Samuel Gawith Brown No. 4
(3.17)
Brown No.4 is a full flavoured full strength tobacco made by Samuel Gawith in Kendal. It is spun from Dark Fired Virginia's and is a slow burning tobacco. Despite popular belief, the brown twist is a stronger strength and flavour than the black twist. This tobacco is definitely not for those new to pipe smoking!
As per Gawith&Hoggarth the only components in this rope are dark fired and dark air cured leaf. There is no cigar leaf, that taste comes from the dark air cured tobacco used. The outer wrapper leaf is a dark fired variety.
Details
Brand | Samuel Gawith |
Blended By | Samuel Gawith |
Manufactured By | Samuel Gawith |
Blend Type | Virginia Based |
Contents | Virginia |
Flavoring | |
Cut | Rope |
Packaging | 25 grams pouch, 50 grams tin, bulk |
Country | United Kingdom |
Production | Currently available |
Profile
Strength
Strong
Extremely Mild -> Overwhelming
Flavoring
None Detected
None Detected -> Extra Strong
Room Note
Strong
Unnoticeable -> Overwhelming
Taste
Full
Extremely Mild (Flat) -> Overwhelming
Average Rating
3.17 / 4
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Reviews
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Displaying 21 - 30 of 73 Reviews
Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 28, 2019 | Strong | None Detected | Full | Strong |
Brown No. 4. Heavy stuff.
Opening the tin, you are presented with a brown, moist, oily and rather fragrant rope of leaf. Speaking of fragrance, the tin note is a little difficult to define. It's got some notes of earth and some cigar-ish spice, but also a sweeter floral hint. Pleasant, but strong enough to forewarn you of the heavy smoke ahead.
As with it's "cousin", Black XX, Brown No. 4 takes a bit of effort to prepare, being a rope cut. One can cut off a piece and rub it out, or cut it into coins. Either way, this is a blend you're going to want to dry a fair bit. It comes very oily and moist, so if you smoke this one straight out of the tin, it'll need relights every 20 seconds.
However, once it's adequately dried and you get your pipe packed and lit with it (Which isn't always easy with this type of cut), it's just as rewarding as Black XX.
The flavour is rich and full, with the spicy, earthy Kentucky leaf being quite evident, along with the cigar qualities that this tobacco's attributed with. Not entirely sure what kind of cigar leaf it is, though. I want to guess at Sumatran leaf because of the spiciness, but it could well be something from central America.
Either way, the Virginia leaf does take a bit of a back seat, mostly just being present to round off the flavour with some smooth, sweeter notes.
It's also a rather strong blend, though not quite as powerful as Black XX. Which isn't a bad thing, of course. That means this one can be a bit more of a regular smoke.
All things considered, I've found this tobacco to be fairly well behaved. Needs relatively few relights if dried properly, burns quite clean and doesn't leave any more dottle than one might expect from something this coarse.
Under the bottom line, while this tastes quite different than Black XX, I consider it it's less intense, more manageable cousin. Which is a good thing, because just like Black XX, this stuff is quite outstanding!
Opening the tin, you are presented with a brown, moist, oily and rather fragrant rope of leaf. Speaking of fragrance, the tin note is a little difficult to define. It's got some notes of earth and some cigar-ish spice, but also a sweeter floral hint. Pleasant, but strong enough to forewarn you of the heavy smoke ahead.
As with it's "cousin", Black XX, Brown No. 4 takes a bit of effort to prepare, being a rope cut. One can cut off a piece and rub it out, or cut it into coins. Either way, this is a blend you're going to want to dry a fair bit. It comes very oily and moist, so if you smoke this one straight out of the tin, it'll need relights every 20 seconds.
However, once it's adequately dried and you get your pipe packed and lit with it (Which isn't always easy with this type of cut), it's just as rewarding as Black XX.
The flavour is rich and full, with the spicy, earthy Kentucky leaf being quite evident, along with the cigar qualities that this tobacco's attributed with. Not entirely sure what kind of cigar leaf it is, though. I want to guess at Sumatran leaf because of the spiciness, but it could well be something from central America.
Either way, the Virginia leaf does take a bit of a back seat, mostly just being present to round off the flavour with some smooth, sweeter notes.
It's also a rather strong blend, though not quite as powerful as Black XX. Which isn't a bad thing, of course. That means this one can be a bit more of a regular smoke.
All things considered, I've found this tobacco to be fairly well behaved. Needs relatively few relights if dried properly, burns quite clean and doesn't leave any more dottle than one might expect from something this coarse.
Under the bottom line, while this tastes quite different than Black XX, I consider it it's less intense, more manageable cousin. Which is a good thing, because just like Black XX, this stuff is quite outstanding!
