Reiner Blend 71: Long Golden Flake
(3.61)
A very special blend of golden Virginias, a little "white" burley, and a touch of perique to make things interesting. Pressed into long flakes, sliced, then rolled in the tin in long strips.
Notes: From the Kohlase & Kopp website (translated from German): Golden Virginia, some white burley and a pinch of perique. Long flake tobacco rolled. The website also confirms a honey/orange flavoring is added.
Details
| Brand | Reiner |
| Blended By | R.L. Will |
| Manufactured By | Kohlhase & Kopp |
| Blend Type | Virginia/Perique |
| Contents | Burley, Perique, Virginia |
| Flavoring | Honey, Orange |
| Cut | Flake |
| Packaging | 100 grams tin |
| Country | Germany |
| Production | Currently available |
Profile
Strength
Medium
Extremely Mild -> Overwhelming
Flavoring
None Detected
None Detected -> Extra Strong
Room Note
Pleasant to Tolerable
Unnoticeable -> Overwhelming
Taste
Medium
Extremely Mild (Flat) -> Overwhelming
Average Rating
|
3.61 / 4
|
Reviews
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Displaying 11 - 20 of 152 Reviews
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 29, 2015 | Medium | Extremely Mild | Medium | Pleasant |
Where to begin, where to begin. I cracked open the gold labeled tin with much anticipation; having read several reviews here on TR, my expectations were very high. And, many times, if you've read my reviews, I'm often disappointed, but, this time there was no let down. The tin note is wonderful, bready, with a hint of pepper—and, truth be told, this is precisely the taste I get when lighting up. A wonderfully warm bready taste with a fantastic side stream—little in the way of additives, mostly just great tobacco! After the first third of the bowl the perique takes center stage, then fades in the last third back to the bready Virginias (the Burley is present but, to my palate, it pretty much sticks to the shadows—possibly reinforcing the breadiness). The nicotine content is moderate (no conk on the head here). This is high quality blending, nay, a veritable artist is at work here!
For me, there's a noticeable difference between your run-of-the-mill blenders, of which there are a dime a dozen in the pipe tobacco world, and those that can create a blend like this one. An artist takes his raw materials and makes the tobacco itself the star, not a heavy dose of chemicals—anyone can put that slop into a tobacco and call it a "blend" but few can create a masterpiece like Reiner's Long Golden Flake.
BTW I'm not suggesting there is no honey/orange additive in this blend; however, this "flavoring" is so subtle, I barely notice it. This additive is used as an accent, a mild seasoning, rather than as one that provides a definitive taste. I've nothing against this method of blending. It's the blenders that "go nuclear" with their additives I've trouble with. Skilled blenders know how to combine tobacco with little or no additives (a sign of true artistry). We need more blenders who understand this concept (ever hear of the expression 'less is more'? Today's blenders, and by extension, smoker's themselves, would do well to heed these words).
This is not a complex blend, it is, in my view a rather simple one, like a piece of chamber music, not a symphony. It lit well and smoked forever—my egg-shaped bent Viprati sang for better than an hour. The only downside is the amount of money you have to fork over, but, hey, sometimes you have to pay for quality. This blend was well worth the money, and I will be smoking more of this.
It's when I smoke a tobacco like this, I know life's worth it. Great stuff!
Happy piping!
For me, there's a noticeable difference between your run-of-the-mill blenders, of which there are a dime a dozen in the pipe tobacco world, and those that can create a blend like this one. An artist takes his raw materials and makes the tobacco itself the star, not a heavy dose of chemicals—anyone can put that slop into a tobacco and call it a "blend" but few can create a masterpiece like Reiner's Long Golden Flake.
BTW I'm not suggesting there is no honey/orange additive in this blend; however, this "flavoring" is so subtle, I barely notice it. This additive is used as an accent, a mild seasoning, rather than as one that provides a definitive taste. I've nothing against this method of blending. It's the blenders that "go nuclear" with their additives I've trouble with. Skilled blenders know how to combine tobacco with little or no additives (a sign of true artistry). We need more blenders who understand this concept (ever hear of the expression 'less is more'? Today's blenders, and by extension, smoker's themselves, would do well to heed these words).
