed on the inside - a sense of humor is never a bad thing!) - Elegant gold foil wrapped tobacco pressed into 1/16" sheets consisting mainly of dark brown and golden VA tobacco with intermittent flecks of white. - A sweet aroma in the tin, reminiscent of raisins. Yes, a slight hint of citrus. - Burns extremely cool - Produces copious amounts of rolling white smoke when burnt - Almost no flavor - Room note is barely noticable

I think this tobacco is very nice but won't really blow your mind because it has little personality of it's own. Would be an ideal tobacco for blending into harsher mixtures... Would be great for cooling a hot blend as well.

Good stuff. I recommend it as a blender. May be good on it's own after some aging.

So, opening the tin I was a little surprised by the pure Earl Grey aroma with VA grassiness being almost overwhelmed. Interesting, to say the least. Orlik's website does note a "citrus aroma" being in there. The presentation of the leaf was beautiful: a bundle of full-length slices, not as dark as some have noted but rather a medium-to-bright leaf draped along the circumference of the tin. I loved that on first sight.

Taking off the end of a slice and folding, the smoke was slow and very VA-ish, with the Bergamot only rarely making itself felt, and the room note was nice if somewhat subdued. Rubbed out, the Bergamot was there in full force - but in a nice way - and the room note became pleasant, with beautiful, lingering room aroma surviving even my next two bowls of other blends. The VA taste also was more pronounced, with more sweetness, with the leaf rubbed out. The strength was satisfying either way, but I tend to prefer rubbing this out.

Rubbed out, this blend works great with smaller bowls; folded, the taller ones should do the trick. Good tobacco all round. I like it, and it may grow on me enough to make it one of my regulars.

Unfortunately, this tobacco failed my senses when it came to taste, it had an odd perfume flavor, floral, almost like roses that lingered for half of the pipe. It was reminiscent of SG's Bracken flake but not nearly as strong. I might be able to like this with time...will have to see. This would have gotten a 4 star rating, but at this point I just can't assign it due to the odd perfume.

*Eulenburg states (6th review from the bottom) that this flake is for simple country folk to enjoy...why is that I wonder? Do "simple" country folk share some characteristics of palate that I am not aware of? Is this a pejorative statement? If so, it has no place on this board and Eulenburg should know better.

**Update** I have moved to liking the GS purfume and this is a 4 star smoke in my book!

I have just bought this tobacco and can't wait to try them. The tast of this tobacco is very plesent with a strong nutty tast. Perfect for the winter. There is a slight bitter tast in your mouth at the end. I highly recommended if you like pure tobacco/virginias.

Overall, This is an excellent pure tobacco tast and will definately keep it in my rotation.

Starts off mild, then hints of cherry, followed by a nutty flavor. Then there is a very bold richness of strong tobacco that dominates ever so briefly. It ends with a very sweet, dark rum taste.

As the character changes, there is never any hint that you're smoking anything other than great tobacco producing its own unique flavors.

Let it dry a bit, rub at your own choice if you wish. Lights very easily. Take care while smoking the second half. It needs to be smoked slowly. Otherwise you'll ruin a very nice finish.

Light and flavorful smoke, rich in nicotine. Very satisfying from all points of view. An all day smoke. If you are looking for a pure tobacco smoke you will not need something else.

I think this is a pretty good tobacco, all things considered, but I'm giving it two stars precisely because there are many others out there that are better.

In particular, smoking this back to back with Union Square made it obvious that there is a pretty good amount of casing with OGS. OGS definitely burns hotter and has more bite, too.

I generally prefer stoved VA, or matured VA, but if you are looking for something light in flavor that isn't too expensive in a tinned blend, OGS might work.

If you are just looking for an outstanding VA, I'd go with Sam Gawith Full Virginia Flake, GL Pease Union Square, Hal O' the Wynd, Old Gowrie, McClelland 5100 over this.

- Orlik Golden Sliced

- Condor Long Cut

- McBs HH Vintage Syrian

Here my impressions about the first one.

I got one 50grms pouch in the stock coming from Haejenius in Amsterdam. OGS is not imported in Italy like all the tobaccos branded by Orlik (while others, manufactured by, are).

OGS comes in a single long strip having quite the same width of the pouch. The colour of this flake is mixed but mainly bright. The pouch aroma is hay and tea, very natural, I cannot detect superimposed aromas. The humidity is on the low side, this may depend on the kind of packing, but again if any casing agent is used, it's done sparingly.

A Savinelli Professor (6mm balsa filter removed) no. 122 pot is the axe I'm just piping for this review, she has been used in Va's contests only. I have partially rubbed out the tobacco and left airing for a hour or so.

No problems in lighting, no problems of maintenance too.

The smoke aroma is what a mild-to-medium Va is supposed to deliver, no high or lows, something reliable (compact?) and even smokable while doing else. A truly natural sugarish (brown) smoke, with hints of caramel and a faint pepperiness, also through the nose. The smoke is not prone to bite, nor to moisten the stem. Being a Virginia, OGS needs all the cautions to avoid the bowl heating much. From mid-bowl to the end the strength does not develop further the medium side, the body remains mild-to-medium. A curious citrusy note make appearance and keeps things interesting. Also, some rare puffs of fig-like aromas during the last third of the bowl. The last third of the bowl is the most rewarding, the smoke is mellow and even nutty.

