Tavern Tobacco Co. Blackbeard's Queen Anne's Revenge

I found some of this in a jar at the back of my cupboard, another one I'd acquired in a trade years ago but never got round to trying. I wish I'd tried it earlier as I quite like this one. It reminds me of G&H Rum Flake with the addition of latakia, which gives it a nice smokiness without overpowering it (I'd previously been put off latakia after trying English blends like EMP and Nightcap). A little low in vitamin N for my liking, but has enough to satisfy. It has a lovely aftertaste as well, just like Rum Flake. I think I probably have a little under an ounce left, so I'll have to ration it carefully.

To my palate, the rum comes through loud and clear throughout a bowlful. But it never overshadows the rich flavors of the flake. The result, while a bit unusual, is quite satisfying. This is exactly the kind of thing I'm looking for when I want an aromatic (and I'm not an aromatic fan) -- just a touch of additional flavor added to fine leaf.

I tried this, having been very pleased with some of the other offerings from Tavern Tobbaco, with my last order. I was pleasantly surprised. I figured, with the rum top dressing, that I would be in dire need of first aid for my tounge after smoking this. I was wrong. The rum is restrained, as is the latakia. They only peak out at just the right moments, like when it was begining to get boring. I for one am not a proponant of stoved va's. I do agree, however, that it does need to be aired out for quite a while, as the moisture content is VERY high. I smoked one flake right out of the tin and had a hard time keeping it lit at first. After about 2 weeks with the tin opended, it was ready to smoke. Smokes best in a large briar or even better in a large meer, surely needs to be well rubbed out and broken up. it burns slow and cool and is great for the outdoorsman, or somone who is an absentminded smoker. Once you get it going it stays well lit. Over all 3 out of 4 stars.

I've had a couple of bowls of this and felt I ought to give it a review, though usually I wait until I've smoked at least two ounces before I decide to post.

Rich, rich,smoky-sweet blend of deep Lakeland VA, Latakia with Rum flavoring. The rum is used very sparingly and integrates discretely with the VA and Latakia. A great change of pace smoke.

No orientals or "nuttiness" as in a real English, rather I think of this as a crossover blend with a dark VA backbone. Not complex, but smooth and stately. This pirate won't rob you and tastes stronger than it really is (some would find this a plus). Arrives extremely wet, as if someone threw it overboard, and needs a lot of drying time. Could probably use some age. I intend to explore this one further.

I too, was introduced to this blend by virtue of a sample pack that was included in an order of Marlin Flake. I liked it so much that I recently ordered it in bulk.

This is a matured virginia flake with latakia and a rum topping. The latakia is very reserved and slips in and out of the taste. The rum was much more pronounced in my bulk order, but burns away about 1/3 down the bowl leaving a deep sweet virginia with the smoky hint of latakia. It burns cool and is tongue-pleasing.

Although my usual fare is virginia flake, this is a very nice distraction 2 or 3 times a week.

A nice addition to the rotation or easily suitable for daily consumption. Nicely done.