Former Cross Grain Flake

The lighter Virginia is the dominant component, providing some citrus, grass and hay, with a touch of bread and honey. The tangy, dark fruity, earthy, woody darker Virginia is a tad beyond being a condiment. The spicy, raisiny, figgy perique is a small addition, but lightly noticeable in every puff. The taste is in the center of mild to medium, while the strength level is a step closer to medium. The nic-hit just passes the mild mark. Won’t bite or get harsh, but does have a slight rough edge. Burns fairly cool, very clean, and slightly slow as flake blends tend to do. The flavor is consistent from start to finish. Leaves little moisture in the bowl, and requires a few relights. Has a pleasant after taste, and is an all day smoke. Reminds me of OGS with no fruit/citrus topping, a little less grass/hay, and couple more pinches of perique.

-JimInks

Very nice flavors. A bit of hay and citrus with hints of darker fruit. Has a fair amount of spice and sweetness. My only complaint with this flake is that it's just a little lacking in roundness. Needs a little more of the dark fruit to round it out better. Still a very nice smoke though.

Mild to medium in body and taste. I can't detect any added flavoring. Burns very well.

I was given the remaining amount of a tin with about 10 years of age on it at the past Chicago Show. This worked out to be about 5 bowls. It was tasty and I did enjoy my time with it, but there was nothing about this that made me feel that I needed to buy more.

The Virginias used in this blend are what it is all about as the perique is a very minor player. So minor, in fact, that I did not realize it had any in it until I opened it up to do this review. The Virginias were sweet as one would expect for a 10 year aged Va, but honestly, not as sweet as I had hoped. The Virginias are of the grassy/citrus variety which are what I favor. In all honesty, I would have rather had a tin of fresh Dunhill Flake or Escudo than this, but it was still an enjoyable 5 bowls.

As a Virginia blend it is easily a three star blend, as a VaPer, it is probably lower since the perique is almost unnoticeable. I am leaving it at 3 and may adjust if I ever have a chance to try more.

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.

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

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.

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

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

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