OGS is nothing to drive crazy, but a honestly-priced Va flake of the like I do miss. The only comparison coming to my mind is with Capstan Mild (also unavailable in Italy), maybe with Old Gowrie (both them I shall review soon).

Recommended.

This naturally sweet VA flake is a bit shy, but given the proper care and attention, it will reveal itself as a no-nonsense VA with the slightest hint of perique that marries with the sweet VA taste in a way that makes me want to keep coming back for more.

The flavor consists of bergamot, a very light dash of honey and if one takes enough care, the base licorice flavor with what most tobaccos are treated, will make an appearance. The trademark haylike tones are of course ever present.

The burning qualities of this leaf is on par with anything else that Orlik has to offer. Folded or rubbed, it behaves remarkably well. Very little effort is required to keep the embers alive, effectively ridding the smoker of any chances of being bitten.

Around mid-bowl, the sweetness starts bobbing in and out for a while as the nicotine is making a more noticeable appearance. OGS is by no means a nicotine heavy smoke, but if smoked in a group 5 pipe, it can give the smoker an occasional hiccup. This soon passes and the bowl settles back in the sweet tones right till the end.

The tobacco seems to be of good quality, as it burns cool and smooth and doesn't bite. However, the taste is completely covered by the casing that reminds me to the stuff my scrubwoman uses to clean the floor. If you don't like the taste of tobacco this might be the right stuff for you - otherwises avoid it!

All day, all season tobacco. It contains a satisfactory dosage of nicotine and it gives a very discrete scent on the room. Dry, with no tongue biting, easy to smoke and place in the bowl and of course it has beautiful and practical tin.

I have already reordered some more

I've tried smoking the flakes both rubbed out, folded and stuffed into a pipe and cut into thirds with a cigar cutter length wise and then rubbed out. In any of those cases I was rewarded with a wonderful smoke. There was just a hint of tongue bite but that was only when I first opened the tin and the flakes were still a bit moist. After a few weeks of the tin being opened and having them dry out a bit the only tongue bite comes from serious puffing to heat up your pipe.

Once match was put to tobacco I knew this would be a good smoke. Nothing but pure virginia bliss. My senses were greeted with a nice citrusy, sweet and grassy taste (in that order of strength). It is a one note song but certainly one I don't mind hearing for quite some time. This really is a high quality tobacco that would be a good stepping off point for aromatic smokers looking to get into virginias or even veteran smokers looking to deepen their appreciation for good virginias.

Original: This blend is a nice natural tobacco that hasn't been bastardized. Sweet and natural tones through out. This blend also smokes well rubbed or folded and filled. I never had any trouble lighting or keeping it lit. I actually prefer to smoking it folded and filled than rubbed out. For the money there are better straight va's like FVF and Old Gowrie.

***12Nov2008 Update***

I have to drop this a star. I finished that tin and every subsequent tin has been disappointing. The taste is just too bland.

It is somewhat moist out of the tin, and requires a bit of drying to smoke. Once rubbed out is packs easily,and I use it as a breaking-in tobacco for new pipes because the flavor is so neutral.

This one, like so many VA's, will burn hot if not smoked slowly and with care. While there is nothing wrong with the execution of this blend, it simply lacks any appreciable flavor or richness that makes it worth smoking over any number of other, better blends. I, like so many of us, only get one or two bowls per day, and it feels like a waste to smoke this, which offers little taste or singularity in experience, when there are other things so much tastier, and nicer smoking, out there. If, however, you are looking for a very mild, neutral blend for any reason, than this would fit the ticket perfectly.

I seem to prefer the 100 gram tinned G.S, by the way. Might be imagining it, but it seems a little more round in taste, a little spicier and overall more satisfying to smoke compared to the 50 gram tinned, which has always come out as a little sharper on the tongue and a little more dry to me.

I always make sure to have a tin at hand, and at least one backup of Orlik Golden Sliced. You should too.

3,5/4.

While I'm not a big fan of Danish type tobaccos, I do find this one to my liking. An all day smoke, I particularly like this in the morning with hot tea or coffee and in a somewhat larger pipe; group 4 and higher.

I don't rub this out as much as some flakes and I find keeping it reasonably moist keeps the burn steady and slow.

Definitely worth a try and price-wise it is a good bargin. Decent quality leaf, processed well, and aged appropriately, make this a good choice for an experienced or novice pipe smoker.

...a pipe is to be savored.

"Why not" I thought, and bought it. On opening the tin, I was presented with a long, wide ribbon of flake, didn't smell bad, bit dry to the touch, but then, that's Orlik, Mac Barens to a tee.

