Samuel Gawith Scottish Autumn Flake

A just-ok VA flake, slightly sweet. Requires only a bit of drying, and lights ok.

I find it lacking, though, compared to other VAs. The flavor is mediocre and somewhat thin. I just can't think of why I would buy this again over other better VA choices, hence two stars for it's rank relative to better VAs.

Scottish Autumn Flake, a pure blend of pressed Virginias, offers a greatvpipe smoking experience.
The flakes are nicely crafted, resulting in a presentation that's as visually appealing with adoring smell.

When you open the tin, you're greeted with the sweet and natural fragrance of the Virginia tobacco leaves. The flakes are perfectly formed and easy to prepare for packing your pipe. Upon ignition, the tobacco burns at a steady pace, revealing the full spectrum of Virginia's flavors.

As you progress through the bowl, the flavors evolve, demonstrating the complexity that can be achieved with high-quality Virginia tobacco. The smoke remains smooth and cool, allowing you to fully appreciate the natural sweetness and nuanced character of the leaf.

Great smoke.

This straight Virginia definitely lives up to its name: Dark stewed fruit, plums, oranges, spices, cinnamon, a hint of pumpkin along with notes of damp hay and an ever-present sweetness conjure up mental images of autumn, harvest, overcast days and colorful leaves. Overall, this is the fruitiest straight Virginia I've ever had with some nuances that I have not yet tasted as strongly in any other (which makes me suspicious about whether there's some kind of very light topping). However, it has all the familiar nuances and tastes one would expect in a Virginia and at times feels a bit generic, nevertheless a very solid blend. At times I was reminded of Capstan Blue, although it's not really there yet and just a distant similarity. However, the general notes are very similar. For a 50g tin, there's more flakes than in many other tins. Probably because the tobacco comes relatively dry compared to other flakes - perfect to smoke right away. Doesn't bite or burn hot at all, but I found it difficult to keep lit, especially in the beginning.

I think this is the blend that made me realise that I am probably not the biggest fan of Gawith virginia blends. Like Full virginia flake, this is lacking that something that makes me love virginia pipe tobacco. I think it is the sweetness that's missing. Aptly named though: the sweet summer is gone and autumn is here. Its great mechanics push it to three stars. Most probably discontinued, but you can still find it in stock here and there.

Samuel Gawith deserves all praise for their unique Virginia, wich is, like the blender, really one-of-a-kind.

This said, I always find their flakes tricky: hard to fold or to rub, hard to pack, hard to keep light and hard to burn evenly. Still, it's worth it.

This really resembles a lighter (and more "civilized") version of BBF. I enjoyed it very much.

3rdguy

Just finished a full tin of this Virginia. Required very little dry time, easy to light, hardly any relights. Smokes down to a nice ash. For what it is, it was a nice alternative to FVF, Best Brown and other similar blends although I like the former blends more. This was a bit too....uninspiring for me. While an enjoyable smoke I can’t see reaching for it often. It left me wanting a bit more. Low in nic, light to medium in taste. I am glad it is still being made and readily available from Europe but not a bell ringing for me.

It comes in beautiful golden/bronze colored flakes, without the usual SG moisture level. SAF tin notes are the usual from Virginias with an extra touch of honey. You get hay, citrus, dark fruits, little earthiness, floral notes and honey.

Once in the pip lit it gives a very sweet velvety smoke, with warm fresh bread flavor, almost 100% natural. I detect here and there some kind of honey/brown sugar flavor added. Also this Virginias are mildly tangy providing citrus, little dark fruit and hay flavors, little earthiness and light spice. You get a very flavorful and fragrant smoke. The flake is easy to pack fold and stuff method and easy to rub out, with the right moisture level. Burns slow but can get hot if you push it.

Now that McClelland is gone, The next best Virginia blender is easily Samuel gawith. Scottish autumn flake is is an outstanding straight, sweet, high quality Virginia. Can’t add more than what’s already been said.

I am a newbie to the pipe so compared to most people here I am sitting at the back of the class. Since starting I have smoked quite a few tobaccos. Bold Kentucky,1792 flake and aged Burley, plus the odd English. I love the flakes especially in the evening but was looking for an all day smoke that I loved. And now I have with SG Scottish Autumn Flake. I was a bit nervous about a full Virginia but on reading the reviews here I thought, give it a go. This is the best tobacco I have had. My wife immediately said that the smell reminded her of her grandad way back when who was a pipe smoker. This is great old fashioned stuff. I am not expert enough to talk about tasting notes. Just to say I love the purity this gives. On opening the tin the flakes just fell apart. Moisture absolutely perfect.