This is not a complex blend, it is, in my view a rather simple one, like a piece of chamber music, not a symphony. It lit well and smoked forever—my egg-shaped bent Viprati sang for better than an hour. The only downside is the amount of money you have to fork over, but, hey, sometimes you have to pay for quality. This blend was well worth the money, and I will be smoking more of this.
It's when I smoke a tobacco like this, I know life's worth it. Great stuff!
Happy piping!
Pipe Used:
Viprati big bowl
PurchasedFrom:
Cup O' Joes
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 12, 2015 | Medium | None Detected | Medium to Full | Pleasant |
Here's another tobacco that is deserving of all the rave reviews. Presentation is excellent and the flakes are LONG and about as thick as your average Danish flake. My only complaint about the packaging (which is high class, by the way), is that it is rather bulky. So if you're on the go it would be best to transfer an amount into a smaller container.
The moisture content on a freshly opened tin is perfect and needs no dry time whatsoever. Tin note is fresh hay, a slight touch of citrus, with a deep fermented spice note.
First 5 or 10 minutes of the bowl yields a smoke that has a slight peppery spice to it, with a nice underlying sweetness. The sweetness slowly picks up while the spice fades to the background. 15 minutes in I am in total Virginia heaven. Very rich and full with a delicious multidimensional sweetness.
As the smoke progesses, the perique influence as faded mostly away while the Burley begins to make itself known. The last 15 minutes of the bowl, the Burley and Virginias do a wonderful break dance session. The Burley throws down then steps aside while the Virginias work their magic. This dance continues till the last puff where all that remains is a nice pile of ash and very little dottle.
Quite honestly, I'm not sure I've ever smoked a tobacco this complex (in a pipe anyway). It is absolutely masterfully blended, with each component contributing exactly what they should. It holds my interest the entire bowl, constantly changing and shifting into something else.
This tobacco is a true work of art and should be highly sought after by Virginia lovers everywhere. Absolutely amazing.
The moisture content on a freshly opened tin is perfect and needs no dry time whatsoever. Tin note is fresh hay, a slight touch of citrus, with a deep fermented spice note.
First 5 or 10 minutes of the bowl yields a smoke that has a slight peppery spice to it, with a nice underlying sweetness. The sweetness slowly picks up while the spice fades to the background. 15 minutes in I am in total Virginia heaven. Very rich and full with a delicious multidimensional sweetness.
As the smoke progesses, the perique influence as faded mostly away while the Burley begins to make itself known. The last 15 minutes of the bowl, the Burley and Virginias do a wonderful break dance session. The Burley throws down then steps aside while the Virginias work their magic. This dance continues till the last puff where all that remains is a nice pile of ash and very little dottle.
Quite honestly, I'm not sure I've ever smoked a tobacco this complex (in a pipe anyway). It is absolutely masterfully blended, with each component contributing exactly what they should. It holds my interest the entire bowl, constantly changing and shifting into something else.
This tobacco is a true work of art and should be highly sought after by Virginia lovers everywhere. Absolutely amazing.
Pipe Used:
Peterson 106 billiard, among others
Age When Smoked:
Fresh tin
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Jul 19, 2008 | Mild to Medium | None Detected | Mild to Medium | Pleasant |
Journal Notes, April 2002: First tin purchased at Uptown's. Expensive relative to similar flakes. One whiff of the tin says "RL Will was here." Hard to find the burley in the aroma, just great VA and a little Perique. Full rub. Hour dry. Autograph 00 "Dublin/Stack". Two match char. One match. No relights. Clean, sweet, a lttle spice. Where's the burley? Not that I care. Dry. Gotta get more.
Journal Notes, April 2004: Cellared June 2002. Radice Rind Stack. Darker, sweeter. Bright notes more subdued. Good Perique creep. Gotta get more. Current inventory 12 tins.
July 2008: I wonder if I can sell a kidney for some more of this? Current inventory: Not Enough.
Wonderful.
Journal Notes, April 2004: Cellared June 2002. Radice Rind Stack. Darker, sweeter. Bright notes more subdued. Good Perique creep. Gotta get more. Current inventory 12 tins.
July 2008: I wonder if I can sell a kidney for some more of this? Current inventory: Not Enough.
Wonderful.
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 03, 2007 | Mild | Extremely Mild | Mild to Medium | Pleasant |
I was a bit hesitant in trying this tobacco as I'm a Virginia smoker per se'. Not knowing how much Burley was in the mix was a concern. To my delight, the amount of Burley is comparatively small... and it does provide a "creamy" taste yet not overly so.