After several bowls what can I say, I have been looking for something to replace my ever diminishing supply of Dunhill Flake, this stuff is mellow, oh yes mellow...... can't taste.... can't taste...... can't taste anything, it's just tobacco, pure plain inoffensive tobacco.... a bit better than OK, burns well with no tongue bite and all the way down with just one match.

When I want a smoke without any flavourings AT ALL, and there are times, this will be it. Would I make this an all day smoke ? no, unless I wanted to be bored to death, would this replace Dunhill ? most definately not, would I buy it again ? probably.

Rating.... two stars or three ? Two stars for now, I may come back and update this to three, but first I'll finish the tin and see if I buy more.

Right, here we go then, I did finish the tin, I did go back and buy more, though only one tin, a bit unusual for me. I've finally decided what this tastes like, cigarettes..... totaly neutral. However, a good enough smoke to keep yourself busy while you decide what you want, also, an excellent additive to cut down tobacco's that are too strong, heavy, flavoured with.... etc. etc. I expect I will keep a least one tin of this on hand, so Three stars.

It's nice. Very easy to smoke. Fresh, sweet, golden virginias pressed into large flakes. I feel that I got my money's worth. The 100 gram tin is packed solid and was priced less than the smaller tins of Dunhill and Peterson.

No rubbing out is required. Just pinch off pieces of the flake, pack, and after two lights your smoking an even, smooth, consistent bowl. Creamy smoke with a very subtle orange/honey note. I think this will prove to be a good all day summer blend. It's not my ideal tobacco but it is a nice change of pace.

I get some caramel flavour, but more a hint of bitter orange juice, maybe a slight herbal touch. I added a pinch of Pure Perique which has improved it a good deal. I may try a moisture button to take that throat burn away. If you want a mild VA flake that comes from denmark with a British history, try Capstan mild...far better. Out of respect for fellow reviewers I give it 2 stars instead of one.

Nice big red tin, with huge rough golden-brown flakes. You have to rip off pieces from the flake, but they stay together as a broken flake. I twist and stuff for a nice tight broken flake pack. The moisture level is just right from the tin. (You wouldn't want to open a tin and leave it a week - it would get too dry.) Tin aroma is just Virginia to me. No topping, no additives, just sweet grassy tobacco.

First light was easy. One char maybe, and you're off. Lots of volume and an immediate Virginia sweetness. Not the complexity of Rattray or SG at first, but very pleasant. Then I noticed how much I was enjoying it. Just the right (quite high) mouth strength, just the right nicotine level (I'd put it at the high end of medium) and the flavours started to get more complex. All the typical pure Virginia stuff - hay, earth, grass, etc. with a hint of pepperiness that kept it interesting. Maybe a little caramel in the flavour, but the interesting tobacco taste kept it well at bay for me. The flavours stay constant through the bowl, with just a build of strength as you progress. It burns dry to a clean white ash and, while I once or twice suspected a hint of bite, it never actually happened.

Do I like it? Oh, yes. And it is a good 12% cheaper than its rivals in the UK too. If I have a criticism, it is that the tin went too quickly.

Tore off enough for a generous bowl and rubbed out. Lit with ease. This tobacco burns slowly and is economical in use. It has a very fresh, citrus taste that refreshes the palate whilst still having a medium nicotine kick. The flavour remains constant throughout the bowl.

This is no doubt an excellent smoke if straight virginias are your thing. I however found it a bit one dimensional, but refreshing nonetheless.

Recommended.

Packing & Lighting: Somehow, it is disconcerting that OGS is cut the width of the tin. But it either rolls into a ball or crumbles apart with little effort. Lights with one match; a bowl lasts a long time, with one relight.

Taste & Aroma: Initially a nice, light hay aroma, with a slight cigarette aspect. The burley flavor is definitely there, dulling the VA's with more of a grip than a touch. Mid-bowl, the bowl has a mild peppery raisin scent; some have noticed a hint of a soapy effect. Something provides a floral herb scent: aniseed; with a citrus scent-bergamot has been suggested-left in the bowl. Although it may be termed softly sweet, I don't see it as nutty or caramel. OGS is absolutely biteless and clean burning.

Why was burley added to these light Virginias? Doesn't something have to have been added to give these subtle tastes and aromas? Burley is often used in blends because it readily absorbs additives, or casing juices.

Keep in mind, these are subtle nuances. As has been aptly said, "This blend is reticent to blossom." It really does require a clean bowl, with gentle and light puffing.

Nicotine: By the end of a large bowl, it progressively builds to medium. In a small bowl, mild.

Room Note: The aroma doesn't linger, meaning when you get back to the workshop, they won't wonder what you've been doing.

Overall: OGS is akin to a substance that has been filtered, all the harsh, strong qualities having been washed away, leaving a tobacco with a soft and mellow citrus-herb character, in a diluted form. 3.6 stars for being a delicate smoke.

The tin aroma, even after several weeks opened, is of fine aged tobacco, slightly apricotty, slightly fresh and springlike.

The taste is similar to some of the other flakes out there, but softer than the dark flakes, and more floral. It is sweet, but not sugary. If anything, it is reminiscent of Capstan, rather than the pressed blacks or red flakes of other houses. It is also similar to Dunhill Light flake, but manages to be sweeter and more ethereal, without that perfumed (soapy) undertone.

