Gawith, Hoggarth & Co. Dark Flake
(3.33)
A very strong, but very cool smoke is the result of combining in equal proportions only Malawi dark fired leaf and Indian dark air-cured leaf. No additional flavours. You can smell in this tobacco the smokey flavour of the dark fired leaf derived from its curing process of being hung above smoky fires, and the sweeter, yet still strong 'cigar type' flavour of the dark air cured Indian leaf.
Details
| Brand | Gawith, Hoggarth & Co. |
| Blended By | Gawith, Hoggarth & Co. |
| Manufactured By | Gawith, Hoggarth & Co. |
| Blend Type | Virginia/Burley |
| Contents | Burley, Virginia |
| Flavoring | |
| Cut | Flake |
| Packaging | Bulk |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Production | Currently available |
Profile
Strength
Strong
Extremely Mild -> Overwhelming
Flavoring
None Detected
None Detected -> Extra Strong
Room Note
Tolerable
Unnoticeable -> Overwhelming
Taste
Full
Extremely Mild (Flat) -> Overwhelming
Average Rating
|
3.33 / 4
|
Reviews
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Displaying 71 - 80 of 104 Reviews
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Jan 02, 2009 | Strong | Extremely Mild | Very Full | Pleasant to Tolerable |
Flavor, flavor, FLAVOR! Dark, rich and delicious.
Wow, this is a great flake. I agree that it is like a ramped-up version of Stonehaven. Sweet and spicy from the first light, there may be the barest whisper of Perique in this blend, along with Virginias and Burley tobacs.
I'm of the fold-n-stuff school when it comes to flakes, but I find that Dark Flake has to be rubbed out. Otherwise you'll be re-lighting throughout the bowl.
As with any flake, it must be dried out. The flavor is rich enough that you won't have to worry about tongue bite much, (though it can nip)because this blend begs for a slow, contemplative smoke.
I don't get much of the nuttiness that others have mentioned, and I also don't get much of the floral essence that G&H blends are famous for. The sweet and spicy flavor of the tobac develops nicely as the bowl burns down, even though there's not a great deal of complexity.
The ash is very fine and powdery, and so I usually end up dumping it at about the half-way point to enhance the burn.
Do heed the warning about nicotine, though it's not any stronger than ropes or Irish Flake.
Those folks that enjoy Blackwoods Flake, Full Virginia Flake, Dark Star and the afore-mentioned Stonehaven will find themselves right at home.
Lovers of bold Balkans and English blends will find this a great change of pace.
Wow, this is a great flake. I agree that it is like a ramped-up version of Stonehaven. Sweet and spicy from the first light, there may be the barest whisper of Perique in this blend, along with Virginias and Burley tobacs.
I'm of the fold-n-stuff school when it comes to flakes, but I find that Dark Flake has to be rubbed out. Otherwise you'll be re-lighting throughout the bowl.
As with any flake, it must be dried out. The flavor is rich enough that you won't have to worry about tongue bite much, (though it can nip)because this blend begs for a slow, contemplative smoke.
I don't get much of the nuttiness that others have mentioned, and I also don't get much of the floral essence that G&H blends are famous for. The sweet and spicy flavor of the tobac develops nicely as the bowl burns down, even though there's not a great deal of complexity.
The ash is very fine and powdery, and so I usually end up dumping it at about the half-way point to enhance the burn.
Do heed the warning about nicotine, though it's not any stronger than ropes or Irish Flake.
Those folks that enjoy Blackwoods Flake, Full Virginia Flake, Dark Star and the afore-mentioned Stonehaven will find themselves right at home.
Lovers of bold Balkans and English blends will find this a great change of pace.
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Nov 12, 2007 | Very Strong | None Detected | Very Full | Strong |
Smooth and creamy, yes indeed. Spicy, too. This is the strongest tobacco I know of. Beats the ropes, Royal Yacht, Haddo's and 1792 by more than a just little. At first light, the nicotine tickle could be, for some, harsh. Tobacco flavor by the truckload. In fact I can see why some say this is unsmokable. It's a kick in the teeth if you're not ready for it.
But, once this gets going, it's pure tobacco delight. Lots of dark fired smoke and spice, along with some nutty sweetness (provided it's correctly packed, if not, it's a chore to keep lit). Overall a satisfying, invigorating smoke.
On the downside, if I let this go out and don't relight right away, it IS unsmokable. DGT is not an option here. (I'm too busy for that, anyway) Great stuff. Let there be smoke!
I've noticed some online sources list this as 'same as brown flake but stoved longer for strength'. Call me wrong, but that ain't this. If you think: this=FVF where Brown Flake=Best Brown Flake, you'll be sadly disappointed.
p.s. If you've got a heart condition, steer clear of this one, it's a thumper.
