Gawith, Hoggarth & Co. Coniston Cut Plug Aromatic
(3.55)
This tobacco is a blend containing 75% dark fired leaf 12.5% Malawi burley and 12.5% Virginia. You would therefore rightly expect a very strong smoke and one perhaps dominated by the pungent burnt smokey flavour so characteristics of leaf cured by open fire and smoke. However, a comparison of this tobacco to the sliced brown unscented reveals the marked differences made by the blending of other tobacco grades, the cooling process and the addition of suitable casings and top flavours. (Brown Twist Sliced is 100% dark fired leaf) which is only cold pressed before cutting, but not cooked. The casings chosen for this blend provide 'deeper' more 'rounded' smoother notes, in contrast to the 'sharper' Bosun Cut Plug; whilst the top flavour has the 'typical English' aroma. This tobacco is one of our best selling brands.
Details
| Brand | Gawith, Hoggarth & Co. |
| Blended By | Gawith, Hoggarth & Co. |
| Manufactured By | Gawith, Hoggarth & Co. |
| Blend Type | Virginia Based |
| Contents | Burley, Virginia |
| Flavoring | Floral Essences, Other / Misc |
| Cut | Flake |
| Packaging | Bulk |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Production | Currently available |
Profile
Strength
Strong
Extremely Mild -> Overwhelming
Flavoring
Medium
None Detected -> Extra Strong
Room Note
Pleasant to Tolerable
Unnoticeable -> Overwhelming
Taste
Medium to Full
Extremely Mild (Flat) -> Overwhelming
Average Rating
|
3.55 / 4
|
Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 Reviews
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 30, 2018 | Strong | Strong | Full | Strong |
my review to coniston cut plug unscented applies to this to a point, ( my review can be found under my favourites section). This review is for the aromatic version which In a sense is a different beast all together.
my review will focus more on the aromatic topping, as the composition of the leaf used is exactly the same as the unscented version.
so you may ask which version is better, I will be honest and say I actually enjoy kendals [in]famous aromatic topping so I enjoy both equally, I know from reading online there is no middle ground it's either love or loathe, so I would say if you are not remotely into aromatoc/floral/fruity/perfumed toppings i would suggest you save the coin and try something else, as the aromatic topping has been applied with quite the heavy hand.
The topping itself, well it isn't subtle or mild to put it lightly, it's very floral and fruity and I would go so far to say it is an almost bubblegum hint to it, like I said it is far from subtle, It is far and away the first thing you sense when you open the packet.
so does the topping work with the coniston cut plug, in my view, yes, I will admit that given coniston unscented is mildly flavoured (in comparison to some of gawiths other stable mates), the rose geranium scent is mildly applied at just the right level, given coniston is primarily dark leaf, the floral additions of the unscented round off and smooth off the rough edges this blend would have if it was totally un flavoured, so when I read about an aromatic version my first thought was "why?!?!"
but somehow, even though it is applied with a heavy hand, it works, the aromatic topping enhances the rose geranium scent and it all works in harmony. when smoking it is a very cool smoke, with no hint of bite and stays cool in the pipe and in my opinion is extremely moreish.
But a couple of words of warning.
while very cool and aromatic, this is a very strong beast, and in no way whatsoever would I offer this to a new smoker or those who haven't got a high nicotine tolerance...it would be pure cruelty and could probably amount to attempted murder.
This will ghost a pipe and ghost for a long time afterwards, so first try should be in a cob or a pipe you won't mind losing to it's ghost.
this is also very moist out of the pouch, drying time is essential I found half an hour spread thinly on kitchen roll does the trick.
All in all on paper this is a convoluted mess and should never in the slightest work, but this shows gawiths blending prowess in getting the unlikely to work well, and in my opinion they have pulled it off beautifully. A well crafted strong as a bull blend the delivers strength and flavour by the bucket but gives a true sense of pipe smoking serenity.
so there you have it coniston cut plug aromatic, personally I really like it, but it will be very much an acquired taste. I would say if you like ennerdale flake but want more oomph you will probably like this. alas same goes for the rest of the kendal flakes if you get on with them you will like this.
my review will focus more on the aromatic topping, as the composition of the leaf used is exactly the same as the unscented version.
so you may ask which version is better, I will be honest and say I actually enjoy kendals [in]famous aromatic topping so I enjoy both equally, I know from reading online there is no middle ground it's either love or loathe, so I would say if you are not remotely into aromatoc/floral/fruity/perfumed toppings i would suggest you save the coin and try something else, as the aromatic topping has been applied with quite the heavy hand.
