Tobaccos Gawith, Hoggarth & Co. - Kendal Flake

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	JimInks (3022)	2016-08-24		Medium	Medium	Medium	Pleasant

The various Virginias offer a range of deeply bold varietal aspects: a lot of earth, a small amount of grass, fermented dark fruit and a light citrus, along with a very minor spice note. The toppings do tone down the tobaccos a little, but mostly work in concert to create a homogeneous, very consistent floral, earthy flavor from start to finish. I notice the almond, rose geranium, heliotrope and rose fragrances more than the vanilla, coffee, whisky, rum and musk. Has just a little of the “soap” and “perfume” usually associated with a Lakeland blend. You have to spend dedicated time to obverse the less noticeable toppings. The nic-hit, strength and taste levels are medium. There’s no chance of bite or harshness even if puffed fast, which I don’t recommend. This should be smoked slowly to capture all that it has to offer. The flake is easily manipulated to suit your packing preference. Burns a little slow, very cool and clean, and can burns to ash with little difficulty. Requires a few relights, and leaves just a little moisture in the bowl. Has a very pleasant after taste, and a very floral room note. Both will linger a little. Will ghost a briar fairly quickly, though it’s not as strong as G&H Grasmere. Not an all day smoke, but it’s certainly repeatable.

-JimInks

34 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Emeritus Account (30125)	2011-01-28		Mild to Medium	Mild to Medium	Mild to Medium	Pleasant

I'm going to go against the party line and call this a "mild to medium" smoke. Obviously, tastes are different and I find this to be a "different" smoke - so outside my norm and so perfectly fitting that it's really bias-dissolving for me.

Beautiful looking medium-dark flake that I got best results from by rubbing out almost completely. The bag aroma from my 2 oz sample scared the daylights out of me. As someone who in the past could barely tolerate the lightest snootful of Lakeland soap, I had low expectations of this one. Very floral smelling. Yet, this added flavoring did nothing but enhance the high quality tobacco and the overall smoking experience. This ended up as a fully-flavored flake with a hint of the florals in the taste, and it worked flawlessly from lightup to dottle. I know there are added flavorings in this blend, but they are so expertly applied that I view this as a "natural" tobacco. I smoke a lot of "subtly enhanced" tobaccos, particularly burleys. In those cases, as in this one, if I wanted pure and natural, I can find it. Smoking this blend simply made me want to smoke more of it. I can't give a higher recommendation than that.

A few puffs or half a bowl will not tell the story behind this blend. Neither does it require 50 grams. Just put your biases aside as I did and smoke a nice leisurely bowl or two. Granted, this is not for everyone, but if I'm any indication, this is for a lot more people than they realize. Highly recommended. This blend has hit my Top 10 and I expect to never be without it in my cellar or tobacco jar.

33 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Pipestud (1829)	2006-04-23		Medium to Strong	Extremely Mild	Medium to Full	Very Pleasant

Thanks to fellow reviewer OSR for giving me a sample of this to smoke a year or so ago. I am surprised that I did not post a review after smoking a few bowls.

This G&H offering is certainly scented in the typical Lakeland Flake style. While the G&H trademark flavor is there, so is the nicotine strength and palate pleasing taste.

Rub it out more or simply stuff it in your pipe for a long, slow smoke. An exemplar for the Lakeland Flake lovers among us.

21 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	PipesterJim (47)	2012-12-27		Medium to Strong	Medium to Strong	Medium to Full	Tolerable

It's a bit splendid this one. Definitely a fully flavoured example of the lakeland genre. In the pouch I detect a smidgeon of the violet flavour that I disliked about GH&Co Brown Flake, but in the pipe there is a whole lot more complexity. Yes, that violet note is there but it is quite subdued and I think it mainly contributes to the soapiness of the blend, which is pretty intense when the tobacco is fresh, but dissipates a little after a few days in a jar.

I can also pick out the tonquin, geranium and (now I have read a description to prime my senses) the heliotrope, which is described on basenotes.com as having a sweet vanilla/cherry cough syrup kind of vibe. I am sure there are many other flavours here too, but they are all so interlaced that it is very difficult to identify them as individaul components. What it does mean is that the flavour of the blend morphs and changes, subtley yet continually, as you work your way down the bowl.

All in all it's very delicious.

That tobaccos are the usual GH&Co fare, which is to say that they are excellent. I don't think you would get them to bite if you tried. I rate this one as on the strong side of medium, perhaps thanks to the air-cured component, although this doesn't come through in the flavour as it does in say Coniston Cut Plug or Dark Flake, which is the monster of the GH&Co family in this respect.

My sample came at the perfect moisture level for smoking, possibly due to spending several days stuck in the UK postal system during the run up to Christmas without the benefit of air-tight packaging. This does also mean that the top flavours might have been somewhat diminished, and that a 'fresh from the tobacconist' sample would be even stronger in the lakeland department. The very thought has me salivating!

I don't think I have ever worked my way through a packet of tobacco so quickly. This one joins Coniston Cut Plug and Bosun Cut Plug in my triumvirate of exemplary lakeland flakes. Must get more.

16 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Emeritus Account (30125)	2013-05-13		Medium	Medium	Medium	Tolerable

Smells like a less aromatic version of the grasmere flake. Rosy, slightly spicy and fruity.

The tobacco once lit produces an excellent smoke (better than all other aromatics from GH), and the aroma is just as good if not better (roses, almonds mostly).

However, the plus side of this tobacco is that the nicotine hit is a tad bit stronger, something which I like more and more now.

Definitely worth trying...

12 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Gentleman Zombie (729)	2016-05-26		Medium to Strong	Mild to Medium	Medium to Full	Pleasant to Tolerable

I'm wondering what G&H dude wrote the description for this blend. Must have been on a bad acid trip. Talk about over-complicating things. I get a simple blue-collar smoke from this flake.

Basically, a Virginia/Kentucky flake with a Lakeland floral topping. I do get a very vague semblance of an almond note on occasion, but it's mostly floral. I think the description has people over-analyzing this thing. but then again, I could be full of crap.

Has some body to it, about medium to strong. Nicotine is about medium. Taste is medium to full. I found that it burns very well when rubbed out. Needs a few extra relights when folded and stuffed. A pretty solid smoke. A briar gives you a little extra Virginia flavor. The Kentucky comes out best in a cob. The Floral note stays about the same in either at about mild to medium.

Pipe Used: Ropp pot, MM Dwarf

Age When Smoked: fresh bulk

Purchased From: pipesandcigars.com

10 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	DrDyson (148)	2010-05-23		Medium	Mild to Medium	Medium to Full	Pleasant

I don't know if it's just me, but I find this tobacco very similar to Glengarry Flake, and a lot of what I said in my review of GF applies here.

The manufacturer's description of the casing - Rose Geranium, Vanilla, Rum, Tanquid, Musk, Heliotropin and Rose - led me to think at first that this was going to be another whore's bedroom horror like Ennerdale Flake; but I was very pleasantly surprised. The casing is delicate and, to my palate, not at all ‘soapy' or ‘floral.' Like several reviewers before me, I find that the pouch aroma doesn't much carry over into the smoke itself. BTW: does anyone know what Tanquid is?

Kendal Flake lights well, stays consistent all the way down the bowl, doesn't leave behind any goo to speak of, and has a pleasant room note. It's not exceptionally strong, either, though I see that some people have found otherwise. I find, incidentally, that - for once - this is a flake that's better rubbed out than folded.

A good, slow, cool all-day smoke. Highly recommended, if you like Kendal Flakes. It's certainly joined my list of favourites.

10 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	SteelCowboy (685)	2016-02-14		Medium	Mild	Medium	Pleasant

Kendal Flake is more floral in the pouch than “soapy” like some of the other GH offerings. It burns cool and without bite. While aromatic in nature, KF it isn’t nearly as aromatic as Grousemoor, #7 Broken Flake or even Ennerdale Flake. However a pipe dedicated to Lakeland style blends is a must. KF to my taste is very, very smooth and unlike some, I find it just medium in strength. The Virginias are not “wiped” out by the scent as they go well together. The batch that I am smoking is a couple of years old so it could be benefiting from time in the jar. If you are not a fan of Lake District tobaccos, this is unlikely to change your mind. If you’re a fan, this should be on the “must try” list.

