Dan Tobacco St. Bernard Flake
(3.50)
A medium to full strength blend of finest selected sweet Virginia leaf with a pinch of mature Louisiana perique for a pleasant rich aroma processed in accordance with classic English tobacco traditions.
Details
| Brand | Dan Tobacco |
| Blended By | |
| Manufactured By | Dan Tobacco |
| Blend Type | Virginia/Perique |
| Contents | Perique, Virginia |
| Flavoring | |
| Cut | Flake |
| Packaging | 50 grams tin, 250 grams bag |
| Country | Germany |
| Production | Currently available |
Profile
Strength
Medium to Strong
Extremely Mild -> Overwhelming
Flavoring
None Detected
None Detected -> Extra Strong
Room Note
Pleasant to Tolerable
Unnoticeable -> Overwhelming
Taste
Full
Extremely Mild (Flat) -> Overwhelming
Average Rating
|
3.50 / 4
|
Reviews
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Displaying 11 - 20 of 26 Reviews
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 21, 2017 | Medium to Strong | Extremely Mild | Full | Pleasant |
I ordered a sample of this, just to satisfy my curiosity why this is a blend a lot of german pipe smokers like and love. As a big Va/Per fan, and having made mostly good experiences with Va/Pers from Dan Pipe, I thought I'd give it a try.
From the first smell of the sample baggie I knew I chose right! A sour-fruity note is gushing out of the baggie, with a hint of fruity sweetness to it. I find it noticeable, that the smell is very acidic, but in a pleasing and refreshing, lemon-sour way. Reminds me a bit of "Black & Gold Crumble" by Motzek, which also has this pungent sourness to it.
The flakes appearance and quality is top-notch. Medium- to darker-brown, with golden/yellow inclusions. Pretty dark coloured, inviting a joy to handle. Comes a tad too moist and for my taste it needs 15-45 minutes of drying for a optimum smoke.
St. Bernard Flakes taste is very refined and rich. Pretty powerful for a Va/Per blend. On first light I perceive a slightly bitter and acrid flavour, which vanishes pretty fast and makes room for the deep fruity notes of the Perique, which are reminiscent of plums, figs and raisins. The Virginias contribute a fresh and pleasing citrusy, slightly sour and sweetish dimensions to this flake. There's a gentle, and never overpowering honey-like sweetness, as well as a toasty note. By times I perceive bready notes too, which harmonize well with the fruity flavours and remind of fruit-bread. This flake offers a lot of spice and tanginess. Peppery spice, slightly bitter-ish, pleasingly tart. The rich and creamy smoke it offers will also satisfy the smoker who prefers a full-bodied smoke.
I'm not quite sure if there's a casing or topping. If there's one I'd guess it's just honey, or sugar-water, something from that alley. I can't imagine there to be an artificial/chemical topping of some sort, as the taste is very natural and true to the unspoiled, pure tobacco taste.
To be honest, I diddn't expect that much of this blend, as I find a lot of Dan Pipes Virginia+Perique blends taste very similar and are rather mild to medium. St. Bernard is full of flavours, rather medium to strong in taste, upper half of the medium scale nicotine-wise. Gains a bit of spice in the 2nd half of the bowl. Not overwhelmingly strong, yet enough power to keep me satisfied.
3/4 stars, as it doesn't stand out between the countless excellent Va/Pers available. Recommended for anyone, who likes Perique and isn't scared of a Va/Per that has a bit of punch and power to it. It won't be a revelation, but it's a solid Va/Per blend.
From the first smell of the sample baggie I knew I chose right! A sour-fruity note is gushing out of the baggie, with a hint of fruity sweetness to it. I find it noticeable, that the smell is very acidic, but in a pleasing and refreshing, lemon-sour way. Reminds me a bit of "Black & Gold Crumble" by Motzek, which also has this pungent sourness to it.
The flakes appearance and quality is top-notch. Medium- to darker-brown, with golden/yellow inclusions. Pretty dark coloured, inviting a joy to handle. Comes a tad too moist and for my taste it needs 15-45 minutes of drying for a optimum smoke.