But, once this gets going, it's pure tobacco delight. Lots of dark fired smoke and spice, along with some nutty sweetness (provided it's correctly packed, if not, it's a chore to keep lit). Overall a satisfying, invigorating smoke.
On the downside, if I let this go out and don't relight right away, it IS unsmokable. DGT is not an option here. (I'm too busy for that, anyway) Great stuff. Let there be smoke!
I've noticed some online sources list this as 'same as brown flake but stoved longer for strength'. Call me wrong, but that ain't this. If you think: this=FVF where Brown Flake=Best Brown Flake, you'll be sadly disappointed.
p.s. If you've got a heart condition, steer clear of this one, it's a thumper.
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Oct 22, 2006 | Very Strong | None Detected | Medium to Full | Tolerable |
I am a big fan of Gawith Hoggarth tobaccos, but I have always been reluctant to try Dark Flake due to its reputation for strength. I like strong tobacco, but this one seems to be described as strong by everyone, even cigarette and cigar smokers.
I filled this beautiful dark flake in my newly acquired GBD apple from the sixties. It's about a Group 2, so it seems perfect for this type of tobacco. I folded a small flake and stuffed it in the bowl. It lit easily. The flavor is a little spicy and strong with a dark-fired flavor like Conniston and Bosun Cut Plugs, but it lacks their traditional British flavorings. In fact, I don't taste any soapy or floral flavors. This bowl required a few re-lights, not due to its burning qualities, but by distractions. Re-lights were easy and flavorful. I would also describe the flavor as smooth - no harshness at all, even at the bottom of the bowl.
Based on one bowl, I'd describe this as a superb tobacco and completely satisfying. I'll pick up a couple of ounces the next time I see my tobacconist and report back. My only complaint is it may be just a little too high in nicotine. I felt a slight queasiness in my stomach at the end of the bowl. I'm sure one could develop a tolerance to it over time.
I filled this beautiful dark flake in my newly acquired GBD apple from the sixties. It's about a Group 2, so it seems perfect for this type of tobacco. I folded a small flake and stuffed it in the bowl. It lit easily. The flavor is a little spicy and strong with a dark-fired flavor like Conniston and Bosun Cut Plugs, but it lacks their traditional British flavorings. In fact, I don't taste any soapy or floral flavors. This bowl required a few re-lights, not due to its burning qualities, but by distractions. Re-lights were easy and flavorful. I would also describe the flavor as smooth - no harshness at all, even at the bottom of the bowl.
Based on one bowl, I'd describe this as a superb tobacco and completely satisfying. I'll pick up a couple of ounces the next time I see my tobacconist and report back. My only complaint is it may be just a little too high in nicotine. I felt a slight queasiness in my stomach at the end of the bowl. I'm sure one could develop a tolerance to it over time.
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| May 05, 2005 | Extremely Strong | None Detected | Medium to Full | Very Pleasant |
There's something to be said for a tobacco that's 98% nicotine and 2% flavor: Don't bother.
Dark Flake is rope-like in strength and, like the ropes, delivers little in the way of interest in contrast to the nicotine it carries. As I said in my review of GH Dark Birdseye: Slow, gentle puffs are necessary to get the real flavor; otherwise, it can be harsh, harsh, and harsh with a slight cigar-like undertone.... Having a tobacco dictate pace, volume, taste, and other facets of the smoke to this degree is a real turn-off.
If you smoke part of a bowl, set it down for a few hours, and expect to enjoy what's left, be aware that you've set a stew of nicotine on the back burner to simmer. Nasty.
Dark Flake is rope-like in strength and, like the ropes, delivers little in the way of interest in contrast to the nicotine it carries. As I said in my review of GH Dark Birdseye: Slow, gentle puffs are necessary to get the real flavor; otherwise, it can be harsh, harsh, and harsh with a slight cigar-like undertone.... Having a tobacco dictate pace, volume, taste, and other facets of the smoke to this degree is a real turn-off.
If you smoke part of a bowl, set it down for a few hours, and expect to enjoy what's left, be aware that you've set a stew of nicotine on the back burner to simmer. Nasty.
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 08, 2022 | Strong | None Detected | Full | Tolerable |
Other reviews helped me identify my impressions of this tobacco. First impresion - this is a strong, old fashioned, slightly rough smoke. The sort of smoke I'd imagine favoured by grufty old country bumpkins who want some bang for their buck. It does change a bit through the smoke to add some interest. It is a cool smoke, & cigar-like. Best enjoyed occasionally, after a meal & with a drink.
