Gawith, Hoggarth & Co. Ennerdale Flake

I'd been smoking and cellaring Bob's Chocolate and Sam's Chocolate flake for a while. I found myself craving the Lakeland floral flavor more and more, and decided to give Ennerdale a try, having read it had a heavy splash of the sauce.

When my first 4oz bag arrived I could smell it through the shipping box. A vague reek of tutti frutti and flowers. Opening the box filled my kitchen with the scent. It smelled like a combination of Fruit Stripe and Juicy Fruit gum plus a healthy dose of Love's Baby Soft.

It tastes like it smells for the first portion of the bowl - Fruit Stripe/Juicy Fruit and Love's Baby Soft. I never in my life thought I would willingly smoke something in a pipe that smells/tastes like Ennerdale, except for the Chocolate Flakes I smoke exclusively non-aromatics, but ohhhh man... I absolutely adore it. I'm very sensitive to artificial flavorings, and nothing in the topping tastes fake, I can tell it's all from essential oils. The topping pushes the boundaries of cloying and overdone but stops right there and gradually gives way to the sweetness of the Virginias and Burley. And my lady loves the way it smells. Ennerdale has earned kitchen privileges (with vent fan).

I don't smoke it all day, but I smoke it every day. I would almost dare to call it my favorite. I absolutely understand how Lakeland florals are a love/hate thing. I am firmly in the "love" camp.

I usually hate aromatics, but not this particular one (and not any of Gawith & Hoggarth's for what it matters). This is a classic Ennerdale/Lakeland flake that comprises burley and virginia tobaccos. These flakes are not as strong as Condor or St. Bruno, but they are rich and full of flavour. The floral essence so characteristic of most of the Lakelands is quite apparent, but not overtly sweet. The tin note is difficult to describe, but it sort of reminds me to Imperial Leather. I find this blend quite pleasing as a whole, so I shall give it 4 stars.

From time to time, I am reminded that in life, the purity of truth often falls victim to the existence of popular myths. These myths can be so pervasive in distilling unfounded opinions that they become the commonly accepted reality concerning a matter in question. The tragedy of it all is, to a large extent, it is easier for us to pass on mere uninformed judgments versus acquiring an objective perspective for ourselves. Only through the pangs or possible discomfort of factual experience and direct observation can one’s personalized truth be obtained justly. Do consider that point the next time you decide to accept something at face value that has been told to you, especially concerning a pipe tobacco.

And now we have the legendary Ennerdale, a representative Virginia centric offering from the famous Lakeland area of Great Britain. Arriving from Gawith Hoggarth & Co., this hard-to-find aromatic tobacco brings a notable assortment of select Virginian strains from the growing beds of South America and Africa. Influenced by a flavorful bath that seeps of that controversial floral Lakeland essence, almond extract, fruit-based dressings, and a spritzing of spiritous rum, Ennerdale stands as one of the firm’s most favored productions. With a modest measure, the manufacturer has added an unassertive portion of basic Burley within the recipe, which most likely facilitates the optimum absorption and therefore experienced vibrance of the noted top-coatings.

As a typical flake configuration, Ennerdale shows an exceedingly impressive representation of thin well-manicured strips of finely pressed tobaccos. Ornately striated, this handsome submission projects a waxen palette of moving, interspersed hues that build up to a credible dimensional effect. Modeling a wealth of aged processing, the flakes mirror an almost tree bark-like appearance as a carefully constructed brindling of tinsels, strings, and hairs ranging from bright yellow, taupe, fawn, olive gray, chocolates, and deeply darkened fermented browns form its visual opulence. The tobacco itself feels of quality structure, pliable and texturally cultured by the ridged wealth of comprising layers.

In gathering a sense of the tobacco’s pouched persona, an energetic perfume tailored by the prosperity of strong bloomy sweetness, embellishing vanilla, and prevalent grassy tart entwined with general notations of sugary fruits serves to dominate the momentum of the fragrance. Hiding deep within there is a lower pleasant essence of well-bred spicey and herbaceous conspiring Virginian leaf-based aromas. All in all, this tobacco smells of the achieved and reliable efforts of intricately designed and finely developed long-standing craftmanship. As a qualifying statement, let me just say that to truly realize the merits of Ennerdale, first and foremost, one must acquire an appreciable affinity for its “unconventional” personality. Like many others, I had shied away from even considering a Lakeland style aromatic creation for an eternity. Yet, on a fluke, chance did give ground and so here I am.