St. Bernard Flakes taste is very refined and rich. Pretty powerful for a Va/Per blend. On first light I perceive a slightly bitter and acrid flavour, which vanishes pretty fast and makes room for the deep fruity notes of the Perique, which are reminiscent of plums, figs and raisins. The Virginias contribute a fresh and pleasing citrusy, slightly sour and sweetish dimensions to this flake. There's a gentle, and never overpowering honey-like sweetness, as well as a toasty note. By times I perceive bready notes too, which harmonize well with the fruity flavours and remind of fruit-bread. This flake offers a lot of spice and tanginess. Peppery spice, slightly bitter-ish, pleasingly tart. The rich and creamy smoke it offers will also satisfy the smoker who prefers a full-bodied smoke.
I'm not quite sure if there's a casing or topping. If there's one I'd guess it's just honey, or sugar-water, something from that alley. I can't imagine there to be an artificial/chemical topping of some sort, as the taste is very natural and true to the unspoiled, pure tobacco taste.
To be honest, I diddn't expect that much of this blend, as I find a lot of Dan Pipes Virginia+Perique blends taste very similar and are rather mild to medium. St. Bernard is full of flavours, rather medium to strong in taste, upper half of the medium scale nicotine-wise. Gains a bit of spice in the 2nd half of the bowl. Not overwhelmingly strong, yet enough power to keep me satisfied.
3/4 stars, as it doesn't stand out between the countless excellent Va/Pers available. Recommended for anyone, who likes Perique and isn't scared of a Va/Per that has a bit of punch and power to it. It won't be a revelation, but it's a solid Va/Per blend.
Pipe Used:
Clay Pipes / Various Briars
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 05, 2011 | Medium | None Detected | Full | Tolerable |
Like the old faithful mastiff with a keg of brandy around its neck, DTM's St Bernard Flake brings comfort to the pipester in the cold. Due to the stupid legislation, most of my smoking takes place among the fresh winds of the external atmosphere. During the cold portion of the year (appx. nine months) the subtleties of Va flakes get wasted and something with more strength is to be preferred. Here we have a tobacco that actually benefits from being smoked outside in the freezing breeze. Of course this applies to many a VaPer out there, but rarely in this price range.
The 7x3 cm light and medium brown flakes came packed in a 9 cm round tin of the cheap type DTM uses for several other of their own mixtures, e.g. Hamborger Veermaster. After opening, the low quality threading does not allow the tin to be closed tight. This is the single drawback I can find with this tobacco. The smell is intense, of rotten hay und das Sauerkraut, ripe tobacco. There are no fruity notes. Moisture level is perfect.
The folding method is not for me but I assume the flake will behave that way as well as slightly rubbed, which I prefer. At ignition there is the typical punch in the nose from the generous portion of Perique. The sharp VaPer taste has a fine rural nuance, that of cattle dung to be exact. Towards the end of the medium strength bowl the dry Virginia taste takes over. Usually there is little need for relighting or other tampering with the pipe during the St Bernard pass.
St Bernard flake does not quite push McClelland Beacon or SG St James down from the VaPer podium but Dunhill DLNR at a third higher price is one tobacco that will definitely have to watch out. The sturdy St Bernard delivers quality that you wouldn't expect at the medium price range. Will order more soon.
The 7x3 cm light and medium brown flakes came packed in a 9 cm round tin of the cheap type DTM uses for several other of their own mixtures, e.g. Hamborger Veermaster. After opening, the low quality threading does not allow the tin to be closed tight. This is the single drawback I can find with this tobacco. The smell is intense, of rotten hay und das Sauerkraut, ripe tobacco. There are no fruity notes. Moisture level is perfect.
The folding method is not for me but I assume the flake will behave that way as well as slightly rubbed, which I prefer. At ignition there is the typical punch in the nose from the generous portion of Perique. The sharp VaPer taste has a fine rural nuance, that of cattle dung to be exact. Towards the end of the medium strength bowl the dry Virginia taste takes over. Usually there is little need for relighting or other tampering with the pipe during the St Bernard pass.
