Blog

9 Highest Rated Flake Cut Pipe Tobaccos

Flake tobaccos are appreciated for the choice they present to the pipe smoker and the unique smoking experience they offer. Tobacco that is already pressed into flakes gives the smoker the option to rub the leaf out to their preferred consistency, or even to employ the fold and stuff method (which, if you’re not familiar, is just what it sounds like).

This agency is more of a task to some who would rather not have any extra steps between pushing some ribbon into their pipe and lighting up. That’s fine too of course, but those who do enjoy flake for its distinction as a cut are spoiled for choice. Here, we've assembled a list of nine of the best flake tobaccos that any appreciator of pressed pipe blends ought to try!

Note: It wouldn't make much sense to have feature a blend with a perfect rating from only two reviews here, so this list is created by filtering for blends with 50 or more reviews, are currently in production, and choosing the 9 highest rated among the results. The rankings, review counts, and ratings are accurate to April 10, 2024 and will be updated periodically.

1. Mac Baren - HH Bold Kentucky

Reviews: 115 | Avg. Rating: 3.70 | Type: Virginia/Burley

This blend is a treat for the experienced pipe smoker. HH Bold Kentucky contains a high amount of the Dark Fired Kentucky from the USA and Africa. A little bright Virginia is added to soften the blend just a bit. The experience is in the leaf itself and thanks to the hot press the different tobaccos marry into a unique blend. Like all HH blends it has only the absolute minimum amount of casing and no top flavor at all, the taste comes from the leaf itself.

Mac Baren's HH Bold Kentucky stands as a bold testament to the robust depths of tobacco flavor. Renowned as one of the most potent blends available, it exudes a strength that commands attention. At its core lies the intensity of Dark Fired Kentucky tobaccos, imparting a rugged richness central to the blend. Yet, amidst this boldness, bright Virginia adds a subtle nuance.

Through the meticulous hot pressing, the rough edges are smoothed, allowing the full spectrum of flavors to emerge. This signature Mac Baren method not only enhances the blend's approachability but also elevates its richness to new heights.

2. Solani-660: Silver Flake

Reviews: 125 | Avg. Rating: 3.65 | Type: Virginia Based

Ripe dark red Virginias and a good portion of dark fired Kentucky. Noble delight. Long flake slices.

Solani 660: Silver Flake epitomizes the masterful blending expertise of R. L. Will, the visionary behind the esteemed Solani and Reiner brands. Will conceived of the Solani line as a selection of blends utilizing mature tobacco leaf with minimal additives.

At the heart of this distinguished blend lies a selection of Virginia leaf giving natural sweetness and rich undertones of dark fruit. Complementing the Virginia's sweetness is the bold presence of Kentucky tobacco, imparting a captivating floral smokiness that adds depth and character. Its subtle spice further enhances the complexity of Silver Flake.

3. Mac Baren - HH Burley Flake

Reviews: 80 | Avg. Rating: 3.63 | Type: Burley Based

A Burley dominated flake containing tobaccos from 3 continents. Besides Burley, this flake also contains ripe Virginia tobaccos and a small portion of Dark Fired Kentucky.

HH Burley from Mac Baren is a favorite among a genre for which many of the celebrated mixtures are either no longer available or seem to be scarcely available—blends like Wessex Burley Slice and Solani Aged Burley Flake. HH Burley joins these fellow inheritors of the Edgeworth Sliced tradition as a particularly natural Burley flake.

The Burley gives the subtle cocoa taste. The depth expands and a full flavor of nutty woodiness fills the profile. Kentucky leaf brings a spice that is, while minor, a wonderful and important characteristic of the blend. This blend is a testament to the complexity that Burley leaf possess that is so often overlooked.

4. Reiner-Blend 71: Long Golden Flake

Reviews: 152 | Avg. Rating: 3.61 | Type: Virginia/Perique

A very special blend of golden Virginias, a little "white" burley, and a touch of perique to make things interesting. Pressed into long flakes, sliced, then rolled in the tin in long strips.

Reiner-Blend 71: Long Golden Flake, is another classic from the blending talents of R. L. Will, now blended by Kohlhase & Kopp. This long flake Virginia/Perique mixture is a staple of the genre.