The topping itself, well it isn't subtle or mild to put it lightly, it's very floral and fruity and I would go so far to say it is an almost bubblegum hint to it, like I said it is far from subtle, It is far and away the first thing you sense when you open the packet.
so does the topping work with the coniston cut plug, in my view, yes, I will admit that given coniston unscented is mildly flavoured (in comparison to some of gawiths other stable mates), the rose geranium scent is mildly applied at just the right level, given coniston is primarily dark leaf, the floral additions of the unscented round off and smooth off the rough edges this blend would have if it was totally un flavoured, so when I read about an aromatic version my first thought was "why?!?!"
but somehow, even though it is applied with a heavy hand, it works, the aromatic topping enhances the rose geranium scent and it all works in harmony. when smoking it is a very cool smoke, with no hint of bite and stays cool in the pipe and in my opinion is extremely moreish.
But a couple of words of warning.
while very cool and aromatic, this is a very strong beast, and in no way whatsoever would I offer this to a new smoker or those who haven't got a high nicotine tolerance...it would be pure cruelty and could probably amount to attempted murder.
This will ghost a pipe and ghost for a long time afterwards, so first try should be in a cob or a pipe you won't mind losing to it's ghost.
this is also very moist out of the pouch, drying time is essential I found half an hour spread thinly on kitchen roll does the trick.
All in all on paper this is a convoluted mess and should never in the slightest work, but this shows gawiths blending prowess in getting the unlikely to work well, and in my opinion they have pulled it off beautifully. A well crafted strong as a bull blend the delivers strength and flavour by the bucket but gives a true sense of pipe smoking serenity.
so there you have it coniston cut plug aromatic, personally I really like it, but it will be very much an acquired taste. I would say if you like ennerdale flake but want more oomph you will probably like this. alas same goes for the rest of the kendal flakes if you get on with them you will like this.
Pipe Used:
pipex bent 9mm, falcon with algiers bowl
PurchasedFrom:
mysmokingshop.co.uk
Age When Smoked:
new
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 16, 2016 | Medium to Strong | Medium to Strong | Medium | Pleasant |
This is as good a Lakeland aromatic as you will find and, probably, better than many others in the genre. Very approachable and balanced. Despite it's association with the other G & H dark plugs and flakes, real lung bleeders all, Coniston Cut Plug Aromatic is a seemingly stout melange of dark Virginias and burleys that have been pressed and treated in such a way as to soften, round off, and otherwise mellow the components and make them play nicely with one another and with your palate. The fact that the Coniston Cut Plug Aromatic that I smoked was a decidedly aged sample probably also contributed to this, so this may be a tobacco that is prime for cellaring and aging.
The top dressing, though of the sharply floral character that so many people take such umbrage at, was more mild and understated than other representatives of the Lakeland genre. Somebody who is looking to try such a blend but is put off by reports of the supposed "old lady smell" of things like Grousemoor or RB Plug might do well to try Coniston. As it is, I like the "old lady smell".
The top dressing, though of the sharply floral character that so many people take such umbrage at, was more mild and understated than other representatives of the Lakeland genre. Somebody who is looking to try such a blend but is put off by reports of the supposed "old lady smell" of things like Grousemoor or RB Plug might do well to try Coniston. As it is, I like the "old lady smell".
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Dec 17, 2018 | Strong | Medium to Strong | Extra Full | Strong |
Coniston cut plug is a reliable choice for the smoker of dark flakes, spanning in a way the gap between these and the rope and twist tobaccos. This is because it has a good dose of fired leaf, more than the "standard" dark flakes (St Bruno and Condor are the benchmarks here), and this really makes itself known in the smoke. It's not like smoking bacon in your pipe like the black xxx, but has more than a hint of that slightly coarse smokiness on a bed of slightly more mellow dark leaf. It is a very strong tasting base blend of tobaccos, with a reasonably good nicotine hit.
