Samuel Gawith Bothy Flake

I smoked this tobacco remembering my travels in Scotland. It was a really tasty smoke. The virginia has a very soft taste and the barely perceptible latakia fully accompanies all the smoking. The taste of peat and whiskey is barely mentioned, but leaves the mouth pleasantly savory. Promoted with full marks!

The dark notes from the Virginias are a steady companion throughout the bowl. The Latakia cools the whole experience down while adding a lovely musty sweetness. The Latakia is by no means in the front seat here, although without doubt a key component. The whisky casing I find incredible in that it does not subdue towards the end of the bowl. In the tin, the tobacco smells as if it has been washed in real, alcoholic whishy, as opposed to stewed in some sweet goo that only vaguely resembles the peaty original. Naturally, the casing is a lovely companion to the smokiness of the Latakia. Last but not least, neither the Latakia nor the casing is standing in the way of your full appreciation of the Virginia fundament of this blend. Even if you generally dislike the idea of aromatics, I think you should give this one a try.

Like all Sam Gawith tobaccos the moisture in the tin seems to vary with whatever the air humidity was in Kendal on the day of production, so any general tips on pre-smoke preparations are not possible.

A must try for Sam Gawith lovers, lovers of less heavy Latakia blends, and for anyone who want to try a different kind of aromatic.

This is a wonderful blend. I initially found out about this blend when researching the Kearvaig Pipe Club. This tastes how the Highlands look and feel.

I didn't dry it out before loading my pipe, but I probably should have. My eagerness got in the way. Therefore I had a few relights. But it burns evenly and completely. Lots of full flavorful smoke.

This rich latakia blend is mesmerizing. It doesn't punch you in the face with strength. It is wonderfully balanced and full of nuance. The light whisky topping is perfect and compliments the blend rather than overpowering it. First thing in the morning with coffee or late at night with a nice dram of single malt is the perfect time for this tobacco. This needs to be savored and enjoyed.

Bothy Flake....opening tin,sweet darkish flakes. Little bit too wet,nice flakes though..drying time approx 30 min,good rub ,pack the pipe and ready to go. First things first,after few puffs you get that sweet Virginia taste, blended with hint of Cyprian Lat...Single Malt is playing minor key. Don't bite but slow smoking pace is needed to get most of the flavor out. It's easily all day smoke. Tasty stuff.

This tobacco is so good, it makes me wish I had a more educated palate. It is clearly a high quality flake but I can't really discern the latakia presence. All I can taste is the whisky flavouring. Don't get me wrong, this is a good thing, because I love good quality whisky but I love latakia even more. As a real nicotine wimp, I originally wrote this in something of a nic haze, which was a less pleasurable experience than I would want... Bothy Flake knocked me on my butt! I thought it was strong and woozy making. I enjoyed this blend, but I felt it was trying to kill me! Not sure what that was about. I don't usually mix tobaccos but I wondered whether it would be softened by adding some Holger Danske Black and Bourbon to take out some of the punch. Time has mellowed all of those opinions - this really isn't so strong, and is actually fairly mild. Adding HD BB does make it even more delicious, but it is flavoursome enough without!

It is moist from the tin and usually is served well by allowing some drying time - twenty minutes perhaps. After that? Flavour filled and less problematic to keep lit. A half time break doesn't do any harm and on relight, all the flavours immediately reappear.

Easy to recommend and always easy to smoke. Stunning stuff.

Tin note is slightly sweet, musty, and Smokey. Super nice flakes my tin is almost 6 years old so I think the toppings are almost gone. The flakes break apart easily and I find rubbing out is not necessary. Fold stuff and puff. I was very surprised at how good this blend is once aged. The Latakia is very lite. The Virginias take the lead. Has a bit of a spice note. Super smooth Kind of in between Skiff and squadron leader. Needs a few relites but once you get it going it stays lit. Nic hit is mild. The flavor is medium. Burns cool. I am not sure I would smoke this all day but a few bowls are quite nice

My sample contains nice small crystals of sugar on top of the fakes. Could be more moisty, but reason might be , that it was one year old tobacco. Smoked whisky was aroma of fresh sample and need to say remains also in taste after light. This tobacco is not easy. You need obtain the rhythm. Than you will be favorited with nice sweet aroma and taste of smokiness and whisky.