If your favourite blend contained aged blond Virginia, and were to become unavailable, this would be a good substitute for that component.

hay like pouch aroma. a whiff of... caramel? easy to pack, light and smoke. as most orlik tobaccos, it's well crafted. taste is slightly caramelized, as it's a sweetened tobacco, and grassy/citrusy. my smoking it has revealed no burley nor perique, both of which are reportedly present in small amounts. taste varies very little from start to ash.

all in all, a pleasant smoke which is a little on the light side, strength wise as well as flavour wise. a little lacking in caracter, i feel - but as it's a tobacco you can still get just about anywhere here in denmark, i don't mind buying it if i'm out of any of my favourites when traveling.

The flakes are a visual delight:almost as long as Golden Long Flake, and a nice mixture of dark browns and yellows. The tin aroma is fresh and inviting, with the slightest citric note. There is no need to rub out the flake - just folding over and stuffing into the pipe sufices and provides a reasonably flavourful, cool and long-lasting smoke. Golden Sliced bears more than a passing likeness to Stokkebye virginia flakes. The latter are, in my opinion, somewhat better. There is a slight dustiness to the flavour of Golden Sliced, which keeps me from giving it four stars. Still, there is a reasonable level of nicotine and the overall experience is satisfactory, though not outstanding.

Old review: Not my favorite. There is just some taste in there, somewhat like a grassy clove or something, that just kind of irritates me sometimes. It's supposed to get much better with aging, so I will leave it in the tin and not throw it out for a while. Maybe I'll get back to it someday and it will be better. For now, though, I've really avoided it.

PS: Golden Slices (Red) in Europe there is an Orlik 'White' that is aromatic. Orlik manufactures dozens of types but only some are availible in the US. Also, The can reads 'Is Harmfull To Health' for the curious....

I wonder me about the attached (red). Is there another un red golden sliced?. At whatever rate, this is travel in tongue bite. Nothing but a weak and weak tasting tooth tweaker.

Tin (100 gram) left half full to rot alone. . . 6 months later, rotten or not, this is a tastey and smooth smoke. Nary a bite, although nary a flavor too boot, when sipped there is something to enjoy. Yet, not enough for me to re-order. Did finish the tin, and the last bowl made me think, hmmmmm, maybe?? Maybe not. I'll try Dark strong KY next.

Like everyone else, I found a hint of apricot in the newly opened can. I'm not enough of a connoisseur to know what's been added -- but it's not plain golden Virginia. Having said that, the taste is almost that -- just a hint of something a tad spicy and flavorful kicks in partway through the bowl. Nice taste, very mild, and -- wonderful -- light smoke that quickly dissipates.

If there's a caution to issue, reformed cigaretted smokers (such as I, even though it's been 30 years) have to be careful. It's so light and smooth that the temptation to inhale kicks right in and one doesn't immediately experience the cough reflex of most pipe tobacco -- but the old-fashioned tobacco rush will knock you down.

Those in search of a light smoke will enjoy this. And when you put it out, get on the train, and pick a seat, you won't find people two rows back moving to the next car.

The tin had a strange fruity aroma upon opening, so I closed it and put it away for a week before trying to smoke it. After a week the tobacco had a fresh sweet smell, kind of like sweet grass. I smoke this in flake form rather than rubbing it out, and this seems to work best. Rubbing it out was a much hotter smoke than just folding the flake and stuffing it in the pipe.

The taste is wonderfully fresh. It's a clean crisp taste; just a hint of spice on the tongue due to the sugars, but no real bite; not a lot of nicotine. The room note is also very pleasant. This is a very clean burning flake, kind of like a tobacco version of 7-up (remember the "crisp and clean, no caffiene"?)

To anyone wishing to try this, I recommend not rubbing it out. I tried once, and it smoked really hot. Fold the flake and stuff it in the pipe. You will need a few relights occasionally, but you will be rewarded with a cool, delicate, and gently sweet smoke. This is the one straight virginia that I plan to keep in my regular rotation. And did I mention that it's cheap-six and a half bucks for a 50g tin (that was at Diebels on the Kansas City Plaza, so surely cheaper elsewhere).

For people who still smoke a pipe out of habit rather than out of connoisseurship.

Edit:Golden sliced is definately growing on me, I've just about finished my first tin and its now my favourite smoke! Upgrade to 4 stars.

Update: upon visiting the Stokkebye website (http://pstokkebye.com/) I sought out the OGS section to find this; Tobacco selection: Louisiana Perique adds zesty new life to the flavor of flue-ccured Virginia tobacco.

Perique? I have so far only smoked the Premier Cru which sports a green-peppery flavour which I have been told is the Perique contribution. I can not for the life of me spot any of that in OGS? But on the other hand, I have read people stating that Perique "rounds off" the taste of Virginia in VA-Per mixtures so it might just be my inexperience of the said baccy...

dunhill grp 3

Golden Sliced Red is a slightly sweetened, well-constructed VA flake. It's soft on the tongue and easily kept alive with patient but attentive puffing. One bowl and it'll be apparent why this is so popular; it's a very middle-of-the-road, easy to approach VA flake.