Age When Smoked: 2 years

9 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	doc'spipe (241)	2013-03-29		Medium	Very Mild	Mild to Medium	Pleasant

A nicely prepared flake in the usual GH way; neat and beautiful to look at. Arrives at a good moisture level for immediate smoking. I couldn't pick up on any almond scent at all while sniffing the bag content. Overall it was like an extremely mild version of Brown Flake Scented as far as bag aroma; really very little bag aroma. Loaded and lit with ease. There is an overall bitter-sweet taste to this which is fine with me. What I did notice on occasion and liked a lot was in the side stream - there was the faintest cherry-like smell; I'm suspecting from the Heliotrope, very delightful. I could not identify any of the other flavorings individually with the exception of what PipesterJim calls violet, again, only on occasion and very, very light at that. No bite, heat, or gurgle. The overall experience was very satisfying, albeit mild. No soap with this one and certainly not floral. A solid offering that can easily satisfy as an every day smoke. Highly recommended.

9 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Kilmarnock Piper (250)	2011-03-29		Medium	Medium	Medium	Pleasant

I agree with the previous reviewer. I have had Kendal Kentucky, Dark Birdseye, and Coconut Twist. I would call this mild to medium in nicotine strength. (Revisiting it in 2022, going to say medium now.) This is the first true Lakeland I have had by GH, though I did go through a one-ounce sample of Louisiana Flake. I really like this: all those flavors are not at all overwhelming, but manage to convey a pleasant perfume to the smoke. Like they say, I get mainly almond, but a rather flowery almond! This is one of the better balanced Lakelands I have had. It will not bite even if provoked, but it is so much nicer to pet it kindly. Sip it gently, that is. The tobaccos underlying all those scents never rear their heads and become harsh in any way; rather, there is a perfect balance achieved between leaf and topping that make this one a joy to smoke. I am enjoying my present bowl of Kendal Flake with a rather strong, bitter ale (Stone Sublimely Self-Righteous Ale). A libation such as this is a good companion to these lovely yet admittedly flowery British offerings. It cleanses the palate through contrast. Especially suited for nose-blowing, if you are attuned to that art. Great burner, little or no dottle with little maintenance. I will be trying many more of Gawith Hoggarth's offerings in the near future. Get you some, sucka!

11-1-2022 I have four flakes of this left in a little jelly jar that I found in the shed; I had given them to my best friend Brad (RIP) and it got left with some of his stuff that I was letting him store there. Sugars are leeching out and parts of the flake are off-white; a novice might think it was mold! 11 more years, and it may have had some age on it when I got it, have really mellowed it out even more, but also added some subtle aged Virginia flavors. The Lakeland essences have faded a bit, but they are still there. Four of these meaty flakes=four bowls left, and I will enjoy them.

9 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	StevieB (2076)	2015-06-15		Medium to Strong	Very Strong	Very Full	Pleasant

Gawith Hoggarth - Kendal Flake.

The pouch aroma from this is a really strong floral one, almost resembling cleaning fluid! The flakes are of the perfect moisture amount to smoke the moment the pouch is opened. I favour rubbing my flakes and with these it's superbly easy, they only require a gentle hand. Lighting it up is easy and the burn is steady straight away. Now, on to the flavour, it is incredibly busy. I was unaware that so much could be crammed into a blend. I find the floral side the most formidable, this seems to outweigh the other flavours however it doesn't make them redundant. The rest of the taste is pandemonium. Too much. I get some rum, some nut, some vanilla, with a grassiness but sadly nothing clear. It is just too busy. Another negative (for me) is after about ten minutes my mouth feels as though I have dined off a garage floor, sticky, gunky, oily and rank! After being quite negative, well a lot, I feel I should raise a few positives. The first is bite, not any whatsoever. The second is the temperature, it stays cool even when strained. The final good point to end on is the note, it's floral but not anywhere near as heady as I anticipated.

I know this isn't what you would call a glowing report but I guess this is where we must remember that tobacco is subjective. Although not positive I still hope a few folks can draw something beneficial from my review/rant! Sadly, not recommended by me.

Pipe Used: Barling Meerschaum

Age When Smoked: New

Purchased From: My Smokng Shop

7 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	fr_tom (393)	2014-02-03		Medium	Medium to Strong	Medium	Pleasant to Tolerable

This is an unusual smoke for me. It is hard to know exactly how to describe it. There is a floral, herbal thing going on. I don't taste almonds which other reviewers find. There is a quality balanced Virginia based that has tart and sweet and maybe a whiff of citrus - although it is hard to know just where the topping ends and the tobacco starts for me.

On first light, I get a whiff of soap. That is the infamous "lakeland" I guess. After that first whiff, it is an aromatic Virginia that is quite good. It is not something I will keep in stock, but if I had the chance to smoke it again I would. I can see how some people are very fond of this.

Edit: 8/17 I seem to have acquired a taste for the lakeland essence. I am working my way through a half kilo. That makes this a 3.5 on my scale.

7 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	tabaco (112)	2012-01-20		Strong	Mild to Medium	Medium to Full	Pleasant to Tolerable

. . . soap/Lakeland essence and plenty of it . . .

Some folks adore it, others abhor it.

Mark my card for the latter.

Is it Sunlight, Dawn, or Palmolive. I tried to contact Madge the manicurist, to no avail.

All facetiousness aside, this tobacco burns great, packs great and clearly is quality. However for me, far too soapy on the nose and combusting as well. I tried it various clean briars and the outcome was the same.

I cannot recommend this to any of my pipe and cigar friends and I feel the blending house of Gawith, Hoggarth & Co. might simply be not my cup of tea; apples and pears.

7 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Emeritus Account (30125)	2016-11-11		Mild to Medium	Medium to Strong	Medium to Full	Pleasant

So with Kendal Flake I am at the heart of the Lakeland District. The dominant aroma is definitively the floral essences; I'm not sure I detect the almonds. The flake is light to medium brown in colour; there is a fair quantity of broken up flakes among the full length flakes. Being a bulk G & H, it does need mandatory drying time for sure. Upon lighting, at first, I am hit by the floral essences; but, man, this is soooooo good! I just love it! Very floral, yes, but sweet at the same time. I don't really make out the tobacco flavour for the first third or so, until the casing quiets down some and lets the tobacco flavour emerge. But it's more than ok as I am really enjoying the casing. Simply, this is brilliant. Did I say I love this tobacco? I am definitively buying more of this. And I am, more and more, a big fan of the Lakeland District tobaccos.

6 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Emeritus Account (30125)	2011-10-20		Medium	Mild to Medium	Medium	Very Pleasant

While not scented as heavy as Ennerdale Flake, Kendal Flake is fuller bodied and in such has more tobacco flavor. The scents aromas and actual flavors remain consistent throughout the entire bowl working in perfect harmony with the flavors of the tobacco. KF is consistent and it smokes smooth, cool and dry and tastes the same regardless of prep method. Smooth with a really creamy mouth feel like no other with a solid medium body and flavor. It also has the perfect amount of vitamin "N" which leaves me completely satisfied at bowl end, This one I only smoke indoors when relaxing with a quiet, contemplative mind. Tis happily In my rotation and has been for years.

6 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Briar Piper (89)	2018-11-18		Strong	Extra Strong	Extra Full	Very Pleasant

A touch more heavily scented than Ennerdale, over a much different base tobacco. This has a strong rose topping, with plenty of florals and perfumes to spare. Be careful not to dry this one out too much, or it will ruin it. This is easily the smoothest blend on the tongue that I have ever tried. If you use a tall thin bowl, it will develop a strange, smooth floral taste, and almost be undetectable to be burning! It is so heavy scented that bystanders have thought it was a vape fluid, and not burning tobacco. A fantastic indoor smoke, with plenty of nicotine. Indian tobacco really carries rose scents like nothing else.

Pipe Used: Several

Purchased From: All over

Similar Blends: Grasmere.

