Sillem's Commodore Flake

A tobacco of undeniable character, my constant companion wether strolling outside, sitting in contemplation inside, waking up or settling into sleep. This is my go-to tobacco. If I'm out of Commodore, I'm off to the tobacconist straight away, regardless of whatever other luxury tins of varying varieties I have on hand.

This is the flavor base for all my pipes as the Cavendish and Kentucky (Burley, which in other blends has been the tongue-burn factor for my own personal chemistry, which, you will find, with just a little research on the web, is asserted by some self-declared "tobacco experts" as the actual cause of that loathsome condition. I tend to agree that one's personal body-chemistry factors just as heavily into what tobaccos are enjoyable. But I digress.) give a whiskey-tinged sweetness at the top of the bowl, and get more complex and dark going further. For me, its like flavoring a bowl with a vanilla cavendish without the hot-burning additives on finely cut leaf.

Agreed, this is a full bodied, mouthy latakia based flake, (flake being another attribute which contributes to its versatility--and flavor. Its useful going from pipe to pipe, experimenting with a course or fine texture that fits each pipe's temperament) and the spice of that base ingredient comes out quite a bit by the middle and especially the end of the bowl. My lips tingle happily with the lovely nicotine spice that plays out by the end! It should be noted that I can and do the occasional full and smokey spice-laden Latakia from start to finish such as Lancer's Slices when I'm in the mood, but Commodore is no such animal; as soon as the pipe in which the spicy smokey blend was smoked has rested, I immediately "re-flavor" the bowl with this agreeable sweet flake.

Finally, I find Commodore Flake blends beautifully with bright and nic-kick virginias of many varieties, adding a harmonious contrast of flavors in the chambers of my go-to pipes.

This was my introduction to Latakia from aromatics and Black and Gold Cavendish and what a revelation it was. A sweet whiskey bouquet bordering on an aromatic ending in a robust, satisfying but subtly spicy smoke. An indispensable staple in my humidor. If I ever find its being discontinued I will hock several items of value to purchase it en mass. Hats off to our German friends at Sillem's!