Samuel Gawith Navy Flake

SG Navy flake was my first of this kind. I was hoping for a VA with just a hint of Latakia. Nope. Not in this case. I like Latakia, but also sensitive to it somehow. But lets see.. The tin note is awesome. Sweet and smoky. Reminds me of a barn. I could not detect the rum topping in the smell, nor in the smoke. A bit moist out of the tin, the flakes are beautiful dark brown. (yes, I have a crush on flakes :)) After 20 minutes of dry time I stuffed my pipe with the fold method. The tobacco lights easily, but needs a few relights. The smoke is rich and cool. Sweet and smoky. Burning campfire is what it reminds me. Regrettably this blend has too much Latakia for me and dizziness comes after a half bowl. Still, its a quality blend, that I use for spicing up other blends. 3 Stars

This is my favorite blend. The Virginia tobaccos used are really quality. Sweet and mild while still being very flavorful. The Latakia is noticeable but very subdued, same with the rum topping. This blend really starts to shine at about the midpoint when these subtle, sweet, floral(not perfume-y) flavors start to come out of the Gawith Virginias. I agree with JimInks that you should not completely dry it out for the best flavor even though I usually prefer my tobacco fairly dry (hard to do in South Texas).

I had to smoke quite a bit of Samuel Gawith's Navy Flake to get a good feel for it. Upon opening, the tin note has an almost Oriental spice scent, and not much else. The flakes are long and rugged looking. I rubbed out a bowl's worth, which was a bit too moist, so I let it dry for 15 minutes. First few puffs... sweet and savory. There is very little rum flavor. I expected it to be quite rich, but it's actually fairly mild. There's Virginia sweetness, a little bit of smokey, musty Latakia, and a very light molasses sweetness as topping. The flavors are hard to describe, and hard to get a hold of. It makes me want to smoke faster as I keep trying to catch this really nice flavor that doesn't linger. No bite, and it burns to a fine grey ash.

Bottom line: It's a nice, contemplative smoke. Good, but nothing spectacular, 3 stars.

In a word, splendid. A real nirvana smoke every time. So smooth and satisfying with all the flavours complimenting each other throughout the duration of the bowl. The flakes need a little drying time before packing, but it behaves well and if you concentrate on the smoke, it needs very few relights. I highly recommend this.

This one came after a hard day of work, I was kind of ambivalent because the state of mind always affects the smoking experience, but this time was very pleasant, relaxing, its complexity was a great treatment for stress.

Right out of the thin it is very moist, I would recommend letting it rest for a while before smoking it.

Although this blend has rum favoring, it is barely noticeable, which in my opinion is great because it makes rather than evident is complex. It has a certain sweetness and creaminess, that in contrast with the latakia makes a great smoking journey. Later those sweet and creamy flavours got mixed with some toastiness.

I have tried different ways of packing this tobacco, and in every way it tastes different, a total exploration. Although for my experience crumble it helps to bring out its flavours.

One con of this blend is that several relights are needed, but until the last relight the flavour is always pleasantly present.

It has a very long lasting aftertaste.

Nice, smokey, rich with sweetness that comes and goes. Sometimes a bit spicy here and there. In my opinion the room note is just a smoke version of the tin note. Taste is good and doesn't linger around too long. Satisfying smoke for sure. Smoke this one nice and cool. Very enjoyable. Will be buying this again. Very little moisture in the bottom of the bowl and smoked all the tobacco to ash without difficulty. I let one flake air out for 5 min prior to breaking it up and smoking it. Nice smooth relaxing smoke. I like it.

This blend was not too bad. I love navy flakes, but like them with a little rum. The addition of latakia is nice and certainly not overwhelming. However, Sextant it is not! If you're looking for a Navy Flake with a little latakia, go with that instead.

I burned through a tin of this in no time flat. I was kind of curious as I cannot recall ever smoking a rum topped Navy flake with Latakia. These flakes are very moist in the tin that require drying for several minutes. I like to put some flakes on the cool ledge of the woodstove to delicately dry these in about 15 minutes. Rubbing out takes a bit of effort, but well worth it. Initial light reveals a slight Latakia flavor, but is in perfect harmony with the Va. The rum is there, but barely noticable. Small sips brings this out the best. Definitely a flake to keep around.

Interesting blend of Va. and latakia with a light topping of rum. I like the concept of adding latakia to the mix in order to beef up the flavors, however, in this case I feel that SG overdid it a bit. Very flavorful flake and I enjoy it as a nice detour from my regular rotation of straight Virginias. Definitely more kick than MacBaren's and less sweet. Rum note is weak but present. Moist like most Gawith products so rub it out fully and find something else to do for an hour before packing and lighting up.