5 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	steppx (186)	2016-09-02		Medium to Strong	Medium to Strong	Full	Pleasant to Tolerable

First off, I love almost all of the Gawith, Hoggarth tobaccos. Kendall Flake is among my favorites. Now, if you dont like the Lakeland flavoring, you won't like this. If you do, this might be among your favorites. Its strong, but hardly at the same level as Kendall Kentucky or Brown Bogie or Black Irish Twist. Those are crazy strong. This is not even as strong as Dark Bird's Eye. But, it IS strong. Its probably equal in pure nicotine levels to Irish Flake. It is sweet, but not cloyingly sweet (to my mind anyway). It has a lot of the Geranium floral aroma to it, and some vanilla it seems, and tonquin and probably a few other things as well. But its a masterly blend, and not just thrown together. This is a very finely crafted tobacco blend. Not for everyone. And there is quite a bit less Kentucky/Indian leaf in here and more Virginia, which maybe makes it a second cousin to Grasmere flake, but stronger. Still, the Virginias seem noticeable to me. I love Coniston Cut and Boson Cut, but both are heavy blends and not something i can smoke all the time (though i come close). This is a tad lighter and somewhere between the aforementioned cut plugs and, say, Grasmere. It is still a dark blend, and certainly has some kick. But not head spinning kick. Its worth a try if you like this type of tobacco.

Purchased From: 4noggins

5 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	DrumsAndBeer (217)	2016-06-12		Mild to Medium	Mild to Medium	Medium	Pleasant

A good introduction to scented Lakeland tobaccos. Kendal Flake has the honey sweetness of Glengarry Flake and is more floral than it is herbal. The rose geranium flavor comes through on the finish but not with the same conviction or clarity of Grasmere Flake. The smoke is smooth on the palate yet zesty to the senses and the added flavorings balance perfectly with the grassiness of the Virginias. The dark cured leaf adds richness to the balance and a light spice note comes and goes as do the honey notes that linger on the finish.

Despite the laundry list of added flavors, the floral notes of Kendal Flake are not as intense as Ennerdale. That said, Kendal Flake is a good smoke for those that enjoy a floral & mildly soapy English Flake. I would also recommend this to those that are curious about traditional Lakeland aromatics and are looking for that point of departure.

One other thing I will mention, is that after a few years in a mason jar the flavor of the rose geranium and heliotrope essences mellow substantially, and it becomes easier to taste the vanilla & almond extracts. So depending on how one prefers these aromatic flavors to come through in their smoke, freshly produced Kendal Flake may be preferable to smoking it aged.

5 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	SmokingMySav (9)	2012-06-11		Medium	Medium to Strong	Medium	Tolerable

There are a lot of scents listed to describe this baccy but there is actually only one - Turkish Delight (roses). Good flake, easy to smoke, not for people who don't like floral scents.

4 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Ducksbreath (125)	2004-05-22		Medium to Strong	Very Strong	Extra Full	Pleasant to Tolerable

Put this in your pipe and everything will be coming up roses. Literarlly. This is one of the most highly flavored of the "British Aromatics", but it is not as strong, noxious or persistant as, say, 1792 or RB plug. Rather it is sweet, flamboyant, herbal and floral. There is probably a trace of soapiness, but if so, it's hotel soap scented with geraniums and I can hardly detect it.

I pack this in a large pipe, especially one with a large bowl diameter, mostly unrubbed out, such as a Bjarne giant, and settle down.

The first 1/4 of the bowl can be a bit offputting in its intensity of non tobacco scents, which is a shame, because the "zone" of this tobacco is a trip to heaven. The combination of flavorings and the high quality VA flake result in a sweet, bite free, intense, somewhat intoxicating experience.

Too profoundly flavored for me to be a daily smoke, I still have 3-4 bowls a week. I have found nothing like it.

**Update

I've now gone through a pound of KF in a little over a year. I'd like to add that I consider it an great hot weather smoke, and a possible alternative for those who do not like burley.

Yesterday the temp was 88 deg and high humidity, and, on the porch, a bowl of Kendal Flake was, as the other reviewer mentioned, like a glass of cool lemonade. The equal (in strength) and opposite (in character) of a heavy Latakia blend. Or to put it another way, if a heavy English is like a good single malt scotch, then Kendal Flake is a frozen Strawberry Daquiri (and not a wimpy one).

4 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	WorkingClassChap (192)	2021-09-22		Medium	Medium	Medium	Pleasant to Tolerable

Smoking now:

Bag odor smells like anise and licorice. However a deeper sniff provides you with a deep fermented fruit smell, yeast, more anise and other aromas I would associate with the old city of Jerusalem. Musty, herbal, floral, toasted spices, burning incense… If you have ever walked the pathways of the old city you’ll know what I mean. Rather moist, let dry, semi broken loose flake came apart nice.

My first smoke and I can tell the flavor is not as strong as the aroma. I get deep fermented Virginias and a plethora of other interesting flavors in the background. This is like trying to identify all the spices used in an Arabic dish. I’m not a tobacco sommelier so it’s hard to describe.

Does it taste like soap? No. This isn’t Ennerdale.

There’s a floral element to it and some incense but nothing like Latakia. Toasted almonds maybe? Vegetative, floral… again it reminds of of the old city of Jerusalem. Look up photos if you’ve never been. I mostly get a nice Virginia taste, grassy, hay, fermentation. The retrohale is easy and provides many opportunities to sample the many flavor notes. No mouth tingle, could burn hot so take it slow. Handles like a Virginia flake not an American aromatic.

I’m actually surprised by this blend which I thought I would hate. If you like Virginias give it a try for a change of pace. That’s who I would recommend it too. It’s a nice blend for me for a change of pace from other Virginia flakes.

update December 9th 2021

The more I smoked this the more I liked it. An earthy bready yeasty Virginia with a topping that is unique. Not soapy at all. Nuts, herbs, spices. Like the old city I was saying. Going to up grade this to 4 stars.

Pipe Used: Cob

Age When Smoked: Fresh

3 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Stefanos (222)	2017-07-03		Medium	Medium	Medium to Full	Pleasant to Tolerable

Tin note smells of tobacco scented with sweet, floral (rose petals?) and possibly fruity notes.

The tobacco description in this case is accurate and informative

A tobacco of excellent quality. The dominant flavor is that of almonds while the Virginias have a deep, dark and dry flavor, while the fire cured leaf adds a subtle smokiness to the blend. An excellent medium strength tobacco, mildly scented for a Lakeland.

If you like the genre Kendal Flake is top.

Similar Blends: Ennerdale Flake.

3 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Lazarus77 (91)	2017-03-27		Medium to Strong	Mild	Medium to Full	Tolerable

My pouch was about 6 month old when I decided to try. Flakes was bit dry so flavoring wasn't so strong. Overall I had very nice smoke, tobacco flavors was in the front and essences was playing support role. No tongue bite or harshness. Cool, relaxing smoke. Not an all day, but repeatable during the week. Reccomended.

Pipe Used: Various

Age When Smoked: 6 month

Purchased From: mysmokingshop.co.uk

3 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	butman (50)	2013-04-11		Mild to Medium	Medium to Strong	Medium to Full	Pleasant to Tolerable

Here's a classic lakeland flake with the floral notes that some would find overmuch. It is not an everyday for me, but it is great especially outdoors on a breezy day. The bold flavor holds up with all the air. Indoors, it is good. The room note has not sent the wife to the other part of the room so it is okay. If you don't like the geraniums, leave it. If you like zip in your virginia flakes, give it a try.

3 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	DoctorThoss (146)	2011-07-31		Medium	Medium to Strong	Medium	Very Pleasant

This is my favorite of the Lakeland scented flakes, which is saying a lot at this point. A medium-bodied, medium-strength flake that has a delightful array of flavors applied. Don't be scared off by the ingredients list, as the combination of "scents" is applied in a more restrained manner than in, say, Ennerdale. What is not lacking is the bitter-sweet "floral" taste that so many smokers seem to hate (and I love). This is the most flowery of G&H's offerings, and the flavor remains the same all the way to the bottom. What's curious here is that you can still taste the top-notch VAs -- I don't know G&H manages to pull off this hat trick, but I wish that other aromatic blenders would learn a thing or two from them.

The flakes smoke equally well intact or rubbed out. You may have to relight a few times, but the tobacco stays remarkably cool from first to last. No bite to speak of. Easily a four-star blend.

