Astley's - No.109 Virginia Flake pipe tobacco reviews

Review

Please log in to add or edit a review. If you do not have an account yet, you can sign up for one here.

Reviewed By:	Date:	Strength:	Flavoring:	Taste:	Room Note:	Recommendation:
< PREVIOUS Showing reviews 21 through 40 of 50 reviews of this tobacco NEXT >
jackhackett	12/14/2005	Medium	None detected	Medium	Pleasant to Tolerable
Astley's 109 is a well-behaved little number that I believe has more complexity than other reviewers here seem to have found; its construction is odd (though this may be inherent to all Astley blends---this is the first blend in their line I have tried) but really does work very well in terms of being manageable and keeping lit easily. There is more sweetness than savoriness here; the VA note is strong and clear though certainly not overwhelming by any means. It is, after all, supposed to be "mild and mellow" and that is a fair and decent description. Overall, 109 is an enjoyable blend with good manners that could easily be an all-day smoke.
Reviewed By:	Date:	Strength:	Flavoring:	Taste:	Room Note:	Recommendation:
Tiepolo	12/13/2005	Mild	None detected	Mild to Medium	Pleasant to Tolerable
Well this is not my after dinner smoke but let's do it some justice. It is extremely tasty with absolutely no bite. A tobacco that every virginia lover ought to try.
Reviewed By:	Date:	Strength:	Flavoring:	Taste:	Room Note:	Recommendation:
Devonshire	09/07/2005	Very Mild	None detected	Mild	Pleasant to Tolerable
This is certainly a mild and mellow Virginia blend... in fact, a little too mild for my taste. That's really my only complaint with this well rounded mixture. I'll be sticking to Hal O' the Wynd as I like a little more fullness with my tobacco.
Reviewed By:	Date:	Strength:	Flavoring:	Taste:	Room Note:	Recommendation:
Lochinvar	08/12/2005	Mild	None detected	Mild	Pleasant
This is my favorite tobacco from Astley's. It is not the strongest or sweetest Virginia on the block. However for an all day Virginia or to give your senses a breather, this is a fine blend. I usually keep a tin or two around.
Reviewed By:	Date:	Strength:	Flavoring:	Taste:	Room Note:	Recommendation:
Spike	07/01/2005	Medium	None detected	Mild to Medium	Tolerable
A long dark ribbon flake that comes rolled in the tin like Orlicks Golden. Darker than I anticipated with light streaks. A very pleasant medium Virginia. I give three and three quarter stars.
Reviewed By:	Date:	Strength:	Flavoring:	Taste:	Room Note:	Recommendation:
Ian Weeks	12/18/2004	Mild	Very Mild	Medium	Pleasant to Tolerable
After much reflection on this blend and a full 50 g. tin I just don't get this blend. I don not dislike it, and I certainly love VA's, and am partial to them in fact. It reminded me of Marlin Flake in appearance, but the smoke that it renders doesn't please me as much. I did not find any bite in the smoke despite, I might mention, that it was VERY moist in the tin. And come to think of it the tin note is delicious. I would like to come across a tin of this that has aged for 5 or 10 years, I imagine that would be a real treat, but as for this weed as sold and in all it's splendor I will not keep in my rotation, and haven't the patience to cellar on my own. I cannot say that this is not a great weed, for it has recieved much acclaim by many a respected reviewer, but it is not for me. Update, Astleys No. 109 Well I have stumbled across another tin of this weed. As chance would have it I took this as an opportunity to uncover secrets that I had not previously found. I failed. I wonder if this blend is if the sorts that will open up and smooth out with age. Perhaps what I look for in a Virginia blend is different than other connoisseurs, but I feel that with such splendors as Marlin Flake, Full Virginia Flake, and Light Flake that this weed does not sound a resonance that holds its own.
