Gawith, Hoggarth & Co. Grasmere Flake

Subtle. That is the one adjective I would use to describe this tobacco. Is it a Lakeland Flake? Yes, it is. Is it like Ennerdale or Condor? No, it ain't. Can I compare it to anything else? Nope. Grasmere Flake is it's own animal.

This smoke is touted to have a "Rose Geranium" topping. For all I know, it does. It is certainly floral, like many Lakeland tobaccos. All I can say, is that it is delightful. One will find oneself, after just about every puff, saying, "What IS that?" So lasting and beguiling is the floral topping.

As to the mechanics of the smoke...it is best folded and stuffed. It burns fairly well, and, really, who cares about matches? Relighting is part of the game! There is a bit of a cigar taste on relight, but I LIKE cigars, don't you?

I honestly can't say whether the Virginias or Burleys predominate. Either way, there is a real tobacco taste beneath the flowers, full and gratifying. I would say, though, given the subtlety of the topping and the balance of the constituent tobaccos, one should dedicate a pipe to Grasmere Flake to appreciate fully all this smoke has to offer.

I can't believe that I'm at the bottom of the tin and I'm only just reviewing this! Jar note is rose/geranium and a mild Virginia grass. I rubbed the whole lot out and jarred it. Moisture was perfect. Upon lighting the flora's in this are exquisite reminding me of the way a rose garden smells after a summer shower. This calms down a touch after the first third of the bowl but the presence is there from start to finish. I found this tobacco beautifully inoffensive and mild to the palate and really enjoyable throughout. I think this is probably one of my favourite Gawith and Hoggarth flakes and one that I will keep in rotation. I could smoke this all day and be happy if I run out of Kendal Cream which is my current all day smoke. Probably won't please the haters of the Lakeland style but is nowhere near as in your face as Ennerdale which I also enjoy. Has a lovely room note and mild, mellow nicotine hit. Not as punchy as Brown Flake Aromatic although the flavourings used are near enough identical. 10/10 for a beautiful flake that smokes with a few relights towards the bottom of the bowl.. I would think a novice would enjoy this as an introduction to Lakeland tobacco. Leaves a lovely taste in the mouth afterwards.

I personally really enjoy this Lakeland scented flake. I keep several different g&h scented flakes, but I believe this is my favorite. I get it in bulk and I'm not sure if this is the case when and if it is tinned, but mine has developed more and more of what look like delicate and inviting sugar crystals all over it. Like, a lot of them. This wonderful tobacco reminds me of something that the hobbits in the shire would grow and smoke. Halfling leaf. Some people steer clear of these types of tobaccos, but I think they are just awesome and grasmere will always have a lofty status in my rotation. It's probably what I would consider my special occasion tobacco that I smoke more than occasionally and when I feel particularly whimsical. It smokes really well and it's merits should definitely be studied in great detail.

Very good smoke, but I cannot find much of a difference in between these flakes and the rest of the Lakelands, be it Ennerdale, Kendall or any other one that will fall into this category. Not that any of them will bite, but this is probably the easiest on the palate of the whole range. Despite the moist content, which is rather medium/high, you can actually smoke this tobacco straight out of the tin. The casing evokes roses, talcum power, etc., and it feels soapy on the palate, which is a feature you will probably appreciate if you like any of the Lakelands. At times, it feels tangy or citrusy, I suppose, because of the strong Lakeland essence. I am inclined to believe the burley tobaccos contained therewith have not been flue cured as the taste seem to be rather medium throughout the whole bowl.

This gorgeous tobacco has similarities with other G&H baccies but still different. Beautiful Virginia interspersed with unique fragrance. I wouldn’t define it as aromatic but a tobacco with aroma (slightly different if I may). The palette has been described by other briar brothers with a property that I miss, unfortunately.
However, for me it’s an all day smoker as far as its strength is concerned. The aroma (I love it) is neither overwhelming nor tones down the tobacco. Rose and geranium topping is present as well as some whiff of almond/vanilla, delicious!
My puffing pace tends to be a bit fast nonetheless it doesn’t bite.
One of many G&H is my rotation and great esteem. May I say recommended? Pleonasm.

3rdguy

My favorite G&H offering right now. I smoke OJK daily and I can see using this great Burley forward flake to mix it up. Strong in nic, medium in flavor. Geranium scent is pretty stout IMO but it does subside a bit. Easy to light once dried fully, no relights once it is going. White ash with a small amount of moisture left.

I believe I will cry once and get the next 500g box I can find and will have all that I need. Highly recommended to try if you do not mind Geranium.