Samuel Gawith Kendal Plug

Talk about a blast from the past. I imagine that if I traveled back through time and had a pipe with a fellow in the 1700's this might be the same brick that he pulls out. The guy who I bought this from at the tobaccanist had such a hard time cutting up the bricks that he just gave me about 5 ounces for the price of one. Let me tell you- this led to a few doubts on my part. I got home and pulled out a scroll saw and set to work. After some rehydration I tried it out and found it to be very pleasant in a peasant (as in a medieval village) sort of way. The other reviewers are right. This doesn't have half the complexity or developed flavors of some other Virginias out there, but then that is most of its charm. It is simple and good, sort of like homemade bread. Beware however- The charm does wear off, and you are left with a somewhat monochromatic smoke.

Marlin Flake's duller, hotter, country cousin. Who needs it?

Even after six months in a jar, Kendal Plug remains fairly moist. Granted, this is the lot of SG offerings. However, this makes the plug, if not that hard to slice, rather difficult to light up and keep lit. This also makes the tobacco rather neutral in taste, because still too moist (despite drying time before packing), makes it bite and leaves my tongue and mouth rather sore afterwards. I will have to let dry further in the jar before trailing again, but, unfortunately, Kendal Plug does not get my approval so far. Pity, as I bought 250g of it.

Notes: I chopped this plug up in a variety of ways. I preferred it in fully rubbed out little strands, allowed to dry out for several hours. As to the pipes I used, I didn't notice too much difference between them to be honest, as the perfume of the tobacco was rather strong.

Appearance: A solid little block of tobacco, much like a pipe tobacco "Chunky bar." Ultimatley it rubbed out to reveal medium to dark brown strands.

Aroma: Freshly mowed grass, sweet wine vinegar, roses, raisins, dried cherries.

Taste: Very flavored/scented, but surprisingly well-balanced, which yields a mellow, mild-mannered demeanor. Gently nutty, mildly sweet, geranium flowers present throughout, cherrywood, faintly smoky, becoming stronger and heavier on the palate as the bowl progresses.

Comparisons: Similar to St. Bruno in its behavior, but with a gentler flowery sweetness.

Bottom Line: Only for Lakeland/scented flake lovers! And it takes an effort to cut up your own plug. If you like St. Bruno, but have always thought, "Gee I wish it was really flowery!" this will punch your ticket.

The effort required to prepare this for the pipe is not returned once you light up. It always seems to be trying to do something to tantalize your taste buds, but it just never really gets it right. Not at all what I expected.

It had a bit of harshness from time to time, but it was never unpleasant enough to make me put it down.