Reviewed By:	Date:	Strength:	Flavoring:	Taste:	Room Note:	Recommendation:
LoisKelly	10/31/2004	Medium	None detected	Medium to Full	Pleasant to Tolerable
I find this tobacco to have a singular ability to evolve in the pipe. The first ten minutes or so are totally underwhelming, leaving one to consider if it was worth purchasing. Ho hum. After puffing away for a time, it begins to grow in both body and flavor until I find myself completely immersed in the experience. By bowl's end, I'm pining for more. Lush without flamboyance, round without bloat, No. 109 has a long, lingering finish worthy of a Pauillac. I place it at the very top of a short list of the finest Va flakes available. I would never consider it for a quick, short smoke, but whenever I have the time to give it its due, it's mighty hard to beat. This blend is to Virgina flake what GLP is to English mixtures. *********Addendum, 10/04- A man once paid a visit to the famed gourmet Brillat-Savarin, and was advised by servants that he was busy enjoying his dinner. The man waited patiently, noting that it was 7:00PM. He found this odd, as it was common knowledge that the great epicure would dine religiously at 4:00. When finally greeted by his host, he could not help but make mention of this, whereupon Brillat-Savarin responded that he had, indeed, eaten at 4:00, but, as correctly pointed out by his staff, was "enjoying" his meal. As I write, I am enjoying a bowl of 109, consumed approximately three hours ago.
Reviewed By:	Date:	Strength:	Flavoring:	Taste:	Room Note:	Recommendation:
Mr. Dottle	10/12/2004	Mild to Medium	Mild	Medium	Pleasant to Tolerable
So what?s wrong with a tobacco that?s ?mild and mellow? and advertises itself as such? Absolutely nothing. This is a delightful, exceedingly good Virginia blend and a nice change of pace from heavier, full-bodied blends. This is a great morning smoke or even an all day smoke for some. It may be one-dimensional but it doesn?t bite. I like it much better than Astley?s #44. I rate this tobacco 9.8 out of 10.
Reviewed By:	Date:	Strength:	Flavoring:	Taste:	Room Note:	Recommendation:
Esoxhunter	09/04/2004	Medium	Mild	Medium	Pleasant to Tolerable
September 2004 No. 109 is a very mild Virginia blend, and I did like the touch of sweetness that I haven't seen in a lot of other Virginias. However, it simply did not pack enough punch for me. Give me some Perique with my Virginia flake, please! The "Mild and Mellow" descriptor on the tin is definitely accurate. I did like the sweet and sour tin aroma, and the flake cut was beautiful.
Reviewed By:	Date:	Strength:	Flavoring:	Taste:	Room Note:	Recommendation:
BostonPipe	06/26/2004	Mild to Medium	None detected	Mild to Medium	Pleasant to Tolerable
Well, another "Winner" from Astley's. With so many descriptions of the tobacco, I'll keep my remarks to the actual experience. The taste runs consistent the length of the bowl. I find this Virginian to be a great Summer smoke. The subtle natural sweetness combined with the citrus note is just a delight on a hot day in particular. It burns down to a grey/white ash with very little dottle. I find with tamping the run of the bowl, I do not need a single relight.
Reviewed By:	Date:	Strength:	Flavoring:	Taste:	Room Note:	Recommendation:
Exedwardsguy	06/10/2004	Mild	Mild	Mild to Medium	Pleasant
Astley?s 109? where to begin with this enfant terrible of the Virginia flake circuit? The word paradox only begins to describe this gorgeously made flake. The standard Astley?s tin is presented this time in tan with jolly nice red print. The flakes are thinly sliced, but longish and folded over in multiples. The tobacco is a visually attractive mix of younger yellows and slightly more mature browns. The tin aroma is, to my sense, simply one of brown sugar. The flake rubs out well and packs nicely, though a bit moist. The charring light takes some patience due to the moisture - 2 Vestas for sure. Once things get under way, though, the aromas and flavors are unimpeachable. One tastes the brown sugar among the usual but slightly rounded grassy Virginia flavor. At this point, a fine light version of the extremely venerable No 44. Then something very bad happens. Slightly before mid-bowl, heat builds up and a fetid pong emerges ? I know, some blandly refer to this as ?Lea and Perrins? flavor ? I can imagine the ingenuous smile as they describe it as such, but in my personal hell, it brings to mind freshly opened tins of Vienna sausage, just popped jars of strained peas, and potted meats from days of yore when Kraft Macaroni Dinner and Jello brand gelatin molds epitomized la nouvelle cuisine. I cast about desperately for the delightful flavors that began this adventure. Miracle of miracles, they re-emerge, slightly darker and even more rounded in the final third of the bowl. The L&P flavor is but an early morning nightmare, fleeting and washed away by the dawn. The semi-sweetness of tawny port develops toward the end, subtly endowing the mild Virginia flavors with a delicious darkness? utterly unexpected and utterly exquisite. The whole thing winds up in a fine dry ash. If you are one who doesn?t mind the flavor described as ?meaty?, or ?Lea & Perrins? I can see how this would become one of your favorites, as it is sublime for me as well (excepting the brief funk), and I debate each time whether or not to endure the slightly queasy interval I know is inevitable, for the sake of the delights that embrace it. Usually I go for it!