Postmortem of that experience, despite the common malcontented language often heard surrounding the horridness of Lakeland style productions, objectively, my trials demonstrated that this tobacco rendered an overall experience that was nothing but pleasantly rich and robust. In fact, discovery revealed that Ennerdale offers a singular vitalizing complexity and weightiness of depth for an arguably straight Virginian solution, mind you, that proved to be exceptional by way of honest measured assessment.

With that it is fair to suggest there is a bit of a learning curve regarding proper preparation of the tobaccos, packing the pipe, and eventual smoking technique for optimum performance and enjoyment. This blend is not your average aromatic concoction to say the least. Is it a little fussy perhaps? Yeah, I think maybe so but the eventual experience is well worth the trouble. If you have ever had the occasion to fumble around with Black XX then you will come to appreciate the ritualistic similarities that will unfold with its undertaking. And always remember, those things that seem to be hardest to content with often end up being the sweetest of memories in the end.

Unusual by US conventions but not odd, this tobacco comes in a somewhat malleable state directly from the factory. As such, it can be kind of challenging to prepare the resident flakes for consumption. I suppose one could fold and stuff, but if you are like me in preferring to rub out the tobacco, working these thin strands into a pile of broken morsels is not the easiest endeavor as I soon detected.

Essentially the act of general rubbing requires a good deal more finesse, as the tobacco has definite memory and therefore wants to cling tightly to its original compressed state. At first pass what you end up with is a pile of broken strands that resemble a collection of homogeneous miniature sticks that are determined not to reduce further despite your applied intent. At this point, one must let the strands set up for an ideal observed period. And on that concern, I found the preferred window for proper maturation tends to be overly sensitive. Namely if you do not aerate and re-rub long enough then the tobaccos are difficult to pack and darn sure battle with lighting and staying comfortably lit. On the other hand, if your curing interim is too long then much of that characteristic flavorsome brilliance of the coatings seems to be reduced upon smoking. Subsequently, through several attempts I settled upon a most select standing time of at least five to ten minutes accordingly.

If I were to be totally honest, Ennerdale struck me as being a tad racy at first. In qualifying that statement, this was not so much that it was brash in nature, but more so my initial impressions stemmed from the powered animation of its registerable flavor. I did come to realize that the boldness of the coatings does in fact shine forcefully amid the first third of the bowl but found them to ease off in allowing for the resonance of those good Virginian strains to migrate more strongly forward. As it surfaced, the depth and the detail of the native taste is unquestionably excellent, dispelling any rumor of inferior tobacco strains or the blend being a distasteful posey poisoned abomination. So, in addressing the elephant within the pouch, yes, those illustrious Lakeland delicacies did fully shine within the onslaught of the initial smoking. In actuality, the complexity of the top-coated flavorings was quite entertaining and well-constructed. Of course, there is a definitive elegant floral essence that rides forward in the profile, posing its characteristic rose water and geranium like complexion. Yet in truth when this notation combines with the equally strong forwardness of a sweet toasty almond note, the rosy floridity is grounded into enhanced palatability.

Furthermore, the affluence of the tonka like additive injects some relishing complements of sugary hay and creamy vanilla that is buttery in disposition. What is more I did record a deposit of baked darker honey and what I perceived to be a melding of berries/orange fruity notes that extended the cultured confluence of the lilting floral note. There is also a discernable bottom accent of alcohol tinging from the rum, and one can feel it on the tongue and within the nasal cavity for sure. And finally, regarding one of the most defaming comments solicited on this blend, is there a soapy facet to the registration? Soapy, perhaps is an overstatement and erroneous label but indeed there is an uncommon highlighting on the trailing top layer that I would classify as intriguingly decorative more than it is detracting or reflective of a fresh bar of Dove.

