Fribourg & Treyer Vintage
(3.28)
A specially aged Virginia cut plug. A natural, mid-brown slightly fermented Virginia. This Navy cut gives a full smoke experience for all natural Virginia flake lovers.
Details
| Brand | Fribourg & Treyer |
| Blended By | Kohlhase & Kopp |
| Manufactured By | |
| Blend Type | Straight Virginia |
| Contents | Virginia |
| Flavoring | |
| Cut | Flake |
| Packaging | 50 grams tin |
| Country | Germany |
| Production | Currently available |
Profile
Strength
Mild to Medium
Extremely Mild -> Overwhelming
Flavoring
None Detected
None Detected -> Extra Strong
Room Note
Pleasant
Unnoticeable -> Overwhelming
Taste
Mild to Medium
Extremely Mild (Flat) -> Overwhelming
Average Rating
|
3.28 / 4
|
Reviews
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Displaying 21 - 30 of 39 Reviews
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 27, 2017 | Mild to Medium | Extremely Mild | Mild to Medium | Unnoticeable |
Vintage is a good tasting if somewhat unremarkable straight Virginia flake. It is precisely what I would recommend to a newbie who wanted to sample a benchmark, or representative member of the Va. flake genre. There’s lots of quality here, but nothing distinctive – no pizzazz. However it does have good balance between taste, strength and body (mouth feel). What you get is a rock solid Va. taste that is at least as fruity as it is grassy, and perhaps even a little wine-like. The flavor rides on a good volume of chewy smoke, but there is little in the way of complexity. Sometimes that's a good thing, like when you want to reset your palate.
Lest I seem dismissive or imply that this is a mediocre blend – let me emphasize that this is a high quality smoke. But it resides at the less complex end of the Va. flake spectrum. I get the impression that this is exactly what the folks at F&T had in mind for Vintage because their product line is populated by the likes of Cut Virginia Plug and Blackjack, both of which possess the mosaic of flavors and nuances of which the genre is capable. So if you’re interested in sampling your first Virginia flake, or in exploring the entire F&T product line, then Vintage is a good starting place.
The tin note has sweetness tinged by the sour of fermentation, and the grassy aroma you would expect of a Va. flake, but there’s nothing particularly alluring about it. There are no lighting or burning issues (at least if you rub it out as I do); and it smokes coolly and dryly to the bottom of the bowl without a hint of bite. I experienced delicate hints of citrus tanginess, and a gentle sweetness that becomes increasingly caramel-like as the smoke progresses, but don’t expect it to rise to the level of a confectionary treat. To me, the bottommost portion of the smoke feels a bit ashier than I would like, but at that point it’s “lights-out” anyway, so it shouldn’t dissuade one from trying this blend.
I recommend Vintage, if for no other reason than “what’s not to like?” I wanted to rate this at a strong 2-stars, but that would appear to be excessively negative. For 20% less money you can get the same “plain Jane” goodness from Mac Baren’s Virginia Flake, which is very similar, albeit a bit brighter in flavor.
Lest I seem dismissive or imply that this is a mediocre blend – let me emphasize that this is a high quality smoke. But it resides at the less complex end of the Va. flake spectrum. I get the impression that this is exactly what the folks at F&T had in mind for Vintage because their product line is populated by the likes of Cut Virginia Plug and Blackjack, both of which possess the mosaic of flavors and nuances of which the genre is capable. So if you’re interested in sampling your first Virginia flake, or in exploring the entire F&T product line, then Vintage is a good starting place.
The tin note has sweetness tinged by the sour of fermentation, and the grassy aroma you would expect of a Va. flake, but there’s nothing particularly alluring about it. There are no lighting or burning issues (at least if you rub it out as I do); and it smokes coolly and dryly to the bottom of the bowl without a hint of bite. I experienced delicate hints of citrus tanginess, and a gentle sweetness that becomes increasingly caramel-like as the smoke progresses, but don’t expect it to rise to the level of a confectionary treat. To me, the bottommost portion of the smoke feels a bit ashier than I would like, but at that point it’s “lights-out” anyway, so it shouldn’t dissuade one from trying this blend.
I recommend Vintage, if for no other reason than “what’s not to like?” I wanted to rate this at a strong 2-stars, but that would appear to be excessively negative. For 20% less money you can get the same “plain Jane” goodness from Mac Baren’s Virginia Flake, which is very similar, albeit a bit brighter in flavor.