St Bernard flake does not quite push McClelland Beacon or SG St James down from the VaPer podium but Dunhill DLNR at a third higher price is one tobacco that will definitely have to watch out. The sturdy St Bernard delivers quality that you wouldn't expect at the medium price range. Will order more soon.
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| May 01, 2020 | Medium | Extremely Mild | Medium | Pleasant to Tolerable |
I love VaPer blends, I can smoke more of them than any other blend before I need a change of pace as I find them quite relaxing, not challenging like say Latakia blends, or too filling like some flavoured tobaccos.
At the same time they are interesting and filling, they have plenty of nuance to keep you interested.
This blend I had to try after reading JimInks's review, as Dunhill's DLNRs were my first VaPer, and remains a strong favourite. I was intrigued by reading "sweeter, spicier, rougher"'. It is also affordable and can be bought in 250g bags which is great for Europe.
Smell is classic VaPer, slightly sour, sweet, fruity (apricot, peach), hay. Perfect moisture out of the 250g bag, ready to shred or fold and stuff. A topping is obvious to the touch as the flakes are somewhat stiffer than e.g. Solani 633.
Taste is very honest, middle of the road in my opinion, nothing exaggerated. While this can lead someone to think that this blend is flat, it isn't, at least for me, it is simply a middle of the road VaPer, a chill relaxed VaPer that one can smoke and enjoy at any time, any place. I'd have some trouble distinguishing it from Solani 633, and that's a compliment.
I'll buy again, a decent amount, and cellar it, though what I got in my hands is perfect to smoke as is.
At the same time they are interesting and filling, they have plenty of nuance to keep you interested.
This blend I had to try after reading JimInks's review, as Dunhill's DLNRs were my first VaPer, and remains a strong favourite. I was intrigued by reading "sweeter, spicier, rougher"'. It is also affordable and can be bought in 250g bags which is great for Europe.
Smell is classic VaPer, slightly sour, sweet, fruity (apricot, peach), hay. Perfect moisture out of the 250g bag, ready to shred or fold and stuff. A topping is obvious to the touch as the flakes are somewhat stiffer than e.g. Solani 633.
Taste is very honest, middle of the road in my opinion, nothing exaggerated. While this can lead someone to think that this blend is flat, it isn't, at least for me, it is simply a middle of the road VaPer, a chill relaxed VaPer that one can smoke and enjoy at any time, any place. I'd have some trouble distinguishing it from Solani 633, and that's a compliment.
I'll buy again, a decent amount, and cellar it, though what I got in my hands is perfect to smoke as is.
PurchasedFrom:
Estervals pipe house
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Apr 18, 2018 | Medium to Strong | Extremely Mild | Very Mild | Unnoticeable |
I always thought this was Dan Pipe's answer to St Bruno.
It's not of course, it's a typical Dan Pipe virginia blend with, as the description says, a twist of perique. The only thing in common with said other blend is the St. in the name.
One of Dan Pipe's better tins is this. With a proper label this time, instead of the naff (and boring) simple square computer-printed white labels present on other blends of theirs.
The tin fragrance is a delight. Probably the nicest of the Dan Pipe virginia-based blends I've tried so far. Very tight flakes squeezed into a big pile that needs careful excavation with pipe knife, is what greets you inside and it's a wee bit crumbly and therefore rather dry, which seems to be the recurring theme here.
The flake breaks down very quickly which is fine if you are a rubber-out but not so great if you like stuffing you flake in whole.
The taste is disappointing. It's so well...neutral. A mild-ish tobacco with something - obviously the perique - dumbing it down to a degree. This addition seems to take much of the natural sweetness of the virginia away and replace it with a rather dull, peppery, dry tasting, somewhat dusty even, content that I am not wild about.
