Peterson Dark Flake
(3.17)
First produced back in 1970, Dunhill's Dark Flake is a heralded vintage blend of choice Virginias and a little perique for spice. Bolder in strength and flavor than Dunhill Flake, though still as easy to prepare.
Notes: Dark Flake was first produced in 1970 or '71 and was discontinued by the end of the decade. The new tin is round and re-released in 2016. As of 2020, it is sold under the Peterson brand name.
Details
| Brand | Peterson |
| Blended By | Dunhill |
| Manufactured By | Scandinavian Tobacco Group |
| Blend Type | Virginia/Perique |
| Contents | Perique, Virginia |
| Flavoring | |
| Cut | Flake |
| Packaging | 50 grams tin |
| Country | Denmark |
| Production | Re-release |
Profile
Strength
Medium
Extremely Mild -> Overwhelming
Flavoring
None Detected
None Detected -> Extra Strong
Room Note
Pleasant to Tolerable
Unnoticeable -> Overwhelming
Taste
Medium
Extremely Mild (Flat) -> Overwhelming
Average Rating
|
3.17 / 4
|
Reviews
Please login to post a review.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 24 Reviews
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 14, 2016 | Medium | None Detected | Medium to Full | Pleasant |
I picked this up on a whim while buying pipe cleaners at my local tobacconist not knowing what to expect. I am a huge fan of Dunhill Virginias, frequently smoking Flake ('Light Flake') and always having a tin of either Elizabethan or DLNR in my rotation, so not much could go wrong, considering the fact that I also gravitate toward more stout blends, be it in flavor or strength.
On opening the tin, one is greeted with a deliciously ripe, dark, slightly sour and yeasty, but also raisiny smell that one has come to expect from darker Virginias and VaPers. No dark fired here!
The Flakes are, in my tin, all stuck together in a giant and dense, dark brown block of relatively moist-to-the-touch tobacco. This is, despite it feeling so wet, easily folded and stuffed or rubbed out and lights with two matches.
It stays lit pretty well, smokes pretty dry without a filter and stays nice and cool for a Virginia, granted you are accustomed to smoking Virginias and know the right cadence.
The smoke is creamy and cool, doesn't change much throughout the bowl, but I would say the flavor profile is still fairly complex. There is yeasty dark sourdough bread, cocoa, dark-roasted coffee, dried figs, raisins, a slight white pepper tingle/spice and a subdued but pleasant sweetness, accompanied by a slight, delicious bitter note akin to baker's chocolate. Every now and then, an unexpected ginger and warm spice note like cinnamon or clove, even, pops up in the background, which is very tasty.
This is absolutely perfect for the colder days with a nice hot black coffee or even a dram of Glenfarclas or similar. Fantastic tobacco!
On opening the tin, one is greeted with a deliciously ripe, dark, slightly sour and yeasty, but also raisiny smell that one has come to expect from darker Virginias and VaPers. No dark fired here!
The Flakes are, in my tin, all stuck together in a giant and dense, dark brown block of relatively moist-to-the-touch tobacco. This is, despite it feeling so wet, easily folded and stuffed or rubbed out and lights with two matches.
It stays lit pretty well, smokes pretty dry without a filter and stays nice and cool for a Virginia, granted you are accustomed to smoking Virginias and know the right cadence.
The smoke is creamy and cool, doesn't change much throughout the bowl, but I would say the flavor profile is still fairly complex. There is yeasty dark sourdough bread, cocoa, dark-roasted coffee, dried figs, raisins, a slight white pepper tingle/spice and a subdued but pleasant sweetness, accompanied by a slight, delicious bitter note akin to baker's chocolate. Every now and then, an unexpected ginger and warm spice note like cinnamon or clove, even, pops up in the background, which is very tasty.
This is absolutely perfect for the colder days with a nice hot black coffee or even a dram of Glenfarclas or similar. Fantastic tobacco!