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Jul 29, 2011 | Mild to Medium | None Detected | Medium to Full | Pleasant to Tolerable |
Decided to try this particular flake, as I have never tried anything by Fribourg & Treyer. Was not disappointed, an excellent and high quality Virginia flake, that burns evenly, and fairly slow. Out of the tin, the flake was neither too moist, or too dry....just right. For anyone whose a fan of quality Virginia flake, this one shouldn't be passed.
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Oct 24, 2006 | Mild to Medium | Mild | Mild to Medium | Tolerable |
The tin opens to a single pressed slice. I rubbed out a bit, put it into the pipe, and smoked a fine light cigar. Honest. Except that unlike a cigar, it doesn't "accumulate" from one end to the other because it's a much smaller dose, so the pleasant taste stays with it throughout. I also tried it with minimal rubbing -- instead folding it into the bowl. Now the cigar taste is subdued and some buried spicy tingle comes through -- almost as if it were a different blend.
I think I prefer the flavor of the former, but since I only really enjoy the flavor of a good cigar a few times a year, I'll leave this one to others.
I think I prefer the flavor of the former, but since I only really enjoy the flavor of a good cigar a few times a year, I'll leave this one to others.
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Aug 15, 2004 | Mild to Medium | None Detected | Mild | Pleasant to Tolerable |
Given my unbridled enthusiasm for F&T's Cut Virginia Plug, I find myself quite disappointed in this perportedly similar blend. It falls flat, and appears devoid of the humble yet endearing charm displayed by CVP.
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Aug 10, 2020 | Mild to Medium | None Detected | Mild to Medium | Pleasant to Tolerable |
Tin note.
Not a whole lot to talk about here. Produces a "wet" fermented grassy smell, which is rather typical for straight virginias. The only thing to point out here are those terribly ugly tins with no decoration, however flakes themselves look clean.
When smoked.
I need to say this. My first bowl of Vintage was a big disappointment. The first experience was not pleasant and reminded me of mass produced cigarettes. This made me wait for another two months. After the time I have tried it again and absolutely fell in love.
The taste is "smooth" and sweet. The best comparison for me is a sweet vanilla cream, that you would add to an evening coffee.
It burns flawlessly with no relights needed. Has no tendency to bite. Sometimes gets well lit from a charing light alone. Does not produce a lot of moisture, even when smoked right of the tin, what I recommend.
I like it best in narrow, deep bowls like the one my Duncan pipe has.
Room note.
Doesn't bother the company if not smoked in excess.
Final thoughts.
Next to Amphora Virginia this is my favourite blend and a strong candidate to be my lone island tobacco.
Not a whole lot to talk about here. Produces a "wet" fermented grassy smell, which is rather typical for straight virginias. The only thing to point out here are those terribly ugly tins with no decoration, however flakes themselves look clean.
When smoked.
I need to say this. My first bowl of Vintage was a big disappointment. The first experience was not pleasant and reminded me of mass produced cigarettes. This made me wait for another two months. After the time I have tried it again and absolutely fell in love.
The taste is "smooth" and sweet. The best comparison for me is a sweet vanilla cream, that you would add to an evening coffee.
It burns flawlessly with no relights needed. Has no tendency to bite. Sometimes gets well lit from a charing light alone. Does not produce a lot of moisture, even when smoked right of the tin, what I recommend.
I like it best in narrow, deep bowls like the one my Duncan pipe has.
Room note.
Doesn't bother the company if not smoked in excess.
Final thoughts.
Next to Amphora Virginia this is my favourite blend and a strong candidate to be my lone island tobacco.
Pipe Used:
Various briars, Duncan Sleeve Paddington
PurchasedFrom:
Sherlock trafika, Warsaw, Poland
Age When Smoked:
New, and 2 months old.
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 19, 2019 | Medium | None Detected | Medium | Pleasant |
Vintage Flake: A straightforward medium-bodied Virginia Flake
This flake is composed of mostly dark Virginias with some bright leaf scattered throughout the flake. The smoke has a nice medium body with mostly earthy flavors with some grassy-bright undertones, though I would not consider it to be complex.
Similar Blends: I find Vintage Flake to be similar to F & T, Special Brown Flake and Capstan Blue without the rum topping. Vintage Flake also has a bit more body and is a tad less sweet than its rum cased compatriots.
It is a good middle ground between Capstan Blue and Sam Gawith FVF.