3 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	BostonPipe (84)	2004-03-27		Strong	Very Strong	Extra Full	Pleasant to Tolerable

Wow! This blend is a taste explosion from the get-go. It packs easily and just needs usually one re-light. As with any flake one can 'size' it for any bowl. I find that a medium half-bent is right for this smoker with this blend. I initially bought this tobacco on a whim but it has made it to my regular rotation. I find it throughly refreshing and a great change of pace. This is not an all-day smoke. It is more like having a big cold glass of ice tea on a sweltering Summer Day. The predominant flavor to me is that of the almond and rose with the high quality virginia playing in and out of the bowl as one descends down the smoke. It burns to a fine grey/white ash without heel moisture. A final note, I have two pipes that I use exclusively with this blend, since the scent remains even after the cleanout of the pipes.

June 2012 - I have to upgrade this blend to 4 Stars

3 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	OSR (78)	2004-03-22		Strong	Medium to Strong	Extra Full	Tolerable

Four years ago if you'd told me that this would be my favorite tobacco I'd have laughed in your face and called you a loon!

Get past the smell of this flake, don't let it bother you. I prefer to pull one flake from my humidor and let it sit out for a half hour or so.

Then I'll roll the flake into a log and push it into the bowl of the pipe, almost all of the way down but not CRAMMING it into the bowl. In this way I leave the bottom fifth of the bowl empty, but not for long.

Upon lighting this tobacco I get a sweet taste of the flavouring but it doesn't last long - what comes through upon getting the bowl lit and properly tamped is a rich, round taste with just a hint of flavouring. It's so traditionally English that it will make you spell flavoUr with a "U".

I don't call the flavouring 'soapy' here; I'm also a fan of G&H Rum Flake and it has a hint of that 'soapy' taste. This tobacco is not 'soapy', it's a very unique experience and I thoroughly enjoy it.

The tobacco smokes very cool and dry all the way down the bowl and get a little nicotine heavy at the end but hey, I like that part of it. I can smoke two bowls of this back to back and never get tongue bite - and I'm a heavy puffer.

To break it all down, if you like a rich, round and flavored smoke that's NOT 'soapy' and you like full strength then try this blend in a good smoker/knockaround pipe.

Get by the smell of the tobacco when you open the pouch because it tastes nothing like it smells. Somehow these flavourings all add up into a delightful bittersweet taste that is like no other.

I like it - and I can't believe it!

UPDATE 3/22/04

I've updated the flavoring to "Medium to Strong". After smoking this tobacco for a while I've found that in dedicated pipes, the flavoring has become a bit more pronounced. Still, it's one of my favorites.

Just one more bit here - you owe it to yourself to try some of these flakes. These Lakeland style flakes have been popular for a long time, for a reason. Sure, they're not for everybody - but what is?

3 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	JaWiBr (443)	2022-11-03		Medium	Medium	Medium	Pleasant

Package note soap, spices and mildly sweet. Tobacco flakes are light and medium brown and fairly dense, cubes nicely and/or rubs out with a little effort. Tobacco is a little sticky, no drying out needed. Burns slow with relights. The strength is medium and nic is mild-med. Flavoring is medium and consistent throughout with notes of floral, sweet almond, light vanilla and a mild Lakeland. Taste is medium with notes of earth, mild sweet grass, floral and mildly spicy. Virginias leads with flavoring supporting and the Indian leaf in the background. Room note is nice, and aftertaste was great.

Pipe Used: Wally Frank Limited White Bar Sandblast 128

Age When Smoked: 1 month

Purchased From: smokingpipes.com

2 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Tomcat (212)	2022-03-31		Medium	Mild	Medium	Pleasant

Gawith Hoggarth Kendal Flake - The lakeland toppings are unique in this blend . A couple of extra floral scents I have not tasted before and I have smoked quite a few . They are very pleasant to say the least . Very fruity and sweet also . The air cured leaf is ever present in a mild way that Is very savory and they pair nicely in contrast to the flue- cured leaf . Gawith Hoggarth is the undisputed king of Virginia tobaccos that are cured every which way I can think of . Hail to the King ! 4

Age When Smoked: Fresh

2 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Knightsmoker (216)	2018-03-20		Medium	Mild to Medium	Medium	Pleasant to Tolerable

I am really starting to like British scented flakes and that is what this is. Almond out front from the start, the rose, etc. floral notes are very faint. A trace of cherry like sweetness from something but I am not certain what topping is reminding me of that and it is only an occasional nuance. The Lakeland scent is overall quite mild in this one. With so much going on in the topping/casing, I was expecting the tobacco to be muted but it comes through and is delicious. It is very earthy, with notes of grass and citrus from some bright leaf, a little sweet tangy note, and some smokey classic G,H, & Co. dark cured leaf that seems to be a hallmark for so many blends. A very well done scented flake. I still prefer Ennerdale Flake but I have smoked a lot more of it than this and it is worth repeating. I have kept back 2 oz of the 4 oz sample to see what a little age will do.

Age When Smoked: 3 months

2 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Greekpipesmoker (201)	2017-01-21		Medium	Strong	Mild to Medium	Tolerable to Strong

Τhis is a nice medium nicotine with full flavour flake.when opened the floral .almond and citrus aroma dominates your smell.rub it leave it to dry out a bit and pack your pipe easy.needs a little effort to light and might need a few re lights.the topping dominates every other taste from the virginias.it has a medium level of nicotine so to me it's not an all day blend.go easy to get all the flavours.if you go hard it burns the bowl.leaves the right moist at the end.is aroma is strong so of you are not a strong aromatic lover don't buy it.

Age When Smoked: Rubed and leave it to dry out a couple hours

2 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Jorge Soler (202)	2015-12-01		Medium to Strong	Medium	Medium	Very Pleasant

For me this tobacco does the trick. The casing is not as strong or soapy as Ennerdale's, for instance, but the Lakeland essence is still in there working its magic in the background. The casing tends to wane more and more as you progress with your smoke, but the Virginia tobacco seems to be good enough on its own, so the casing is but a compliment that only enhances your smoking experience. It tends to smoke somewhat hot if not let to dry properly, but I'd not leave these flakes out of the tin for too long anyway. As you won't find any Kentucky tobacco here, the smoking experience is more akin to a straight Virginia with a little bit of added flavour. However, as you go past every quarter of your bowl, the Indian leaf seems to kick in making it stronger and stronger. This is to say the smoking experience evolves from the Virginia taste to a dark cured tobacco. Very fulfilling and satisfying, I am going to recommend this tobacco giving 3 stars.

Edit1 (15/02/2016) I have been smoking this tobacco for a couple of months now and I am changing the score from 3 to 4 starts. The thing I like the most about this tobacco is you can tell these flakes have been properly aged, and this shows wonderfully in your smoke. I recommend, as I have already stated above, not to leave these flakes for too long out of the tin. In order to have a great smoking experience they need to be moist enough so that they will release more flavour. If you smoke this tobacco at a very low pace and clean the shank every now and then, it won't clog in your pipe, so you won't leave any dottle behind but white ash. It is not quite apparent how good these flakes are as your are introduced to them the very first time. This is a tobacco that likes to be explored, so don't be hasty and give them a chance to prove their worth.

2 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	pecheur (19)	2014-10-30		Medium to Strong	Strong	Medium to Full	Pleasant

Bought loose. Supplied as lovely large flakes that are almost the perfect dryness straight from the pack, they rub out easily and require just a few minutes drying. The tin note is very rose scented.

From charing light to half way through the bowl the scent and flavour of rose is incredibly strong, pretty much overpowering the tobacco flavour, and every now and again a hint of chocolate appears reminding me of turkish delight. Once half way through the rose fades and G&H's generic lakeland flavour appears that doesn't over power the tobacco flavour.

I've had the odd bowl now and again from the spring though to autumn, I couldn't smoke it reguarly but a change of pace, particularly in hot weather, it's quite pleasant.

