John Aylesbury Commander Flake

The leathery, incense-like, sweet Cyprian Latakia produces plenty of smoke, earth, wood, some floralness and light spice as the lead component. The dark fired Kentucky burley offers some earth, wood, vegetation, spice, some nuts, sourness, mild sweetness, floralness, and vinegary barbecue. It almost offers full support. The creamy sugary black cavendish has a very light vanilla note that tames some of the rough edges. The strength is in the center of medium to full. The taste is full. The nic-hit is a couple of steps past the medium mark. Won’t bite or get harsh. The mildly moist flakes easily break apart to suit your preference, and I saw no need to dry them. Well balanced with some nuance, it burns cool, clean and slow pace with a very consistent sweet, smoky, floral, spicy, mildly creamy flavor that extends to the pleasantly lingering after taste. Leaves little moisture in the bowl, and requires a few more than an average number of relights. Has a pungent room note. Not an all day smoke. Four stars.

-JimInks

I was told that this is the same as Sillem’s Commodore Flake, rebranded with the Aylesbury name. I don’t understand the marketing decision behind that as I’d say that Sillem’s has more brand recognition in North America than Aylesbury. Now I see that the Sillem’s version, for some time unavailable, is now back on the market. I have tins of both in my cellar, both made by K&K, and to me both look, smell and taste the same.

Since I’ve already reviewed the Sillem’s version (four stars) I’ll keep this short. Very complex, and somewhat unusual combination of flavors that I enjoy as an evening smoke, preferably with a dark lager, Schwarzbier, or Rauchbier. I get flavors of dark ale, dark French roast coffee, malted cream, toasted poppy seed, and the slightest hint of savory dried herbs like oregano and fennel. Since this is a regular for me, I now have a pipe dedicated to this blend (Design Berlin Siegfried).

Given the quality and distinctiveness of this blend I’d say if you like dense, rich, evening smokes, you’ve absolutely got to try this one!