Packing: Just twisted and mashed about 1 inch of it, then stuffed it in the pipe. Lit easily. The belt of tobacco was soft and supple.

Aroma & Taste: Sometimes it was similar to the tin aroma, and sometimes it had a smoky astringency, accompanied by a constant stinginess-bite, maybe from the flavor treatment.

Nicotine: not a lot

Room Note: not bad

Overall: Charlie Atwood's and Dr. Scott's reviews provide some insight on flavoring. Burley is commonly used to drink up flavor juices. Due to the constant sting and bite, it might be better classified as an aromatic.

I like to pack this flake vertically in a smallish pipe with a touch rubbed out on top, but I have also found that rubbing a bit out and placing it in the bowl first with bits of cubes cut from the flake on top works wonders as well.

Upon charring light there is an immediate toasted rye bread sweetness and a firm spice. I find this flake to have a smooth body yet also a lively mouth feel, as well as a perfect balance between the sweet, sour, & the perique spice attributes that one finds in this genre of tobacco.

As the bowl progresses and the primary flavors develop. I get a sour flavor on the tongue with a complex spiciness that is somewhat earthy, almost like charred smoked poblano peppers in vinegar. Other flavors present are caraway seed, black pepper, and an edgy citrus note that is more lemony than orange.

Around mid smoke LGF remains very cool and sweet however the flavors become deeper and more firm. A pungent piquancy and tang comes forth, supported by a smooth honey like essence and the scent of the exhaled smoke is reminiscent of highway grass fire. Altogether LGF is a soft, supple, full creamy smoke. The white burley adds a bit of a nicotine kick and rounds out the mouth feel nicely. Each time I smoke this I put the pipe down incredibly satisfied.

Unlike some Vapers the flavors of LGF are surprisingly calm, mellow and unified. LGF is also very well behaved - no moisture problems, overheating, and no bite.

Altogether Long Golden Flake is a thoroughly satisfying, nicely presented tobacco. Definitely a true reference blend in its class.

Highly recommended

The taste is of a medium bodied VA with enough burly and perique to mellow, smooth, and add body to the VA taste. Good quality tobacco.

Unlike many VA/Per blends there is not enough perique to evoke that "plummy" tin aroma or a nose tingling sensation, but enough to compliment the Va flavor. Descriptions of licorice flavoring and aroma are very puzzling to me, unless the perique is being mistaken for a topping.

I smoke 2-3 tins a year (cost), aged 5+ years.

Looks like a leather belt and comes rolled up in a nifty paint can. I fully rub it out.

It's a busy-body tobacco that pipe snobs seem to enjoy, with all kinds of things going on in the flavor department. Licorice is pretty dominant to my palate, but there's also hay or grassiness. It's also pretty spicy.

To me, it's just too busy to enjoy on a regular basis. I smoke pipes for flavor and relaxation and don't want to be overwhelmed or constantly distracted. I can tell this is quality stuff and I find it nice on occasion.

I'm about at the end of my paint can (it has lasted over two years) and most likely won't get a replacement. There are other tobaccos I'm interested in or always want to have on hand. I'm glad I bought the can, however, and glad I smoked it, but I can easily live without it.

It came moist but ready to smoke. Compared to other Virginia flakes, it's complex. It has a long, sweet finish. It has that rich tobacco flavor with subtle hints of grass and spice. The flavor was medium strength and very satisfying to the palette. Room note was that of moderately rich tobacco. No doubt some aging on this will improve it considerably and increase it's complexity. Is it expensive? A little more than most but compared to the $15 per cigar I'm accustomed to, the price is acceptable for a great product.

Having just recently tried orlick golden sliced it was interesting how closely related these two tobaccos seemed to be. Whatever flavoring is added (be it discreetly) is nearly the same! LGF has the addition of perique which adds a little complexity.. but both blended flakes are quite good and in the same profile as far as I am concerned.. I guess the novelty of the reiner presentation along with the perique give it a very slight edge.

Now for the review. Upon opening the tin I found a nicely coiled belt of tobacco of a predominantly golden color with darker flecks throughout. Its tin aroma immediately reminded me of Orlik's Golden Slice but was more orange-forward. The hint of OGS's lemon was present, retaining its Bergamot character - just not as stong. I detected no traditional aroma associated with Perique. The moisture content was just right for smoking. A small piece of flake broke off one end and came apart quite readily. Tearing off a wad and packing without rubbing out is how I usually smoke this as I prefer not top rub out my flakes. Lighting was easy and I required one re-light after the initial two lights to start. The taste, for me, was similar to Orlik GS, but a bit stronger and fuller in character all around. I attribute this to the fine Burley used. As I am not a Perique fan, with Reiner's LGF I found the Perique wasn't as over the top as with some blends, nor was it musty. It added a very enjoyable spice-like presence (which good Virginia leaf can do on its own). The additional spiciness is all that set the two apart. Reiner's never smoked hot, nor did it produce any bite or moisture. With slow smoking, I also detected the presence of licorice. The aftertaste is a pleasant, honey/orange.

A very well put together flake. Final note: very much like Orlik's Golden Slice but not quite Virginia forward (but close), as the toppings can mute the Virginias for me. As some reviewers have noted a medicinal-like taste, I think what they are experiencing is the licorice in this (not off-putting for me, personally). It may serve as an everyday smoke for some, but I feel Orlik's Golden Slice edges LGF out in this regard. As I am not a huge fan of Perique, I would have to say that with LGF it is just the right amount to add that nice spiciness to the smoke, and not over the top. If I didn't know it was there, I can't honestly say I would have been able to detect it. Although I reach for OGS more regularly, LGF is still a superb tobacco.

UPDATE 3-11-12: I just finished off an 18 month old tin. This noticeably improves with age. I have another unopened tin from 8-1-11 that I will let sit until it reaches at least one year before opening.

Absolutely outstanding, probably the first must-be in my rotation. I have quite a few tins in my cellar and will have many more soon.