And it is so dry. So so dry it's leaves you gasping for a drink even after the one you had to accompany your opening bowl. It also leaves your throat like feeling like a dusty old broom cupboard. It likes a lot of relights, surprisingly enough and burns through so quickly you wonder where half the bowl has gone when you tap out the ash. It's fairly strong stuff this but not overwhelming even pushed hard. There is little or no room note and it's presence in the house has been unremarked by Mrs RW.
So, half a glass full of fluid later, you find yourself thinking about the next bowl and wondering if there were some nuances that you have missed, judging by the general positive consensus in here.
I'm giving this one the benefit of the doubt and not making a final prognosis until after the tin is finished. I suspect some smokers might enjoy this better with an alcoholic side salad, but I don't care for spirits (or any alcohol come to that) to maybe counteract the aridity of the blend.
Indeed It'll be interesting to see how this one keeps (round tin thank goodness), as I won't be smoking this every day.
It's not of course, it's a typical Dan Pipe virginia blend with, as the description says, a twist of perique. The only thing in common with said other blend is the St. in the name.
One of Dan Pipe's better tins is this. With a proper label this time, instead of the naff (and boring) simple square computer-printed white labels present on other blends of theirs.
The tin fragrance is a delight. Probably the nicest of the Dan Pipe virginia-based blends I've tried so far. Very tight flakes squeezed into a big pile that needs careful excavation with pipe knife, is what greets you inside and it's a wee bit crumbly and therefore rather dry, which seems to be the recurring theme here.
The flake breaks down very quickly which is fine if you are a rubber-out but not so great if you like stuffing you flake in whole.
The taste is disappointing. It's so well...neutral. A mild-ish tobacco with something - obviously the perique - dumbing it down to a degree. This addition seems to take much of the natural sweetness of the virginia away and replace it with a rather dull, peppery, dry tasting, somewhat dusty even, content that I am not wild about.
And it is so dry. So so dry it's leaves you gasping for a drink even after the one you had to accompany your opening bowl. It also leaves your throat like feeling like a dusty old broom cupboard. It likes a lot of relights, surprisingly enough and burns through so quickly you wonder where half the bowl has gone when you tap out the ash. It's fairly strong stuff this but not overwhelming even pushed hard. There is little or no room note and it's presence in the house has been unremarked by Mrs RW.
So, half a glass full of fluid later, you find yourself thinking about the next bowl and wondering if there were some nuances that you have missed, judging by the general positive consensus in here.
I'm giving this one the benefit of the doubt and not making a final prognosis until after the tin is finished. I suspect some smokers might enjoy this better with an alcoholic side salad, but I don't care for spirits (or any alcohol come to that) to maybe counteract the aridity of the blend.
Indeed It'll be interesting to see how this one keeps (round tin thank goodness), as I won't be smoking this every day.
Pipe Used:
All large briars
PurchasedFrom:
DanPipe, Germany.
Age When Smoked:
New
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 31, 2015 | Medium to Strong | None Detected | Full | Pleasant to Tolerable |
The tin note is rather reminiscent of a light English mixture with a slight hint of dried figs. The flakes are chocolate-brown with some lighter golden brown striation. Out of the tin, this tobacco is too moist for my taste. I would recommend rubbing out a flake and letting it sit out of the tin for a day. Otherwise you may risk the tobacco packing too tightly to get a decent draw. I also find it hard to keep lit due to the moisture content.
Once dried a bit, it packs well and lights up just fine. This tobacco offers you a cool, dry smoke. I did not detect the Perique as much as I would have liked to, so I would not call it a classic VaPer. It is a good smoke, not sweet, but full, with a pronounced nicotine-kick. It smokes down to a fine gray ash, leaving no dottle.
As with all flakes, I would not recommend this to a novice smoker. But for the experienced pipe smoker it is a pleasant change of fare, definitely worth trying. If, however, it's a nice Vaper you're looking for, stick to Dunhill's Navy Rolls.