The balance is exceptional and while not complex, this straightfoward tobacco has become one of my favorites. The room note is also superb... and I've yet to encounter anyone who hasn't commented on how good the tobacco smells.
I most often smoke this in a straight billiard size 5 pipe and do not rub out the flake much at all. An easy light, this tobacco burns even and smooth and a few tamps is all that's necessary to enjoy a full bowl.
This is a pleasant change for the more matured Virginia plugs I normally smoke but it has a place in my rotation and goes well with a scotch or coffee.
...a pipe is to be savored
The balance is exceptional and while not complex, this straightfoward tobacco has become one of my favorites. The room note is also superb... and I've yet to encounter anyone who hasn't commented on how good the tobacco smells.
I most often smoke this in a straight billiard size 5 pipe and do not rub out the flake much at all. An easy light, this tobacco burns even and smooth and a few tamps is all that's necessary to enjoy a full bowl.
This is a pleasant change for the more matured Virginia plugs I normally smoke but it has a place in my rotation and goes well with a scotch or coffee.
...a pipe is to be savored
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 11, 2021 | Mild to Medium | Very Mild | Medium | Pleasant |
Reiner - Blend 71: Long Golden Flake.
'Long Golden Flake'? No kidding, my tin contains just five flakes and if you consider the tin holds 100g that might give you an idea of how long they are! Mostly medium brown in colour with lighter pieces speckled over them. The aroma isn't indicative of much of a casing, it just smells of Virginia; slightly sweet, though. The moisture's good.
The prominent flavour's of sweet Virginia. The toppings pair well with the natural flavour of the leaf. As the Virginia tastes, on its own, fresh and sweet the added orange and honey are the quintessential partners in crime! I find, of the additives, the honey easily outweighs the orange. The white Burley dries the smoke, somewhat, and brings a sort of toasty character. Now, the lesser of the three is the Perique; IMO. At first I notice none, but as the bowl burns I notice a gentle peppery note; gentle, I don't get actual 'spice'. Practically speaking this is perfect; a consistent burn, cool smoke, no bite.
Nicotine: quite mild. Room-note: not bad.
Blend 71? A definite four stars:
Highly recommended.
'Long Golden Flake'? No kidding, my tin contains just five flakes and if you consider the tin holds 100g that might give you an idea of how long they are! Mostly medium brown in colour with lighter pieces speckled over them. The aroma isn't indicative of much of a casing, it just smells of Virginia; slightly sweet, though. The moisture's good.
The prominent flavour's of sweet Virginia. The toppings pair well with the natural flavour of the leaf. As the Virginia tastes, on its own, fresh and sweet the added orange and honey are the quintessential partners in crime! I find, of the additives, the honey easily outweighs the orange. The white Burley dries the smoke, somewhat, and brings a sort of toasty character. Now, the lesser of the three is the Perique; IMO. At first I notice none, but as the bowl burns I notice a gentle peppery note; gentle, I don't get actual 'spice'. Practically speaking this is perfect; a consistent burn, cool smoke, no bite.
Nicotine: quite mild. Room-note: not bad.
Blend 71? A definite four stars:
Highly recommended.
Pipe Used:
Peterson #221
PurchasedFrom:
Smokingpipes.com
Age When Smoked:
Three weeks
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 03, 2017 | Mild to Medium | None Detected | Mild to Medium | Unnoticeable |
This VaPer blend is simple and very pleasant.when you open the tin you see the large folded flakes and a nice aroma of citrus grass and tea comes out.the moisture level is ok ,rubs nice lights eαsy and needs a few relights.burns peacefull and slow.the flavours while smoking are simple very natural and nice combined between sweet fruits earth and grass.some spicyness is detected in the backround.the room note is very discreet and light.leaves a little moisture at the end of the bowl.the nicotine level and flavours are exactly what you need for an all day smoking pleasure.it is a must try for the VIPER lovers!
Age When Smoked:
When opened!
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 04, 2016 | Mild to Medium | Mild | Mild to Medium | Pleasant |
I received a healthy sample of this from a friend. It was mostly long flakes with some of them broken. Moisture level was good. The pouch note is hay and a whiff of citrus. I don't get any perique in the pouch note.
