Peretti Scottish Flake

My favorite smoke is a Virginia based tobacco with Perique, but when I saw the representation on this particular blend that it "delivers a load of thick, rich smoke," well, I just had to try it. I was not disappointed. A little wary at first upon noticing that it is cured in red wine as I do not like any flavorings in my tobacco, i.e. if I want red wine I will drink red wine; if I want maple flavoring I will use maple syrup on pancakes or ice cream; when I want tobacco I smoke tobacco. The red wine is barely noticeable in both the aroma of the can and in the taste of the smoke. I agree with the previous reviewer that it seems to have merely mellowed the Virginia. The aroma from the tin is somewhat sweet and indeed very rich. The tobacco is in very large flakes and IMHO needs much rubbing. Even then, much of the flakiness remains. Packing can be somewhat of a chore due to the large nature of the flakes. A large bowl is strongly recommended. Lighting is another chore in itself. It takes me at least three lights to get this stuff going. But once it gets going there is only one word to describe this smoke- smooth. This is the smoothest tobacco I have ever smoked. Mellow is another word that comes to mind. Very little sweetness of the wine comes through in the smoke, which, to me, is a good thing. The wine seems to have done its job of mellowing the smoke and no more. This is a very rich tasting smoke and needs to be smoked slowly and savored. Frequent puffing ruins the fine subtle qualities of this mixture. I agree that this is not an all day smoke, and it can be somewhat frustrating to keep it lit. The ash produced is very coarse, even with frequent lighting and tamping. I definitely so not recommend this smoke while driving. It frequently goes out and is almost impossible to finish it to the bottom of the bowl. This stuff needs to be nurtured. Overall a fine smoke when sitting in the easy chair relaxed and patience is plentiful.

Now for something completely different. No longer available since their “supplier no longer makes one of the components”. Leads me to think McClelland was their producer. Hmmm. Dark brown to black thick flakes that are best rubbed out as much as you can.After lighting, billowing clouds of rich, slightly tangy but more creamy, savory smoke fills the air. Stews of creamy Virginia meet stews of canning grapes and become a very nice taste. Christmas boiled puddings come to mind in aroma and flavor. This is really good. Different, but good, and was, to me, the best thing McClelland ever made....for L.J. Peretti. ; )

Dark as oil. The red wine smell is clear from the bag. But, it has such a rich smell of tobacco as well. I'm new to pipe smoking (2y) and haven't smoked VAs too much, but this didn't taste anything like the bright grassy VAs I've had. This was straight dark rich smokey wine. And it was good. It was very hard to keep lit. I rubbed out the flakes (crumbled) and let it dry for 45m.

Shoot. I meant to review McConnell's Scottish Flake. Apologies, I don't see where I can delete this review.

I will say that the Perettti's I've tried have been quite good, so, uh, since this is here anyways, sure, give it a shot. I can't imagine it'd be bad.