Robert McConnell Latakia Flake

Another of my favorites. I smoke this on weekends and nights that I go out. It is a semi strong tobacco that just seems to hit the spot. Great to rub and drop into the bowl. Lights very quickly and burns like a hot coal. Seldom have to relight. Tamper well, smoke slow and this will take care of you to the end. This was a Hugh hit in my pipe club.

Update: May 1, 2022 Opened up a jar of this am and packed my trusty Tinder Box Verona. The smell was outstanding! Lit very quickly and hit the taste buds with strong satisfaction. The flavor seems to get so much stronger with age and it burns a little hotter as well so pacing is key here. About half way through the bowl I felt it give a little buzz as well. Loved it. Still is one of my favorites in my cellar.

update 12/26/2010

I recently opened up a 2 1/2 tin. Wow! The Dark Fired Kentucky brought an amazing spicy bold addition to this flake, making it a must for anyone who seeks a good Latakia based blend!

Nice, strong and tasty!!!

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Original Review 07/25/2010

This flake is probably the most original mixture I had the pleasure to smoke.

Because of the high content of Latakia, this can come out as being an unidimensional, almost kind of bland smoke.

The secret to enjoy it is no different than an all Burley blend. It needs to be smoked slow and it requires your full dedication.

If you don't do these, you will miss one of the most interesting tobaccos on the market today.

Of note, the tin aroma is the strangest ever. Don't let it stop you.

This flake should not be an all day smoke. I smoke a tin a year, not more. And appreciate it every time.

Really well balanced flake, tin was nearing 3 years old when I opened it and throughout a few weeks with it, especially having time to sit down and think about it, she's a keeper. Exceptional balance between smoke/sweet/spice. There is a lovely floral topping that I'm finding I like more and more. This has some heft nicotine wise so keep some water handy. Delicious.

A refined Latakia Smoking experience. I thought this was similar to Heinrich’s Latakia Flake but it is not. The Latakia is different, the Kentucky is more vivid and the Cavendish more supportive. If you enjoy a full Latakia experience, I highly recommend this flake after dinner with a nice Longrow Peated whisky, the 18 yo if you can find it otherwise the NAS is also perfect. The whisky offers smoked pancetta, the tobacco: smoked almonds, the whisky: floral citrus notes, the tobacco perfumed rose water, the whisky with one or two drops of water offers fresh grilled sourdough bread, the tobacco: slightly burnt pecan pie, the best whisky- pipe tobacco pairing in a while. Delicious and sophisticated. The tobacco packs, lights and burns well.

This became a new favorite of mine. Kentucky, Lat and Black Cav? An absolute YES! The tin note is far from, what I expected. Not just the usual smokiness or Kentucky nuttiness, but there is a very pleasant floral aroma. The flakes are dark and perfect in moisture. They brake apart easily, so filling your pipe is quite simple. Now, the smoke: I never felt such a strong teamplay between two tobaccos. Its like Jules and Vincent, or Devin Townsend and van Giersbergen of smoking. Smoky, nutty, floral and sweet. I could smoke this the whole day! Highly recommend