Samuel Gawith Brown No. 4

How to describe the brown turd coming from the tin? A rope of brown virginias wrapped in Kentucky (italian Ky- a pamphlet says - the same used for Toscano cigars). It's something of a kind, just rensembles Irish Flake due to the involved ingredients and the great strength they both deliver. My BR#4 (simply Brown No. 4 in the tin sold i Italy; subtitle is" Finest Kendal Twist") has been staying a long while in the open tin, sometimes I paid it a visit, and often it was not the right moment... it needs full commitment, stomach... and wife far enough from you. As long as it was young very very difficult to keep lit, regardless how thin the discs. Now it's dried out the right amount, and I still get half. Cutting the discs the wrapper separated from the inner twist, so that I can alternate in the bowl (now smoking it in a group 4 Dunhill County Bulldog) some ribbons of wrapper (Ky) to a disc of twist (Va). Doing so the smoke - always long lasting, clean and cool - alternates the faintly bitter cigarish note of the Ky and the faintly sweet notes of Va's, which is a very interesting experience to the palate and the nostrils as well. The body is absolutely remarkable and deeply satisfying. BR#4 deserves 4 full stars

I love this tobacco. When I first saw rope tobacco I was amazed, had no idea. I guess we are fortunate to have the internet to learn about things. So this is real tobacco. It smells strong in the tin, and looks, well, kind of strange at first. If it's too damp, you must dry it some, or it might torture you. For a while I was drying it to the extreme, lately not so much. I suggest cutting some and rubbing before drying. If you dry it under a lamp or in the microwave, it will exude a delicious sweet aroma. If you dry it a lot, it burns easier, maybe the whole bowl in a few lights. Lately, I slice some very thin coins or wedges, and toss them in a rectangular tin for travel. I simply stuff some in a small bowl, air pocket style. I need more re-lights, but I smoke it very slow. A small bowl will last me hours. It packs a nice nicotine punch, and has a rather strong flavor, though very natural. I like it because it does satisfy with several puffs, so I can set my pipe down to get some work done. It does remind me of a cigar, I think that's one thing I like about it. I notice a tingle in the nose, and a slightly sweet flavor, but with hints of pepper and some pungent notes. I also detect a very slight Lakeland essence. It becomes quite potent towards the bottom of the bowl, but is also somehow smoother. It burns to a fine white ash that is very dry and clean. I just bought another pound for good keeping, even though I've hardly dented the first pound. I made a bit of snuff from it, and it is delicious. My wife is not fond of the room-note, but I get away with it. If you like a solid, straight smoke, you should give it a try.

This is my favorite rope,taste is all natural with a very nice subdued sweetness,I like to cut thin coins and rub out fully to obtain long strands,then use the Frank method to pack.When at the proper moisture level this is a one match smoke that never bites and smokes cool,the last part of the bowl is the best,smooth creamy sweet and dry.Comments on the room note are always "Wow, that smells potent" Nicotine content is high but not overwhelming.One thing I find unusual is the ash is always jet black,looks like charcoal when your done.Go slow if your worried about the nico-buzz.

This is one of my all day tobaccoes. The rope has the appearance of cigar leaf wrapped upon itself, and is of high quality.

I find that the taste of this tobacco depends a deal on the shape of the bowl from which it is smoked. I find that an apple shaped bowl offers a much sweeter flavour than say a dublin which will offer a more spicey flavour.

The smoke is creamy and thick. No tongue bite whatever, and a great tobaccoe for the ex-cigarette smoker.

Flavor: Pure Virginia but not the type of Virginia we are used to. Very strong and somewhat reminiscent of a cigar. The flavor changes depending on how you prepare it. Cutting small thin coins, rubbing them, and letting them dry for about an hour usually mellows it out. Try this in a corn cob pipe first because it will definetely leave a ghost.

Complexity: Not a lot of complexity. Very consistent throughout the bowl.

Aroma: Pungent Virginia with a hint of cigar smoke. It will be very enjoyable for those who like stinky pungent tobacco.

Tin Aroma: Strange, somewhat earthy and cigarish. Obviously smells of Virginia but it is definetely way more pungent than, say, Virginia flakes.

Room note: Well, it depends. If you, like me, enjoy the smell of burning tobacco then you'll love the room note. It's somewhat cigarish.

Burning characteristics: Although it doesn't burn hot it does burn a bit fast. You could cut thicker coins but it changes the flavor. Burns dry and to the bottom.

