Gawith, Hoggarth & Co. Kendal Flake
(3.20)
A stronger tobacco with light side proportions of 68% virginia and a dark side of nearly 1/3, including 16% dark-cured Indian leaf, provide a medium strength smoke. The dominant flavour is one of scented almond and this complex top note is achieved by the combination of over 10 different flavours, including Rose Geranium, Vanilla, Rum, Tonquin, Musk, Heliotropin and Rose Fragrances.
Details
| Brand | Gawith, Hoggarth & Co. |
| Blended By | Gawith, Hoggarth & Co. |
| Manufactured By | Gawith, Hoggarth & Co. |
| Blend Type | Aromatic |
| Contents | Virginia |
| Flavoring | Alcohol / Liquor, Almond, Coffee, Floral Essences, Other / Misc, Rum, Sherry, Tonquin Bean, Vanilla, Whisky |
| Cut | Flake |
| Packaging | 50 grams tin, bulk |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Production | Currently available |
Profile
Strength
Medium
Extremely Mild -> Overwhelming
Flavoring
Medium to Strong
None Detected -> Extra Strong
Room Note
Pleasant to Tolerable
Unnoticeable -> Overwhelming
Taste
Medium
Extremely Mild (Flat) -> Overwhelming
Average Rating
|
3.20 / 4
|
Reviews
Please login to post a review.
Displaying 21 - 30 of 36 Reviews
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 03, 2021 | 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.
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
PurchasedFrom:
Online
Age When Smoked:
2012
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 01, 2018 | 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.
If you are into Lakeland scented blends, try this jewel. It's one of the best of the style.
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 28, 2017 | 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.
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
PurchasedFrom:
Two Lions, Lugano, CH
Age When Smoked:
Fresh from counter
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 01, 2015 | 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.
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.
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Mar 26, 2012 | 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.
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.
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Feb 19, 2009 | 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.
(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.
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Dec 26, 2006 | 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.
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.
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 16, 2022 | 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
PurchasedFrom:
Boswells
Age When Smoked:
New
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 23, 2017 | 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
Essential
Pipe Used:
Neerup, Stanwell, Whitehall, St. Regis
PurchasedFrom:
www.smokingpipes.com
Age When Smoked:
6 months & 1 year.
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 07, 2013 | 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.
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.
target="_blank"
