John Sinclair Highland Sliced

Ahhhhh. This is one fine flake, in some ways similar to the noble Peterson Irish Flake, both in th tin aroma and in the taste, but it is defu=initively less strong (the aroma and taste, that is).

This flake not only contains VAs, it also has some DFK that I love so much, because it always gives backbone to mixtures.

A nice discovery on this fine Sunday, that made me forget the disappointments of Dan Tobacco's Hamborger Veermaster & McClelland St - James Woods.

Cheers, lads!

A stout smoke. This could pass as Irish flakes bigger, meaner brother.

HS has a pronounced topping which can sometimes get bitter.

It's a fine flake nonetheless and one I wish I had reliable access to. 🙁

I am smoking this as I type and my first (yes, first) impressions are very favourable. I have found myself away for a long weekend without sufficient baccy so I thought I would pick something up. I spied a packet of Highland Sliced on the shelf of a small and somewhat sparsely stocked tobacconist (from a pipesmoking perspective) and decided to give it a try. Very glad I did.

Strength is pleasing and the flavour reminds me somewhat of another recent discovery, Revor Plug. However, this flake is sweeter, less 'meaty' and has more of the british floral thing going on. This said, for me at least it does not cross the line into being 'soapy', which is something I do not enjoy.

Ready to smoke straight from the pack with only minimal drying time it behaves impeccably in the pipe. I am in the habit of running a cleaner through every so often as I smoke, and it is coming out dry and clean every time. Zero bite. Smooth and tasty. I rate the room-note as pleasant because I enjoy it, but I've yet to hear a comment from a non-piper.

This is a very solid baccy. If it continues to please me to this level I shall be making another visit to that little tobacconist's shop for a couple more packs before I return home.

Edit on 28th May 2011: Many moons later and I just cracked another new packet of this tobacco from the same little tobacconist. It still rocks. Irish Flake wishes it was this tobacco!

I was able to smoke a goodly amount of HS over the Christmas season thanks to a gentleman in Scotland who sent me several pouches; I tip my hat to you, sir. I knew I would enjoy this tobacco, as it has all the trappings of a classic scented flake: floral dressing, dark leaf and a formidable amount of flavor and nicotine. The flakes are sturdy little buggers, neither dry nor wet, just perfect and ready to smoke. I found my enjoyment peaked when consumed via a smallish group 3 Dunhill, whereby the smoke slowly increased in strength and dark character. This is a true treat for me and as such I have been savoring it slowly everyday for the last week. Adjectives such as 'rich' and 'full' are overused on this forum but they are surely applicable with regard to Highland Slices. One more solid reason to explore British tobacco offerings.

This flake is almost identical to Murray's Irish Slices in every way. It is a dark flake with plenty of nicotine, but with a very sweet top dressing. I rub it out while it is still moist for easy packing and smoke it in a small Inderwicks. A little bit of this goes a long way. It is a delightful smoke after dinner with excellent, natural tobacco flavor complemented by the sweetness and no bite or bitterness. The problem is that it is very hard to come by and is a bit pricey, hailing all the way from the northern U.K. Highly recommended as a must try tobacco if you have the opportunity. Paddy.