Gawith, Hoggarth & Co. Dark Flake

I'm not sure where this falls on the general consensus "strength meter". I found it less strong than Kendal Dark and much preferable. Cigar-like? Well, yes, in a way. It didn't taste much like a cigar but it had the "mouth-feel" of a potent Honduran to me. I tasted some sweetness and a gentle soapy character that wasn't terribly off-putting as I usually find such a flavor. That character lasted the entire bowl for me.

The flake itself is gorgeous! Nice long black flake tobacco. It worked best for me fully rubbed out and at baggie moisture level (no drying), although I can't really say what it's moisture content is like fresh. It came to me at the right moisture level, somewhat dry but nowhere near tinder. Rubbed out, I had no problems with excessive relights.

I will smoke this only occasionally, such as after thanksgiving day dinner. It's excellent for what it is but I generally prefer a little more complexity in my bowl. But if you like a full, robust smoke or you just like to get a buzz from your pipe tobacco, definitely check this out.

I got a sample from a friend, and I have been smoking it in various pots. Most of it has been in a GBD. My sample came mostly rubbed out, and it was at a good level of hydration for me.

Smoked this is a full "tobacco on tobacco" taste with a whiff of Lakeland topping. The effect was pleasant and there is a spicy, nutty, smoky and slightly sweet combination of tastes. There is a somewhat creamy, thick quality to the smoke. I did not really pick out component tobaccos in the taste, and I found a slightly herbal flavor from time to time. In terms of strength, it is up there with Irish Flake, and the faint-hearted should beware.

Despite another review, I found this DGT's fairly well. Smoking qualities were good, and it was no challenge to smoke slowly, smoke to the bottom, etc.

This is a solid 3 on the scale. I am glad I tried it, and it is good. ODF scratches my itch in this category of smoke.

You usually expect a tobacco to evolve and get stronger as you progress more and more in your smoke, but this particular one shows all of its strength as you light up your bowl right from the outset. This is a full-bodied/strength tobacco that might turn the stomach of the most experienced smoker, so be advised. The tin note is difficult to describe, but it gives you this hint (nor very pronounced) so characteristic of most of the Lakeland tobaccos. This shows in your smoke too, but it does not affect your smoking experience after it dissipates. The moist content of these flakes is quite high and they seem to be very slow burning even after you dry them up. This tobacco smokes quite evenly in your bowl and it produces a fine white ash very similar to that of a cigar's. I find the smoke it produces a little bit harsh to pass through your nose, but this might as well be due to its cigar qualities and the way it smokes. As a matter of fact, I find this tobacco closer to a cigar than pipe tobacco in so many fronts. The appearance of these flakes are very appealing too and their deep dark colour would give the impression they've been heavily fermented. This tobacco is ticking off so many boxes in my book, so I will give a 3 stars.

I used a small pipe for this as a late evening smoke. Let it dry a bit so you don't have to relight and/or puff so hard to keep it lit. The taste is not overshadowed by the strength, like a good Maduro cigar, you get a full bodied flavor of earthy, caramelized tobacco.

For experienced pipe smokers, who are able to smoke according to the tobacco in their pipe. If you don't like to think about your pipe, this flake will frustrate you because of it's strength if puffed too fast.

Virginia lover

Want a strong dark cigar with lots of N in your pipe? Try this! Dark dark dark tobacco flavor and lots of it. Try it in a smaller pipe first!

This is an excellent dark fired flake. Sour and smokey. Comparisons to Peterson's Irish Flake are apt IMO.

Yes there is a whiff of Lakeland. But for the most part it is very slight, notably fades after the initial light, and any remaining essence is welcome to my tastes as it compliments the sourness well.

Of the 2 previous reviews I find Dogwood's more consistent with my thoughts about all G&H blends. All of our tastes vary. And I certainly understand that the whole Lakeland thing isn't for everyone.

But I struggle to understand how one could knock G&H in terms of quality. I've smoked a number of Sam G. and Esoteric blends and find G&G blends to be at least of equal superb quality.

G&H brings the added benefit of actually being available on a regular basis.

Stonehaven is in my mind without peer. But, frankly, I've grown weary of waiting for the stars to align and the whim to strike Sam G. and Esoterica to bless us with their product once in a blue moon.

In any event back on point. Dark Flake is a wonderful dark fired burley and semisweet VA flake. Certainly worthy of a try for any serious smoker.

I keep a stash of the G&H and Samuel Gawith dark tobaccos on hand next to my big chair. I usually smoke Dark Flake in the late afternoon with a Guinness or in the evening with a cup of black coffee. It is a treat to look forward to an evening that starts out with Dark Flake and then moves on to Dark Birdseye, Sliced Brown Twist, Sliced Black Twist, and then finishes up with SG 1792. As a variation you can substitute some of the G&H dark scented flakes. Dark Flake rubs out easily into almost shag form which is the way I like to pack it. It lights easily and burns beautifully. The smoke is mild with no bite. It does have a flavor that resembles that of a dark maduro wrapper, but the smoking experience is definitely that of a pipe tobacco rather than a cigar. The tobacco flavor is relentlessly intense. I believe it has been treated with a light, neutral sweetener which gives the smoke a bitter sweet quality. Dark Flake also provides a nicotine kick that you can feel on the tongue. Because of the strong flavor, it is necessary for me to clear my palate regularly. This is not an all day smoke or one that I smoke every day. But once or twice a week, it is a treat. Highly recommended for those who occasionally like a trip to the dark side. Paddy.

This one was alright for me. It has that rich industrial diesel taste, but not nearly as overwhelming as 1792 or Brown Rope Number 4. The light scent is pleasant enough and subdues that petrol type tastes enough to make it a pleasant enough ass kicker. Yes, it does have a boot of nicotine in it as would be expected.

I would probably go more to two stars on this one, but if this is your flavor, then I would recommend this over the others mentioned above. Still for the high nicotine content blends, Irish Flake rules the roost in my cellar.

After smoking two pounds of this stuff and nothing but. I would like some more. Deep dark & very rich tasting tobac that will never bite you, ever.