I read a lot of the reviews posted here and find most of them quite interesting and informative. When it comes to this one however, they seem to be all over the place. Although experience is limited to individuals this one seems a little extreme. That being the case, I can not help but add my, hopefully objective, 2 cents...

Bracken flake and 1792 (which I really enjoy) have very little in common. Apart from their burning characteristics and fire cured leaf they are completely different. Bracken is a medium to full bodied flake that is exceptionally smooth, earthy and has an illusive fruity sweetness. I agree that it needs to be smoked slowly as there are many flavors that can be experienced as its sipped; cherry, licorice, sweet maduro leaf and chocolate to name a few. It can also get temperamental if rushed and since I usually feel the same way, no problems there. I detect the fruitiness in the topping when smelling the flake which is similar to cherry as well as anise. Both are done conservatively in my estimation and exploit both the tanginess of the Virginia as well as the spiciness of the Kentucky respectively; brilliant blending from a great tobacco house. As the bowl progresses these flavors all intermingle in a simple yet intriguing way. Not highly complex but very delicious.

I agree that this is a strong tobacco however I find it more than manageable if smoked as intended. I also like the fact that Bracken gives the impression of an aromatic with a full tobacco flavor and presence. It does not taste like one but acts like one at times, a good one. I won't give Bracken 4 stars as I feel it is inferior to the likes of FVF and 1792 but I find it quite enjoyable and will continue to keep it in my Lakeland rotation as it just agrees with my palate. A high quality flake for the seasoned piper, recommended.

Hmm...Bracken Flake. This stuff was strong, even stronger than 1792, in my experience. I could handle it once I got used to it, but it always gave me quite the buzz. Like 1792, it came in a broken flake form, very easily rubbed out. It burns well and very cool...probably has some menthol or related element.

The flavor was nice and toasty, only slightly sweet, creamy, with some bitter cigar or black coffee flavors. As I went through the tin the darker flavors receded leaving a creamy toasty flavor and more prominence to the topping, whatever it is.

I prefer 1792, as it has more robust tobacco flavor and a sweeter topping. That being said, if you like 1792, you should try this too. Very similar.

Deep Dark flakes to match the flavors. If you've never had it, it tastes exactly like the tin aroma on the finish. It came across to me as some sort of spicy, peppery, syrup flavor.

While flavor should be the most important factor in choosing a tobac, some are just too darn fickle to deal with (like McClellands Dark Star). SG Flakes are the best in terms of preparation and smoking qualities, that all adds to the overall 4 star ranking I give Bracken Flake.

Blowfish's review is exactly on the money. The only things I'd add are, first, that the tin aroma is definitely "intimidating," as the blurb puts it. If anything, that's an understatement. The stuff smells awful: heavy, sweet, and medicinal. But the smoke is far more understated, so don't be put off.

Second, the flavor. It's surprisingly mild: a bit of prune, a bit of apricot, as much tangy as sweet. There are occasional wafts of cherry and anise in the background. But the sweetness is always light, if never exactly subtle. Once the Virginias kick in, this stuff becomes pretty delicious. I did not expect to like it, but was pleasantly surprised.

It does get bitter toward the end, so follow kilted1's advice and smoke slowly. Doing so may be difficult, though, if you like that nicotine wallop.

First, it is strong. No other way to put it. If you like delicate mild flavours look elsewhere. In the tin are dark rough cut flakes with a strong aroma - raisins, figs, aniseed, cough medicine, sweaty. Not the typical hay/grass Virginia smell at all, but not Lakeland soap either. The flakes are a little moist. After a 15 minute airing they rubbed out readily and were quite dry. Very coarse and quite difficult pack with more tobacco smell than anything else by the time it had aired.

The taste & strength is reminiscent of PIF on the first light, with a cigar-like tobacco flavour. None of the tin aroma in the smoke. Slow burning, sips nicely. This is strong stuff, but smooth with it. By half-way the Virginia sweetness is there too ? kind of a more interesting cigar flavour with a peppery finish. I do not get complexity like in FVF, but a very satisfying smoke. Still surprised to find none of the tin aroma flavours in the smoke. The nicotine level is high, with a back-of-the-mouth sensation again like a good cigar. No bite at all.

3 stars from me. I would score it higher, but it is a little too strong for my tastes.

Admittedly all these cross-references to 1792 may be a bit confusing: These are two tobaccos at completely different ends of the flavour range. It is more comparable to a fruitier Irish Flake than it's Lakeland brothers and sisters.

This is a perfect walking tobacco and one that is certainly moving onto my rotation.

There is quite a bit of powder in this keg, so if you do not tolerate blends with a healthy (and wonderful) dose of nicotine, you may want to head for lighter fare. This deep, almost black dark fired flake packs some punch. It's also too moist right out of the tin. I advise to let it air out a bit before breaking up and loading up.

Old world deep and rich flavor comes pouring out of the pipe in delightful waves of spine tingling enjoyment. I think this blend is Gawith 1792 Flake with an added flavoring that has been substituted for the Tonquin in 1792.

This one is not for those smokers with weak constitutions.

This flake was little too much for my taste. Grousemoor seems like a beginner tobacco compared to this tobacco. I am convinced I don't like the taste of Tonquin. This is still a high quality tobacco that will be suited to full flavor smokers. I'll finish the tin, but this won't be in my rotation.