As previously identified, in generalizing Ennerdale’s native profile it is an all-Virginia excursion as the Burley encouragement is slighted by design only contributing a spot of spicy earthiness and weakened nut. For the mixed Virginia strains, the tobacco exhibits a significantly strong recording of seasoned spicy toastiness and deeply caramelized wood from the Red varietal. Additionally, this hardy darker tone carried a spray of colorized nuancing that enfolded a neat herbaceous spruce-like tone, a ruddier zesty underpinning, and some fluid congealing tartness. And on that last observation, I would be remiss if I did not call that there can be a borderline cigarette-like quality to its force, especially if the pipe drawls are hard and fast. As to the Bright component, the leaf contributed a regaling line of crisp grassy hay notes, tasteful lemony citrus, a complement element of sweet bread and an indulging tangy finish.

The expended fragrance emitted by the tobacco’s light and airy plumes generated a very pleasant room essence that would be doubtless to most. Mainly, a delightfully sweet and aromatically laced floral perfume rolls generously forth, bundling the amassed woody-citrus grass essence of the associated Virginian leaves. Mechanically Ennerdale can get a little hot if an improper cadence is exerted thus defining the need to engage this tobacco with slow metered sips. The by product of that action is the obviously enhanced savor of the sheer complexity and strength of its total flavor package. So why not?

Assuming proper pipe smoking practice, Ennerdale renders a relaxing and captivating retreat. It will ghost your pipe that is a certain outcome so be selective on designating a particular vessel. With modest nicotine residuals this could be a frequent smoker for some. However, given the richness of its substance, and the manner in which Virginian tobaccos can and often do affect some of us hopelessly sensitive types, I prefer to smoke the blend on special occasions as a rewarding diversion, in half-bowl increments that is. Most definitely an acquired appeal to this one, yet it is so unique and for some that might be a fine designation for the merits of its underlying character. And the lesson of the day my good pipers is that a gem cannot be polished without some semblance of friction or resistance, nor can a tobacco blend be truthfully qualified without the onset of personal trials. Present company included most assuredly. Put that one and this one, Ennerdale, in your pipe and smoke it for what it is worth. 3.6 Pipes

Package note of fruit, salty and soap. Tobacco is a flake of marbled brown, tan and dark brown. Moisture content is good, few pipe smokers will want to dry it a bit. rubs out with a little effort. Burns slow with a few relights. The strength is medium and nic is mild to medium. Flavoring is medium to strong, with notes of tonquin bean and mild citrus. The vanilla-almond-cinnamon-clove like tonquin bean begins strong and drops back to the middle ground where it remains. The citrus seemed to flash off after initial light and remained in the background afterwards. Taste is medium to full and very consistent, with notes of almond, vanilla, floral, spices, lemon grass, mildly savory, zesty orange peel, nutty, hay, wood, peaty vegetation, creamy rich, a semi-sweet lemony nutty lakeland background note, and a mildly peppery, almost smooth retro. Flavoring is leading with Virginia and Burley supporting. Room note is tolerable to strong, and aftertaste is great.

Despite my best efforts it looks like I am a Lakeland fan. Had hoped I wouldn’t be so I could just focus on more easily obtained tobaccos but St Bruno set me on the path and Ennerdale confirms it.

Tin note is rather unique…floral, almond and grassy..flakes are a beautiful orange color. Get a fair bit of the floral on light up but it quickly drops off into the background. Mostly i just taste sweet, a little fruity and almond in this. The floral weaves throughout but I only ever found it overbearing when I pushed too hard, then the floral would become harsh and come to the foreground. If sipped, however, the floral just kind of wafted around and did it’s part.

While strong the flavors seem to compliment rather than eradicate the flavor of the tobacco. There really is quite a bit of ingenuity that had to have gone into the toppings and how they would interplay with the base tobaccos.

In short Ennerdale will be sharing space on the Desert island with St Bruno; and now if you will excuse me I have to go start structuring disposable income around tobacco drops from Merry Old England.

This was bought loose in the UK. Pouch note is very, and I do mean that, powerful. Grandma's perfume perhaps; air fresheners. I'm really not sure what but there is lots of it!

Flake are not thick or thin and I found they needed a little drying time. I mostly rub out my flakes. So my experience here is rubbed out and loaded.

Takes flame slightly reluctantly. But after charring light and a light tamping it was away. For nearly 40 minutes before I had to relight. So excellent.