This flake is composed of mostly dark Virginias with some bright leaf scattered throughout the flake. The smoke has a nice medium body with mostly earthy flavors with some grassy-bright undertones, though I would not consider it to be complex.
Similar Blends: I find Vintage Flake to be similar to F & T, Special Brown Flake and Capstan Blue without the rum topping. Vintage Flake also has a bit more body and is a tad less sweet than its rum cased compatriots.
It is a good middle ground between Capstan Blue and Sam Gawith FVF.
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 21, 2019 | Very Mild | Extremely Mild | Extremely Mild (Flat) | Pleasant |
F&T makes some very nice blends, mostly mild, top quality VA blends (at least those are the ones I am familiar with). This one has a great tin note and despite having a topping it is pretty much all for the tin note as I detect none in the flavor. Tin note is very sweet with grass and citrus, fruit a touch of vanilla and even some bread.
The flavor eludes me in this blend. I love Cut VA Plug and Blended plug but this one leaves me wanting more. I am a moderate puffer on a good day but when there is no flavor I tend to puff harder and faster, especially with known quality blenders, looking for more flavor. The one thing I can say as despite a few bowls of freight train like puffing, I nerver got tongue bite. That is impressive. The flavor is so mild I find it hard to describe. I get very subtle hints of bread and sweetness, some earthiness and a bit of hay. If you want a mild, thoughtless smoke this may be the thing for you. I won’t be buying this one again but it is a quality blend.
The flavor eludes me in this blend. I love Cut VA Plug and Blended plug but this one leaves me wanting more. I am a moderate puffer on a good day but when there is no flavor I tend to puff harder and faster, especially with known quality blenders, looking for more flavor. The one thing I can say as despite a few bowls of freight train like puffing, I nerver got tongue bite. That is impressive. The flavor is so mild I find it hard to describe. I get very subtle hints of bread and sweetness, some earthiness and a bit of hay. If you want a mild, thoughtless smoke this may be the thing for you. I won’t be buying this one again but it is a quality blend.
Pipe Used:
Briar's, meerschaum and cobs
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Oct 13, 2018 | Mild | Extremely Mild | Mild to Medium | Pleasant |
A Navy cut Virginia flake that looks more serious than it really is. The flavors are slightly enhanced by a topping that I can't really pinpoint, maybe cloves or cinnamon. A spicy almost peppery flavor is constant during the smoke, accompanied by some dry fig tartness and what is akin to a pastry with wine like undertones. Now those flavors are not very strong and they mingle very nicely during the third part of the bowl. It's also a heavenly tobacco for the retro inhaler.
An interesting if not odd fermented Virginia flake that slightly reminds me of McClelland Virginias in character. 3.5 stars, highly recommended for a beginner.
Virginia lover
An interesting if not odd fermented Virginia flake that slightly reminds me of McClelland Virginias in character. 3.5 stars, highly recommended for a beginner.
Virginia lover
Age When Smoked:
3 years
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Oct 31, 2016 | Mild | Extremely Mild | Medium | Pleasant |
The strength is mild. The leaf is top quality with a hint of casing or even just an absolute small dose of latakia, I reckon I can taste that at times although this is what makes it interesting. It's worth trying, I just fell out of love with this one, not sure why but I just don't reach for a tin of vintage all that often anymore. That said, this should be tried if you like straight Virginia. It smokes well and although I don't go for it any longer that doesn't mean you shouldn't try it, it could just be the one for you.
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Jul 02, 2013 | Medium | Very Mild | Medium to Full | Tolerable |
This is my third straight VA I try after walnut flake and FVF. It is also my second favourite.
Needless to say, SG FVF is by far better. This is a seriously good Flake tobacco, easily put to pieces, easily packed, easily lit and stays lit! A big advantage over FVF.
Smell from the tin is really faint (hints of honey, something a bit floral as well). N hit is stronger than FVF. Very decent smoke. Smokes cool... Not too aromatic, but there is also a sweet honey taste to it that I like.
Recommended!
Needless to say, SG FVF is by far better. This is a seriously good Flake tobacco, easily put to pieces, easily packed, easily lit and stays lit! A big advantage over FVF.
Smell from the tin is really faint (hints of honey, something a bit floral as well). N hit is stronger than FVF. Very decent smoke. Smokes cool... Not too aromatic, but there is also a sweet honey taste to it that I like.
Recommended!
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