Pipe Used:
Various Briars
PurchasedFrom:
Cigarworld.de
Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 19, 2019 | Strong | None Detected | Full | Tolerable |
An excellent full strength rope tempered by the creamy sweetness of the Virginia's, yes there are a few cigar notes but not enough to detract from the superb Virginia leaf. I smoked this new and was not fond of it at all, the cigar kept rearing it's ugly head, as you may have guessed, I'm not a cigar fan. But having left it for a couple of years, the cigar characteristics such as they are, have faded considerably, perhaps a little too dry now, I will not rehydrate but will finish the tin and buy more, this time I will allow a little less drying time in order to fully enjoy the taste and flavour of this very fine offering.
Even dry as it is, there seems to be no bite or harshness to this and a few relights are required due to my cadence getting lower and lower, the bowl remains moisture free and burns slow and cool.
If you like the taste of tobacco and can handle the "cigar" then this is well worth a try. An excellent choice for cellaring IMHO.
Even dry as it is, there seems to be no bite or harshness to this and a few relights are required due to my cadence getting lower and lower, the bowl remains moisture free and burns slow and cool.
If you like the taste of tobacco and can handle the "cigar" then this is well worth a try. An excellent choice for cellaring IMHO.
Pipe Used:
Peterson 301
PurchasedFrom:
GQ
Age When Smoked:
New and 2 1/2 years
Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 23, 2018 | Extremely Strong | None Detected | Very Full | Strong |
A Strong blend. The kentucky leaves recalls surly Italian Toscano cigars ( for true men only 😉 ) . The high quality Virginia releases a very rich aroma too and damps and softens smoked kentucky,but mainly still remains a very strong mix that gives a fulfilling smoke . For strong emotions lovers.
Pipe Used:
Castello sea rock briar
PurchasedFrom:
Dubini shop - Chiasso, Switzerland
Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 20, 2018 | Medium to Strong | Medium to Strong | Full | Tolerable to Strong |
I chew this tobacco as well as smoke it. Chewing it has a nice smokey flavor. Like chewing a horse saddle that sat next to a camp fire over many years. Smoking it is even better. This is not an overly strong tobacco. I think many reviews here are trying way to hard and are just aggregated. Take your evening dress off and put your big boy pants on and enjoy the tobacco. This is a good tobacco. Its certainly not all hyped up on strength like people here are saying.
Pipe Used:
Every pipe I own.
Age When Smoked:
New
Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 22, 2016 | Very Strong | Medium to Strong | Full | Pleasant |
"Amidst the haze of Marlboro Reds that grace my lips throughout the day, there exists only one Pipe Tobacco with the power to satiate my senses—Brown #4. Dare to doubt me, or seek solace after a grueling day's toil, yearning for a dance with pure nicotine enchantment? Behold the prowess of Brown #4 as it weaves its spell. But mark my words, this indulgence is not for the faint-hearted; it's a blend for those cut from a different cloth, a testament to masculinity's essence—unadulterated and omnipotent.
If the helm of a ship is foreign territory to your soul, then heed the warning: steer clear. For even the ill-fated captain of the Titanic perhaps courted destiny with a fiery communion of Brown #4 before the plunge into icy depths! A personal favorite without rival, it reigns supreme. Picture me marooned on a desert isle, accompanied solely by the illustrious Brown #4.
Should the chore of slicing coins displease your senses, consider the culinary arts: usher the leaves into a food processor, let the blades perform their ballet, and then, my friend, pack your pipe with the result of this verdant pas de deux. Ignite the symphony and partake in the crescendo of flavors, letting the very essence of Brown #4 pirouette upon your palate. So, dare you to step into this realm of unbridled boldness, where Brown #4 reigns as king!"
If the helm of a ship is foreign territory to your soul, then heed the warning: steer clear. For even the ill-fated captain of the Titanic perhaps courted destiny with a fiery communion of Brown #4 before the plunge into icy depths! A personal favorite without rival, it reigns supreme. Picture me marooned on a desert isle, accompanied solely by the illustrious Brown #4.
Should the chore of slicing coins displease your senses, consider the culinary arts: usher the leaves into a food processor, let the blades perform their ballet, and then, my friend, pack your pipe with the result of this verdant pas de deux. Ignite the symphony and partake in the crescendo of flavors, letting the very essence of Brown #4 pirouette upon your palate. So, dare you to step into this realm of unbridled boldness, where Brown #4 reigns as king!"
Pipe Used:
Dunhill
PurchasedFrom:
smoking pipes.com
Age When Smoked:
Fresh
Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 05, 2016 | Very Strong | None Detected | Full | Very Strong |
After reading many of the reviews on this site I, somewhat anxiously, approached this tobacco with extreme caution. Now that I have some experience with it, I realise that this was wise but unnecessary and I don’t think experienced smokers have anything to fear from this one. The Nicotine hit that I experienced was definitely very strong but not overpowering. As for its flavour, I found it very earthy with some sweetness and extremely full bodied. Its unrefined tobacco taste coats my mouth and sticks to the back of my throat when I retro-hale. Sometimes making it difficult to tell when I have finished exhaling. Some reviewers have stated that it has a cheap cigar-like quality. I agree. It’s a big powerful smoke.