Pipe Used:
Dunhill 1968 Ruby Bark
Age When Smoked:
Fresh
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 06, 2016 | Medium | None Detected | Medium to Full | Pleasant to Tolerable |
This review is based on a half tin of the soon to be released version of Dark Flake. The flakes are mainly dark brown with a few tan pieces intertwined. The tin scent is a combination of brown bread, hay, and a little bit of sour. In the pipe, after some needed dry time, Dark Flake offers up quite a bit of smoke. It is brown sugar/molasses sweet and fairly monotone. The mainly bass notes offer up a “richness” to the blend. I have questioned if there is a bit of Cavendish in this flake, but I can't say for sure. It burns fairly slowly and the sweetness builds slightly throughout. DF is medium in strength and fairly full in flavor. There isn't any bite, but it can get a little warm if pushed too much. If there is any topping on this flake, I am having difficulty finding it. My only issue with this blend is that at the very bottom of the bowl it loses a little something, but not enough to keep this from being a four star blend for me. Having never tried the original Dark Flake, I can’t make any comparisons. What I can say is that this a high quality, straightforward flake and lovers of Marlin Flake will likely find a home here too. I expect to cellar a lot of this when it becomes available.
Age When Smoked:
New
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 29, 2017 | Medium | Extremely Mild | Medium to Full | Pleasant to Tolerable |
Dunhill - Dark Flake Re-Release.
This seems to be a popular tobacco right now, and as it's been getting a few reviews lately I felt excited to give it a try. I bought some from the Danish Pipe Shop about a month ago but I couldn't quite bring myself to open it, I didn't want to ruin the surprise. However, this morning I couldn't resist it!
Because of the round tin I expected a coil of flake inside, but it looks as though someone emptied a tin of Mac Baren's Vanilla Cream Flake, or another flake from a small square tin into it. The colour's more of a brown, than anything that would give credence to the name Dark; it's a medium brown with yellow specks. Because the tin's bigger than is actually required, the tobacco has room to breathe in there, rather than any moistness being sealed in; perfect.
Smoking a bowl couldn't be any better: it lights easily, and gives a flavoursome smoke imminently. Unlike a lot of blends, I don't find Dark Flake's too dependant on time for the flavour to develop. Right from the beginning I get a lot of Perique, with what tastes like a subtle addition of molasses, and a little bread. The Virginia's rich and fruity, instead of citrusy and grassy. It burns at a steady pace, producing a cool smoke, which gives me absolutely no tongue bite.
I'd rate the nicotine as being medium, and I find the room-note about the only low point: it's not that bad though, pleasant to tolerable.
An excellent smoke:
Highly recommended.
This seems to be a popular tobacco right now, and as it's been getting a few reviews lately I felt excited to give it a try. I bought some from the Danish Pipe Shop about a month ago but I couldn't quite bring myself to open it, I didn't want to ruin the surprise. However, this morning I couldn't resist it!
Because of the round tin I expected a coil of flake inside, but it looks as though someone emptied a tin of Mac Baren's Vanilla Cream Flake, or another flake from a small square tin into it. The colour's more of a brown, than anything that would give credence to the name Dark; it's a medium brown with yellow specks. Because the tin's bigger than is actually required, the tobacco has room to breathe in there, rather than any moistness being sealed in; perfect.
Smoking a bowl couldn't be any better: it lights easily, and gives a flavoursome smoke imminently. Unlike a lot of blends, I don't find Dark Flake's too dependant on time for the flavour to develop. Right from the beginning I get a lot of Perique, with what tastes like a subtle addition of molasses, and a little bread. The Virginia's rich and fruity, instead of citrusy and grassy. It burns at a steady pace, producing a cool smoke, which gives me absolutely no tongue bite.
I'd rate the nicotine as being medium, and I find the room-note about the only low point: it's not that bad though, pleasant to tolerable.
An excellent smoke:
Highly recommended.
Pipe Used:
Saninelli Roma Lucite
PurchasedFrom:
The Danish Pipe Shop
Age When Smoked:
One month
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 19, 2017 | Mild to Medium | Very Mild | Medium | Pleasant |
Very nice and flavorful VaPer flake. The fruity flavors cover the full spectrum from light to dark giving a full roundness of highs, mids and lows. Throw in bready notes, a little tartness, a little spice and a very mild amount of added sweetness and you have a truly fine smoke. Many flakes of this genre get a little too earthy for my taste toward the end, but this one keeps that to a minimum allowing it's sweet, bready, fruity nature to last nearly the full bowl. Very nice. My only very minor complaint is that I would like a little more Perique. No big deal though. 4 stars.
Mild to medium in body. Medium in taste. Added sweetness is very mild. Burns very well.
