Former Cross Grain Flake
(3.13)
A full bodied "sweet" traditional flake tobacco prepared with only the finest grade of Virginia leaf with a pinch of perique. Aged to perfection in order to bring out the best in this cool smoking, magnificent flake.
Details
| Brand | Former |
| Blended By | |
| Manufactured By | |
| Blend Type | Virginia/Perique |
| Contents | Perique, Virginia |
| Flavoring | |
| Cut | Flake |
| Packaging | 50 grams tin |
| Country | Germany |
| Production | Currently available |
Profile
Strength
Medium
Extremely Mild -> Overwhelming
Flavoring
None Detected
None Detected -> Extra Strong
Room Note
Pleasant
Unnoticeable -> Overwhelming
Taste
Medium
Extremely Mild (Flat) -> Overwhelming
Average Rating
|
3.13 / 4
|
Reviews
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Displaying 11 - 20 of 24 Reviews
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Aug 19, 2016 | Mild to Medium | Very Mild | Mild | Pleasant |
Small round tin filled with mostly light colored (with some darker leaf) flakes. Nice scent of Virginia tobacco and lemon ice tea in the tin. The flakes were a bit overmoist in the tin but broke apart easily for rubbing out and folded easily as well.
The first bowl was at tin moisture and, similar to just about every Virginia flake I've ever smoked, screamed for drying time. The smoke was steamy and overly sour, with no body or depth. My main problem with this one is that I could never get the tobacco "in the zone" with respect to moisture content. Too wet - see above. Too dry and it tasted better but that came with a bit of tongue sizzle. Not too terrible but enough to throw me off. As best I can figure, since I couldn't really get this one dialed in even after smoking the entire tin, this one is citrus first, but not to the extent that I felt like it was marinated in lemon juice. There was a hint of spice from the darker Virginias as well as some type of mild casing that I couldn't identify. The perique was more fruity and hard to target, as it was very light. It was sweet and mild and seemed very "Danish" in character (not sure who makes this). It was a pleasant but unmemorable smoke, and failed to excite. Might be good to try for someone preferring very lightly added perique with their citrusy Virginias. It just lacked that "heart of darkness" I prefer in Virginia-based blends.
The first bowl was at tin moisture and, similar to just about every Virginia flake I've ever smoked, screamed for drying time. The smoke was steamy and overly sour, with no body or depth. My main problem with this one is that I could never get the tobacco "in the zone" with respect to moisture content. Too wet - see above. Too dry and it tasted better but that came with a bit of tongue sizzle. Not too terrible but enough to throw me off. As best I can figure, since I couldn't really get this one dialed in even after smoking the entire tin, this one is citrus first, but not to the extent that I felt like it was marinated in lemon juice. There was a hint of spice from the darker Virginias as well as some type of mild casing that I couldn't identify. The perique was more fruity and hard to target, as it was very light. It was sweet and mild and seemed very "Danish" in character (not sure who makes this). It was a pleasant but unmemorable smoke, and failed to excite. Might be good to try for someone preferring very lightly added perique with their citrusy Virginias. It just lacked that "heart of darkness" I prefer in Virginia-based blends.
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Dec 13, 2014 | Medium | Extremely Mild | Medium | Tolerable |
This is a little fuller than Birds Eye Flake from the same producer. It is darker in color with a touch more perique. Very cool smoking and flavorful. Rubs out easily and burns effortlessly to the bottom of the bowl. Taste and strength are both medium. A very satisfying smoke. I still prefer Birds Eye to this blend as my tastes are on the lighter side with less perique. But this excellent in it's own right and deserving of 4 stars.
PurchasedFrom:
Smokingpipes.com
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 05, 2014 | Mild to Medium | Extremely Mild | Medium | Pleasant to Tolerable |
A nice dark VA with a touch of Perique. If that sounds appealing, give it a try. for my tastes, I'll either stick with with the slightly brighter Elizabethan or Red Virginia superb or with the equally dark but (to me) more balanced St James flake
Pipe Used:
various briars
PurchasedFrom:
pipes & cigars
Age When Smoked:
1 yr, 10 mo
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| May 10, 2013 | Medium | Extremely Mild | Medium | Pleasant |
My tin is from 2004, and I have a couple of newer tins aging in the "cellar." A very dependable VAPER, though light on the perique. Though it hasn't blown me away, I always enjoy a bowl, and have stocked up as well on the other Former offerings, since they can be found at a reasonable price. Easy smoking, doesn't overheat or bite, good burner. Maybe not as much character as say a McClelland Matured Virginia, but never a let down either. Has a slight sweetness, but I think it is mainly natural.
