Gawith, Hoggarth & Co. Four Squires Flake

Not as full as CR Virginia Flake or Westmorland Slices, but still quite rich and dark in character. As you light up your pipe, it progresses from medium to full and then fuller. The topping is not overtly present, but it flares up now and again. The tin note has a quite strong and distinct licorice note to it, which is something that shows in the room-note as well. The moist content is rather high, but these flakes are easy to pack in your pipe and get going with just a few relights. The smoking experience is rich and flavoursome. The topping tends to wane the more you progress with your smoke, but the tobacco evolves quite nicely every step of the way. I am not entirely sure I'd call it a "Lakeland," but it has the GH hallmark all over. It has acidic properties with notes of lemongrass and hay, the latter being more pushed into the background. If you are into darker flue-cured Virginia type tobaccos, this is a must. The smoking properties and quality of this tobacco warrants 4 stars.