And not that packaging makes any difference in taste or smoking qualities, but the little 50g rectangular tin fits in the pocket so comfortably (especially versus round flat 50g tins) on smoking walks.

If you like VA flakes and haven't tried this one, give it a go.

Appearance: This blend has a beautiful presentation, being comprised of precisely sliced flakes. Though predominately red and golden Virginia, there are darker bands and bits that are nearly white.

Tin aroma: This is a mixture of matured Virginia sweet and fruity notes abound. There are deep molasses tones a slight sour tang one expects in Virginia some slight spicy tones and a deeper fig-like aroma. I detect no topping or casing agents of any kind, just pure natural smelling Virginia.

I have chosen a Stanwell Canadian dedicated to Virginia mixtures for this review.

This tobacco is nearly perfect in moisture straight out of the tin. I normally simply roll two flakes fold them over and insert them into the bowl, trimming off any excess. Lighting is usually a one match affair, and generally stays lit throughout the entire bowl, unless I let the pipe go out. As expected, the initial flavor is very tangy Virginia and sweet though not overly so on either count. There are distinctly citrus notes of the Virginia and a deep harmonious flavor of fine tobacco. Unfortunately, I'm finding it rather bland each time.

Mid Bowl: Approaching mid-bowl, the fullness tends to build and while this blend is not complex, it somehow lacks interest for me. With the wide variety of Virginia flake blends out there to choose from, Golden Sliced just never delivers any complexity or changing of flavors, as such I find it honestly boring. A shame really, as the quality is obvious. It tends to smoke fairly hot, though tongue bite is NOT an issue here. This blend is very well behaved in that regard.

Home Stretch: As end of the bowl approaches, the strength of this mixture has built to a level I'd term ?medium? not even rich enough to be satisfying to me. I really expected to like this blend, it has so many fans and such a reputation, but for me it's just a ?going through the motions? kind of smoke. I was hoping for something along the lines of Dunhill Light Flake, but alas, this doesn't come close.

Supplemental Notes: I would recommend this to a novice Virginia smoker who finds most Virginia blends too strong or full bodied. If you are looking for complexity or mouth-watering rich Virginia richness, please look elsewhere. Rating for those interested in numbers **

I have to be honest, I still havent decided.

Usually, I decide whether or not I love or hate a tobacco after the first puff, but this one is unusually hard to rate.

The slices are long, and relatively thick, but not too wet or tricky to rub out (Say for instance if you were a beginner to flakes) its easy to pack, light and keep alight to the dottle. I have never had a bowl need re-lighting, but this tin seemed pretty dry upon unsealing it - not sure if its like this always, but it was properly sealed when it arrived in my hands. I have tried it rubbed out, not rubbed out, folded over, stuffed in and pretty much any other way I could think of preparing it, in all sorts of pipe sizes (Although group 2-3 is my favorite size for mixtures and flakes) with no problems whatsoever, so thats wicked!

However, it's good behaviour doesnt necessarily decide the rating due to the following.

1. Sometimes this flake is SO strong, that it hurts my throat and lungs (I was always a cigarette smoker and like to inhale my pipes - bad I know, but hey), because of this, I can only stand smoking it occasionally - most often beside the sea whilst playing with my wonderful hound - most definately not a tobacco I peal through at an alarming rate.

2. Its flavour doesnt change much at all, and because of this I find it absolutely BORING in large pipes, and almost go to sleep because of the lack of interesting flavour and its reluctance to get sweeter, sourer, more bitter or really change flavour at all.

But, its still a good smoke. Definately worthy of a try if you like strong VA flakes, but most definately not one for my daily rotation, I'll stick to Med VA/Per mixtures that are balanced as a whole (Dorisco, Dorchester to name but two) this is just a little un-exciting for me to bother with all the time...

About 5.5 out of 10 here for my part....

Happy puffing!

Rub it out, but not too much, unless you are smoking it outdoors on a windy day. The flavour will be fullest when rubbed, and it stays lit more easily. It lights up with no trouble, and from here on it must be smoked really slow,keep it cool, but keep it lit, very small puffs more often are better than the occaisional large puff. Breath smoking is ideal- the flavour is fullest, sweet, like caramel or fudge. Very natural sweetness though, it is by no means sickly sweet. The flavour (and strength) grow toward the bottom of the bowl, and it will smoke right to the end leaving little dottle. Keep it cool if you want to do this.

Recomended to all Virginia lovers.

Edited 17 Nov 05: This has grown on me with more exposure. Whilst it it hotter, there is a flavour that only appears when rubbed out. This is a soapy taste, almost a mild version of the 'floral' flavour of a Lakeland flake, but very much less pronounced. A rubbed out bowl will reveal this flavour after lighting, and then it recedes and a caramel-like flavour predominates. At the very end of the bowl the floral flavour returns for two or three puffs. If smoked when rubbed out it must be respected - little wispy sips of smoke; the 'breathe' method being just right. Exhaling through the nose is a joy with Golden Sliced. I still think it needs to be smoked in a pipe uncontaminated with non-Virginias, and a little old meerschaum of mine is getting new attention with these slices.

