Cornell & Diehl XX Flake Dark
(3.54)
XX Flake Dark is a pure Va/Per blend comprised of stoved and un-stoved red Virginias, bright leaf, and perique that's been aged 18 years. With a nuanced flavor profile of bold spice and subtle sweetness, XX Flake Dark showcases quality Virginias and aged perique, offering a rich depth and enticing aroma, and is limited to 5,000 serialized tins.
Details
| Brand | Cornell & Diehl |
| Series | Smoking Pipes 20th Anniversary Blend |
| Blended By | |
| Manufactured By | Cornell & Diehl |
| Blend Type | Virginia/Perique |
| Contents | Perique, Virginia |
| Flavoring | |
| Cut | Broken Flake |
| Packaging | 2 ounce tin |
| Country | United States |
| Production | No longer in production |
Profile
Strength
Medium
Extremely Mild -> Overwhelming
Flavoring
None Detected
None Detected -> Extra Strong
Room Note
Pleasant to Tolerable
Unnoticeable -> Overwhelming
Taste
Medium to Full
Extremely Mild (Flat) -> Overwhelming
Average Rating
|
3.54 / 4
|
Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 1 of 1 Reviews
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 24, 2023 | Medium | None Detected | Medium | Strong |
The XX flake is very enjoyable for me but until now I hadnt tried the XX Dark.
The tin note and appearance is very similar to the recent Carolina Red Flake with Perique small batches. The perique smells floral and fig like. The bright/stoved Virginias add earthy sweetness, fresh bread, and some light barnyard.
Like most C&D flakes it rubs out easily and uniformly. Packs well and doesn't require a masterful touch. Takes to flame and keeps an ember with minimal effort.
Right off the bat, the perique took the lead with peppery spiciness. It seems to overshadow the bright Virginia leaf. The stoved Virginia maintains a pleasant background note of sweet, smooth baking spice and pastry.
The first half of the bowl leaves me feeling dissatisfied. Despite the pleasantness of the flavors, they are disparate. Very good components, but not a very good blend.
Entering the second half of the bowl, the elements are beginning to combine and form a more cohesive delivery. Just as i begin to really enjoy it, the flavors seem to drop off. Im left with some notes of toast, malt, and cereal - could this be the brights finally showing up?
Towards the final third, the perique is taking on a dank and unpleasant quality. A rancid mouth feel is omnipresent.
Overall, decent leaf but a poor blend.
Perhaps the product of trying to create too many blends, far too frequently, without proper inspiration.
1.75/4, rounded up to 2.
The tin note and appearance is very similar to the recent Carolina Red Flake with Perique small batches. The perique smells floral and fig like. The bright/stoved Virginias add earthy sweetness, fresh bread, and some light barnyard.
Like most C&D flakes it rubs out easily and uniformly. Packs well and doesn't require a masterful touch. Takes to flame and keeps an ember with minimal effort.
Right off the bat, the perique took the lead with peppery spiciness. It seems to overshadow the bright Virginia leaf. The stoved Virginia maintains a pleasant background note of sweet, smooth baking spice and pastry.
The first half of the bowl leaves me feeling dissatisfied. Despite the pleasantness of the flavors, they are disparate. Very good components, but not a very good blend.
Entering the second half of the bowl, the elements are beginning to combine and form a more cohesive delivery. Just as i begin to really enjoy it, the flavors seem to drop off. Im left with some notes of toast, malt, and cereal - could this be the brights finally showing up?
Towards the final third, the perique is taking on a dank and unpleasant quality. A rancid mouth feel is omnipresent.
Overall, decent leaf but a poor blend.
Perhaps the product of trying to create too many blends, far too frequently, without proper inspiration.
1.75/4, rounded up to 2.
Pipe Used:
Smaller briars
PurchasedFrom:
SPC
Age When Smoked:
~3 years
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