Gawith, Hoggarth & Co. Dark Flake

At first, this tobacco seemed harsh and bland. If you react this way too, just give it time. I found myself returning to this blend more than I would have expected considering my initial reaction--perhaps because of the nicotine. But I also learned to appreciate it more as I smoked it more. The harshness is still noticable in the first few puffs, but quickly mellows into a dark, creamy, no-frills smoke. A simple and unabashed nicotine-laden smoke. Ex- or current cig smokers wanted. Nico-wimps need not apply.

Lights easily, has loads of nicotine, extra full taste (almost peppery after first half), no tongue bite. Must be smoked preferably in small bowls. Not for inhalers, unless you have lungs made of iron, not for new pipe smokers unles you already smoke stout cigars or cigarettes. Also not for those who enjoy only delicate tasting tobaccos, this will bland your taste for a while. Although I enjoy stout blends, I cannot smoke it every day, may be one bowl a week.

A small fine cut flake, very dark with some lighter flashes. The aroma is sharp, with a smokey tang, and reminds me of Dark Birdeye (I wonder why?). The slices are so thin, that when rubbed out, it is almost a shag. It lights easily (when rubbed out). yielding a very full flavored smoke, almost cigarish in character. There is definitely a major fire cured component here. The flavor is monochromatic, but has enough character to keep my interest. I find it burns slowly enough, even when fully rubbed, but will not burn worth a darn when rolled and stuffed (which I usually prefer with a flake). Compared to DBE, (which I think is more Burley than Virginia), this seeems to have more Virginia. Both types are grown in the Malawi and Mysore regions, but Virginia is usually flue cured. Burley is more often air, or fire cured. It burns to a clean gray ash, paler than the ash from DBE. This is a change of pace tobacco for me, not an all day experience. For the newbie, too much nicotine.