Initially the smoke was heavily flavoured with whatever topping they use. This died away very quickly and you are left with a superb Virginia based smoke. Rich and flavorful. It burnt to a fine ash for me. No dottle.

I found the initial smoke too scented for me but the smoke afterwards was brilliant and I recommend it to you. I'm just going to ignore the first few puffs.

I believe this will ghost a pipe. I only smoke one or two bowls a week so my pipes get long rests and so don't ghost much

If you smoke American & Danish aromatics and want to step up to the plate and try your hand at a full-flavored British aromatic then look no further than Ennerdale Flake, which in my view is the epitome of such a blend. If you have heard about the Lakeland scent but, never experienced this is what it is all about. Ennerdale Flake is a powerhouse of scent & flavor.

The initial tin note is so fragrant your eyes will water, yet it’s very pleasant. There is a lot going on here. The first thing that hits you is the old lady perfumed floral soap scent. Think of the small molded flower shaped soap Grandma used to have in the bathroom for decoration. Under that is the sweet Tonkin aroma. The more you smell Ennerdale it the more you like it and get more excited about lighting up. But wait there is more. What comes next is an almond spicy note together with an earl grey aroma and a ever so slight alcohol twang. The topping is so powerful that you cannot detect any of the tobacco scent. But that changes in the smoke.

First I rubbed out all the flakes and jarred them up. The flakes were quite moist when I received them and if you do not allow for a proper drying time it can get bitey but, if dried properly it’s just fine. The topping definitely translates into the smoke and is carried well by the Virginia-Burly base which nicely complements the flavors of the topping. While some people might be put off by the initial tin note, I suggest you give it a try. Ennerdale is like a strange delicacy. Off-putting on first sniff. But, you’re an adventurous person and willing to try a small bit first and see how it goes. Maybe you won’t like it the first time around as it is just to foreign to your taste buds. But, that intriguing aroma keeps calling you back to try it again. Eventually it grows on you and the more you smoke it the more you like and crave it. The aftertaste is very nice the room note is nice as well. Ennerdale it’s very different and very good. Tip-Top in my book. I do suggest smoking this one in a dedicated aromatic pipe.

First: I love the Condor Ready Rubbed too

Second: This piece of weed is the best Lakeland style tobacco I've ever smoked. Smooth, full of taste, medium strong and with a flavour, IMHO one of the best flavours in the history of pipe tobacco. Not as sweet as many VA based flakes, without the honey taste and with a huge part of floral notes. Each puff will bring them down to the tongue.

I don't know if it's because this tobacco's aged a bit, the smoke is so creamy, it feels like molten butter in my mouth.

good evening gentlemen.

I have been smoking ennerdale mixture for some time, lately gawith have introduced a tinned version to the UK labelled "broken flake".

This I thought would be like the ennerdale mixture, but opening the tin, it is visually very different, where as the mixture is ready rubbed with some chunks of flake, the tin is practically full flakes albeit only slightly broken. my review for the mixture stands with this albeit with a couple of minor differences.

the tinned version the almond note is more prominent, albeit the fruity, rum like notes still take centre stage.

interestingly the moisture content in the the tin is a touch less than the mixture.

So down to an actual review.

the tinned version is an absolutely stellar smoke, the flakes themselves rub out with the utmost ease to which ever consistency you desire and lights perfectly every time gently and slowly working it's way down to a fine ash.

I know ennerdale is a tobacco that splits opinion, but in my opinion it is a true bucket list tobacco, one that must be tried at least once, you may try it that once and never touch it again but you may try it once and it may flick a switch so to speak and become a firm favourite.

room note I find a touch stronger than the mixture, so you may end up getting appreciative comments from other smokers but it is bound to raise the odd eyebrow and comment from non smokers but shouldn't be anything to drastic.

The flavour is applied rather liberally and while I really enjoy it I can see how others wouldn't, it is rather strong on the fruits, flowers and perfume, but it will make a good entry point if you wish to venture into Lakeland territory, just beware that the flavour will ghost a pipe quickly, so if it is your first time, try in a cob or a pipe you don't mind exorcising if you don't like it.

strength just a touch past medium and should be comfortable enough for most smokers and I think It would make for a nice repeatable smoke through out the day.

top marks.