Once dried a bit, it packs well and lights up just fine. This tobacco offers you a cool, dry smoke. I did not detect the Perique as much as I would have liked to, so I would not call it a classic VaPer. It is a good smoke, not sweet, but full, with a pronounced nicotine-kick. It smokes down to a fine gray ash, leaving no dottle.
As with all flakes, I would not recommend this to a novice smoker. But for the experienced pipe smoker it is a pleasant change of fare, definitely worth trying. If, however, it's a nice Vaper you're looking for, stick to Dunhill's Navy Rolls.
Pipe Used:
Vauen bent billiard, BC Prince
PurchasedFrom:
local tobacconist
Age When Smoked:
new
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Sep 30, 2023 | Medium | Mild to Medium | Medium | Very Pleasant |
Another big score out of the limelight. Basically, all Virginia, VaPer and Va/Barley I tried from Dan Tobacco are outstanding. St. Bernard isn’t different.
I find it not too strong like other Briar Brothers stated (probably I'm addicted to some GH's bombs and my staple starts quite high!?). The 2 players go hand in hand and none overwhelms the other. Of course, Va is the leader.
I don’t want/know to describe the palette (many chaps here have a talent and my tongue isn’t so refined). However, for me it’s mainly leathery and breads with hints of figs and dark dried fruits. Very tasty and intriguing.
I daresay that every puff is different especially if you use your nose.
Flakes are perfect both in humidity and to use. I mostly rub them unless I use long chimney pipes like old Pibe Dan or Holbek chimneys that fit perfectly with that technique. If I've to be really picky, I find the flakes a bit too long. This way they’re more difficult to go into a jar as well as to be loaded in a pipe…peanuts, of course.
To sum up: a lovely tobacco both for experienced smokers and for whom wants to approach the world of Va/Per via the main door.
I find it not too strong like other Briar Brothers stated (probably I'm addicted to some GH's bombs and my staple starts quite high!?). The 2 players go hand in hand and none overwhelms the other. Of course, Va is the leader.
I don’t want/know to describe the palette (many chaps here have a talent and my tongue isn’t so refined). However, for me it’s mainly leathery and breads with hints of figs and dark dried fruits. Very tasty and intriguing.
I daresay that every puff is different especially if you use your nose.
Flakes are perfect both in humidity and to use. I mostly rub them unless I use long chimney pipes like old Pibe Dan or Holbek chimneys that fit perfectly with that technique. If I've to be really picky, I find the flakes a bit too long. This way they’re more difficult to go into a jar as well as to be loaded in a pipe…peanuts, of course.
To sum up: a lovely tobacco both for experienced smokers and for whom wants to approach the world of Va/Per via the main door.
Pipe Used:
Straight Billiard Dantonian from Sven Knudsen
PurchasedFrom:
Esterval
Age When Smoked:
Several months
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Aug 24, 2023 | Medium to Strong | Medium | Medium to Full | Pleasant to Tolerable |
I recently had the pleasure of trying St. Bernard Flake by Dan Tobacco, a captivating Virginia-Perique flake. Upon opening the tin, I was greeted with a delicate hint of raisins and dates. The flakes broke up easily making it effortless to pack and light. On the first draw, the sweet woodsy taste of the Virginia leaf and the distinct sour taste of the perique leaf combined nicely.
The perique leaf was definitely present but never too overwhelming, adding a unique element to the smoking experience, starting with a gentle sourness that turned into a pleasant sweetness toward the latter half of the bowl. The tobacco's earthy and grassy texture served as a solid backdrop, enhancing the overall flavor profile, and it burned evenly without generating excessive heat.
Overall, it was a pleasant smoking experience, and I can see why it is one of the most popular tobaccos among German smokers. I wish it were more readily available here in Japan where I live, so I could make it a part of my regular rotation. With its delightful combination of woodsy, sweet, and sour flavors, as well as its earthy, grassy texture, this blend should appeal to both experienced and novice pipe smokers.
The perique leaf was definitely present but never too overwhelming, adding a unique element to the smoking experience, starting with a gentle sourness that turned into a pleasant sweetness toward the latter half of the bowl. The tobacco's earthy and grassy texture served as a solid backdrop, enhancing the overall flavor profile, and it burned evenly without generating excessive heat.
