Cornell & Diehl Sunday Picnic

I rate this medium strength due to the perique being there, which is what saves this blend... I mean that in a good way, otherwise, It would be as mild as manhatten afternoon. Good smoke volume and great taste. Great VA/PER blend if you like the ones without a heavy-hand of perique.

I like VaPer's but i like VaPer's that have a little bit of Latakia or Turkish more. This is a very good blend with unique taste. i liken it to GLP Piccadilly which is one of my favorites. The Turksih and Virginia work very well together and the perique adds another special element. A must try.

Oh, now we're talking! No in depth analysis here. This is just great stuff. An easy smooth cool sweetish smoke that just takes you to that happy place.... I gotta go!

For those of us geezers old enough, and lucky enough, to have known Barry Levin and his Turkish Woods Flake, this wonderful Golden Virginia flake is a blast from the past.

A wee bit damp out of the tin, but no effort to dry to perfect condition for the bowl (pipe, not toilet or salad). A light touch in the loading phase and in tamping, and you are rewarded with a sweet, tangy, smooth Virginia journey with the Turkish leaf sticking its nose in where it belongs. Boy, does it belong! The Perique performs nicely as a bite retardant, but doesn't assert or insert itself where it's not welcome...just a wee tickle here and there...no bayou blast, no "BAM" or other over the top blessings by St. James. Just perfect seasoning.

I bought a few pounds to cellar, but they were, once again, destroyed by a tragic fire. Mostly in a HUGE Upshall Canadian. "If at first you don't succeed" and all that other advice....

You don't have to wait for Sunday to try these nicely prepared flakes. Although moister than my preference from the tin, with modest drying, a cool, dry smoke without any bite resulted. The sweet Golden VAs were complemented but not overpowered by the Turkish as the smoke progressed past mid bowl. I missed the Perique but most of the VA/Pers that I smoke are more heavily loaded and this was a nice change. Give it try.

After decideing to try some offerings from C&D I bought 6 of thier Va. blends. There was not a bad one in the lot. Briar Fox is wonderful..........a favorite now. Sunday Picnic is every bit as good. Upon opening the tin of SP I am met with a wonderful light sweet aroma. The tobacco is a little moist for my taste. After a little drying time, and a full rub out I find that this blend packs, lights, and smokes GREAT! It has become one of my TOP 5 blends. I bought 8 tins to consume now and to cellar. The only problem I have had so far with this fine blend is leaving it in the cellar to age......I may never know if cellaring will improve this already superb blend. Oh well...such is life. Rate * * * *

This is by far the best flake I have ever smoked! The perque gives just enough zest but does not over power the smoke . this is a cool dry smoke but never got hot stayed mild I love this blend and will keep planty on hand .I Highly recomend this to one and all.

***See my review of Interlude for Tin and insert review.*** This one is by far my favorite of the flakes I have tried. First, they seem to hold their shape in the tin. These present a pretty Gold Flake, and the smell of sweet grassy hay comes out. Fold and stuff again.....On light, there is that Fresh cut sweet hay smell and flavor.....there is a light spice, like a hint of spiced figs mixed in. The strength is not as powerful here as interlude, but it's easier on the taste buds. More comfortable smoke. Like a mystery movie vs Interludes Action. Again I did two flakes at a time, and it lasted about 2 hours. Burned clean and tasted great. Of the three I have tried, this is my favorite.