Mild to medium in body. Medium in taste. Added sweetness is very mild. Burns very well.
Pipe Used:
MM Little Devil Cutty, Little Devil Acorn, Marcus
PurchasedFrom:
smokingpipes.com
Age When Smoked:
fresh
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 23, 2016 | Medium | None Detected | Medium to Full | Tolerable |
This is similar to Ye Olde Signe (dark Virginia leaf), albeit a tad browner and stronger. Flakes are beautifully shaded and pliable. The smell in the tin is woodsy, fragrant, slightly acidic and eloquent. The reintroduction of this tobacco gives perspective to the name of its brother, Light Flake (now only known as Flake). LF is sweeter (with that touch of molasses that makes it so yummy), whereas DF has a more pronounced, straight forward tobacco taste.
In a way DF is akin to Gawith’s Full Virginia Flake but, unlike Lakeland’s rendering, I think the Scandinavian Dunhill is more refined, softer, and in my opinion easier to smoke. The flakes can be readily folded as they are and lightening up is a piece of cake (a two match affair). The smoke is rich, without being intense, with some raisin and dark, unsweetened chocolate notes. Even though the tin description says this flake has some Pèrique, it is barely noticeable. Perhaps this ingredient, however discrete, accounts for its leatherier structure. The taste remains more or less the same throughout the bowl. No need to relight.
Not necessarily something to write home about but, as far as simple Virginias go, Dark Flake is a very good choice.
In a way DF is akin to Gawith’s Full Virginia Flake but, unlike Lakeland’s rendering, I think the Scandinavian Dunhill is more refined, softer, and in my opinion easier to smoke. The flakes can be readily folded as they are and lightening up is a piece of cake (a two match affair). The smoke is rich, without being intense, with some raisin and dark, unsweetened chocolate notes. Even though the tin description says this flake has some Pèrique, it is barely noticeable. Perhaps this ingredient, however discrete, accounts for its leatherier structure. The taste remains more or less the same throughout the bowl. No need to relight.
Not necessarily something to write home about but, as far as simple Virginias go, Dark Flake is a very good choice.
Pipe Used:
Savinelli Roma
PurchasedFrom:
Joshua Ward
Age When Smoked:
N/A
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 08, 2017 | Medium to Strong | None Detected | Medium to Full | Pleasant to Tolerable |
This is a delicious Vaper -- dark, rich, creamy and fairly stout, with a touch of brown sugar sweetness. I don't detect any toppings and the core tobaccos shine through. It's straightforward but not monotonous, and the dried fruit sweetness is rounded out nicely with earthiness and notes of espresso and baker's chocolate.
Think of Marlin Flake on steroids, and you get the picture.
There also may be a touch of dark fired KY and a pinch of cavendish.
Whatever is in here, I think it is extremely well-behaved and is best when rubbed out. Like all Dunhills, it delivers a satisfying dose of nicotine as well.
Think of Marlin Flake on steroids, and you get the picture.
There also may be a touch of dark fired KY and a pinch of cavendish.
Whatever is in here, I think it is extremely well-behaved and is best when rubbed out. Like all Dunhills, it delivers a satisfying dose of nicotine as well.
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Dec 24, 2016 | Medium | None Detected | Medium to Full | Tolerable |
In a previous negative review, I noted a "strong and distasteful sourness that almost made it unsmokable." I let the flake sit for almost two months and gave it another try. The problem for me wasn't one of aging for a couple of months is more like "resting". I've found that VA flakes are sensitive and can change their flavor profile with varying degrees of drying and I believe that my initial review was based on my smoking the tobacco a bit too much on the moist side. After finding a correct level of moisture for smoking, DDF really shines with a medium body and a smooth, interesting flavor. This has definitely turned into one for my rotation!
Pipe Used:
Peterson Rosslare "106" smooth billiard
PurchasedFrom:
smokingpipees.com
Age When Smoked:
Fresh
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Mar 29, 2020 | Medium | None Detected | Medium | Pleasant to Tolerable |
Dunhill- Dark Flake
One of the members of pipe club was gracious enough to give me the rest of his tin of this wonderful blend. Tin date is February 2017, and boy does this smoke amazing.
The Virginia’s are hay and bready, while the Perique is sweet but peppery, I’ve had two bowls of this after not smoking for the last two weeks, and maybe that in itself re invigorated my taste buds.
