J. F. Germain & Son Germain's Medium Flake

This flake comes packed tightly in the tin, and pulls off easily in long strips. Rubbing it out yields a nice blonde/straw colored shag that packs without effort. Some drying time is definitely required. The tin scent is of rich lemon cake. The lemon topping comes through in the taste for the char light, and for the first 1/3 of the bowl. The VA gives nice gentle notes of earth and dried hay. The last third of every bowl I smoked gave a peppery tingle on the tongue and palate. The smell is light tobacco, and this one got no complaints from bystanders. This blend is mild-medium in body and will bite if not sipped judiciously. I wont be buying this particular blend again.

smokeable out of the tin, granted you can decipher the single flakes... it's all one big wad of flakes that are hard to take apart without breaking each. that's not too bad though. it's very soft, not too moist, not too dry. perfect.

the tin aroma is delicious - it smells of figs and raisins and hay, like most virginia flakes I know (so far).

and that's pretty much the taste as well. kinf of citrusy, kind of hay-like, kind of sweet, but not overwhelmingly so.

it's easy to fold and stuff and then light with two matches. it stays lit the whole way down. it smokes sort of quickly for a flake, because the strands you manage to get out are long and thin. almost like a fine or shag cut.

it's nothing special, but I still enjoy it very much when I do smoke it.

great on a really hot summer day. not 3 stars because it's not that special. good, not bad, not supergood.

My preferences lean towards the lighter Va flakes (eg. Reiners, Orliks Golden, Escudo) and some of the medium sweeter flakes or Va's (FVF, BBF, Stonehaven, Union Square, Laurel Heights). A touchstone for a light, towards citrus and balanced va flake would be Dunhill's Light Flake ... so I am always looking for something comparable and available since it was discontinued. Fribourg & Treyer's Vintage probably comes as close as any blend I have tried as a substitute. But I digress.

Not a big fan of heavy casing and the McClelland-type blends with their vinegar/catsup or caramel/brown sugar toppings. On the other hand the McClelland's red virginia bulk 2015 I have found an excellent blender with a true red virginia flavour profile without the catsup notes.

So looking for a virginia with a light touch and clean quality - balanced and nuanced rather than boldly flavoured or heavily sweetened.

Germain's Medium Flake, as other reviewers have noted, comes packed as a block of what turns out on separation and gentle rubbing to be finely ribbon-cut virginia, putting one in mind of a fine, almost cigarette cut that reminded me of Astley's No.55 Elizabethan. Unlike the thicker pressings and cuts typical of most quality flakes, this tobacco has been shredded quite fine before pressing.

There was a tin aroma that had a slight botanical note towards soapiness such as lavender, lilac or bergamot. It also gave up some typical virginia raisin notes and slight citrus, as another reviewer noted, towards orange not lemon, perhaps tangerine.

I was hoping the medicinal/soapy notes would not express themselves in the smoke. I don't think they did.

The tobacco was a suitable moisture level straight from the can, it might have stood a bit more drying, although it didn't bite from moisture IMO. It was difficult to pack loosely and get an even burn in the bowl on first light.

Insipid. Ashy. Medium strength in nicotine flavour, but an odd, characterless single note smoking experience that had a grassy and unappealing flavor for my palate. No discernible transition down through the bowl. Probably the most cigarette-like experience in smoking a pipe I have ever had - a nicotine delivery system, going through the motions of smoking, although it is a trying cut to smoke in a pipe bowl for me, but no subtlty. Like eating oatmeal or brown rice without sugar or spice. Just very little to commend itself, and a bit of a trial to finish a few bowls. Now that may well be a "pure" experience in the sense that the tobacco delivers an unadulterated virginia experience, but there was none of the organic underlying, untopped sweetness of the leaf, almost as if it was insufficently cured, or slightly green and raw.

I'll probably give away the last half of my tin and won't buy it again. Can't scold it for being unpleasant, but in a life with only so many bowls ahead of me and so many more tasty and finely balanced virginias to smoke ... I'll pass on this. 2 Stars, somebody must like it, there is nothing per se wrong with it, not my cuppa.

