MAB Stiavnicky Flake

Bought this while visiting Bratislava. I saw quite a nice selection of blends from this brand that I've never heard of, but I was drawn to the fact that it's a flake. Since I don't speak any Slovakian, I kindly asked the shopkeeper to translate the tin description in English for me. As soon as she did, I couldn't believe my ears. The description matched perfectly with Peterson Irish Flake. Bought two tins on the spot.

I've wanted to try out IF for a long time, but was always unable to get my hands on one. However, I've smoked alternatives in the past (Wellauer Nightcap) with excellent results, so it was worth a shot. After some digging out I've found that this (and other MAB blends) are made by K&K exclusively for the Slovakian market and, since K&K retained some of the old Murray's recipes for the Peterson blends, I dare to say that this might be a re-branded Rattray's Stirling Flake (itself a rehash of the original Irish Flake).

The flakes are perfectly shaped and sliced, as one might expect from a skilled manufacturer like K&K. Extremely easy to work with, making it a breeze to stuff your pipe. And the smoking parameters score very high on this one. Just like with any other pressed tobacco, may take a bit longer to get it lit but, once the ember gets going, it burns down slowly and cool. free from any bite or harshness, only requiring a few relights every now and then.

Just like its popular model, this is a strong and full bodied blend. However, it doesn't throw you immediately into the fray. Rather, it behaves almost like a meal. It starts out rather quietly like an appetizer, with a surprisingly sweet, almost sugary, smooth taste. Enough to get your appetite going.

Then comes the main course. And this is when things get serious. You are blasted with a rich, smooth and creamy smoke thick enough to almost "chew" it. The Burley and Kentucky combination brings a very bold, earthy, nutty, woody, smoky, somewhat floral, a little spicy, a bit barbecue-y and a bit saucy taste with a light sprinkle of sweetness. The Virginia works more in the background as a side dish to tone down things a bit. Packs quite a punch in the nicotine department and, even with my experience, I can feel it once in a while. As such, it's definitely a late evening smoke for me. A bowl of this is perfect before going satisfied to bed.

While this is a very obscure and localized blend, it's one of my greatest finds so far in my pipe smoking journey and I'm so glad I did. It's a fantastic and delicious blend that, while definitely not something I would smoke on a daily basis, it's something I will approach with great anticipation whenever I'm in the mood to smoke a bold blend for a relaxing evening. I still want to try out the actual IF but, until that day comes, this will be more than worthy to carry the flag proudly in my menu.