Gawith, Hoggarth & Co. Brown Flake Aromatic
(3.15)
Comprised from the same tobaccos as unscented Brown Flake, this medium bodied flake is augmented with the addition of traditional British flavorings (70%) and vanilla and fig extract (15% each). Designed for those smokers who enjoy the Brown Flake, but want a more traditionally flavored British Flake.
Details
| Brand | Gawith, Hoggarth & Co. |
| Blended By | |
| Manufactured By | Gawith Hoggarth & Co. |
| Blend Type | Aromatic |
| Contents | Burley, Virginia |
| Flavoring | Fruit / Citrus, Other / Misc, Vanilla |
| Cut | Flake |
| Packaging | Bulk |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Production | Currently available |
Profile
Strength
Medium
Extremely Mild -> Overwhelming
Flavoring
Medium
None Detected -> Extra Strong
Room Note
Pleasant
Unnoticeable -> Overwhelming
Taste
Medium
Extremely Mild (Flat) -> Overwhelming
Average Rating
|
3.15 / 4
|
Reviews
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Displaying 11 - 20 of 27 Reviews
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 25, 2007 | Medium | Medium to Strong | Medium to Full | Tolerable |
I've been looking forward to trying a Lakeland tobacco for a while now. I'm not entirely sure what sparked my interest. Maybe it was the peculiarity of reviewers discussing a "floral" note. Or perhaps my disdain for No. 79 set me in the direction of finding a more acceptable perfumed smoke.
At the smoke shop, I mentioned to the tobacconist that I'd like to try a strong aromatic. From under the counter came a giant, unopened box of Brown Flake Aromatic. I could smell the stuff a foot away, and a closer sniff made me even more curious.
If I could describe the smell, I'd compare it to Earl Grey Tea. Though I had doubts about the aroma, I knew very well that the tobacco would be top notch. G&H products have always excelled in quality, so I wasn't too afraid about experimenting. Pipe tobacco is a a great avenue for the adventurous person; there's so much endless variety.
The smoking experience of Brown Flake Aromatic is certainly interesting for someone that has never tried a Lakeland tobacco. It tasted exactly as I had imagined it would. So often one buys an aromatic for the smell, only to find it tastes nothing like that aroma you fell in love with. And here, that peculiar floral scent was always at the front in flavor, from the initial light to the ending draw.
I read a few complaints about the moisture level. My sample was fairly typical. I didn't have a problem keeping the tobacco lit, and I didn't feel the tobacco bite as some have remarked.
This won't be an every day smoke for me. The quality is definitely there but it's a matter of taste. I'm not turned off to Lakeland tobaccos as a consequence of this offering, it just wasn't the flavor I was searching for. I know it's out there.
At the smoke shop, I mentioned to the tobacconist that I'd like to try a strong aromatic. From under the counter came a giant, unopened box of Brown Flake Aromatic. I could smell the stuff a foot away, and a closer sniff made me even more curious.
If I could describe the smell, I'd compare it to Earl Grey Tea. Though I had doubts about the aroma, I knew very well that the tobacco would be top notch. G&H products have always excelled in quality, so I wasn't too afraid about experimenting. Pipe tobacco is a a great avenue for the adventurous person; there's so much endless variety.
The smoking experience of Brown Flake Aromatic is certainly interesting for someone that has never tried a Lakeland tobacco. It tasted exactly as I had imagined it would. So often one buys an aromatic for the smell, only to find it tastes nothing like that aroma you fell in love with. And here, that peculiar floral scent was always at the front in flavor, from the initial light to the ending draw.
I read a few complaints about the moisture level. My sample was fairly typical. I didn't have a problem keeping the tobacco lit, and I didn't feel the tobacco bite as some have remarked.
This won't be an every day smoke for me. The quality is definitely there but it's a matter of taste. I'm not turned off to Lakeland tobaccos as a consequence of this offering, it just wasn't the flavor I was searching for. I know it's out there.