The one I got is 50g pouch package, which is not listed above. However it's not impacting the quality. Gloden leaf, sweety smell, dry enough for one match light.

I used to roll the weed without rub-it-out, which results in a slow, mild and cool breezing. Personally, I hate the final 1/3 that is smoky and full of nicotine.

During the whole process, an acid taste in the background.

It's good to keep some.

If you want a good pressed VA, stick to McCranies Red Flake, Rattray's Marlin Flake or go for the stoved Blacwoods Flake or Black Virginia.

The VA is really good, almost great-on the light side, sweet, smooth, starts and finishes well, no real high light notes but no woody harshness either.

The burley is bland. This blend tastes as if Dunhill?s Light Flake had been blended with Carter Hall. C.H. is OK too, just very dry, bland and a little acrid. This very slight acrid taste is what I believe caused some of the previous references to a cigarette smell/taste.

Middle of the road for good tobacco, yes I could smoke it all day, if I didn?t have 4 other tins open.

Definite 3 star, not 4.

I rate this tobacco 7.5 out of 10

************************************************************ update 11/9/04 Every time I return to this tobacco my opinion changes. It keeps getting better. This blend is wonderful. Smooth, lots of smoke, no tongue bite, easy flavor-an all day type, not overpowering but definitely there. I can see why some might not enjoy this blend as the flavors are subtle. This blend is definitely in my top 5 Virginia blends. It is not for everybody, but from the reviews one can see most people DO enjoy. 41/2 stars.

Try the Strong Dark Kentucky if you think Orlik can't make a memorable blend.

Addendum,9/04: Over the years, I've traded tobaccos and opinions with upwards of fifty on-line acquaintances, and I still receive packages on a fairly regular basis from folks who would like my comments on a particular blend they've "discovered". For some inexplicable reason, I receive more samples or Orlik's Golden Sliced than any other blend. I appreciate the offerings, and am honored that someone would expend the time and effort to ask my opinion, but enough, already. Please- no more OGS. I can't think of a well known, highly reviewed bleand from a major producer that has LESS overall appeal.

This is obviously a well-made tobaacco, but it is far too mild for me and it reminds me of the cigarettes I smoked for two and a half decades. I must beg to differ with the reviewer who said this has no burley; my 100g tin specifically refers to the burley, and that burley flavor dominates over the Virginas for me. It definitely has less tongue bite than most Va flakes I've tried, but that can't make up for the light (albeit true tobacco)taste.

As an attorney with no aspirations for an appointment to the bench, I do not feel compelled to join all of the shrewd judges for whom this blend is required smoking. If anyone wants to send me an email at mmcnamee@mn.rr.com I will be happy to send you the remainder of my 100g tin!

The flakes unrub very well and the taste is citrusy/grassy, with not too much sweetness, and some slight smokiness. Rather mild, IMHO. It burns very well, with almost no wetness, at a steady slow pace with little need for relights, and gets more complex towards the bottom

For me it's not a memorable tobacco: not bad, but way too mild and I don't appreciate much the grassy notes. I suspect that if you like Dunhill's Light Flake, you could easily like this one, too. When dried, the flavor intensifies, amplifying the grassy notes.

The more I smoke this blend, the more I like it. Those who call it simple or boring probably have not spent enough time with it. The flavor is subtle but very pleasant, with citrus notes and warm darker Virginia tastes. I find it a comforting smoke that is particularly good in hot weather. If you like Virginia flakes, you will enjoy this one.

Excellent quality VA-based flake without the harsh bite and casing.

Beautiful tobacco. I've read various descriptions of this tobacco over the years that has mentioned perique and burley - but on this particular tin it only says virginia.

This blend can be provoked to bite. I prefer to roll up part of a flake and put it in the bowl and then top the rolled piece with some finely rubbed out "shavings" just to get it all going.

What I love about this blend is the taste. This is a refreshing tobacco to me and has that "woody" virginia flavor that I so enjoy.

I smoke this in smaller bowled pipes and while I couldn't smoke it all day (it would end up biting my tongue off, I do very much appreciate this for what it is. Sublime!

I have had two tins of OGS on hand for about 4 years that I haven't touched for at least 3 years. Today seemed a good day to reaquaint myself with this blend as I used to use it for a morning smoke due to its light almost unnoticeable flavor. While others have said that there is no burley in this blend, the tin does mention burley, although I don't know the context as I can't read Danish or whatever language it is written in. Go figure.

On to the tobacco itsself. It is indeed light and pleasant, if somewhat bland. There may or may not be any burley in this blend, but something sure does taste like it. However I don't notice any anise. Someone mentioned that this tobacco likes a smaller bowl and I would agree with the addition that it seems to like a bowl that is fairly small at the heel as well.