Pipe Used:
Invicta bent
PurchasedFrom:
Gauntleys, Nottingham UK
Age When Smoked:
New
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 27, 2021 | Medium to Strong | None Detected | Medium to Full | Tolerable to Strong |
In my neverending lament over the lack of 1792 flake here in the US and the inability of UK shops being able to ship tobacco overseas due to UK laws, I wanted to try this blend bc to me it looked my beloved flake without the tonquin. This wasnt exactly what i am looking for but still a wonderful cigarish strong flake that i will cellar and age.
Pipe Used:
MM Cobs
PurchasedFrom:
smoking pipes
Age When Smoked:
new
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 19, 2021 | Very Strong | None Detected | Very Full | Unnoticeable |
Gawith Hoggarth Dark flake - A rich hearty full flavored , earthy woodsy blend . Very smokey all the way through the bowl . Nutty , vegative and slightly floral from Dark Fired tobacco . I get no Lakeland essence at all . I get no flavoring I can notice . Doesn’t take cigar like to me . Maybe a whiff of cigar once or twice in a bowl barely . Strong tasting and nic hit is strong . Stronger than Old Dark Fired But not as strong as Nicotina Rustica . Tiny bit of sweetness . Doesn’t taste like a Virginia tobacco blend really . The smokiness of the dark -fired leaf is the main flavor . Recommend for those who like strong blends and may make a good mixer . It tastes better than Rustica for sure . I think I will stick with Old Dark Fired for the best smoking experience. Somewhat recommend. Maybe I’ll like the scented version better? Not bad but probably won’t buy more . 2 stars
Pipe Used:
Cons
Age When Smoked:
Fresh bulk
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Jan 04, 2020 | Very Strong | None Detected | Medium to Full | Very Strong |
A very nice tobacco. Flakes are fairly thin, moist, dark, and long. The smell is smokey sweet and strong dark fired. There some slight side note but not over powering. Taste is lightly sweet at first light then fade into a dark Smokey deep Virginia mix. The Malawi and Indian leaf marry well together. Their curing process is unique and adds greatly to produce the blend. Gawith Hoggarth have been at this for a many a year. A well done blend worth every star it receives. This is a strong blend in Taste and nicotine. So tread lightly.
I think when people say Lakeland they are detecting Botanical essence from the different oils used in the factory. I think the term is used to much.
I think when people say Lakeland they are detecting Botanical essence from the different oils used in the factory. I think the term is used to much.
Pipe Used:
Many different briar pipe.
PurchasedFrom:
Smokingpipes
Age When Smoked:
Fresh to 6 months
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 31, 2017 | Very Strong | None Detected | Very Full | Overwhelming |
Stout flake just as good as the plug. I,m not too good at slicing flakes so this is ideal.Not as overwhelming due to no large chunks in the pipe. Fold and stuff if you have all day. Power to spare rubs out easily.I,ve relit this days later. Very good smoke. Old woman is not aware i have this (Don,t tell)
Pipe Used:
B ad C AGORA bent apple
PurchasedFrom:
smokingpipes
Age When Smoked:
fresh bag
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Apr 07, 2016 | Strong | Mild to Medium | Full | Tolerable |
I continue to look for a replacement for Digger Flake. I had high hopes for Dark Flake (unscented), but it doesn't quite hit the mark. It is a quality tobacco, though and enjoyable.
Flakes are thick, dark brown in colour, and a good moisture. The unlit aroma reminds me somewhat of 1792 - tonquin, creosote, with a hint of light virginia sweetness.
I fully rub this flake out, as it is a slow burner, and will need many relights. A loose pack in the bowl is also key. The flavour is quite dark, a bit mildewy, in the Bracken Flake sense, and one-dimensional. As the bowl progresses, things just intensify along that same flavour spectrum. Not complex or peaky, just earthy (but not cigar-like to me), strong tobacco. Expect to run a few cleaners through each bowl.
I smoke this in a few smaller, long-stemmed pipes, as it will nip if pushed, and the nicotine content is high. It's a pleasure late in the day or before bed, and you wouldn't taste much afterwards anyway.
Solid stuff, and I am curious if aging will change it much.
Flakes are thick, dark brown in colour, and a good moisture. The unlit aroma reminds me somewhat of 1792 - tonquin, creosote, with a hint of light virginia sweetness.
I fully rub this flake out, as it is a slow burner, and will need many relights. A loose pack in the bowl is also key. The flavour is quite dark, a bit mildewy, in the Bracken Flake sense, and one-dimensional. As the bowl progresses, things just intensify along that same flavour spectrum. Not complex or peaky, just earthy (but not cigar-like to me), strong tobacco. Expect to run a few cleaners through each bowl.
I smoke this in a few smaller, long-stemmed pipes, as it will nip if pushed, and the nicotine content is high. It's a pleasure late in the day or before bed, and you wouldn't taste much afterwards anyway.
Solid stuff, and I am curious if aging will change it much.
Age When Smoked:
Fresh
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