Pipe Used: MM Washington

Age When Smoked: Fresh

Purchased From: mysmokingshop

2 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Emeritus Account (30125)	2012-08-07		Medium	Very Mild	Medium	Pleasant

I purchased a full 500g that came in the G&H Kendal box. Nice soft light brown to gray flakes that broke up easily. I loaded an old Comoy billiard sandblast and lit the tobacco. It took the flame well and stayed lit. Billows of full to medium smoke started it's magic. I did not detect any "soapy" scent or any Lilac Vegital. I did get the almond and rose essence and it was remarkably nice. Laced into the tobacco, the almond, rose and whatever else is used in this blend works great and makes the taste of the smoke and nose scent friendly and tastey. It should be enjoyed slowly to really meet the floavours. Nicotene was hearty but not over the top. I really am surprized that I like this!

2 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Emeritus Account (30125)	2012-03-26		Medium	Medium to Strong	Medium to Full	Tolerable

what can I say, I'm a big fan. I'm a little surprised but I really enjoyed it. to me the soap flavors more of a hand soap like a white bar type flavor but is not a distraction aside from the soap flavor the lake land essence I really enjoy it. to me the strength is kind of similar to peterson's university flake but of course the flavoring a stronger and in the different spectrum . I will buy this in bulk . give it a try but if you're gonna try it after having read all these reviews and still be surprised if there is a little soapiness then you're at fault yourself.

UPDATE, I continue to smoke this but have found the soapiness to have subsided quite a bit. It still seems to be quite a scented flake but now that I'm more acquainted with the Lakeland floral scents I don't interpret it as soap nearly as much. Still love it.

2 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Emeritus Account (30125)	2009-02-19		Medium	Strong	Medium to Full	Very Pleasant

This is another masterfully blended flake from G&H. Being a fan of all things Kendall I was not surprised that I took to this one immediately. The topping in Kendall flake is strong, highly floral and simply brilliant with the sweet Virginias underneath. I found Kendall to be on the sharper side and was not sure if this was the effect of the topping or the leaf itself but it did take some getting used to. The primary flavor I detected was the rose geranium although there were other undiscernable floral notes in the background. There is a particular essence in Kendall that is used in LA Flake as well that I have grown very fond of. Not sure if it?s the almond or the heliotropin but it is quite pleasant, great for warm weather smokes.

(for more on heliotropin go to http://micro.magnet.fsu.edu/phytochemicals/pages/heliotropin.html)

Once the topping settles in, there is a slight bitterness in the first third just before it hits the zone. And the zone with this flake is quite remarkable. I believe that Danno mentioned similarities to the last third of FVF; that was my exact impression as well. The ?honey baked? sweetness remains until the end with the bitterness of the floral weaving in and out. In a word?delicious.

My batch came on the dry side and I had to re-humidify otherwise it seemed to burn a little hot. Once the moisture content was adequate it burned quite nicely and preferred a smaller bowl with slow sipping. Although I love the intensity of Kendall from an overall flavor standpoint I personally would not make it an everyday smoke. I have a half pound aging at the moment and will always keep some on hand for those times when I need my floral fix, which seems to be quite frequently here lately. Highly recommended.

2 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Mr. Dottle (162)	2007-07-26		Strong	Medium to Strong	Full	Tolerable

God bless those pipe smokers who like and enjoy Lakeland flakes. I have always been puzzled why some enjoy a soapy, floral and perfumy tobacco that, for me, brought to mind what were probably the scents and aromas of an 18th century French courtesan?s boudoir rather than those of a cool and airy, sun drenched tobacco field after a pre-dawn, morning mist, i.e., I like more natural flavors and tastes in my tobaccos. Kendal Flake did not provide the latter although the nic kick was to my liking. But, as always, to each his own.

A cigarette is to be smoked. A cigar is to be enjoyed. A pipe is to be savored.

I rate this blend 7.0 out of 10.

2 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Emeritus Account (30125)	2006-12-26		Medium to Strong	Mild to Medium	Medium to Full	Pleasant to Tolerable

08/08/03 You know, I can't believe I like this tobacco. I generally prefer a natural VA flake, but I found Kendal Flake to have a wonderful flavor that is quite unique. The pouch aroma can be a bit intimidating for someone not used to scented flakes. But once I got past the mental block, I came to appreciate the wonderful synergy the flavors and the tobacco produce. The folks at Gawith Hoggarth really have a way with VA flakes.

Another way I enjoy Kendall Flake is to prepare a "sandwich" with Glengarry Flake. Glengarry Flake is much lighter than Kendall Flake and complements the latter nicely. A sandwich is prepared by folding a flake of each together and packing the pipe normally.

Update 12/26/06 After smoking Kendal Flake for over three years, I can now upgrade it to 4 stars or highly recommended. Along with Ennerdale Flake, this is one of the great scented flakes from Gawith Hoggarth. It burns perfectly, tastes wonderful, and has a pretty strong nicotine hit. What more could you ask for? I no longer feel like KF tastes soapy; I can taste the wonderful flavors that complement the tobacco so well. My next step is to dedicate a pipe to Kendal Flake rather than just to scented flakes in general. It goes perfectly with a strong cup of black coffee.

2 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Emeritus Account (30125)	2006-07-04		Mild	Medium to Strong	Medium to Full	Pleasant to Tolerable

Not too sure what to make of this really, Kendal Flake is a prefectly good flake that I expect I could get to quite like if I smoked enough of it.. I just can't get over the rose flavouring, when you first light the bowl you get a strong blast of flowers thats rather like inhaling a bathroom freshener. The rose flavour backs down once the bowl is properly lit and tamped but its too much for me, as shame as its an exceptionally cool smoke.

I'm sure I could get to like this flake more but I can't see thats its worth the effort when there are so many other flakes out there.

Edit: I have since smoked some Best Brown Flake which is very similar to the Kendal flake, almost identical infact except without the rose air freshener taste. I prefer the best brown and am giving it 3 stars so i'm downgrading this to 2.

2 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Quiggifur (87)	2023-02-24		Medium to Strong	Medium to Strong	Medium to Full	Pleasant

Jar note: reads as licorice to me, but I'm questioning it. Could be something I'm not familiar with. In the smoke, I immediately get a lot of whatever's in Bosun plug, thinking rose geranium. Not quite as prominent as in Bosun, but it's up there. Moderately and satisfyingly sweet. A ways into the bowl, the aromatics die down somewhat, and I start to taste more of the grassy and floral Virginia. I would feel sick if I gave this anything but the highest marks, it's absolutely incredible. Out of about 50 or so tobaccos I've tried so far, this is probably my first true desert island tobacco, on top of the list. I get a little teary-eyed just thinking about it.

1 person found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	doc pipes (107)	2022-11-19		Medium	Medium to Strong	Medium	Pleasant

This flake comes in approximately 6 inch long neatly cut strips. I would estimate they are about a millimeter thick. There appears to be more red/brown leaf than yellow. The flake had the usual G&H high quality appearance, as if this flake had been lovingly prepared.

I was not deluded into thinking that the tobaccos would be the star players in this blend. There are so many toppings and casing agents applied in variously differing strengths. This really is quite a busy production with almost too many players on the stage. Yet, the result is a singular, unified, and distinguished performance.

I don’t taste or smell the following: whiskey, rum, sherry, vanilla, almond, coffee. The tonquin is barely detectable. The heliotropin and rose geranium are easily detected in the smoke, room note, and pouch aroma. The two biggest contributors are the musk and the rose. The toppings mingle to create a nag champa smell that is reminiscent of an old head shop or the oils used to smother body odor in the Grateful Dead parking lot scene. This nag champa essence comes through in the taste and retrohale, as does musk, sandalwood, rose, and patchouli. There are some peppery notes at the end of each bowl. I could not give the reader much analysis on the underlying tobacco flavor as it is so trampled by the toppings. While the toppings are stepping all over the underlying leaf, a unique and tasty flavor prevails. I probably won’t buy this again, but am grateful to have tried it.

WARNING: The smell of your pipe may attract hippies.

Pipe Used: Numerous briars

Age When Smoked: Fresh bulk

Purchased From: SP

1 person found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Anthony Caridi (30)	2022-09-16		Mild to Medium	Mild to Medium	Mild to Medium	Pleasant

Thirty years ago I disliked anything Lakeland. Amazing how paletes change. Today these blends truly blow me away! This is very floral without being perfumed or soapy as some describe. The sauce is different and not as heavily applied as other GH offerings. Much milder than say Conniston but yet wonderfully flavorfull. I am grateful that I've rediscovered these blends. Definitely a love them or hate them relationship. If loved they raise the bar to another dimension.