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Aug 01, 2004 | Medium | Strong | Overwhelming | Pleasant to Tolerable |
This particular tobacco left me in a bit of a quandary. Two reviewers who?s opinions I value (Pipestud and Chaplikc) were diametrically opposed in their assessments of this flake. The solution to this quandary was simple enough ? I had to try it myself. Opportunity presented itself in the form of a very generous sample from a friend.
I was prepared to endure the overpowering floral taste to get to the good stuff. What I was not prepared for was the tongue abuse that started with the charring light. I thought it was my imagination. I smoked on. The floral taste seemed to be diminishing, but by the time I had smoked 1/3 of the bowl, I had consumed so much water that I am sure I sloshed when I walked. By the halfway point I was done. I traded the rest of the bowl for a bottle of Biotene.
Since we all smoked this pretty dry, moisture wasn?t a factor in the tongue bite. In fact, Chaplikc and I smoked it from the same sample. He wasn?t bitten. I was mauled. The proprietor of the shop said he was bitten badly too. I smoked this at a ridiculously slow rate, and since the bite started at the charring light, I have concluded that it was not my puffing technique that was at fault. The conclusion I have come to is that there is something in this blend that is simply incompatible with some people?s body chemistry.
I was among the unfortunate who cannot smoke this. I will be sure to give the rest of what I have to Chaplikc the next time I see him.
I was prepared to endure the overpowering floral taste to get to the good stuff. What I was not prepared for was the tongue abuse that started with the charring light. I thought it was my imagination. I smoked on. The floral taste seemed to be diminishing, but by the time I had smoked 1/3 of the bowl, I had consumed so much water that I am sure I sloshed when I walked. By the halfway point I was done. I traded the rest of the bowl for a bottle of Biotene.
Since we all smoked this pretty dry, moisture wasn?t a factor in the tongue bite. In fact, Chaplikc and I smoked it from the same sample. He wasn?t bitten. I was mauled. The proprietor of the shop said he was bitten badly too. I smoked this at a ridiculously slow rate, and since the bite started at the charring light, I have concluded that it was not my puffing technique that was at fault. The conclusion I have come to is that there is something in this blend that is simply incompatible with some people?s body chemistry.
I was among the unfortunate who cannot smoke this. I will be sure to give the rest of what I have to Chaplikc the next time I see him.
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Jul 25, 2004 | Medium | Medium | Medium | Pleasant |
I do not normally gravitate towards aromatics but I do have an open mind towards them and am willing to try them. I am glad I did in this instance! ( I have sorely regreted some that I've tried - mixture 79 yuck!!!!) I was very apprehensive and quite put off by the smell of this in the bag. In fact I pulled out an old savinelli that I rarely smoke for the first bowl of this. The aromatic agent is overwhelming to me in the pouch. The flavor of this is very good. The virginia is of high quality and the aromatic agent plays well with it. The flavors reminded me of honey, fig, and the way orange blossoms taste when you smell them. The floral note is definately present throughout the bowl but is not as predominant as the smell of it in the bag may lead you to believe. Underneath the other flavors is a nice quality tasting virginia. The virginia in this is of the sweeter variety which may be why it can smoke hotter for others. While this blend does not give me tongue bite it does not smoke cool, it is a cased virginia flake. By the way I've been smoking this outside in Florida summer heat and humidity. If this smokes a little warm for me at times it is probably my own fault for smoking it in 96 degree weather when the humidity is at 95%. I give this the highest rating not because I smoke this all of the time but because IMO this is one of the finest aromatic blends I've ever smoked.
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| May 11, 2004 | Medium to Strong | Medium | Medium to Full | Pleasant |
On a recent visit to my local B & M (LJ Peretti), one of the knowledgeable members of the staff suggested that I try Scented Brown Flake. Having never enjoyed the floral taste (aka soapiness) of some of the Lake District offerings and I was a little apprehensive about trying this one. After reading reviews (even the ones that claim to be able to evaluate a tobacco after one bowl or less)of the broken flake I was even more nervous. The description supplied by the manufacturer states that this is scented with Tonquin, Licorice and Maple. I almost decided to toss out the sample without trying it.