BTW - it says 50 gramms on the front and 2oz on the back of the tin. A troy ounce is 31 grams more or less ... I thought a standard ounce weight would be about 28 gramms - so what's up with weights and measures in Jersey?

update: going through my reviews here, i find that i'll have to downgrade a good deal of the praise i've given so many blends. 4 stars should, i feel, be reserved for the blends i find truly exceptional. so, this is downgraded a bit. end update.

tin aroma is definitely flavoured. my first association was to player's flakes, or perhaps will's capstan flakes. it's fruity, hay-like, winey. very pleasant imo, and a genre of flavouring i haven't smelled for years.

the flakes are medium brown. a bit difficult to get whole flakes out of the tin, but easy to load and light.

the taste and smell of the smoke is a lot less coloured by the flavour than is the tin aroma. it's first of all a sweet (in a quite different sense than so many continental blends), gentle, pure virginia of medium strength that burns nicely to the bottom of the bowl. there are faint whispers of vanilla and sandalwood, but the predominating taste is of well aged and pressed virginias with their fermented brandyish and berryish notes. very finely tuned blend, and the slight flavouring really complements the tobacco's own flavours.

i think it is delightfull, and i find myself smoking quite a bit of it.

an old fashioned, fine tobacco, which alas also wakens a nostalgia for all the wonderful british virginia blends now long gone (capstan, simmon's, fribourg & treyer's etc)!

Perhaps they should call this 'medium block'. Germain has taken very finely cut yellow VAs and pressed them into a single block ~ 3"x2"x1" that fills their tin. At the start, I had difficulty separating the layers and obtained mostly fine ribbons, even finer than the typical Germain's, that were difficult to pack evenly. This resulted in channeling, an extremely uneven burn, plugging of the air hole and some harsh tastes. However, in the last half of the tin, I was able to obtain some nice clumps and successfully pack them. Perhaps we should blame my packing techniques since a good tobacco taste developed when large bowled pipes were used. Even if this is a great tobacco, I'm not sure that I have the patience to experiment and discover it. There are other true VA flakes that require much less attention to obtain a great smoke.

One of my main sample suppliers, 😊 at the pipe club brought in this one and some others. This was a nice faintly sweet-smelling tobacco out of the tin with lightly reddish-brown flakes really jammed packed in there so as when you went to retrieve a couple you mostly got shredded wheat. If this is flavored it is extremely mild and to me only brings out taste of the tobacco. A really good smoke.

Flake? I'd say shag in lumps. But it doesn't matter a bit. Reminiscent of Samuel Gawith's Golden Glow, although that one is not flavoured. What they both have is some prime bright VA notes, with lots of citrusy deliciousness. In Medium Flake, som of this flavour also comes from the topping. Some say the topping is obvious. I'm not so sure. First time I smoked Medium Flake I used a brand new cob, and the mild corn flavour completely masked the topping. It's not unnoticeable, but it's much more of a supplement to the natural flavours than a flavouring with a taste of it's own. I don't usually prefer aromatic blends, but I certainly don't mind this. It's predominantly feels and behaves like a straight Virginia. Very very delicious.

I waited for a long time to purchase this blend because once they are released they are available for a little time.once the tin breaks a pleasant topping comes out with some grass and earthy notes.the bright and brown virginias are cut in shag way and then pressed into loose and smooth texture flakes wich brake apart very easy or can be folded as they are.the moisture is proper, lights well and very few relights are needed.while smoking the sweet topping wich has for sure apricot is not strong but enough to subtlimate the tobacco flavours wich are more obvious after a while.the virginia flavours are rich offering citruses,grass,earthy and bread notes.generally the flavours are pleasant and natural.burns quicker than the average pipe tobacco and medium hot.no tongue bite present with a nice aftertaste.the nicotine level is medium and the room note tolerable.leaves a lot moisture at the filter.an all day smoke.generally this one is a decent blend.

I am not sure what the casing is for this Medium Flake but I can tell you it is just amazingly good! It is so good that it makes me crave another pipeful everytime I finish one. The flakes, once rubbed out, provide you with a shag cut leaf that is easily packed, lit and burns extremely well. As where it would have been rather bland without the casing, well the casing enhances the tobacco beautifully. Medium Flake is becoming a favorite.

Finally got ahold of some of this due to a very generous piping-friend who did send me 12 sample from the UK. Mostly G&H, but Germain's Medium Flake was one of the few that were not.