Pipe Used: Peterson Kildare

Age When Smoked: New

Purchased From: Boswells

1 person found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	hrhf (38)	2021-07-19		Mild to Medium	Strong	Medium to Full	Tolerable

This MAY grow on me, but the outlook for that is not great. This review is the result of a great selection of decade old samples a pipe smoking friend sent me. So we’re talking a 10-plus year old vintage of Kendal flake.

I’m a huge fan of GH flakes. And shags. And curly cuts. But especially the flakes. 90% of my tobacco intake is GH product. My current favorites include Scotch Flake and Bosun Cut Plug.

But this just isn’t clicking with me. One of the listed flavors that other reviewers don’t seem to mention is what dominates my experience: musk.

Seriously, it’s the star of the show. Which is a shame, because otherwise, it’s a great flake. Packs easily. Burns better than most.

But that musk. It makes me feel like I’m smoking something musty.

It’s not there in the bag aroma. That smells fine, like a typical GH flake. But it’s definitely there during the smoke, especially the first half of each bowl.

I’d definitely recommend that you try it for yourself, because it’s definitely got its share of fans. And my palate can be a little unusual. I pick up the trace amount of latakia used in GLP’s Filmore so strongly, it ruins that blend for me.

Pipe Used: Various

Age When Smoked: 10 years

Purchased From: Gift

1 person found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Stah (139)	2021-06-03		Mild to Medium	Mild to Medium	Medium	Pleasant

Let me say at once: I am not against English-style aromatic blends. I am not intimidated by the word "Lakeland" in the description - unless, of course, the tobacco accidentally falls into a vat with this essence, as apparently happened with the Ennerdale package I had the opportunity to try six months ago. The secret to this attitude is simple: the older the tobacco, flavored the old English way - the better.

When I opened the can with 2012 tax excise, I was convinced that the tobacco was old. Even the paper with the tobacco wrapped in it was soaked with a complex aroma of the essence, which clearly had geranium, rose, some almonds, orange peel, dry herbs, a slight hint of some dry wine and a subtle, but very familiar to me note of tonka bean, which is so easily distinguishable in Peterson Special Reserve 2011. The manufacturer claims there are more than 10 ingredients in the essence for this tobacco. But, as time has gone on, the flowers, herbs and almonds remain mostly. Incidentally, the vanilla described by the manufacturer has all but disappeared over the years.

Despite its age, the tightly sealed jar retained the consistency and moisture of the tobacco. The crumbly, half-cracked flake was grayish brown with a visible addition of dark Indian leaf, clearly indicating a Virginia base, which matched the description. I took the plates apart into individual fibers and stuffed a medium-sized pipe with the mixture.

As I smoked the pipe, I could very clearly taste the sweet bread flavor of good Virginia, with some almonds and a bit of rose mixed in. The tobacco had a fair amount of sugar in it, because the taste was really sweet. The strength, after half of the pipe, did not give me any trouble, I would classify the strength to medium, or even a little lower - because of its softness. The tobacco smokes smoothly, not fast and not too hot, but small pipes I would not recommend. The flavor becomes softer and more tobacco-like as you smoke. In my case, there was virtually no moisture or odor left in the pipe.

The aroma of the smoke is very smooth and harmonious. I don't like the smell of geraniums and find it harsh, but here it clearly doesn't play the first fiddle, leaving it to the rose and the tobacco itself. The aroma of the smoke is light, disperses quickly, leaving a subtle floral note.

What can I say? If I hadn't been prudent, I would have been terrified - I didn't have any spending planned for this tobacco in my budget. Luckily, I picked up five cans of Kendal Flake just from the description, at random. They all have the 2012 excise tax, which gives me hope that I will enjoy smoking this mild blend for the next couple of years.

Pipe Used: Peterson Irish Writers Shaw and Yeats

Age When Smoked: 2012

Purchased From: Online

1 person found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Sangagor (77)	2020-07-07		Medium to Strong	Medium to Strong	Medium to Full	Unnoticeable

Pleasant aroma hit my nose after opening sample. Little dry for my use, but burns well. Typical aroma(not sure, which essence is used for this stuff) was presented for whole smoking. Not so overwhelmed like in case of Enerdale flake. I enjoy it even more. Sometimes when I burned tobacco with too hot flame, I noticed a bit cigarette smoke. Nicotine hit is at level medium to strong, which is too much for me.

All together good smoke for long lazy evenings, good companion to Enerdale f.

Pipe Used: Stanislaw, cob

Age When Smoked: New

Similar Blends: Samuel Gawith - Kendal Cream Deluxe Flake.

1 person found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Lingo (39)	2019-04-21		Mild to Medium	Mild to Medium	Mild	Tolerable

No. You don’t put all that stuff in my tobacco. Kendal professional blenders show, in this and other mixtures, how a good virginia leaf can be squandered. I understand that many smokers are accustomed to these flavouring, but to me it is somehow unacceptable: like ordering a good steak in a good restaurant, but the waiter goes “sir, we can enhance your blant steak by putting some pineapple/almond/cheese/wine/tomato/cucumber/garlic/onion/chocolate on it”. No, sir, I ordered a STEAK :) “Ok wait, I’ll pour some floreal soap over all it” - what?

1 person found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	HabaneroHardy (395)	2018-12-20		Medium	Medium	Medium	Unnoticeable

This review is from a jarred estate tobacco dated 10/02, God rest his soul. This is a dark brown flake with a slight sweet aroma to it in the jar. I smoked two bowls of this tonight and have already made up my mind on this one. This tobacco is in a category by itself. It is described as an aromatic but not in the traditional sense in my opinion. This is a floral scented tobacco and there lies the rub. The tobacco quality is excellent but I for the life of me I could not help but feel like I was smoking rose flavored soap. When the term Lakeland essence is used, they were not joking. I did make sure I was using a pipe that I did not care if it got temporarily ghosted. Good tobacco, but my palate just does not care for it, but that is not to say I won’t revisit this some time in the future.

Pipe Used: SwinkS Poker

Age When Smoked: 16 years

Purchased From: Estate

1 person found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Calamiti (84)	2018-12-01		Mild to Medium	Strong	Medium to Full	Very Pleasant

I value Kendal Flake as one of the best (if not the best one) of Gawith & Hoggarth's scented blends. It gives such an excellent bouquet of exotic natural flavours, flamboyant yet perfectly balanced. I didn't find much of almond or musk aromas advertised in tin description. Instead, this is the only tobacco I know redolent of rose essence, which I find very pleasant. The only thing I didn't care much is a portion of flue-cured leaf in this blend, which might give a bit too sharp edge sometimes. Otherwise the base tobaccos are very good.

If you are into Lakeland scented blends, try this jewel. It's one of the best of the style.

1 person found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	JohnH (24)	2018-10-27		Mild to Medium	Mild	Mild to Medium	Pleasant

I'm not usually one for aromatics, however this is a pleasant surprise.

I purchased 1oz of this bulk and was very pleased by the appearance when I received it. Out of the bag the relatively thick cut, slightly crumbly virginia flake was covered in crystals, not so surprising given that it is a virginia, but still very enjoyable to see. Slightly leathery it required a little rubbing to brake up to a point I was happy with.

The aroma is quite strong of the combination of over 10 different flavours, (including Rose Geranium, Vanilla, Rum, Tonquin, Musk, Heliotropin and Rose). However rose is the most dominant for me, and I don't get the Almond so much as is mentioned. I get peoples comments about joss sticks and such, but even with the toppings added I didn't find it too strong or overpowering, more interesting.

The aroma follows into the smoke, but again I feel is not too over powering, and proves more of an interest. I like a good virginia, and aside from the flavourings that is what this is for me and smokes accordingly, so whilst I couldn't see myself smoking this regularly it is not at all unpleasant occasionally for a change.

For anyone, who like me, usually avoids aromatics at all cost this could prove an interesting smoke as it has for me. If you aren't fond of virginias however I'd leave it well alone.

