Samuel Gawith Winter Time Flake

Blind test #1 and based on about an ounce. I didn't guess the blend but I did guess the blender. I guessed this as Balkan Flake, as I had essentially the same response to this as that one.

Mostly darker thin flakes that was much too wet to smoke without drying. I dried it from "regular dry" to crispy. As usual, it worked better crispy. Latakia was the dominate flavor and it was medium-rich there but the added Virginia brought it closer to mild-medium. This is well named as it would (and did!) work well outdoors in the cold. I found it monochromatic with the omission of orientals or any other condiment. In blends that use just Virginias and latakia, my tastebuds need the Virginias to really pop as they do in McClellands Anniversary, and they just don't here. They provide a base so the blend is not just latakia, but they are completely subservient. I'm not sure what the latakia content is here but it didn't seem all that high... it seemed like the latakia suffocated the Virginia, even though it didn't seem like a lat bomb. And perhaps that's the point. This would be one to keep you warm in the winter, as latakia is often seen as a cold weather blend, particularly a heavier lat blend. If you enjoy latakia that isn't dusty tasting or overly heavy, this might be one to try. Not a repeater for me, however. Then again, neither is Balkan Flake.

I rather enjoy the photograph, makes me want to pack an bowl and stroll over that bridge. The tin note is very nice like a peaty Scotch with some smoked brisket, just great.

Moisture content absolutely perfect straight from a fresh tin, not the norm for S. Gawith mind you they're the distributor it most likely was tinned in the Czech Republic by Mostex.

Plenty of Latakia upon first light, the Virginia's arrive mildly albeit later during the first 1/3 of the bowl. Not an overly complex blend; however, there's some interplay if you pay attention; quite creamy and rich as well. Once in awhile I do get something incense-like that comes and goes mostly with retro-haling. It's not topped nor flavoured as far as I know and certainly does not present itself as such, my Upshall Dublin likes this one a lot, likely the briar effect although in my Ashton's it does something similar.

It does loose some complexity outdoors although in cool winter air the Latakia ramps-up and it burns very cool in either locale. Mind you not as cool as S. Gawith Balkan Flake, tastier for sure and more complex, overall deeper Latakia too at least to me, and it burns to a powdery salt and pepper ash very similar to Cornell & Diehl with some apparent nicotine; nonetheless, it's not a one and done blend.

Decent stuff, a few tins will be added to the cellar.

Amended: this blend fades a lot. The first few days of a fresh tin transferred to a mason jar were very good, now a month later it's mute and monotone moving from very full to medium. Occasionally blends do this and no more tins will be added. Sorry folks I have to remove two stars.

This flake has improved for me in the few months since I last had it. The latakia was definitely predominant, without much refinement. It wasn't smooth, but wasn't punchy. So, nothing stands out memorable about the latakia. It did bite more than I remember. All-in-all, a good blend, but I'm not going to buy more for the cellar.

It’s a simple blend.when you feel like something dark and easy to wrap up your day . Burns well once you dry it for a bit the fresh tin was to wet for my taste

This is a Lat. forward blend. The flakes came a little drier than most SG flakes and were just perfect right from the tin. On first light I get the smoky, campfire notes that are slightly sweet and a little creamy from the lat. The VA's start in the background but provide a little nuance initially. They do add a little sweetness, mildly tangy but then quickly fall away and the lat. takes over completely. This is a rather one dimensional blend for the most part of the bowl. For me there is no reason to repeat, your mileage may vary.

Recommended. Nice smoke for long winter evenings. Go outside with small hip-flask full of scotch and walk around the snowy park.

There is only one issue with this flake I have learned. Always melt a moisture in the end. Pity, the latakia inside is too smoky for me