Presentation is strips a little wider than most bubblegum, with a nice dark and lighter VA’s along with Perique. I broke this apart the second time after folding and stuffing the first. This burns cool if sipped.
I truly hope Peterson brings this one back, as it’s a hit in my book.
One of the members of pipe club was gracious enough to give me the rest of his tin of this wonderful blend. Tin date is February 2017, and boy does this smoke amazing.
The Virginia’s are hay and bready, while the Perique is sweet but peppery, I’ve had two bowls of this after not smoking for the last two weeks, and maybe that in itself re invigorated my taste buds.
Presentation is strips a little wider than most bubblegum, with a nice dark and lighter VA’s along with Perique. I broke this apart the second time after folding and stuffing the first. This burns cool if sipped.
I truly hope Peterson brings this one back, as it’s a hit in my book.
Pipe Used:
Rossi notte
PurchasedFrom:
Gift
Age When Smoked:
3 years
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 10, 2018 | Mild to Medium | None Detected | Medium | Tolerable |
Summary: a nice medium Va/Per flake that will not stand out due to being highly competent at this simple task and a slight bit too wet.
Opening the tin, one confronts a delicious stewed fruit with spice smell, like a good fig jam made with ginger. Upon first light, the scent of the Perique gives away to the tangy lead taken by bright Virginias, but as these caramelize, the darker, stoved Virginia flavors come out and meld with the Perique into what might be described as the same fig jam on barley toast. The flakes are a bit damp, which causes them to start up slowly, but as the bowl progresses, that mellow flavor more approximates molasses and honey over a good wheat bread toast. Like all of Dunhill's blends, this one is like the leader that no one mentions: everything is done to perfection, but because the blend aims for a basic goal, it does not stand out like quirkier options. It reminds me of Capstan "Blue" in its burning characteristics and nicotine level. Like all Virginia flakes, this rewards breath-smoking; if when you were a kid, you sometimes sucked up a straw full of milkshake and then just let it leak slowly into your mouth, filling up on the flavor alone and letting it resonate across all of your taste buds, that is approximately how you want to experience this flake. Wish I'd cellared more of this before the blend vanishes into regulatory purgatory.
Opening the tin, one confronts a delicious stewed fruit with spice smell, like a good fig jam made with ginger. Upon first light, the scent of the Perique gives away to the tangy lead taken by bright Virginias, but as these caramelize, the darker, stoved Virginia flavors come out and meld with the Perique into what might be described as the same fig jam on barley toast. The flakes are a bit damp, which causes them to start up slowly, but as the bowl progresses, that mellow flavor more approximates molasses and honey over a good wheat bread toast. Like all of Dunhill's blends, this one is like the leader that no one mentions: everything is done to perfection, but because the blend aims for a basic goal, it does not stand out like quirkier options. It reminds me of Capstan "Blue" in its burning characteristics and nicotine level. Like all Virginia flakes, this rewards breath-smoking; if when you were a kid, you sometimes sucked up a straw full of milkshake and then just let it leak slowly into your mouth, filling up on the flavor alone and letting it resonate across all of your taste buds, that is approximately how you want to experience this flake. Wish I'd cellared more of this before the blend vanishes into regulatory purgatory.
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Oct 07, 2017 | Mild to Medium | None Detected | Medium | Pleasant to Tolerable |
As a Va/per lover i could not resist when i saw a Dunhill blend with my favourite compoments.when the tin cracks a pleasant aroma comes out wich combines dark fruits,ans some spicy plum notes.the flakes are mostly dark with some bright spots,moist.oily and very manageable.i prefer the rubbing and drying method in this blend because if you fold it as it is it won't dry and lighting is difficult.while smoking the compoments taste natural and very pleasing.the red virginias are the main player offering dark fruits,sour sweet and earthy notes.perique comes next giving mostly figs and plums.some spices also come out but i suppose not only perique is responsible for that.some citruses and grass notes also come out rare due to the bright virginias.generally the flavours are very balanced and present till the end.burns cool and slow with some moisture being created.the nicotine level is almost medium and the room note almost pleasant.no chance of tongue bite and the aftertaste is pleasant.an all day smoke.generally this blend is pleasant,high quality and totally recommended!
Age When Smoked:
Rubbed and left to dry for 1/2 hour
target="_blank"