Pipe Used: Various

Age When Smoked: Fresh

Purchased From: smoking pipes

1 person found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	CarlosGardel (15)	2017-04-28		Medium	Medium	Medium	Pleasant to Tolerable

Kendal Flake hits IMHO a sweet spot among Lakeland flavoured tobaccos, making it a perfect all-day blend. I’m writing this at 6 A.M., before breakfast, and the smoke is not too strong, the flavour not too invasive. The tobacco itself is gorgeous, providing a creamy, luscious and fresh smoke. The casing aptly complements the tobacco making it even more interesting, in a way closer to Glengarry and Bob’s Chocolate than to Ennerdale. I see some here compare it to Grasmere, which unfortunately I can’t get easily here in Italy.

I use to grind it and let it dry just a little. I then pack lightly the pipe so that the air can flow easily. It then burn easily and completely. Don’t let it dry too much or get too old, as the added flavours are rather volatile and may be lost forever. Flavours are also more evident in the first half and then subside.

I’m definitely having this flake as a regular host in my cellar.

Pipe Used: Radice, Ser Jacopo, Butz Choquin, Volpe

Age When Smoked: Fresh from counter

Purchased From: Two Lions, Lugano, CH

1 person found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	hawky454 (107)	2017-02-23		Medium to Strong	Medium	Medium to Full	Very Pleasant

I think DK said it perfectly so I don't have much to say that he didn't already touch on, I just came to express my love. This one took a long time to work it's magic on me but I'm glad that I didn't give up on it. The flavors added read a lot like an Eau De Toilet and shouldn't work on a pipe tobacco but it absolutely does. This is a refreshing smoke and would probably work better in the warmer months but I have no problem smoking it year round. The top dressing adds a high range of notes that dance with the lower notes to give the smoker an amazing range of flavors to focus on and this one surely demands your focus. Could be an all day smoke for sure but I'm one that needs variety throughout the day.

Essential

Pipe Used: Neerup, Stanwell, Whitehall, St. Regis

Age When Smoked: 6 months & 1 year.

Purchased From: www.smokingpipes.com

1 person found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Pipesmoking101 (63)	2015-02-16		Medium	Mild	Medium	Pleasant to Tolerable

I got a 50 gram sample of this tobacco, it was around 1 and a half years old, and although it had not been jarred, I am led to believe that it was stored in an air-tight container. Before smoking it, I had it stored for a couple of weeks in a bag with other tobaccos, but it was wrapped in the original packaging it came in to keep it separate. I am mentioning all of this because - in opposition to all the reviews below - I found the flavour to be somewhat muted. Indeed, I have been smoking Glengarry Flake since, and find it to have bolder topping than this particular tobacco. That is not to say that I found it flavourless, but rather that I could easily detect the tobacco, and I think it outshone the flavours to such an extent that the flavour was largely inconsequential to the overall enjoyment of the smoke. With this in mind, then, be aware that my review may be very different to one that may be experienced when smoking a fresh sample which has not been stored (and perhaps not stored in an ideal fashion) for a fairly long period of time. Now, onto the tobacco itself. I did get a scent of a topping. The sweet, perfumey smell, which is not unpleasant, but somewhat of a shock to the nose of a more 'natural' tobacco fan like myself. I rubbed it out (as an aside - I am someone who normally likes to smoke flakes rolled up, but since I recently received a bundle of these 'bulk flakes' I am having to rub them out, I just can't seem to keep these lit when folded. I don't know what it is about them that makes them different to tinned flakes, but I have noticed it amongst them all), it rubbed easily & packed very well. It took the flame reasonably easily, and burned in a steady fashion. The smoke itself was not at all unpleasant, as mentioned previously, I got the taste & feel of the tobacco before I got any hint of the topping. The topping started to figure in the equation a few puffs in, and was a fairly pleasant background note to a straight good quality tobacco, it anything, in my sample, I would have liked the flavour to be more present, as I'm trying to expand my aromatic palette. Nonetheless, the smoke itself was pleasant enough, if unremarkable. The room note is standard Virgina with a perfumey quality which I quite like. To me this tobacco is truly 'aromatic', in that the topping is more detectable in the aroma than the taste, on that basis, I'll say that the room note is tolerable to pleasant. In strength, again, non remarkable. Perhaps should be medium to strong, but I will give it medium for as inaccurate as my nicotine-measuring abilities are, I know how I feel when I've had too much, and feel it here I didn't. The tobacco is good quality, and I wouldn't object to smoking it again, but I'm going to give it 2 stars out of 4, as my expectations of what a tobacco needs to be to get 3 stars has changed recently, and this just doesn't deserve it, I'm afraid. I would give it 2.5 out of 4, as it is better than 2, but doesn't have that spark that I think it needs to take it up to a 3. I found it somewhat pedestrian & it really didn't develop much beyond the first quarter of a bowl, and remained a standard quality Virginia with a muted backnote, which needed to be rubbed out to smoke, which is not the way I usually like my Virginia, but as I say. Not a bad quality tobacco, and a fresh sample may be required in future to see if it alters my perceptions of this esteemed smoke.

Pipe Used: Parker Billiard, Everyman, Aerosphere Billiard

Age When Smoked: 1.5 years

Purchased From: mysmokingshop.com

1 person found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	William H. Hardy (93)	2013-05-07		Medium to Strong	Medium	Full	Tolerable

I love GH flakes. Especially those which are in bulk. They're thick, beautiful, and rich and they have a very nice mouth-feel when smoked. This may be my favorite tobacco of those I've sampled from GH. The flavors/scents are not overpowering, but definitely present and are an excellent complement to the tobaccos. It's a mixture of some relatively strong tobaccos, but, to me, it never really overpowers in Vitamin N. This one, to my taste, seems to have more of the floral scents than the others and less of the vanilla/licorice/tonquin flavors of, say, Ennerdale(which I also like). Personally, I refer GH to SG when it comes to tobaccos. SG tobaccos always come too wet to smoke and they really have seemed to be mediocre experiences. But I digress.

I don't know if this could classify as an all-day tobacco, as it is definitely a bit over-the-top. However, I have to stop myself from smoking this instead of other blends that I have. An impressive flake tobacco, in my opinion.

1 person found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	DrT999 (317)	2012-12-03		Medium to Strong	Strong	Full	Pleasant to Tolerable

Grasmere Flake has Rose and Geranium florals; this is a real potpourri of scents (and, to me, even spices) on top of those. By itself, it just overwhelms my taste buds (albeit in a fairly good way). Cut 1/2 K Flake and 1/2 either Walnut Flake or St Bruno, I find it very pleasurable.

Edit: three years later, and I don't find this quite so overwhelming and even more enjoyable

1 person found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	renwardhoop (177)	2010-09-08		Medium	Mild	Mild	Pleasant

A not-altogether flavourless flake from G & H.

I agree with most reviewers that the initial tin aroma doesn't follow through to the smoke. But then, not many do.

Almonds ? No.

All those other flavours ? Nah.

Mrs RH did think she got a whiff of Rose....

Scores ok on the room note then...

Not a bad flake but it doesn't really have any outstanding qualities of note. Won't rush to buy any more.

1 person found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	stephenspring (13)	2010-02-24		Strong	Strong	Very Full	Pleasant to Tolerable

When it comes to this flake, I feel like the aromatic smoker who cracks a tin of full bodied English with its pungent aroma and goes "yuk!" in reverse. This is a very well made flake; however, I agree with those reviewers who mentioned floral, SOAPY flavor. I'm afraid three puffs was all I could take. I enjoy some aromatics from time to time, but for me, this ain't it. It's a first class tobacco like all GH's products, it's definitely just not for me.

1 person found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Emeritus Account (30125)	2007-08-27		Medium to Strong	Medium to Strong	Full	Very Pleasant

Although I don't taste anything close to almond in this Kendal Flake, I'm sure that all the above, even the ones I can't identify, are there...What in the world is Heliotropin? It's got something to do with Sassafras. And Tanquid---no idea. The only Musk I know of is a greasy secretion from a glandular sac. Well, with all these extracts and juices and scents and stuff, this may sound like a frightening smoke. I guess it could be. But, fear not-- it's tasteriffic!

