Astley's No.109 Medium Flake

A very nice Virginia. I really like the looks of this in the tin. Rather large flake which does take a bit of effort to rub out. Seemed to work best for me if a rubbed out a bowls worth and let it sit for an hour.

It did take a light or three to get it going, this is not a one light tobacco ( after charring of course ). I found it rather strong, I got a definite nicotine "whirl" from this which rarely happens with other Virginia's. I did not detect any flavoring beyond the normal Virginia sweetness I'd expect. As stated, it does burn down to a nice clean ash. This tobacco is part of my Virginia rotation, and is quite enjoyable.

I can't give it 4 stars because then there'd be no room for Old Gowrie and Hal O' The Wind at the top of the Virginia heap. A very nice Virginia however.

I found this to be a very nice pure Virginia. It does have a tanginess or, as some have put it well, a citrusy flavor to it. I found I got a pretty good nicotine kick from this stuff, thus found it stronger than others have noted. All in all, a nice, smooth, good and pure tobacco.

If you rub it out it does dry up quite a bit. I found it had better flavor when moister, so consider rubbing out only that portion you intend to put in your pipe and let the rest be until next time.

Astley's 109 is a well-behaved little number that I believe has more complexity than other reviewers here seem to have found; its construction is odd (though this may be inherent to all Astley blends---this is the first blend in their line I have tried) but really does work very well in terms of being manageable and keeping lit easily. There is more sweetness than savoriness here; the VA note is strong and clear though certainly not overwhelming by any means. It is, after all, supposed to be "mild and mellow" and that is a fair and decent description.

Overall, 109 is an enjoyable blend with good manners that could easily be an all-day smoke.

Well this is not my after dinner smoke but let's do it some justice. It is extremely tasty with absolutely no bite. A tobacco that every virginia lover ought to try.

This is certainly a mild and mellow Virginia blend... in fact, a little too mild for my taste. That's really my only complaint with this well rounded mixture. I'll be sticking to Hal O' the Wynd as I like a little more fullness with my tobacco.

This is my 2nd favorite tobacco from Astley's. It is not the strongest or sweetest Virginia on the block. However for an all day Virginia or to give your senses a breather, this is a fine blend. Just remember, it is mild, don't try to puff more flavor out than it has, or you will get bit.

Forgive me if I steal from the above reviewers.

"Upon opening the tin, I found a rich, dark Virginia flake in folded strips. There was also the tangy smell of uncased Virginia leaf, but only distantly, and the tang never showed itself at the match."

(It looks similar) ..."to RATTRAY's Marlin Flake, which it resembles closely, although this is less peaty (by which I mean those bittersweet edges found in whiskey that has been filtered in charcoal) smoother."

Similar= texture and folded strips. The 109 that I have been smoking is darker (brindel brown) where as, Marlin is a olive-copper hue.

109 is richer and smokier in taste then Marlin but still smooth. I've been smoking it quite regular lately and it could become a favorite. As Marlin already is.

A very good Virginia!

Tin note: raisin. Smoke: a little musty, mildly sweet, significantly grassy. Maybe the slightest fruit and acidity further into the bowl. Pleasant, just not really enough here to satisfy my tastes.