Rattray Malcolm Flake

I cant recall Erinmore flake very well to be honest, but I know I smoked a lot many years back. But this new incarnation under the Rattray banner feels, as a first impression, a bit less fruity. The pineapple note is darker, and a bit smokey almost. All in a good sense. I think those expecting *pineapple* are expecting a very heavy american style aromatic. This is closer to what Gawith Hoggarth puts out. Its the pineapple equivalent of Bobs chocolate flake. After the first few bowls I wasn't that impressed, but I keep finding myself going back to it. It has that odd addictive quality. And part of that is the unique taste of this blend. Now aromatic and non aromatic is not such a clean distinction to be honest. Old Navy cakes have rum often, but that's not really the same thing as Amphora or Borkum Riff...or for that matter Pipeworks and Wilke. This is an older style of pipe tobacco and it can't really be considered a pure aromatic....except, you know, it is. And like all Rattray, even today, the ingredients are of the highest quality. I get why many don't like it, but I think its a matter of expectation. The Virginias are heavy and a bit acrid (though in a good way) and the burley is sharp. But the flavoring of the pineapple tones it all down. As i say, its addictive. It does burn a tad hot if your not careful though, and Id rub it out a bit more than normal. I d rate it 4 stars....3 and a half if there were half stars....but its closer to four.