Both versions come as a broken flake of medium thickness. It needs a bit more coaxing to get lit than some tobaccos, may need more relights, but with diligence will burn to the last dregs without getting wet and horrible. Your pipecleaners will then come out black as sin...
The flavor of normal CCP is of rich, smooth stoved tobacco, with some bonfire smoke (NOT latakia), and a cocoa taste which I think is the sum of the parts rather than a single additive. There is some tonka too. Now the "Coniston Cut Plug Aromatic" is to my tastes very close to the usual blend, but with the topping essence applied with a heavier hand. It is sweeter, with a more alcoholic aroma in the bag (like a liqueur). This can in no way overwhelm the underlying leaf, I don't think anything could it's that flavoursome.
I'd say if you like dark flakes, you'll like CCP. If you aren't keen on heavy toppings then the standard blend is subtle and maybe the best option, but if you want more sweetness the aromatic will fit the bill. Alternatively, Condor smokers may prefer the standard CCP, St Bruno fans may prefer the aromatic. Finally, either might be a good stepping stone before getting into the ropes. Either version brings me great pleasure in late autumn and winter.
Both versions come as a broken flake of medium thickness. It needs a bit more coaxing to get lit than some tobaccos, may need more relights, but with diligence will burn to the last dregs without getting wet and horrible. Your pipecleaners will then come out black as sin...
The flavor of normal CCP is of rich, smooth stoved tobacco, with some bonfire smoke (NOT latakia), and a cocoa taste which I think is the sum of the parts rather than a single additive. There is some tonka too. Now the "Coniston Cut Plug Aromatic" is to my tastes very close to the usual blend, but with the topping essence applied with a heavier hand. It is sweeter, with a more alcoholic aroma in the bag (like a liqueur). This can in no way overwhelm the underlying leaf, I don't think anything could it's that flavoursome.
I'd say if you like dark flakes, you'll like CCP. If you aren't keen on heavy toppings then the standard blend is subtle and maybe the best option, but if you want more sweetness the aromatic will fit the bill. Alternatively, Condor smokers may prefer the standard CCP, St Bruno fans may prefer the aromatic. Finally, either might be a good stepping stone before getting into the ropes. Either version brings me great pleasure in late autumn and winter.
Pipe Used:
Falcons mostly
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 22, 2017 | Strong | Medium | Full | Tolerable |
Another nice, old fashioned blend from Gawith Hoggarth. Cool, dry, strong smoke, without any tongue bite and harshness. Worth to have in weekly rotation. Highly recommended.
Pipe Used:
Various
PurchasedFrom:
mysmokingshop.co.uk
Age When Smoked:
Fresh
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Feb 12, 2022 | Mild | Medium to Strong | Medium to Full | Very Pleasant |
In the pantheon of Lakeland blends Coniston Cut Plug is, perhaps, the subtlest one I have come across to date.
Unlike Ennerdale or Grasmere, Coniston Aro has very little in the way of an aromatic tin note - to my nose it smells similar to the tonquin bean in 1792 or Cob plug. Compared to other Lakeland’s that smell very strongly of rose water, lavender or other florals in the jar, this doesn’t, to the point where I wondered if the tobacconist had sold me the un-aromatic version?
Rest assured, he hadn’t but the tin note hides the florals within.
The ounce I bought came with two flakes and some rubbed out flake and it wasn’t too moist straight off the bat so I packed it in and let her rip and wow, what a flavour!
There is such a mild flavour going on here that goes to the very bottom of the bowl, especially when compared to the Ennerdale Flake.
For those who are aromatic averse, Coniston is another good example of a delicate tobacco, that definitely is an aromatic but is in no way in the same aromatic bracket as the syrupy offerings that are referred to as “American” style aromatics. This is light and delicate, not gloopy.
It needs a few relights but that’s no big deal and I find packing it loosely initially allows the flavour to breath and then let the tamper do the rest.