Stuck my nose into the baggie and was flashed by the very fruity scent. Clearly aromatized, but not in a way I'd call this a aromatic! The flavoring flatters the natural Virginia aroma. I get lots citrus/lime and few fruit notes along with some tea and bread in the back. I got mine rubbed out, so I can't comment on the slices.

Packed it into a sweet corn cob I got granted along with the samples (one with a small, stick-licke mouthpiece from wood; and rough corn (so not finished) on the bowl).

On first light I instantly got hit by a citrusy, and very tea-like aroma of the tobacco, before some fruitiness kicked in to enhance the experience. Dcent sweetness, but not overly. Stoved-fruits, citrusy freshness, lots of tea and minor breadiness create a exciting smoke that I instantly fell in love with! I also get some grassiness as I proceed the bowl. The flavoring really enhances the Virginias natural qualities. I love the intense tea-like aroma, that I have found in very few straight Virginias that intensly. Even tho I usually prefer most natural smokes, this one will certainly make my rotation, as soon as I get ahold of a few tins of this, as its pretty darn delicious! Also the flavoring fades a bit as you progress through the bowl.

I wouldn't even consider this a "Semi-Aromatic" as the flavoring is really just tweaking up the Virginias natural charme. Yet you can clearly make out its been flavored. They've hit a sweet-spot here for me. Perfect balance of natural taste and (enhancing) flavoring.

4/4 stars for a very, very delicious straight Virginia!

Another good tobacco from Germains. Smokes cool, no tongue bite even if pushed fast. Very mild toping of orange flavoring applied which is in harmony with natural tobacco taste. Good smoke on hot summers day. Recommended.

A very light tobacco. When you open the tin a realy nice virginia note comes out. The tobacco is a little bit wet. You should dry him a little bit. The flake has a nice cut. It burns very soft and slow. There are no tounge bites at all. This was my first flake and I have to say that this will be not the last one. Next week I will get a delivery with W.O. Larsen No. 32 and Mac Baren HH Pure Virginia. I hope these two flakes will be as good as the Germains Medium Flake. For all smokers who love pure virginia taste without any flavouring this is a very very good one.

I've been smoking a pipe for a little over a year so still a newbie, I was sent a sample of this when I purchased my first pipe and found it interesting. A year later and sampling many other tobaccos I bought sum more medium flake,it's a medium strength virginia with a citrus topping not much to look at in the tin but the tin note produced is pleasant. I find the moisture content just right and smokes straight from the tin,packs and takes to the flame easily needing few relights. There's a wonderful citrus/lemony taste but not to overpowering and with the sweet virginia's it works well,it's a relaxing smoke with a medium N kick and find it smokes well in any pipe where other tobaccos have failed to do so. Will definitely be buying more and would certainly recommend.

This is a lovely bright broken flake in appearance. The tin note is sweet lemon and honey. I cannot detect casing outside of this.

Takes the flame well and is a single light, low maintenance smoke.

Produces a nice, clean, fresh Virginia aroma and is particularly sweet to the tongue. Would make a pleasant all day smoke for straight Va fans.

Medium Flake is one of those tobaccos that tends to go un-noticed by many, much to their unbeknownst disappointment, for they are missing a fine experience. This is essentially a golden and bronze VA flake, but it is not cut or sliced, making it more like plug tobaccos. You can select to sheer off fine strips, with a texture like horsehair, or cut a cube of it for your favourite clay.

The VAs are scented with violet, s it typical of a Lakeland, which I find most enjoyable. They are exceptionally delightful if you slightly toast the leaf before you pug it in your pipe, and I generally take the lid of an old tin and place it over an oil lamp (with a trimmer) with lay out a bit of Medium Flake on that, which brings out the violet scent and unfolds its hidden sweetness.

Like most VAs, Medium Flake is greatly enhanced with age. I managed to uncover a 10-year tin in my cellar and opened it, not realizing how long it was in there until I flipped it over, as the experience was so amazing, I had wondered what I was doing differently. Two years at least is what I suggest for the full experience, but if you can manage to sneak one away for a decade or two, you will e i for a divine treat.

A green tin is still very pleasant, and I keep one in regular rotation at all times. I find it exceptional early in the day (just after rising), with tea, or after dinner. It does not mix well with scotch, as the delicate ambrosia of Medium Flake is easily overpowered by any strong serums that you may care to partake with it. I find that simple water is best here.