At the heart of this blend lies the skillful interplay of quality tobacco. The judicious application of Perique adds a spicy intricacy. Meanwhile, the inclusion of Burley brings body to the blend, enhancing its character with natural woody nuances that linger on the palate. However, it is the fine Virginias that are the highlight of Golden Flake, offering bread, fruit, and honey sweetness. Golden Flake offers a Virginia experience to be savored and appreciated.

5. Cornell & Diehl - Opening Night

Reviews: 111 | Avg. Rating: 3.58 | Type: Straight Virginia

A delicious blend of red and bright Virginias pressed to perfection.

Opening Night by Cornell & Diehl offers Virginia flavor in all its diverse splendor. A favorite among the respected Cornell & Diehl blending house, Opening Night is an accessible Virginia flake that stands proudly among the several elusive labels in the genre.

The distinct Red Virginia offers tangy and fruity notes, accompanied by a subtle hint of spice that adds depth and complexity. Bright Virginia complements the Reds, lending a delightful lemony sweetness that intertwines with the richness of the blend for a vibrant smoking experience.

6. Mac Baren - HH Old Dark Fired

Reviews: 251 | Avg. Rating: 3.55 | Type: Virginia/Burley

A bold flake of dark-fired burleys in a well balanced unity with flue cured Virginias. This flake is hot pressed, meaning that during the pressing, heat is added by steam to the tobaccos which causes the tobacco to intensify the marrying process giving us a bolder tobacco. The robust, earthly flavour of the dark-fired burleys shines through in the taste, and you will experience a deeply satisfying smoke indeed.

Mac Baren HH Old Dark Fired is a distinguished member of the HH line, captivating pipe enthusiasts with its robust character and nuanced flavor profile. Crafted for those seeking full-bodied richness, HH Old Dark Fired offers a harmonious smoke of bold flavor with a strength that, while robust, is a bit more approachable to those that may find HH Kentucky a bit overwhelming.

At its core lies the formidable Dark Fired Kentucky with a captivating array of woody spice and smokiness. These bold flavors intertwine with the sweetness and depth of Virginia tobacco, creating a symphony of contrasting yet complementary notes across the palate. Burley adds a touch of nuttiness and wood, balancing the dynamic profile.

7. Peterson Flake

Reviews: 230 | Avg. Rating: 3.55 | Type: Straight Virginia

Brown Virginia Pipe Tobacco. Pressed first and then delicately cut into fine slices.

Peterson Flake, a timeless classic originally hailing from Dunhill's distinguished legacy, stands as a testament to the enduring allure of Straight Virginia blends. A mild yet captivating nature, Peterson Flake showcases the quintessential Virginia flake.

The fine flue-cured leaf delivers a symphony of sweet grassy notes and woody undertones that elate the palate. Its gentle profile offers a sublime smoking experience that can be enjoyed all day long, making it a steadfast companion for those seeking simple pleasure of a good smoke.

8. Esoterica Stonehaven

Reviews: 217 | Avg. Rating: 3.55 | Type: Virginia/Burley

A marriage of air-cured leaf and Burley with selected dark Virginia. Hard pressed and aged to produce brown flakes with dark undertones. A traditional English flake favored by experienced pipe smokers.

Esoterica Stonehaven stands as a classic—an elusive giant of pipe tobaccos offered today that is revered among pipe smokers. Its dark flakes promise full body and a depth of flavor.

The mélange of flavorful Virginias contribute its unique character to the blend's rich tapestry. From bright notes to bold dark fruit and wood undertones, they paint a vivid portrait of complexity and nuance. Adding to the blend's allure is the Burley, which imparts a robust body and a subtle nuttiness, enhancing the overall depth of the smoking experience.

9. Wessex Campaign Dark Flake

Reviews: 65 | Avg. Rating: 3.54 | Type: Straight Virginia

Dark brown Virginia, full bodied and smooth.

Wessex Campaign Dark Flake, a distinguished offering in the realm of straight Virginia tobaccos, is an exquisite blend artfully marries sweetness and earthiness, creating a harmonious flavor that is a delight to the palate.

Natural Virginia flavor is proudly on display in all its diversity and complexity. From the first light to the final draw, Campaign Dark Flake showcases the flue cured tobacco’s essence. A delicate sweetness harmonizes with earthy undertones for a balance of flavor that is satisfying and nuanced.