Samuel Gawith Lakeland Dark Flake

I purchased this blend shortly after it was released and let it sit for around 6 and half years before opening it. I didn't know much about it other than the fact that it was something new from SG who, unlike many blenders, doesn't release something new each month. Also, since I pretty much like everything SG makes, I found it not much of a risk.

I did enjoy it even though it was not what I was expecting. My expectations were based on the use of the term Lakeland in the title. I know this is the region from which SG hails; however, this term evokes thoughts of "perfumey" scents to my mind. This was the farthest thing from a "perfumey" scented lakeland blend. This is burley forward, specifically Kentucky leaf.

I don't know if the Kentucky used has been dark fired. I don't believe it has as the leaf is lighter brown than what I would expect from DFK blend. It also leans more to the nutty sweet than the BBQ smoky flavor I tend to associate with DFK. If I had to compare this to a blend, I would say it is more akin to Solani ABF (my favorite burley) than it is to Mac Baren's ODF or any other popular DFK blend.

It packs, lights and smokes easily and is quite stout, but not overwhelming YMMV. I found it was the perfect moisture level right out of the tin, so there was little maintenance needed. Like most blends of this ilk, this is a very monotone blend that can get pretty boring. This is where it strongly separates from ABF to me as that is also a monotone blend; however, I could easily smoke that all day every day. With LD, I could not do back-to-back bowls.

Overall, this is a good blend. I would not buy more of this as I would prefer to buy ABF, but this is a better burley than most and thus, I do recommend it. If you wish ABF was a little more stout, than this could be the "4 star" burley blend you seek.