It will ghost a pipe, which isn’t any problem if you keep smoking this blend, the more you smoke of it, the more the smoke gets into the briar.
I don’t get any of the smokiness that some have said that they taste, if it is there it is marrying beautifully with the florals and doesn’t leap off the page at you.
The room note is beautiful - my girlfriend says she thinks it smells like incense in a church.
The aftertaste lingers though isn’t unpleasant and I find that I need a drink either during or just after a smoke to cleanse the palate.
All in all, a great, well behaved tobacco and if Lakeland’s are your thing then give it a go…you probably already have.
Unlike Ennerdale or Grasmere, Coniston Aro has very little in the way of an aromatic tin note - to my nose it smells similar to the tonquin bean in 1792 or Cob plug. Compared to other Lakeland’s that smell very strongly of rose water, lavender or other florals in the jar, this doesn’t, to the point where I wondered if the tobacconist had sold me the un-aromatic version?
Rest assured, he hadn’t but the tin note hides the florals within.
The ounce I bought came with two flakes and some rubbed out flake and it wasn’t too moist straight off the bat so I packed it in and let her rip and wow, what a flavour!
There is such a mild flavour going on here that goes to the very bottom of the bowl, especially when compared to the Ennerdale Flake.
For those who are aromatic averse, Coniston is another good example of a delicate tobacco, that definitely is an aromatic but is in no way in the same aromatic bracket as the syrupy offerings that are referred to as “American” style aromatics. This is light and delicate, not gloopy.
It needs a few relights but that’s no big deal and I find packing it loosely initially allows the flavour to breath and then let the tamper do the rest.
It will ghost a pipe, which isn’t any problem if you keep smoking this blend, the more you smoke of it, the more the smoke gets into the briar.
I don’t get any of the smokiness that some have said that they taste, if it is there it is marrying beautifully with the florals and doesn’t leap off the page at you.
The room note is beautiful - my girlfriend says she thinks it smells like incense in a church.
The aftertaste lingers though isn’t unpleasant and I find that I need a drink either during or just after a smoke to cleanse the palate.
All in all, a great, well behaved tobacco and if Lakeland’s are your thing then give it a go…you probably already have.
Pipe Used:
Peterson zulu
PurchasedFrom:
GQ
Age When Smoked:
Fresh packet
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Jun 24, 2013 | Medium to Strong | Medium | Medium to Full | Pleasant to Tolerable |
I purchased this as I needed a wee break from the 100g of Bosun Cut Plug I bought a while back. Took me a while to get through it all due to having a whole host of tobaccos to smoke. Still, it turns out a long weekend turned into a month in the sun.
The packet aroma is one of cloves with a little sweetness but not too much. The tobacco itself is of a cut similar to BCP, not rope as described here, though chopped a little more roughly, had some reassuringly big chunks of plug in there. It was no bother to rub out though. Packing and lighting were as stroll. The smoke itself is very nice. The cloves come through well and there are little hints of rosewater and bergomot a la BCP. After a little while, the flavours of the tobacco underneath come through giving a nice oaky, leafy taste to the smoke.
In summary, a corking tobacco and good companion to it's fellow floral plug cuts. I always enjoy smoking BCP after a decent evening meal, gives me a satisfied feeling of having had a feast, even if I've just had beans on toast. After this though, I think I will have to rotate between the two. A fully deserved four stars.
The packet aroma is one of cloves with a little sweetness but not too much. The tobacco itself is of a cut similar to BCP, not rope as described here, though chopped a little more roughly, had some reassuringly big chunks of plug in there. It was no bother to rub out though. Packing and lighting were as stroll. The smoke itself is very nice. The cloves come through well and there are little hints of rosewater and bergomot a la BCP. After a little while, the flavours of the tobacco underneath come through giving a nice oaky, leafy taste to the smoke.
In summary, a corking tobacco and good companion to it's fellow floral plug cuts. I always enjoy smoking BCP after a decent evening meal, gives me a satisfied feeling of having had a feast, even if I've just had beans on toast. After this though, I think I will have to rotate between the two. A fully deserved four stars.
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