Gawith, Hoggarth & Co. Broken Scotch Cake

This is made from a base of broken medium Virginia flake, similiar to Samuel Gawith's Medium Virginia Flake.

To this fine tobacco, an interesting topping has been added. Some describe it as a Lakeland Scent, or perfume. I wasn't quite sure what to make of this at first, but I've since tried Cannon Plug, so it seems a little more normal. I haven't taken to the flavour of this tobacco as much as cannon plug, but it is applied much more lightly.

The topping is strongest, of course, on the charring light and mellows out fairly quickly, although it remains throughout the smoke. The topping doesn't mask a fine tobacco, however, and Broken Scotch Flake makes for a nice all day smoke for those with a sweet tooth, but no desire for the hot scented steam that is an American Aromatic.

This is another great blend by GH, and like just about all of their unscented blends, this does have a touch of lakeland essence to it. In terms of rating how strong that essence is, I would say it is a touch heavier than what it is in BB#2; otherwise, this is a fantastic virginia. The virginia leaf appears to be mostly of the bright variety and has heavy citrus and hay notes. This is very much like the Bright CR Flake, but with more lakeland sauce.

Like all the GH blends, it just won't bite. This is one reason I really like their blends; you can smoke these mindlessly on autopilot and still enjoy them. I would definitely rebuy this one and give it a solid 3 stars.

A mild smoke... but with a lot of body.. and a typical light g&h soapiness.. but light enough where it doesn't really bother me.. not complex at all.. but cool and easy.. lovely aroma..solid Virginia but no stand out flavor notes.. maybe toasty breadiness with a subtle sweetness.. and smooth floral undertones.. I love the cut.. reminds me of the cut of one of my favorites.. scottish cake ironically.. pleasant with nothing to complain about other than being one dimensional.. certainly pairs well with a warm beverage. Another contender for all day smoke.

Gawith Hoggarth - Broken Scotch Cake.

From the pouch I see a well broken cake, it's more like ribbons with only a few larger flake/cake like pieces in there. The smell coming from the bag is a very full Virginia one, it would be almost impossible not to be able to identify it as being so. The moistness of the rough ribbons is good and this helps it light well. The flavour of the smoke I think is a basic Virginia one. Grassy and citrusy without being too sweet. Instead of the Virginia sweetness there is an almost herby quality there which I find quite fresh. The nicotine is fairly mild, maybe far too mild for a nicotine smoker.

I wasn't really too enthralled to try this one, I assumed it might be a bit simple but it's the simplicity of the smoke that I enjoy. Three stars.

If you like strong/aromatic tobaccos, I think you won't care much for Broken Scotch Cake; the experienced and more demanding palate may find it rather bland and dull. On the other hand, this would be a good tobacco for the newcomer to try, or for someone who doesn't want a pronounced or pungent flavour. It's a mild, sweet, undemanding and natural-tasting Virginia; smooth, civilised and straightforward. I can't detect any casing; if there is one, it's very unobtrusive.

BSC is a cool and dry smoke that burns evenly and well. I don't notice any great change in the nuances of flavour as the bowlful progresses. Of course it's better sipped, but you can puff away quite hard without getting your tongue fried, and you won't get a nicotine overdose either. As the name suggests, it presents a fairly chunky appearance; you can rub it out a bit more if you need to, but you'll speed up the burn if you do, of course. I'm happy to recommend it, especially to the beginner. At first I found it a bit too bland, but the more I smoked of it, the more I came to like it, and I now number it among my favourites. It suits a big bowl and a long, contemplative, indoor smoke. SWMBO doesn't mind the room note, which is another plus point.

BSC reminds me a bit of Fribourg and Treyer's Golden Mixture (now unavailable in the UK): pleasant and undemanding, and a good all day smoke if you're an all day smoker. Also, it's not a million miles away from the ready rubbed version of Capstan that's available in the UK, with the same sweet, grassy taste. If you want something a tad more flavoursome, it's nice mixed 50/50 with Ogden's St Bruno. Superb stuff, in my opinion.

Update, February 2023: as I understand it, this excellent tobacco has now been discontinued. Another one bites the dust, dammit.

I bought the unscented version. A unique blend that is a blond color and very coarse cut. At first go-round this one was too understated. I would recommend this one as your first smoke of the day or before any really strong tobacs. If given a chance to shine by itself, it is excellent. It does have a touch of the Lakeland Floral "soap" taste. The Virginnia is tangy and sweet. It does have a bit of a kick to it from the nicotene content.

What a lovely tobacco to start the day! Some may find it a little one dimensional but I appreciate a no nonsense, straight forward Virginia that I can load and smoke straight from the pouch. Flavour is a nice, sweet bready Virginia, stays consistent throughout and burns to a light grey ash. Has some ridiculously large leaves in about the size of a postage stamp, some ribbons and a few chunky flakes. One could easily puff away contentedly all day on this one. Nicotine levels are low to medium and the room note is inobtrusive. Would blend well with a heavier tobacco such as Condor or St Bruno for a more full bodied smoke. No Lakeland essence detected in the ounce bag I purchased.

I appreciate the sweet and mellow Virginia varietals present in this blend. They are smooth smoking without any harshness. They provide some bright-crispness in the smoke but I would describe the predominate flavor note as sweet bread.

Broken Scotch Cake Is a solid mellow straight Virginia that can keep my interest throughout a bowl.

Broken Scotch Cake: A coarse ribbon cut that is a mild & high quality tobacco from G&H... seems naturally sweet w/a minimum of the Lakeland essence... almost like a bread & butter smooth taste. Had no bite & burns cool. I tried it last summer whilst fly fishing & easily packed & re-packed my pipe whilst stream wading... even got passers-by commenting on the great aroma. This is not a robust type but an all day baccy. It is not awefully complex ...however a good smoke. I recommend it. 3+ stars.