Samuel Gawith Balkan Flake

I agree with who think that where's something wierd about the flavouring of this tobacco (maybe menthol?), but as long as the thing doesn't affect a good result who really care? When you open the tin it smell like meatballs and that is annoying. So a couple of days of airing are mandatory, also is much better when dried a little, then I recommend to move the content into another tin or better in a humidor after the airing process. Despite all the cons it's good smoke material: very tasty, cool, sweet, and refreshing, not much smoky as a normal Va-Lat flake or as a normal EM or Balkan, but maybe is more acceptable by who prefer aromatized mixtures. So SG Balkan can be a sort of intermediate step for a more classic EM.

Type: VaLat flake ; Contents: Virginia, Latakia ; Flavoring: Menthol? ; Cut: Flake ; Humidity: tends to wet, I reccomend a little drying (become much better) ; Lighting: Easy and constant despite the cut ; Pipe recommended: I prefer straight ones or maybe slightly bent, with a medium size bowl, a Dublin or a Bulldog for example.

It's true that when you open this tin you'll think you purchased death. But you didn't. It's just the smell of the tin for whatever reason.

It's a bit strong for my tastes, but I'm admittedly a huge lightweight... and even as such I rather enjoy this when I want something more than a very-mild.

My first bowl burned for over two hours, I had to put it out because it just kept burning and burning and burning. Never got hot. Left a good taste on my mouth, but the balkans leave something to be desired on my clothing.

I suggest this if you can get past the tin.

Pretty good. Nothing outstanding. Good quality Latakia, a rich pungent smoke. Yep, a bit stinky if you are married but I don't mind it. Not a bad choice at all if you need a Lat fix but I prefer SG Commonwealth Mixture by far.

Soli Deo gloria!

I haven't tried out all Samuel Gawith line but so far balkan flake is the only one I'd buy again and buy in bulk if opportunity arise. And that's not because it's my favorite, it's not. Yes I liked it to some extent but for me it's a great addition to yayladag which is all turkish leaf pipe tobacco. Sometimes I'm adding an extra orlik golden sliced flake and there you have it, round, smooth, cool and everything.. but on it's own? hmmnnnah.. not so much.

to be honest I'm not fond of SG flakes for obvious reasons. wet wet wet, inconsistent cut, compared to other brands you get half amount of baccy out a tin --I'm not convinced we are getting 50gr tobacco-- overly pressed very tight flakes, hard to rub when wet, even harder when dry. I can't say WOW I'M IMPRESSED except golden glow and that was broken flake.

If I could, I probably rate BF somewhere between recommended and somewhat recommended. BF has a very odd--and none too pleasant--note upon opening the tin, which never dissipates over the life of the tin. It is a medicinal, not tobacco, scent. The blend tastes better, though, that its tin note. It is a basic, uncomplicated Virginia/Latakia mix, apparently without Orientals (which does may one wonder how it is "Balkan" when there are no Balkan tobaccos). BF does smoke cool to a fine ash--it would be a good tobacco to break in a pipe with. It comes fairly dry from the tin, which I like. Overall, BF is good but not great; it's a pretty simple blend for all day smoking.

This is a sweet English/Balkan to me and the latakia is not to overwhelming.Need to be dried out for a day before smoking . I wished it to be a bit stronger on nicotine and latakia but this is a quality tobacco ,well pressed which mean I need only one slice to fill my bowl when rubbed correctly.A simple not complex blend which IMHO is of great value to any rotation/cellar. Another good to very good SG .

Another winner by Samuel Gawith!

It has depth, is not too complex and meets a latakia lover's craving.

Give it a shot!

Warning: Not for beginners!

As stated before, I am not a supporter of flakes. In this one, the rubbing thing is agravated with a very considerable dark amount of dust. Not quite pleasant, really.

The smell and taste is exactly what is expected: viginia & latakia (more present the first one), with some smokey/sour aromas not completely appealing.

It burns well if you totally rub... not as well after just bending into narrower pieces.

The general feeling is not complex nor strong enough... can be a good change of pace after many virginias or some aromatics, but is a little bit monotonous. The leafs are very good, it is creamy, a little bit sour... and, yes, as some told before: finally boring.

In this league I do prefer Commonwealth Mixture (More cream, more taste... and not a flake)

RdX score: 87.35 (I only smoke regularly tobaccos over 90)

A must try for all the Balkan or/and English mixture fans.

At first sight the flakes are very appetizing. Packs and burns very well. Tasty and very satisfying smoke. I will surely buy more.