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Mar 15, 2011 | Mild | Mild | Medium | Pleasant |
Former CG flake … Nicely presented lighter brown flakes, with some streaks of yellow, with a dried fruit, tin aroma. This blend is said to have some Perique in it, but I would have never known it was there, if it were not mentioned on this web-sight, and for my taste its perfect, doing just what it should, compliment, and stay well behind the fine Virginias. Maybe not for everybody, but if you favor Danish style Virginias, this IMO is a good one.
After a short airing, I loaded my bowl. As the lighter colors made me think this stuff may burn a bit too hot, I loaded up with only a fold and twist rub out, still somewhat course. It took only a few puffs, and I knew this was going to be a pleasant experience. Starting very mild and growing in strength as the burn continued, the tobacco never bit, burned hot or harsh, loaded with flavors, and just the right sweetness, I was sold. This is nice stuff, reminds me of Villager Late Night (another newer favorite) only a little stronger across the board. Not an all day smoke for me like Villager, but I know there will be times when this stuff will fit in just right. Until now I thought my rotation had no room for another Danish/German style Virginia blend, Guess I'll have to make some room. For what it is, 3 stars. My personal rating 4.2/5
After a short airing, I loaded my bowl. As the lighter colors made me think this stuff may burn a bit too hot, I loaded up with only a fold and twist rub out, still somewhat course. It took only a few puffs, and I knew this was going to be a pleasant experience. Starting very mild and growing in strength as the burn continued, the tobacco never bit, burned hot or harsh, loaded with flavors, and just the right sweetness, I was sold. This is nice stuff, reminds me of Villager Late Night (another newer favorite) only a little stronger across the board. Not an all day smoke for me like Villager, but I know there will be times when this stuff will fit in just right. Until now I thought my rotation had no room for another Danish/German style Virginia blend, Guess I'll have to make some room. For what it is, 3 stars. My personal rating 4.2/5
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Apr 08, 2010 | Mild to Medium | Very Mild | Very Mild | Pleasant to Tolerable |
Meh. It just didn't speak to me. VERY hay forward. Not as deep, dark, and layered with flavors as I have come to prefer. There is absolutely NOTHING wrong with it, but it left me flat.
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Oct 04, 2007 | Medium | Medium | Medium | Pleasant |
I tried this, mainly just to revisit Perique. I remember that I wasn't that big of a fan of Perique last time I tried it.
A nice blend, easy to smoke, but I guess I still prefer the lighter aromatics.
A nice blend, easy to smoke, but I guess I still prefer the lighter aromatics.
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 17, 2023 | Mild to Medium | Very Mild | Mild to Medium | Unnoticeable |
Former Cross Grain Flake- It is a mostly bright Virginia with some brown and a pinch of Perique . Sweet , grassy , citrus and dark fruity and some floral notes . Easy to rub out and smoke . A little moist but smokeable from tin . I dried it a little . No bite . The Perique is a condiment but gives it a little body , fruit and spice . Smoked it all week on vacation and enjoyed it quite a bit . I like the Straight Grain flake a little more but this is very good also . 3
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 11, 2023 | Medium | None Detected | Medium | Pleasant to Tolerable |
Time has done its job and when the tin is opened, the paper that covers the tobacco is impregnated with oil. There is a strong smell of ferment and the penetrating aroma of vinegar. The flakes are quite broken, although there are still some that almost maintain their original shape. Humidity is perfect for immediate loading, however it is always wise to let the tobacco air out a bit. The flavor is fruity and rich, and although it is sweet, it is not as sweet as I had hoped after reading some reviews here.
It seems that this tobacco goes more unnoticed than it should, since it is very tasty and of good quality. It reminds me slightly of Carolina Red Flake with perique by C & D.
I'm looking forward to trying the other two in the Former va-per series (Bird's Eye Flake, Straight Grain Flake).
It seems that this tobacco goes more unnoticed than it should, since it is very tasty and of good quality. It reminds me slightly of Carolina Red Flake with perique by C & D.
I'm looking forward to trying the other two in the Former va-per series (Bird's Eye Flake, Straight Grain Flake).
Age When Smoked:
18 years
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Aug 14, 2019 | Medium | Extremely Mild | Medium to Full | Tolerable |
Unique presentation unlike any other flake i have seen. To compare i am going to point out orlik dark strong where their flakes are vertically divided into rows of dark and yellow. This one however is striped horizontally but its not divided, its like the flake end is dipped in a dark color syrup, you may understand when you see it. Now of to the tobacco, it burns well and smooth, very rich tasting and feels like it packs stronger punch than the straight grain but much less sharper and grassier. All former offerings are great virginias but this one is certainly unique. I wonder what age would do to it. Al janabi
Pipe Used:
Briars
PurchasedFrom:
Tobaccopipes.com
Age When Smoked:
Fresh
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