Cut/Looks/Moisture content: Comes in a rope, somewhat inconvenient to prepare but not a big deal since it's not something I'd smoke every day. Moisture content is fine if you plan on buying a 2 Oz. tin and smoke it over a period of 2 or 3 months, otherwise I'd say it's too moist.

Overall: This is different from what I'm used to. It isn't for the faint of heart since the flavor is very full and even spicy. Not something I'd smoke every day. I enjoy it every couple of days or so.

Having enjoyed GH Sliced Brown Twist, I wanted to give this a try and found it to be pretty similar in character. I feel the Sliced Brown is stronger but that could be because this being a rope and having some moisture I can control the cut and burning rate depending on how much I dry it beforehand. I don't let it get as dry as the Sliced Brown so it burns cooler and slower. Anyway you slice it this it is a potent smoke. A side benefit of it is that it seems to have a somewhat repellent effect on mosquitoes (and most other life forms). It should be sufficient to satisfy the nicotine cravings of just about anyone, but I haven't had any difficulties with overdosing as I utilize a small briar pipe and go slowly. The taste is of unadulterated tobacco, with a slight natural sweetness. It doesn't bite me at all, either. I think anyone could learn to like this if one keeps in mind that this is a concentrated product best enjoyed slowly and in small quantities.

I'm enjoying a bowl of this wonderfull weed as I type this review..

Upon opening the tin I was greeted with a wonderfull natural tobacco aroma and 2 pieces of rope.

Packing: Being that this is a rope it will require some special preperations. I usually take a cigar cutter and cut off some coins. Once sliced, simply rub out the coins to desired consistency. Fill up the pipe using your usual method. This rope may seem a tad moist, however, that doesn't seem to affect its burning properties.

Lighting: This one may take a few lights to get underway..oh well..matches are cheap. 🙂

Smoking: mmm..This stuff is great. A strong, full, natural tobacco taste. Smokes smooth & cool. Puff it up if you wish..there's no bite. I don't find much variation throughout the bowl..just a consistent natural, creamy smoke. Depending on your prep method you'll probably find yourself re-lighting more then usual..no big deal imo. DGT's well also.

Finish: Smokes cleanly & dry all the way to the bottom. No bitter ending. Nice & smooth..just like the rest of the bowl. Ash is almost completely white.

In my opinion this is a keeper..I see myself buying a pound or so for the cellar and a few tins for use now. 4 of 4 Thanks Sam G. !!

Not for the faint-hearted, or the fast puffer! Best enjoyed after a heavy meal, and DO NOT drive or operate any dangerous machinery.

This is a unique experience in smoking a natural tobacco. I have smoked it on occasion, usually in a small pipe, but once in a medium sized bowl. Cut the rope as fine as you can (maybe a razor would help?), stack it into the bowl and rub out a bit of it at the top of your bowl before lighting. Puff it slowly!

It is somewhat difficult to keep lit. However, with practce and perseverence, it can be done. Relighting does not seem to diminish the strength or flavour.

When I smoked it last, and because I was feeling a bit sleepy (it was both the tobacco and the lateness of the hour), I left the bowl for DGT. When I picked up the bowl the next evening, I noticed that the flavour and strength had mellowed out and become more enjoyable!

Will time mellow the rope? Something to look forward to!

Nicotine? Well it's strong, but smoke it appropriatly in moderation in the right pipe. I also like to drink very strong coffee in a small cup as opposed to very weak coffee in a big cup. This tobacco burns slowly and can be difficult to light - but once started ,it's very nice! It tastes earthy and has a natural fragrence that reminds me of the stables near a horsetrack. In fact, the only time I have ever smoked this wonderful tobacco in the house has been when my wife has gone out of town for a day or two...but it's such a good smoke...I have thought about encouraging my wife to take more trips - and more often! I merely jest...but it's a good smoke. A pretty girl is wonderful, but a well-manicured tobacco like this - is indeed a pleasant smoke! If only I could convince my wife to take up the habit ie. I have a utopian vision of us sitting together by a fire sharing a nice bowl of Brown No.4...but alas I awake myself and realise I was only dreaming! If this tobacco was a beverage , it would be a fine 20 year old malt whiskey. It is meant to be smoked slowly and it is meant to be savoured; otherwise you will miss its purpose in life. It's not something I smoke frequently...but when I do - I enjoy it!