I think age (five years sealed tin) has mellowed this baccy a lot. I’m also currently smoking a fresh Gawith Hoggarth brown pig tail which seems so much more intense than this (I don’t even know how that’s possible!?). My lack of experience here lets me down, I’ll just have to keep trying ropes... Black XX next!
This was my first rope, and when I started smoking it I really didn’t think much of it, but now I’ve come to love it and have been experimenting with other ropes too. I have really enjoyed starting my day with a small cob full of this and strong coffee.
A quick word on chewing this tobacco: Just don’t!
I think age (five years sealed tin) has mellowed this baccy a lot. I’m also currently smoking a fresh Gawith Hoggarth brown pig tail which seems so much more intense than this (I don’t even know how that’s possible!?). My lack of experience here lets me down, I’ll just have to keep trying ropes... Black XX next!
This was my first rope, and when I started smoking it I really didn’t think much of it, but now I’ve come to love it and have been experimenting with other ropes too. I have really enjoyed starting my day with a small cob full of this and strong coffee.
A quick word on chewing this tobacco: Just don’t!
Pipe Used:
MM Mark Twain Corn Cob
Age When Smoked:
Nearly five years and covered in sugar crystals
Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 01, 2016 | Strong | Extremely Mild | Full | Strong |
Summary: a strong Virginia/Kentucky which presents natural flavors in a smooth, cool smoke.
Served up in twisted ropes of raw leaf, "Brown No. 4" combines abundant rich Virginia with mildly smoky dark-fired Kentucky, and then fails to do all the many things that could adulterate a perfect natural smoke. A light top flavoring seems to evaporate with time, leaving a cool burning blend that while it requires some extra work, makes a perfect slow smoking blend that rewards the smoker with abundant nicotine and slowly emerging depths of flavor.
Served up in twisted ropes of raw leaf, "Brown No. 4" combines abundant rich Virginia with mildly smoky dark-fired Kentucky, and then fails to do all the many things that could adulterate a perfect natural smoke. A light top flavoring seems to evaporate with time, leaving a cool burning blend that while it requires some extra work, makes a perfect slow smoking blend that rewards the smoker with abundant nicotine and slowly emerging depths of flavor.
Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 08, 2014 | Very Strong | Strong | Full | Tolerable |
Coming from cigars, about 4 months. This reminds me of a Honduran cigar, but stronger. As a change of pace from Lat bombs, I'll opt for a Nic bomb. This was my third bowl from my first tin. Wow! I'll hit my Peterson's Perfect Plug more often than this, but I hope to never run out of this wonderful smoke. I also crave Tambolaka on occasion.
Pipe Used:
Generic Churchwarden
PurchasedFrom:
P&C
Age When Smoked:
3 months old
Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 21, 2009 | Strong | None Detected | Very Full | Pleasant to Tolerable |
This may be my favorite tobacco ever. While not packing an overwhelming nico hit it certainly gets the job done and leaves one satisfied. The taste reminds me of fresh baked bread, especially when smoked slightly hot. This is the easiest rope i have found to prepare, behaving well even if the slicing is done quickly and not all that evenly so that I pack lots of different sized pieces into the bowl. Still it burns evenly and cooly all the way down with minimal relighting.
Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 20, 2023 | Strong | Very Mild | Very Full | Strong |
The first time I entered a REAL tobacco shop, the sensation was amazing. I was greeted by tobacco flavours from various sources, Havana cigars and bulk Gawith tobaccos essentially. Since then, for me, this specific smell is the quintessential tobacco flavour. When I first smelled Brown n.4, I thought: "That's it, this tobacco smells like a Swiss tobacconist!" But I was not able to fully enjoy it, I had to grow some experience, which is not the "chest hair" many say. It's a more mature attitude. Caution, patience and respect, essentially. To smoke like an adult, not like a kamikaze. In fact, this tobacco is as strong as a rope, stoved tobacco can get. Creamy, cigarish, a hint of geranium, barbecue sauce. It's sweet and dark. It can get harsh if smoked fast. But smoking it fast is a crime. You have to slice it carefully, rub it, dry it, smell it. Then you load a small pipe, possibly after a good dinner, and enjoy the meditative smoke. The whole process may require an entire day. A special day for sure.
Pipe Used:
Savinelli, Meerschaum, corncob, Barontini
PurchasedFrom:
Swiss tobacconist
Age When Smoked:
24 months