Peterson University Flake

An excellent blend of burley and Virginia tobaccos. The somewhat muted flavors are primarily in the base range, with some sweetness from the Virginias and a light fruit-like topping. I enjoy this best in the morning, but is nice before bed if I haven't been smoking more flavorful blends beforehand. I find UF very satisfying in nicotine, particularly as an eye opener in the early morning.

In my opinion UF is a classic flake that every pipe smoker should try. I recommend smoking an entire tin before forming a final conclusion because its positive qualities are subtle and take some time to acclimate to. If you like UF, Peterson's Irish Flake will knock your socks off, like UF on steroids. Even though they are now both made in Germany, they have retained that "Irish" essence or quality that is so important in the history of our great hobby.

I don't know what has happened to UF but recent purchases have consisted of a very dark brown flake and what ever the blenders use for casing is much too pungent for my taste plus I find it to be very acidic on my stomach. I have smoked this tobacco for three years and it has been consistent up until now.

I hope they sort it out. Has anyone else noticed changes to UF?

Jan 2012. I am pleased to report UF now seams to be back to it's old self although the flake could still be sliced a little finer to enhance rubbing. Providing one rubs up in advance the moisture content levels out and the result is a slow burning satisfying smoke in any weather at any time of day. Peterson's just slice it thinner please

A very good down-to-earth honest flake tobacco. I have used the rub-out method and the roll & stuff (Franke) method with this flake. It smokes well with whatever is your prefered method. It burns slowly with no tongue bite. The taste is typical of a Burley blend with a nice nutty flavour. Peterson say there is a topping of a plum but after smoking this for several years I have never tasted it. I smoke UF as my first smoke of the day, every day and love to sit with my first bowl of the day accompanied with my first cup of tea. It burns down to a fine white ash with no dottle. I love it and highly recommend it to anyone who likes Burley.

A nice smoke, finished a few bowls of it today in flake-style pipes, fold/stuff method...smoked very nice, a few relights to get it going this way but enjoyed the blend once I got it stoked, slow-sip'in style is best...isn't it always

Update: 1/19/2012 - This stuff has become one of my go-to/fav smokes...I have found that some dry time, about an hour or so before smoking works best (as does with al bacci I guess)...really a great flake

After my woeful experience with Peterson aromatics I was reluctant to go to “school” with this blend, especially with its “plum” topping.  The good news for me is that the artificialness of the casing is quite subdued, and any scent that peeks out from behind the burley curtain is complementary to the overall taste.   The burn characteristics of this blend are superb, nary a bite nor are exorbitant relights required.  Presentation in the tin is pleasing to the eye, the flakes are easy to rub out or fold and smoke down to ashes.  UF is a blend to be appreciated by beginners to veterans, its quality is sure to please.

Very nice flakes with a leathery raisin tin note. Rubbed out the tobacco stays lit very well and did not get wet as so many aromatics do, which is very nice. Cool smoke. University Flake is a very nice aromatic but nothing like an across the counter drug-store aro. Room note is very berry like, I didn't get it until I left the room and came back a few minutes later. With quick sips you can dedect a bit of chocolate. Very enjoyable with a little more nicotine than most aromatics.

I purchased a tin based on the reviews here. This isn't a bad Burley blend & I see why it has a fairly large following. It is very enjoyable with a fruity plum note that was quite noticeable initially but fades into the background as more of the tobacco burns off.

Initially, I didn't care for VA/Burs that much but have grown more accustomed to this type of blend. UF will be placed in my rotation & sampled from time to time. It has plenty of strength... almost as much as Irish Flake & will still get you there... just takes a little longer.

Not bad at all for a VA/Bur blend and the plum flavoring was lightly applied & added that extra dimension that gave it a smoother edge & a sweeter tobacco taste. Not bad at all & IMHO, UF merits at least 3 1/2 stars.

I had an opportunity to try this blend at the monthly pipe club meeting and liked it very much. I can detect a slight, fruity casing in the tobacco, but I feel that in this case it certainly adds to the overall flavor of the burley and virginias. Not overpowering nicotine wise, but does carry a hit worth mentioning - may still be too strong for some folks, however. Myself, I find it just right, and enjoy it along with a cup of orange green tea in the evening, or even with a good cup of coffee. I feel that this is a high quality tobacco blend and is definitely now among my top favorites. This is one you must try for yourself.

Peterson UF .. Could be a tasty tobacco in spite of it topping, for some, but in my opinion the hard work of keeping this stuff lit and it's rather oh-hum casting makes this stuff not worth the afford. And for it cost, I believe you can do better. What it takes to get a adequate volume of smoke is puffing, leaving me with a scorched mouth feel and what feels like nausea from nicotine OD or some foul chemical, I know I'm in the minority with this, but that is my experience, and in this case, not a good one. Like I said. there are many others to choose from, many with far better manners. It's your dime.