Let me say that I am glad I smoked the sample. I am also looking forward to smoking the several ounces I have purchased since finishing the sample. The tonquin is lightly applied as is the licorice and maple - so light that I could not get it on my radar screen. My wife, however, said that she thought this did not smell as bad everything else I smoke.
The burn is even and complete. The flavor is rich and full. The blend is of Virginia and Burley and both are exceptional in quality. I suffered no (that is, zero, none, not any)tongue bite whatsoever. The aftertaste is even pleasant. I may say that this might be one of the finest flakes of its kind, IMO. Little to no soap, no bite, great smoke.
Gretchen gives this a full five barks.
Let me say that I am glad I smoked the sample. I am also looking forward to smoking the several ounces I have purchased since finishing the sample. The tonquin is lightly applied as is the licorice and maple - so light that I could not get it on my radar screen. My wife, however, said that she thought this did not smell as bad everything else I smoke.
The burn is even and complete. The flavor is rich and full. The blend is of Virginia and Burley and both are exceptional in quality. I suffered no (that is, zero, none, not any)tongue bite whatsoever. The aftertaste is even pleasant. I may say that this might be one of the finest flakes of its kind, IMO. Little to no soap, no bite, great smoke.
Gretchen gives this a full five barks.
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 15, 2018 | Medium | Strong | Full | Very Pleasant |
To my knowledge there is only one online retailer who sells brown flake aromatic, the rest being brown flake scented. I have been told by my local tobacconist that in prior years one could receive either product on a given order for one or the other, thus the confusion, as well as G&H, he said, has on multiple occasions, confused the two blends themselves!
Not a lot of people will be familar with fig extract, which is easily the most powerfully floral pipe tobacco topping short of ylang ylang oil. It makes this the most floral smelling, but not tasting of Gawith and Hoggarth's flakes. Elwood flake No. 2 from Dan Tobacco, is the only other flake that uses this particular type that I know of. Dried figs have little if any resemblence to the extract, which is very very sweetly floral.
Has tonquin, and some other unidentified flavors also, and the vanilla is noticeable also. Really a marvelous smoke and one to always have in stock. The room note is a real crowd pleaser also. No chance of bite. Needs a good airtight jar as this one can dry out easily. This tobacco doesn't change much with age if the mason jar has the lid on tight, but if it did, it would only ruin this blend's perfection.
Not a lot of people will be familar with fig extract, which is easily the most powerfully floral pipe tobacco topping short of ylang ylang oil. It makes this the most floral smelling, but not tasting of Gawith and Hoggarth's flakes. Elwood flake No. 2 from Dan Tobacco, is the only other flake that uses this particular type that I know of. Dried figs have little if any resemblence to the extract, which is very very sweetly floral.
Has tonquin, and some other unidentified flavors also, and the vanilla is noticeable also. Really a marvelous smoke and one to always have in stock. The room note is a real crowd pleaser also. No chance of bite. Needs a good airtight jar as this one can dry out easily. This tobacco doesn't change much with age if the mason jar has the lid on tight, but if it did, it would only ruin this blend's perfection.
Pipe Used:
cob
PurchasedFrom:
Until my stash is filled, it is a secret!
Age When Smoked:
6 months.
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 02, 2004 | Medium | Mild to Medium | Mild to Medium | Pleasant |
Hmmm, I also was suggested this blend to try by one of the staff at LJ Peretti's, lol.
As with all the reviews that I have made so far regarding Gawith blends, their flavorings are used to accentuate the high quality tobaccos that they use- not overpower them.
This blend packs and lights easily. One false light, a quick tamp and re-light, and off to some quality downtime. The taste is consistent down the run of the bowl. The flavorings are subtle, weaving in and out of the experience. The taste and flavorings go from mild to medium with a slight increase in puffing tempo, (and it still does not bite!).
It burns to a dark grey and white ash, without moisture build-up in the heel.
Very Nice Indeed!
As with all the reviews that I have made so far regarding Gawith blends, their flavorings are used to accentuate the high quality tobaccos that they use- not overpower them.