All in all, a good smoke, but a bit too bland to qualify as an all day smoke for me.

As always, YMMV, don't hold me responsible if as a result of this review you find your pipe fouled, sullied, rendered less smokeable or posessed by demons from your trying this tobacco.

This is plain VA, i know some of the other reviewers mentioned both Burley and Périque. This flake contains none of the above i'm afraid. I asked Orlik Tobacco Company if it was true; i have seen several online tobacconists describe the blend as a mix of VA and Burley. Their answer: "Pure Virginia". With all due respect to my fellow reviewers' taste buds i wouldn't dream of being gleeful, this is only plain info.

It has a very unusual topping i think. I detected notes of aniseed, citrus and Earl Grey Tea (bergamot). It packs and burns very well, and i tend to rub it slightly to keep chunks in between. This gives me a much more complex smoke.

I really hope that some of you are able to find an international supplier for the other blends from Orlik. They're all here in Denmark, and i think it's a shame that people from the US don't have a single chance to get hold of the other blends from Orlik. (see tobaccoreviews.com) Most of these blends are just as good (sometimes even better)as MacBaren's products, but without that famous burn!

Golden Slices are the epitome of Danish flake tobacco, but there are other Danish flakes that are even better, i think.

I have smoked this in several sizes of bowls and enjoyed it's sweetness in my Peterson Prince. As the tobacco burned down towards the bottom the sweetness became even more enticing, with just the right amount of Burley added, I found no tongue bite with a cool a smoke.

Even though I only smoke this on occasion it could become one of my favorite all day tobaccos with very little persuasion.

When I smoked this in my Stokkebye with the larger bowl the taste was not as sweet, it burned a little hotter making it a little harsh on the tongue.

Smoke it slow, enjoy it longer

Opening the tin and looking in, you'll see this meticulously woven "tobacco". Like a young maiden's golden hair. How pretty she is..... without any perfumes or cosmetics. How naturally stunning she seems. No fake anything. Just plain "tobacco"!!!

I would have buried my nose into her to catch some scent of something but was afraid of messing up her hair...... I mean the "tobacco".!!!

As I tasted her, she was ever so slightly sweet but natural. Smooth, soft,..."tobacco". Dominate Virginia with a touch of Burley.

Just plain "tobacco"......... I married her.

Visual: Nothing terribly noteworthy about the appearance of this flake tobacco. Chestnut brown with a few gold streaks through it. These flakes were a little thicker than I am used to, but I liked that.

Texture: The flakes were coated with a dusting of sugar crystals, and had to be pulled apart. Once in hand for rubbing, thay had a very leathery feel, and resisted the first fold before rubbing out nicely into a pile of short strings.

Pack/Pipe: I packed this just a little firmer than my usual flake technique, meaning just a bit over gravity fed. Although I smoked this tin in my entire VA pipe rotation, it really took to a pair of Nording freehands, and a conical bowled Von Erck. It was still enjoyable in a half dozen Ashton xx pots & apples, but seemed to like taller bowls better.

Lighting/Burn: When fresh, this occasionaly took three matches to get rolling well, but once the tin had been open for a couple of weeks, the lighting was typical - One match to char, and one to get almost all the way to the bottom. I usually needed one final match to smoke the last 1/8th of the bowl. Nice slow burn, with temperatures remaining high throughout the bowl.

1st 3rd: After lighting, there was a little bit of bitterness to get through, but after the first 2 mintes, we are underway with a suprisingly tangy and flavorful smoke. I guess I wasn't expecting so much VA tang with a heavy Burley content, and was pleasantly surprised.

2nd 3rd: Heat reached it's highest levels here. not so much on the tongue as it was bowl heat. The flavor is fairly consistent with the tang just slightly muted and the Burley coming through strong. Great amounts of smoke with this blend.

Final 3rd: Tang is still there, and the smoke has cooled a bit. Still lots of white/blue smoke rolling off the bowl, and plenty in the mouth. This blend seldom became unpleasant at the bottom which is a big plus in my book. Leaves a fine white ash that packs down firmly in the bottom of the bowl.

Notes: Considering I had already presumed Golden Sliced to be a mediocre smoke, with taste most resembling a cigarette.I was pleasantly surprised. As a matter of fact, the last flake was the best. I usually am ready to move on by the end of the tin, but this one left me wanting more. Considering this tin was 5 years old when I opened it, I better pick some up for 2008!

Stogie rating: 8 Pristine Punch

I let it dry out quite a bit; a freshly opened tin will sit on my desk for at least two days, before I fill a bowl with it. This increases the spiciness. I can understand why this is (allegedly) the most popular tobacco in Denmark. It is perfect for a windy outdoor smoke and will not let you down ever, even if it rained and you relight the bowl after a couple of hours inside. The taste is smooth with hints of honey, anise or licorice. Sometimes it reminds me of caraway ("Kuemmel"). Give it a try.

If you like pure tobacco taste that carries just a tiny hint of sweetness, then this stuff will work for you. It contains enough nicotine to satisfy the most ardent veteran, and because it does taste like tobacco, I suggest that aromatic fanciers look elsewhere.