A to bowl size, unlike some VAs that tend to bite, I have never had an issue with medium Flake. I have smoked it in everything from tiny (Group 1) bowls and clays, to my trusty OBD. The experience is perfect in any size, and as it is close to a plug from the tin, if you don't sheer it or rub it out it smoulders cool and fresh for a very long, smouldering smoke, and makes a good companion for reading.

The control you have over consistency is remarkable, so if you want a faster burn or fewer relights, you need only rub it out a tad more and it behaves admirably. It is also a good DGT candidate, especially in larger bowls. My only regret is that i can't buy it in 1Lb bricks.

The overall composition of Medium Flake is a very mellow Lakeland background note, with motes of honey, cake, copper, and a mead-like quality that you need to experience to fully appreciate.

Medium Flake lives up to its name. It begins mild to medium in flavor and deepens to a solid medium level of aroma, flavor and strength. It can be quite yummy.

At its best, it produces a pure Virginia flavor profile, with high notes of burnt caramel and musty essences. There is a touch of spiciness when I exhale through my nose. Natural sweetness is present in taste, but mostly in the waft.

There does not appear to be any casing or flavoring. It can be provoked to nip the tongue mildly if puffed absentmindedly. Opening the tin and letting it relax (dehumidify) for a few weeks in proper storage seems to benefit its burning properties and flavor.

I find it very easy to pack by folding its long flakes over in half and in half again, usually placing a pinch of rubbed out flake at the very bottom and on the very top of the bowl. I suggest that one not be too quick to simply rub this out. It really works as a flake.

One good charring light and two initial lights get me most of the way through the bowl. One additional relight about mid-way seems a regular phenomenon with Medium Flake.

It seems to burn well in the medium and large size bowls I use. It loses something essential outdoors and is perfectly suitable to indoor enjoyment in the close confines of my car.

While I will not likely cellar this in significant quantities, it will be kept on hand for the times when I crave its refined character.

Medium Flake and its cousin, Brown Flake, have very little, if anything common. They are differing offerings for different desires. Both are worthy.

Another quality Germain product.

Upon opening the lid of this small tin I detected very little to no aroma of the brownish colored tobacco with slivers of golden Virginias pressed into this small container.

As I rubbed out this Medium Flake to my liking I detected it was fresh and a little moist. I had no problem in packing this medium flake in a 1963 Group 2 Dunhill Prince, it lights easily and as long as you have a tamper there is not too much problem in keeping it lit.

I did not notice any tongue bite, but.....this tobacco will get a bowl hot real fast. IMO this is a mild tasting Medium Flake, but improves to a medium tasting tobacco as you smoke this towards the bottom of the bowl.

Keep Your Pipe Cool, Smoke it Slow, Enjoy it Longer

IMO Medium Flake, like its sibling, Brown Flake, is a nice tobacco, well manufactured, probably of very good leaf, the initial taste of which is quite good but eventually tends to fade away, losing both in body and flavour. Unlike BF, Medium Flake is a kind of naturally sweet Virginia, in the same vein of Dunhill?s Three Year Matured (not as fruity though) or Bjarne´s Flake de Luxe. Equally moist, MF is lighter in colour than BF. I found it easy to break up the individual flakes, but difficult to light the tobacco once it was packed. Some airing is beneficial, but I have noticed that it can dry up very quickly and turn to dust.

As with Brown Flake, the initial flavour was surprisingly rich, smooth and palatable. I really enjoyed this flake for a couple of minutes, in which time I smoked it slowly and carefully. In spite of the difficulty in keeping it lit, it did burn well and smoothly. But once I was getting the ?feel? of it, there occurred some kind of chemical (or chimerical?) transfiguration and, spoof!, its structure and flavour simply vanished into thin air?It is as if some dark magical force (Voldemort?) suctioned the life out of this tobacco and rendered it innocuous and dull. Why? Cannot tell, but it just seemed that way. A shame, really. This could have been very nice.

This is a quality tobacco with quality Virginias presented in a very tightly packed flake. I find it impossible to peel off a whole flake but that hardly matters as it smokes perfectly straight out of the tin and didn’t need any dry time and only one light after the initial flame. The aroma is of subtle floral notes with some background of fruit, maybe plum? But everything about this tobacco is subtle except for the enjoyment. For me that’s full on. This is great smoking tobacco and I love it.