Solani 633: Virginia Flake with Perique

From an aged (11 year) sample -- I don't find the sweetness others mention. but this is a really well-balanced VaPer. If you like your VaPers on the strongish but not overly-powerful side, this is the flake to try!

edit: based a sealed non-hinged tin (see the above review)aged at least one year. The hint of sweetness was in this tin, but just a whisper. I'll take their word it was honey. Since I know there are many tobaccos out there I would rate a 4, the question arises would I rebuy this particular tobacco, assuming my tastes don't change much more. In this case, the answer is probably not.

I first tried Solani 633 back in 2007 and was pleasently surprised with what was a wonderful high quality sweet virginia flake with just the right amount of perique. It burned beautifully all the way to a fine grey ash with rich smooth lightly sweet smoke and not a hint of tongue bite. This was one tobacco I stocked up on just in case it disappeared off the market or changed in some way as often happens in the tobacco world. Of course my supply ran out all too soon and 5 years later I picked up another 3 tins while on holiday in Malaysia. I must say I don't know if Solani 633 has changed or simply I have been spoilt for so long with other quality offerings, but it simply is not as good as I remember it. That's not to say I was disappointed, it just seemed a little less sweet, smooth and well balanced. Overall, it's still a great tobacco and perhaps it's that consistency between batches that is the main issue. Definitely recommneded.

Virginia Flake (VF) stands well on its own and doesn't remark to being compared against Escudo or Hal O'the Wynd, notwithstanding that I don't think this was Solani's intention either. The tin presentation is that of very neatly cut and placed flakes of identical shape and size, the aroma exuded by these flakes is pleasant; vaguely reminiscent of dry grass and not sharp or citrus-like.

The flavors imparted by flame are smooth and rich, straightforward VA with a noticeable dose of perique. Smoke perception on the tongue is not at all spicy, nor is it bland but an occasional nasal exhale will remind you that there is perique is the blend. Having smoked this in large and small bowls the flavor is quite uniform, a personal indication of a quality blend. The amount of nicotine absorbed into the bloodstream is more than mild, but unlikely to knock you of your feet. As for room note, it's just straight forward tobacco, no scents or toppings linger in the air.

I recommend this for VaPer fans, it is definitely up there with Escudo and HOTW; albeit, not to be directly compared.

Tin aroma suggests a mild topping. I can't describe what it might be. It smokes mild & cool with an initial sweet flavor that subsides as the bowl progresses. Stays mild, smokes cool & doesn't get harsh at the end.

This is a good VA/Per blend but I found myself drawing too hard for more tobacco strength & flavor which also seemed to dissipate after about half way down...became rather bland...a little "wimpy", as it were. I prefer at least a medium strength in this genre of blends. I have always enjoyed smoking a good VA/Per. However...

This was reminiscent of Long Golden Flake, also blended by R. L. Will. I prefer Escudo over either for the same reasons. For greater strength and more tobacco flavor, try Escudo or maybe some Marlin Flake, C & D Perique blends, McClellands & a few other brands that are a far better choice, IMHO, of course! Escudo was one of my firsts into a forray of VA/Per blends. I intend to always have aged Escudo & other Perique blends stashed in a section of my modest cellar.

633 is not a bad smoke in this genre. Certainly better than others but it did not make my top twenty...or thirty & doubt I'll purchase another. Always a pleasure to try something new though, if nothing else but to make comparisons. Therefore, IMHO, Solani 633 Blend merits three stars.

Another masterpiece from the folks at Solani! Balance is the name of the game here. The VAs and the Perique don't fight for dominance, but are both very vocal....I guess that makes sense! As usual I get the best out of my flakes by rubbing them out rather than the old fold and stuff. I just prefer the easier smoke and the lack of relights. Tin moisture is right where I like it, it smells heavenly with that tangy Perique woven into the rather large flakes that take up half the tin. I don't know about you, but this is in the desert island cellar with 4 or 5 other classics.

Isn't it amazing that all these VA/Per blends are basically the same, but always taste different? No two VA/pers you try will ever taste alike. We all have taste receptors that respond differently to certain blends because most every blend has a flavor enhancement additive, even though you may not detect it. The topping in this blend wasn't to my liking & tasted better after most of it had burned off. Just because I wasn't crazy about the flavor means nothing. I'm sure it will appeal to many, just as the taste of say...Three Nuns, Escudo or Sunday Picnic appeals to me more than #633 or Reiner's LGF, although they are all fine tobaccos.

I've noticed that many quality blends get the occassional "uno" star simply because someone's taste receptors were used for rating the flavoring instead of judging the quality of the tobacco & its smoking characteristics. Whatever, this is a good presentation & much better after a little airing. Extra wide, mottled flakes are neatly & evenly packed to precisely fit the tin dimensions.

This is a very smooth and weightless smoke without harshness or bite that can be smoked right out of the tin, or dried a little, depending on one's smoking preference. The tobacco flavor becomes more prevalent about mid bowl. I feel this is a good value in that there is very little moisture contained therein. This blend is a pretty good VA/Per & IMHO, Solani's Virginia Flake w/Perique, Blend #633 merits three s***s!!

I initially wrote in to include this on the review as I thought it was called Virgina Flake. After reading reviews, I noticed it was called 633 and already included in the reviewed tobacco. So much for white print on a yellow background. A beautiful flake when opening the tin. Rubs out perfectly and burns slowly leaving a nice ash. I initially thought this blend was quite strong. Although I usually don't like a blend lacking latakia, this was a nice change of pace. The perique was perfect and added that extra tang. I do not think it is an everyday smoke though as it is quite strong. I initially smoked it in a medium sized Gepetto Italian briar and it was the perfect size for such a blend...at least for me. Given the strength, a large bowl would be too much Virginan but that is from someone who usually always smokes something with at least a bit of latakia in the blend. A nice sour note on the taste buds. The room note was very pleasant expecially if there are folks in the room who are opposed to latakia. I will continue to review to see how the blend fares at different times of day with a different pipe. Now, and only after one pipe, I rate it only a two star but then that first pipe was after a few others and late in the evening so my taste buds could have been burnt out. More or the review to come later.

Update: I initially gave this a 2 star but after smoking other Virginan's this is nice. Now about six months later than my original post, going through my 3rd tin and find this one of my favorite VS/Perique blends. The presentation in the tin is beautiful with beautiful pressed flake. Prepared it by cutting into small cubes with a scissors and but into a #3 Dunhill White Dot Billard. What a nice smoke! Cool, balenced and leaving a beautiful white ash. I have dedicated this pipe to this blend as the small bowl is a nice way to capture the nuances of both the sweet Va and the perique. Like this after a big Sunday breakfast...robust enough to get me to lunch. Will buy a few tins and store it as I do think it will age well.

Half way through my tin of this, opened it about three weeks ago and it's hitting perfect smoking pitch now...a no-nonsense mature VA flake, not overly bitey or sweet...the Perq sits very much in the background, barely noticeable. It is quality for sure but it does miss a "WOW" factor, that said, that's also its strong point...recommended...maybe a 3.5 stars but I don't see it worthy of a four...but if you like an honest VA flake and a wee pinch of Perq, you will not be unhappy with your thinner wallet.

A great VaPer. Certainly one to try. It is a favorite among a crowded field of contenders. Grassy and spicey with a natural sweetness. This tin made me excited to try the other solani blends.