Because it is a flake, it can be rubbed out to any degree you like. The slices are just a tad on the moist side, so, some may prefer to let it air out a bit before smoking. I like to fully rub my flake tobacco and find the 'baccy dries quicker that way.

If you want a light and flavorful tobacco tasting smoke that can be enjoyed all day long, then look here. If you want something sweeter and less tobaccoyee, then look elsewhere.

As an afterthought, this tobacco is extremely tolerant of relights. Just this evening, I allowed a bowl of tobacco to sit on my desk for five hours before attempting to relight it. Mellow and enjoyable, just as before. ************************************** Update: I am a Canadian living in Taiwan. Most of my days here are great. There are, however, some extremely unpleasant days. Today, for instance. So, upon completing my classes, I visited a local karaoke bar with some friends. I decided to indulge some vices. I enjoyed a good cigar, some wonderful Wilson's cherry menthol snuff, and, finally, a bowlful of Golden Sliced. I didn't take much care in rubbing it out or in packing, but this tobacco delivered a glorious, mellow smoke. A bad day has been mended. This is good baccy.

This can be smoked rolled or rubbed out. I prefer to rub it out. It can be rubbed out to a coarse cut all the way down to a cigarette cut. Smoking flavor is a medium Virgina with a mild lemon flavor with some peppery moments. The burley in the blend is noticeable and helps tame any tendency towards tongue bite. During the smoke, it tastes like straight Virginia tobacco with burley fading in and out. Nicotine content is decent. There is a mild zing when blown out through the nose. Taste varies throughout the bowl, as the Virginia and the Burley dance back and forth. It does gain a bit of strength near the end. If kept on the dry side, it burns clean to the bottom of the bowl, with no dottle, to a whitish gray ash. Room aroma is cigarette like. It is part of my regular tobacco rotation. I plan to always have some around.

Tin aroma: The tin emits a tart aroma with a subtle, creamy undertone. I?m looking for the smell of Virginias here as promised by the description provided by the distributor, but mostly what I?m picking out seems to be a flavoring of some kind. Appearance: Wide strips of mottled flake, looking to my eyes something like beef jerky. The tobacco is mostly brown in color, with flecks of darker browns and gold evident in the strips.

Packing: Getting these flakes down to bits that are easily packed requires some effort. Perhaps this is why so many enjoy rolling the flake up to put into the bowl.

Initial flavor: The match touches the leaf and hey, presto! Here is that floral/soapy flavor I?ve heard about from other pipe smokers. Evident also is the sweet sharpness expected from the Virginias.

I?m looking now for the spicy note of Perique, but it doesn?t seem to be available, even when the smoke is exhaled through the nose. There isn?t any Burley flavor I can pick out, unless this is what carries the soap.The tobacco doesn?t seem to want to stay lit.

Mid bowl: The tobacco has settled into a nice, even burn. The soapy flavor has abated somewhat, but is still in very much in evidence. The Virginia flavor is somewhat full, but unexciting. The soapy flavoring is too much competition, I think for the normally delicate flavor of Virginia tobacco.

The Perique makes itself known with the occasional zesty note across the palate.

Just past the midway point, in the midst of a not-very-aggressive bout of puffing, the pipe begins to overheat at the same time a feeling of light-headedness makes the nicotine content of this blend known. Time to set the pipe down for a rest.

The relight brings a nice rush of sweet Virginia flavor, the first really outstanding Virginia taste in the bowl so far. The soap quickly makes a comeback, though.

Final: The tang and sweetness of the Virginia tobacco has now moved just slightly ahead of the soap, but the smoke has become very hot. The zesty Perique continues to make itself known by littles, but doesn?t add much to the smoking experience.

I have looked for Burley flavor throughout the bowl and have not been able to find it. That is, again, unless this is what is carrying the soap flavor.

The tobacco has burned hot through the entire final third of the bowl without regard to my puffing technique.

The tobacco burns down to a rough dark ash.

Summary: I believe that the soapy/floral flavor provided by this tobacco could become an acquired taste. However, I don?t intend to put in the time and effort that it would take to acquire it. The soap too much overwhelms the Virginia flavor and the tobacco is too ill behaved for me.

If you?re looking for a nice Virginia/Perique blend, look elsewhere. There are many other Virginia/Perique blends out there, and some of them are legendary. This one is not.

Tin Aroma: Very sweet, almost cloyingly so. There seems to be some sort of perfume-like undertone, but I cannot nail it down exactly.

Physical Charateristics: wide flakes, mottled in color. Dryer than most, but not crumbly. Rubs out well, and rolls pretty well also. I prefer it rubbed out, so as to use the gravity method of filling. It rubs out into longish strips that need some tearing/cutting to really use the gravity method.

First Light: A burst of sweet virginia flavor, an enormous cloud of white smoke, and we're off to the races. A good sweet virginia, with a pleasant amount of body.

Notes: This is probably the only virginia blend that I can smoke without worrying about whether or not I am going to fry my mouth with it.