Reviewed By:	Date:	Strength:	Flavoring:	Taste:	Room Note:	Recommendation:
JClark	04/20/2004	Mild	None detected	Mild	Pleasant
For the most part, I agree with all the positive comments already posted about this flake. I find this smokes best thoroughly rubbed, and dried out. The taste is mild, slightly sweet, and at the same time sort of deep and earthy. At times these flakes are so mild that they are almost tasteless and are a bit like smoking hot air. However, at other times they are very flavorfull in a mildly subtle way. All and all a very good mild virginia flake that I keep on hand for occasions that I'm in the mood for something a bit lighter, milder. I would like to add one gripe about this tobacco. I don't doubt that the contents of the tin would actually register 50 grams on a scale, however, the tobacco comes so moist that once it is thoroughly dried, the smokeable tobacco you are left with is far less than 50 grams. Once dry the 50 grams is probably more like 25 - 30 grams which makes this a fairly expensive tobacco for regular consumption.
Reviewed By:	Date:	Strength:	Flavoring:	Taste:	Room Note:	Recommendation:
Nojoqui	02/24/2004	Mild to Medium	Extremely Mild	Mild to Medium	Pleasant to Tolerable
I love the smell of Number 109 on opening a fresh tin. Although Dark Star is my favorite Virginia flake, this one smell a hundred times better. It looks a heck of a lot better to boot! The top note and half way through the bowl aren't what I'd call outstanding, but it does get a grip on you after working your way down the bowl. The taste improves significantly in the second half. It's never over sweet, just a pleasant relaxing smoke. I find this tobacco easy to use, especially compared to some other Virginia flakes. If you crumble a load and let it dry out for a day or two, there is no trouble getting the charring light or any wetness. This is one Virginia where little or no pipe cleaner use is necessary. Although I prefer a little Perique mixed in with my Virginias, for a straight air cured version this can't be beat. I'm finding myself smoking this blend more and more as a day's starter, and think it might be a great Summer smoke to relax outside with. Astley's Number 109 wouldn't work in the evening for me because I'm a constant wanderer through a fog of English/Balkans when the sun sets. I like smaller Canadians for this one because I want to get to that second half where the flavor jumps out. Still there is no hurry to finish this great tobacco, and a second bowl is always welcome! Great stuff from K&K, as usual!
Reviewed By:	Date:	Strength:	Flavoring:	Taste:	Room Note:	Recommendation:
flint	01/01/2004	Mild to Medium	Mild	Mild to Medium	Pleasant to Tolerable
I purchased this based upon the reviews and it's not bad but I had a hard time keeping it lit. It also stayed moist for the longest time without any help. The tin aroma has almost a fermented grape like essence and the flavor does have a Lea and Perrins note. Another thing you'll notice when smoking 109 is a beefy/meaty taste really nice. I finally got it to work one time and it was great but these moments are far and few. Maybe my tin was too young, I have another one aging and will update this review when I pop that one open.
Reviewed By:	Date:	Strength:	Flavoring:	Taste:	Room Note:	Recommendation:
Briarabbit	12/30/2003	Mild to Medium	Mild	Medium	Pleasant to Tolerable
Another good broken Virginia flake, ruined by too much casing. Opening the tin the tobacco looks like Marlin Flake,but smells like a candy factory. The tobacco isn't bad by no means,it's actually good,but not what I expected it to be. The casing I expect to be Licorice,and something else,not sure. My taste buds didn't like this one.I'll give it another chance and report back down the road.