I mostly rubbed this out, but some of the intact flakes I folded and made a cannonball - rolling it in my fingers before stuffing. The smoke was cool and tasty - it was sweet and hay with a little burley for body. There was a slight citrus in the flavor which brought out some tart in the Virginia. The perique is a condiment. You get just a little spice when puffed, but it is a light presence.
This reminded me of OGS in a different flake format. OGS has a little more of the citrus and is slightly sweeter. They are both great smokes.
I mostly rubbed this out, but some of the intact flakes I folded and made a cannonball - rolling it in my fingers before stuffing. The smoke was cool and tasty - it was sweet and hay with a little burley for body. There was a slight citrus in the flavor which brought out some tart in the Virginia. The perique is a condiment. You get just a little spice when puffed, but it is a light presence.
This reminded me of OGS in a different flake format. OGS has a little more of the citrus and is slightly sweeter. They are both great smokes.
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 15, 2016 | Mild to Medium | Very Mild | Medium | Tolerable |
The "paint can" tin is the best in the business and there is no need to transfer the tobacco into a mason jar, as it will hold the moisture level perfectly. The tobacco comes in long, rolled up flakes and the moisture level is just how I like it and ready to be smoked right out of the tin. This is the best presentation I have come across and I proudly display it alongside my pipes. I have smoked it in all different sized bowls and I prefer to smoke this in a larger bowl because a smaller one is just too short of a smoke and I find that when I'm smoking this one, I never want it to end. This blend smokes cool and feels soft and silky as I retrohale, it can surely bite when pushed too hard but it's overall pretty forgiving. I definitely detect a very light top note but I wouldn't consider this an aromatic, it's just enough to add to the overall nuance of the blend. At first, I thought that this tasted exactly like Orlik Golden Sliced and it does have some similarities but this here blend is on the shelf above the top shelf, it's absolutely amazing and I promise you, it doesn't get any better than this. This blend is a bit on the pricey side but R.L Will is very strict on what tobaccos make the cut, he only accepts the best of the best so I have no problem paying for quality and quality is really an understatement in regards to this blend. The tobacco burns down to a fine grey ash and never leaves moisture build up in the bottom of the bowl. I have found my Holy Grail, boys and I'm willing to share it with all of you, just be sure to leave some for the rest of us. I honestly don't know why I even smoke other blends within the same genre, nothing compares... nothing! Absolutely essential!
Pipe Used:
Neerup, Colossus, Savinelli.
PurchasedFrom:
Smokingpipes.com
Age When Smoked:
Right out of the tin
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 17, 2014 | Medium | None Detected | Medium | Tolerable |
I really enjoyed my short time with this blend. I received a good sample (5 bowls or so) from a forum buddy. Since I received it in a baggy I have no comment on presentation other than the flakes I received were of perfect moisture and it was relayed to me that the age on the same was about a year and a half old.
The flakes crumbled nicely, but not to dust. This is a great combination of Burley nuttiness and Virginia Hay sweetness. The perique, I found was very light, but there nonetheless in a supporting role. I will definitely be purchasing this one in the future.
The flakes crumbled nicely, but not to dust. This is a great combination of Burley nuttiness and Virginia Hay sweetness. The perique, I found was very light, but there nonetheless in a supporting role. I will definitely be purchasing this one in the future.
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 12, 2014 | Medium | Very Mild | Medium | Pleasant to Tolerable |
I bought my first tin of Long Golden Flake back in 2010. I smoked about a half tin and it simply didn’t charm me. Now, four years later, it has mellowed into a very good flake and I find myself reaching for it often. The mystery topping is hard for me to pinpoint, but my feeling is that is a light citrus, but that could be because of the color of the flake. There is some added sweetness to this blend, but isn’t overpowering. The Virginias contribute the sweetness and the perique adds a light pepper to the flake rather than the fruitiness that Perique brings to other blends. I don’t think the Perique is overpowering. The Burley lies in the background adding some depth and it offsets the added sweetness a bit. Even when aged, it seems to burn a little hot at first light, but quickly settles down. It has been some time since I smoked Orlik Golden Slices, but to my memory, I find this better with less citrus. I am still not a huge fan of this blend when new, (about two and a half stars for me) but a four star blend when aged. I should add that while the tobacco is on the expensive side, if you try it and don’t like it, LGF’s long flake makes for an inexpensive belt!
Age When Smoked:
4 years
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