As always, with Gawith Hoggarth, the base tobaccos are cured and blended to have strong enough flavor to carry the casing. At first light, there's a rush of floral and and slightly sour tastes. Then comes the Dark Side, as mentioned in the tin description above. It smokes great and, like Bob's Chocolate, is much fun to rub out. For more information, read Blowfish and OSR's reviews...I can't add much to what they've said. This is truly a carnival for the senses.

(It also mixes well -50/50- with Bob's square cut)

1 person found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Emeritus Account (30125)	2007-08-17		Medium	Medium	Medium	Pleasant to Tolerable

Unlike some of the GH Flakes that use multiple flavorings, the combination of flavorings used in Kendal Flake sits well on my palate.

I find this one to be a nicely flavored, satisfying, medium strength smoke. I enjoy this much more than Ennerdale Flake.

If you haven't tried the GH flakes, you should order a small quantity of several of the ones that interest you. Once you find the ones that have the right combination of flavorings for your taste buds, they are really quite good.

*

1 person found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Emeritus Account (30125)	2007-07-25		Medium	Strong	Full	Pleasant to Tolerable

One of the best Lakeland Flakes.

There's not much that can be added to the existing body of reviews. It's a flamboyant, herbal flake, that always satisfies. Although, it can be a little rough at the back and lacks the milky tea taste that softens the whole flavour in Samuel Gawith's KCF deluxe. As such, I'd favour the latter but it's a really close call.

1 person found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Emeritus Account (30125)	2007-05-22		Medium to Strong	Medium to Strong	Medium to Full	Pleasant to Tolerable

I recieved several flkaes recently and this is the one I finished first. My review may be a bit off for the pouch this came in had a lil hole in it which did not effect the moisture of the tobacco so much but I believe let the tobacco air out a bit. The result was a tobacco with less of the mention Lakeland floral flavor or at least to me it seemed to be present but not overwhelming. I liked this. It does not bite though please keep the smoking pace slowish like you would for any Virginia, and it burns very clean. A good relaxing flake.

1 person found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Emeritus Account (30125)	2007-05-12		Medium to Strong	Medium to Strong	Full	Very Pleasant

Update: After smoking many pounds of Kendal Flake over the last two plus years, it is still a favorite and I enjoy it now more than ever. If you like this Flake dedicate a few pipes to it. It ages supurbly and I'm glad I have tons of this cellered.

Original Review: 04/22/2005 - Kendal Flake is a true Lakeland offering, semi sweet and a full, rich smoking experience. Rubbed out, rolled or stuffed, it provides a slow, cool and dry smoke. Upon the initial light, a strong aroma of Almond and Rose rushes forth that reminds me of the scent of the old Rose Milk hand lotion. After the bowl gets going, the flavorings settle down. Around mid-bowl, the Almond gives way to the Rose flavor/aroma and a nice natural Virginia flavor pokes through the exceptionally cool smoke. Approaching the final third of the bowl, the nicotine content has developed strength nicely and a very pleasing taste coats the tongue and palate which remains for some time after the bowl is finished. It burns even and complete, into a dry white ash. Hitting the ?zone? with this tobacco is simply Nirvana. In my humble opinion, this is simply the quintessence of Lakeland Flakes.

1 person found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Danno (106)	2007-01-22		Medium	Medium	Medium	Pleasant

I came into a quarter-pound of KF, through a friend. I had never sampled it prior. Just over a week later, it is disappearing at an alarming rate and has a semi-permanent home in a group four Vesz apple. I read the list of essences applied to this flake but in all honesty I only detect roses. That said I prefer to smoke it on the dry side, which may cause the gentler bouquets to vanish. Taste-wise KF reminds me of the bottom third of a bowl of FVF, dark, toasty and inherently 'Lakeland'. I enjoy it very much, and will likely smoke KF in lieu of St. Bruno, as it is available with much less hunting than the esteemed latter.

1 person found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Emeritus Account (30125)	2006-08-21		Very Strong	Medium to Strong	Medium to Full	Tolerable

I just didn't get on with this tobacco. It tasted terrible to me and I found the nicotine hit way too high - and I have smoked Condor and St Bruno and lived to tell the tale. It lights and burns well and smells great in the pouch - but did nothing else for me apart from leaving me feeling rather ill afterwards!

1 person found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Emeritus Account (30125)	2005-12-04		Medium to Strong	Mild to Medium	Medium to Full	Tolerable

I didn't particularly like this tobacco. You know how you can develop a liking or disliking for a particular brand. I seem to have a problem with G & H tobaccos. This one was nice in every way except it had a very strong taste of "Soap". Lighted and burned nicely. The tobacco had a very nice aroma. But there was always that taste of Ajax.

1 person found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Emeritus Account (30125)	2005-05-07		Medium to Strong	Strong	Extra Full	Pleasant to Tolerable

I don't know how one can take all of the flavorings that GH & Co. uses in this tobacco and make them work, but they have done it here. Kendall Flake has a fairly overwhelming pouch aroma, and it seems that the dominant scent is the almond.

Kendall Flake, at first light, comes across like gang busters and you wonder "what have I done!?" but soon it settles down and you sense the presence of excellent quality tobaccos. The flavorings never leave but Kendall Flake still comes across as a rich smoking axperience. Rich and somewhat sweet, KF fills your palate with layers upon layers of flavors. If you are looking for a monochromatic smoking experience, well, this isn't it.

Toward the end of the bowl, it is easy to forget the flavorings and florals as Kendall Flake is now running on all eight cylinders. KF burns evenly and completely, leaving the walls of your bowl clean. A dry mottled white ash is left in the bottom of your bowl. The nicotine content is a little higher than average.

1 person found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Emeritus Account (30125)	2004-01-17		Strong	Very Strong	Medium to Full	Pleasant to Tolerable

Others have documented the details of this blend so I will not repeat that ground. Yes - super flowery, so much so that the first few bowls of it you will likely be able to discern little else. The tobacco is there, just overwhelmed.

At first I didn't think it had much complexity or depth beyond a decent VA with lots of aroma and flavor. I think the flavor becomes a bit more multilayered as you move through a sample. Especially when using DGT on a bowl. But I do not think it is so engaging as to become a smoke I crave.

While a good highly aromatic smoke, I find it a bit much for regular consumption. It is consistent in flavor from top to bottom with little variation. A good reliable dark and strongly flavored tobacco which settles in to a fairly smooth smoke. I found Glengarry Flake to be a bit more initially intense, but in the long run more complex and flavorful.

1 person found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Emeritus Account (30125)	2003-05-10		Medium to Strong	Strong	Full	Tolerable

Take your significant-other's bath crystals and pour them onto some good virginia flake and you've got Kendal. Now some might think this is a bad thing...I don't! But I can't mince words here folks: this stuff is very "soapy", flowery and perfumy. It also has great Va flavour and packs wallop to boot. For me, smoking this tobacco results in a major binge when nothing else seems right, but it will also satisfy Va lovers as an occasional change of pace when the usual suspects come up stale. The flake rubs, packs, and lights well, provided it isn't too moist. A very unusual, flowery taste that leaves little middle gound: you will likely love it or hate it. I would recommend using a cob, yard pipe or a briar dedicated to flavoured tobaccos, as this will leave its mark.

1 person found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	vlkarpenko (2)	2021-03-12		Medium to Strong	Mild to Medium	Medium	Tolerable

Great smoke. Lakeland essence is not overpowering and nicely balanced with tobacco. Not a sign of tongue bite. Great for everyday smoke. Burns down to nice gray ash.

Pipe Used: Mostly English lake blakemar and Invicta

Age When Smoked: 8 years

Purchased From: 4noggins

Similar Blends: Condor, st bruno.

Nobody has rated this review yet.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Smoke_Ring (158)	2013-07-24		Medium	Mild	Medium	Pleasant

Kendal Flake;

Star Rating = 3.5;

Rating Scores - 10 is the Best and 0 is the Worst;

Pouch Note = 9;

Room Note = 9;

Flavor = 9;

Bite = 9;

Burn = 9;

After Taste = 9;

Raw Score = 54;

Rated Percentage = 90%;

Comment = Very Smooth, Medium Strength, Nice Unusual Flavor, No Bite, White Ash Burn.

Nobody has rated this review yet.