Reviewed By:	Date:	Strength:	Flavoring:	Taste:	Room Note:	Recommendation:
Daniel Morlan	11/21/2003	Very Mild	None detected	Mild	Pleasant to Tolerable
Given that this is such a popular tobacco, I spent my own dime to try it. I was hoping for something other than what I got, I'm afraid. We all have our tastes, and I couldn't taste this one at all until I neared the middle of the bowl. Its sweetness isn't apparent until the latter half. It's a very wet smoke, and while I enjoyed the flavor towards the end, it didn't strike me as a "come and get me" tobacco. I'm sure it's a fine tobacco, but regrettably, it's not my "thing." I'm sorry to bring the average score down, but alas... My tastes differ. My favorite full-bodied blend is McClelland's Dominican Glory with maduro. You may or may not like it, and can qualify my opinion based on that. It was smooth, and elegant tasting to be sure, but it's just not my sunrise. This piper gives this a 3 out of 5. Pleasant winds to ye all. ====UPDATE!==== Had some of this stuff aged, and thought it was superb. Nice tang, subtle sweetness... Didn't burn my tongue to a crisp this time. A very pleasant smoke! DJM
Reviewed By:	Date:	Strength:	Flavoring:	Taste:	Room Note:	Recommendation:
Albion 1956	11/05/2003	Mild	None detected	Medium	Pleasant
I ran out of my other Virginia flake, so I bought a tin of this, and I'm glad I did. Tobacco comes moist, as most do from K&K, and the flakes are folded into 5" slices, no problem, I pulled one off and let it air out out. The tobacco has that nice natural smell, and packing was like most rubbed out flakes. Charring light took two matches probably still a tad moist, and we went along, a tasty Virginia with no bite, unless you smoke like a freight train. This stuff is great, I haven't been this exicted about a Va flake since I tried FVF. I wanted another bowl after I finished my first, which is what I did. Good Stuff.
Reviewed By:	Date:	Strength:	Flavoring:	Taste:	Room Note:	Recommendation:
Pounder 5000	10/02/2003	Mild to Medium	None detected	Mild to Medium	Pleasant to Tolerable
I'm not sure if I got a bad tin or what, but I had problems with tongue bite. I let the tin dry out thoroughly before smoking it, and still it had some nip. I had to really watch my smoking technique to enjoy this, and I smoke VA flakes all the time! That said, this is a pleasant flake with some complexity to it. It did remind me of Marlin Flake in a muted sort of way. Personally I like a little more taste in my Virginia. Oh well, to each his own. For the price I doubt I'll buy another tin, although I just might if the "bad batch" theory seems to carry any merit. In the meantime I will stick with Marlin, or No. 27.
Reviewed By:	Date:	Strength:	Flavoring:	Taste:	Room Note:	Recommendation:
Skilling	08/12/2003	Medium	None detected	Mild to Medium	Pleasant to Tolerable
Forgive me if I steal from the above reviewers. "Upon opening the tin, I found a rich, dark Virginia flake in folded strips. There was also the tangy smell of uncased Virginia leaf, but only distantly, and the tang never showed itself at the match." (It looks similar) ..."to RATTRAY's Marlin Flake, which it resembles closely, although this is less peaty (by which I mean those bittersweet edges found in whiskey that has been filtered in charcoal) smoother." Similar= texture and folded strips. The 109 that I have been smoking is darker (brindel brown) where as, Marlin is a olive-copper hue. 109 is richer and smokier in taste then Marlin but still smooth. I've been smoking it quite regular lately and it could become a favorite. As Marlin already is. A very good Virginia!
Reviewed By:	Date:	Strength:	Flavoring:	Taste:	Room Note:	Recommendation:
NEWMAN	08/06/2003	Mild to Medium	None detected	Medium	Pleasant
Although my tin was marked as made in Germany, there was no indication that Kohlhacs & Kopp was the blender as with other of the Astleys tobaccos that I've enjoyed. I thought that A&C Petersen,indicated above, was in Denmark. Whoever the blender, they did a great job and I was not disappointed. My dark brown flakes were almost 6" long and folded into the round tin. Packing, lighting and the lack of relights were excellent even thought the tin moisture content was higher than expected. A rich, but smooth, naturally sweet, cool smoke, this blend didn't even hint of bite from start to finish. It is just as advertised but a bit mild for my normal tastes as an all day event. However, in hot weather or as my first smoke of the day, it's a pleasure. Although I personally prefer the added strength of their #44, I still had to give this the highest available rating for a good high quality VA flake. Try some.
< PREVIOUS Showing reviews 21 through 40 of 50 reviews of this tobacco NEXT >