Samuel Gawith Lakeland Dark Flake

Sam Gawith - Lakeland Dark.

The flakes are extremely dark in colour, in dull light I would actually believe they're black! A lot of Sam G' blends are practically soaked with water but this one is perfect to smoke right away. The smell is a strong, no nonsense, unadulterated Kentucky/Virginia one, you just know it's going to be a powerful tobacco.

Upon the first puff that theory is imminently attested, not for the faint hearted! With a lot of strong blends by not inhaling the smoke the nicotine can be ignored but with Lakeland the nicotine seems omnipresent no matter what technique is used! Back on to some better points now, the burn is a good one being even and consistent throughout and the smoke is cool. The flavour isn't so positive, the two tobaccos are in even quantities where taste is concerned but all along the way there is an acrid note in the background, a bit like smoking rubber! Inhalation ease now, despite how strong/acrid the smoke is it can be inhaled quite easily, although due to the nicotine amount in Lakeland inhalation could be considered part of a suicide mission! I normally adore Sam G' tobaccos, my 'favourites list' has many included but I am really not suited to Lakeland Dark.

I score this two stars and not one as impartially thinking it probably would suit someone who has an insatiable appetite for nicotine and no taste buds!

Somewhat recommended.

Full bodied, but not as strong in nic as I expected. Still though, it has a good bit. The Virginias and Kentucky provide about an equal amount of flavor. The Virginias have the same basic flavor that you find in the ropes, The Kentucky is earthy, woody, mildly spicy and a touch acrid. I wish there were a little less Kentucky and more Virginia. There's very little sweetness and I think it could benefit from some. There's very little evolution throughout the bowl. What you get at the beginning is pretty much what you get at the end. It does get just slightly smoother. I get just a touch of Lakeland floral in briar and clay. I get none in a cob. Other than that I noticed no difference. Two stars is the best I can give this one.

I'm gonna rate this as strong, but I'm referring to body when I do. I'd rate nicotine at medium to strong. Extremely mild flavoring. Taste is full. Burns very well whether rubbed out or left as is. Like SteelCowboy did, I'm gonna post this under both listings.