My first experience with flakes was entertaining. I am not sure I am even rubbing it properly, but it smokes fine all the way down upon first light so I must be doing an adequate job. I feel the sweetness of the VAs and, quite out of character for the leaf, I get no real tongue irritation.

The Nic is strong, but this only adds to this one for me. I am a fairly new smoker about six months and it is not too strong for me. I highly recommend this to anyone as it has jumped up to one of my favorites after only two bowls. I do not smoke this at work, however, thinking it might make me a bit counterproductive. I also could not imagine this as an all day smoke as it might put into a coma, but what a treat for a nightcap when I just want to sit and watch the tube. I may review this after more bowls if anything changes.

At any rate, from the first of the bowl to the last, I was captivated. I have never tasted anything like this before. This was one of the most refined tastes I have experienced. I have tried other Peterson blends (e.g., Old Dublin and Irish Oak), and I like them very much. This flake, however, is in a class all its own. In terms of taste, overall experience, and nic, Irish Flake satisfies more than any other.

I hear folks talk about smoking pipe tobacco down to a "fine white ash" with "no relights". That had never happened to me ---- until I smoked IF. It was probably a combination of the slow burn of the flake AND my appreciation and savoring of this flake.

HIGHLY, HIGHLY recommended.

When you open the tin you can smell the strength from the dark flakes. As with other Peterson blends, the contents is a little moist for my liking, but it is easy to leave out to dry it for a couple of hours. The flakes break up well if you choose to rub them out, although they are a little hard to light if you prefer to roll your flakes and place them in the bowl whole.

This blend produces a full taste with a good hit of nicotine. Even a very gentle draw can produce an impressive cloud of thick smoke. The taste, to me, remains consistent through the bowl although the strength does increase if smoked in a straight sided bowl.

This makes for a very satisfying evening smoke and if you are looking for a stronger flavor then I would recommend trying this blend/

Earlier review below....

I first tried this a couple of years ago and it's become a reliable tobacco in my rotation. For those who are new to pipe tobacco don't be discouraged by some of these reviews but do be mindful that this is a nice strong tobacco and you don't need a large bowl unless you intend to make you head swim! This gets strong as you go and is a slow burn flake that can taste peppery and I hav never experienced tongue nip. I suggest that you smoke this as an afternoon tobacco. I don't smoke in the mornings anyway as my down time is with my pipe. So, this is a fine tobacco. A strong flavour but satisfying and distinctive. I recommend but I personally don't smoke this as a frequent bac as I like a milder regular (eg: Petersons University Flake or St Bruno etc).

Go for it!

Purchased at a local B&M in an older (small) tin. Packed appearance is very neat flakes, as another reviewer noted, like very dark, oversized sticks of chewing gum. Tin aroma...dark (brown/black), slightly smoky, definitive tobacco aroma. Flakes separate easily for preparation. I don't "fold & stuff"...rubbed out a single flake and allowed to dry for 30 minutes as flakes are a bit moist (even as my tin is several months old now the flakes are drier, but still need a little drying out). I have been moving away from larger bowled pipes and for the last year or so concentrating on Grp. 2-3 bowls. Packed in a straight billiard (very solid Grp. 3) and lit with a Zippo pipe lighter - took flame fairly well, needed a touch up here and there. First quarter of bowl can be a little misleading with this tobak...you get a hint of Virginia flavor and very muted sweetness and some smoke from the Kentucky but starts quite mild. Second quarter the strength and body begin to show up. The sweetness fades and the smoke comes forward (without overwhelming or being bitter). Note that the first half bowl has taken 40 minutes to smoke...this tobak ran a bit hot from time to time (with little to no bite though, took on a somewhat acrid quality instead) and I let the pipe cool. DGT'd for a day+ and just finished second half of the bowl...sort of like hitting pause while watching a movie - picked up exactly where I left off, full, strong, but never got hot. There is a nice nic thump to be had here, but not overwhelming. I recommend this for smaller to mid-sized pipes as it is a slow burner and a full-strength blend (could easily see this being overwhelming in a Grp. 5+ pipe). I really enjoy this blend and will be adding tins to my cellar as funds permit.

This tobacco smells really good fills the room with a good aroma but it is way to strong for me I love alot of cigars but this is to much if you love strong stuff I would say grab a tin of this

It's not so strong if you rub it out or mix some Sherlock Holmes by Peterson it is actually quite nice

i give it a 3 out of 10 cause it smells good but don't let my opinion make you not try this tobacco because everyone is different

Update- this got boring quick but it will be alright to keep around for some other time.

I think the presentaion was even better in the narrower tins, but the new flatter tins seem to contain the same flakes.

Although often slightly moist, the flakes light easily and you are rewarded with a tobacco that is deliciously sweet with a hint of pepper.

There are stronger tasting tobaccos out there, but they rarely offer the same levels of interest and complexity. For me, this is an essential tobacco.