This blend packs and lights easily. One false light, a quick tamp and re-light, and off to some quality downtime. The taste is consistent down the run of the bowl. The flavorings are subtle, weaving in and out of the experience. The taste and flavorings go from mild to medium with a slight increase in puffing tempo, (and it still does not bite!).
It burns to a dark grey and white ash, without moisture build-up in the heel.
Very Nice Indeed!
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 19, 2023 | Medium | Mild to Medium | Medium | Tolerable |
Package note of lakeland, sugary fruit, and spices. Tobacco is a Flake of Yellowish brown, light brown and dark brown. Moisture content is great. Flakes rub out with a little effort. Burns slow with a few relights. The strength is medium and nic is mild to medium. Flavoring is mild, with notes of Tonquin Bean, Vanilla and Fig. the tonquin/lakeland and vanilla move and remain in the background after initial light. The fig is sporadic. Taste is medium and very consistent, with notes of tonquin/lakeland, vanilla, tangy dark sugary fruit, savory, spices, floral, wood, peaty dry vegetation, molasses, nutty, bread, earth, sweet hay, citrus peel/zest, acidic, a lemon grass background note, and a peppery retro. Virginia is leading with Dark Fired, Burley and Flavoring supporting. Room note is tolerable, and aftertaste is great.
Pipe Used:
Castello Old Antiquari G84
PurchasedFrom:
smokingpipes.com
Age When Smoked:
5 months
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Feb 25, 2022 | Medium | Medium | Medium | Pleasant |
I must be losing my marbles, I'm sure I'd reviewed this blend before. This to me is the King of all the Lakelands, and my all time favourite tobacco. Everything is good and as I like it : the Virginias and Burleys marry so well that you don't get any sharp tang, or claggy earth. The Lakeland essence wraps the star - crossed lovers in a warm summer breeze with a soft floral scent. I have never had a bad bowl of this and I enjoy it from start to finish. The charring and first light offer a bit of a Burley wood smoke but that soon calms down as soon as the Virginias join the party. If you have rubbed it out into a mixture of loose flake and ribbons and you take it slowly you will be rewarded with a pretty consistent smoke throughout the bowl. The florals are delightful. If you don't like Lakelands then you may still want to give this one a chance. The tobacco notes are more prominent in my Peterson 303, whereas I find the florals are stronger in my larger bowled Molina Straight Billiard. A great fishing tobacco too as it will smoulder away nicely providing you sip and savour. I cannot praise G&H enough for their effort in producing this thing of beauty.
Pipe Used:
Many
PurchasedFrom:
GQ
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Aug 20, 2021 | Medium | Medium to Strong | Medium | Tolerable |
Simply excellent. The unscented is fantastic, but this is even better. The GH sauce is strong and amplified by the intensely floral fig extract. The vanilla stays in the background, helping create a sidestream that has a whiff of baby powder to it (and of course tobacco). Still plenty of tobacco taste, typical GH VAs but with some burley for body and mouth feel and a touch of dark fired to provide a subtle bass note. It doesn't want to bite, but it can. Moderate in flavor and strength; if say Bosun Cut Plug was a bit too heavy and had too much nicotine for you, try this instead.
Pipe Used:
Cobs, pre republic Peterson's, Grabows
PurchasedFrom:
Boswell
Age When Smoked:
Fresh
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Mar 06, 2016 | Mild to Medium | Mild to Medium | Mild to Medium | Unnoticeable |
Update 23 March 2018. I now find that this gives me chemical burn.
There's something about them Lakelands. The flavours are at times over the top and at others downright eccentric.
This one is nigh on just right for a middle of the day puff, indoors or out. Just spend half an hour teasing out how many flavours you can spot.
Perhaps a soupcon too much vanilla which results in a vanilla experience, if you see what I mean.
There's something about them Lakelands. The flavours are at times over the top and at others downright eccentric.
This one is nigh on just right for a middle of the day puff, indoors or out. Just spend half an hour teasing out how many flavours you can spot.
Perhaps a soupcon too much vanilla which results in a vanilla experience, if you see what I mean.
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