Overall, it was a pleasant smoking experience, and I can see why it is one of the most popular tobaccos among German smokers. I wish it were more readily available here in Japan where I live, so I could make it a part of my regular rotation. With its delightful combination of woodsy, sweet, and sour flavors, as well as its earthy, grassy texture, this blend should appeal to both experienced and novice pipe smokers.
Pipe Used:
Stanwell Royal Danish
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 19, 2023 | Medium to Strong | None Detected | Medium to Full | Tolerable |
Dan Tobacco - St. Bernard Flake.
This was part of a trade with a friend. Claude, it's beautiful!!
Note: he's wrote the date on the tin, July 2016, so this isn't 'fresh'. The years probably have altered the flavour, maybe why it's so fruity and rich!
The flakes are dark in colour, this tin had perfect hydration upon opening. The tin-note is fruity, a little sharp also. The flakes crumble to a coarse consistency with ease; I don't bother rubbing them fully, I like them chunky.
The Virginias are very fruity, incredibly sweet, giving such an indulgent flavour. I get lots of pepper from the Perique, it has a plummy taste also, but the spice from it takes the lead. Being as the Virginias are so sweet, I think it's these, not a topping, that prevent the Perique spiciness from monopolizing the smoke. The burn is quite slow, generating a cool smoke, without any bite.
Nicotine: quite strong. Room-note: not great.
St. Bernard? Claude, wow, this is a beautiful smoke, thanks pal! Highly recommended:
Four stars.
This was part of a trade with a friend. Claude, it's beautiful!!
Note: he's wrote the date on the tin, July 2016, so this isn't 'fresh'. The years probably have altered the flavour, maybe why it's so fruity and rich!
The flakes are dark in colour, this tin had perfect hydration upon opening. The tin-note is fruity, a little sharp also. The flakes crumble to a coarse consistency with ease; I don't bother rubbing them fully, I like them chunky.
The Virginias are very fruity, incredibly sweet, giving such an indulgent flavour. I get lots of pepper from the Perique, it has a plummy taste also, but the spice from it takes the lead. Being as the Virginias are so sweet, I think it's these, not a topping, that prevent the Perique spiciness from monopolizing the smoke. The burn is quite slow, generating a cool smoke, without any bite.
Nicotine: quite strong. Room-note: not great.
St. Bernard? Claude, wow, this is a beautiful smoke, thanks pal! Highly recommended:
Four stars.
Pipe Used:
Various
PurchasedFrom:
Trade
Age When Smoked:
July 2016
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 21, 2023 | Mild to Medium | Mild to Medium | Mild to Medium | Pleasant |
-It has kind of grassy and hay like virginia and to be honest in 2023 version there is very low amount of perique tobacco there, you have to focus and have few puffs to feel the perique .
-If you like more mild VaPer this might be a good option.
-The quality of virginia is perfect -If you use it as flake or do not rub it out well you might need to relight it few times
-If you like more mild VaPer this might be a good option.
-The quality of virginia is perfect -If you use it as flake or do not rub it out well you might need to relight it few times
Pipe Used:
Peterson, Design Berlin, Radiator
PurchasedFrom:
fajkowo.pl
Age When Smoked:
Few months
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 06, 2021 | Medium to Strong | Extremely Mild | Medium to Full | Unnoticeable |
Sample had really fresh little grassy aroma directly after opening. Presentation is awesome. Nicely cut yellowish brown flakes with hint of dark perique. Taste is rounded and very similar to Scottish Autumn Flake, tangy, citrusy after small fruit, but more full rather comparing with FVF. Perique work like real spice here - very peppery and provide strength. Moisture is accurate, do not need relights. Nicotine is a bit higher for me, but still at acceptable level.
Pipe Used:
BPK, Stanislaw, cob
PurchasedFrom:
etrafika.cz
Age When Smoked:
new
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