J. F. Germain & Son Rich Dark Flake
(3.60)
Notes: According to an email response from J. F. Germain and Son asking if they produced any other blend like Stonehaven, they replied that their Rich Dark Flake is similar to Stonehaven, which is produced for Esoterica in the U.S. market only.
Details
| Brand | J. F. Germain & Son |
| Blended By | J. F. Germain & Son |
| Manufactured By | J.F. Germain & Son |
| Blend Type | Virginia/Burley |
| Contents | Burley, Virginia |
| Flavoring | Molasses |
| Cut | Flake |
| Packaging | Sold in various bulk pouch weights. |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Production | Currently available |
Profile
Strength
Medium
Extremely Mild -> Overwhelming
Flavoring
Mild
None Detected -> Extra Strong
Room Note
Pleasant
Unnoticeable -> Overwhelming
Taste
Medium
Extremely Mild (Flat) -> Overwhelming
Average Rating
|
3.60 / 4
|
Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 Reviews
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 13, 2017 | Medium | Medium | Medium to Full | Pleasant to Tolerable |
This is one of those blends that you hear about that is rated so highly that you build it up in your mind into something spectacular. Perhaps I would be more forgiving of this tobacco were it not for the hype surrounding it. Nevertheless, when I saw it on a recent visit to my B&M in York, I jumped at the opportunity to get some. First impression was great, It has a delightful tin note, rich and molassasey. The flakes are homogenous and relatively thin (at last compared to G&H). But in some ways the flakes present the first problem. Wet, wet, wet and hard to break up. Even with a month or two drying time, the flakes are still wet and difficult to break up. This obviously is going to affect the smoking mechanics and I found it difficult to keep lit and I'm sure it also had an impact on the flavours I was getting.
Flavourwise, it tastes of tobacco and the casing doesnt interfere too much. However, I do also get a chemical aftertaste on this blend which I personally find offputting.
In conclusion, its certainly not terrible, and enough people like it not to take my experience too much to heart, but I am personally unlikely to buy it again and wouldnt suggest people go too far out of their way to acquire it.
Flavourwise, it tastes of tobacco and the casing doesnt interfere too much. However, I do also get a chemical aftertaste on this blend which I personally find offputting.
In conclusion, its certainly not terrible, and enough people like it not to take my experience too much to heart, but I am personally unlikely to buy it again and wouldnt suggest people go too far out of their way to acquire it.
PurchasedFrom:
York B&M
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| May 26, 2018 | Medium | Extremely Mild | Extremely Mild (Flat) | Unnoticeable |
Yeah this is nice enough, But I dunno what all the fuss is about. Never heard of Stonehaven. Thought it was a town near Bristol.
Oh yeah, it's Stonehouse. Silly me.
Have to say this looks the business, it really does. Long, broad stripes of yummy looking dark, almost black, flakes. Chocolate, maybe something alcoholic in the smell. Looks and smells like SG's Navy cut.
But really the smoke is disappointing. Doesn't really taste of anything. Doesn't burn particularly well, either. Needs endless poking, prodding and relights. It's not a bad tobacco, it's just well er....tasteless.
Room aroma ? Zilch, nothing.
My son swears by this, as the finest on Germain's books, perhaps the tobacco world, but I just don't get it.
Oh yeah, it's Stonehouse. Silly me.
Have to say this looks the business, it really does. Long, broad stripes of yummy looking dark, almost black, flakes. Chocolate, maybe something alcoholic in the smell. Looks and smells like SG's Navy cut.
But really the smoke is disappointing. Doesn't really taste of anything. Doesn't burn particularly well, either. Needs endless poking, prodding and relights. It's not a bad tobacco, it's just well er....tasteless.
Room aroma ? Zilch, nothing.
My son swears by this, as the finest on Germain's books, perhaps the tobacco world, but I just don't get it.
Pipe Used:
All
PurchasedFrom:
Cgars. 25g loose.
Age When Smoked:
New
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| May 31, 2020 | Mild to Medium | Medium | Medium | Tolerable |
You have probably heard the hype surroundIng this, looked online found some and eagerly placed it in your electronic basket, fervently waiting for the postman to drop off this God like baggie of tobacco goodness.
You open the pouch and the aroma hits you strong molasses, a touch of treacle. Then you look at the flakes, they are almost like strips of leather, and WET, so much so ithat makes same gawith offerings seem arid.
Breaking apart is a chore but with a bit of drying it makes the task easier.
Lighting is easy when dried l, if straight from best make sure your lighting tool of choice is well filled.
Smoking wise, the molasses comes through as does a bit of burley nuttiness but barring that I don't find it all that it's hyped up to be. Sure it's not a bad smoke but it just feels like it's on the buildup to something spectacular but doesn't quite get there.
Room note won't offend, but it won't will you masses of friend's either.
All in all not just not a lot going on, I know this has its legions of devotees but sadly I'm not one of them.
You open the pouch and the aroma hits you strong molasses, a touch of treacle. Then you look at the flakes, they are almost like strips of leather, and WET, so much so ithat makes same gawith offerings seem arid.
Breaking apart is a chore but with a bit of drying it makes the task easier.
Lighting is easy when dried l, if straight from best make sure your lighting tool of choice is well filled.
Smoking wise, the molasses comes through as does a bit of burley nuttiness but barring that I don't find it all that it's hyped up to be. Sure it's not a bad smoke but it just feels like it's on the buildup to something spectacular but doesn't quite get there.
Room note won't offend, but it won't will you masses of friend's either.
All in all not just not a lot going on, I know this has its legions of devotees but sadly I'm not one of them.
Pipe Used:
Falcon
Age When Smoked:
New
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Feb 25, 2021 | Mild to Medium | Medium to Strong | Medium | Pleasant to Tolerable |
Bought small amount of this to try , a wise decision as I am not too keen , taste is reasonable although a bit flat and watery , slightly harsh or perhaps more accurately sharp , not as expected , too much licorice , will finish this off purely for the sake of a change , but for now back to my plain burley.
Pipe Used:
Briar
PurchasedFrom:
Local tobacconist
Age When Smoked:
Fresh
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