Peterson University Flake

This is a very unique blend. I really like Peterson's blends, Irish Flake is one of my favorites. This blend upon opening the tin had a sweet, tart somewhat berry aroma to it and the flakes were a mahogany color with light and dark mixed in. They were somewhat sticky and damp and really need to be allowed to dry overnight to pack and light up. Even then it took several lights to get it going. The first part of the bowl had a sweet, mild, and berry like taste. It was not the normal aro Berry taste but was somewhat subtle, and was very nice actually. As the bowl progressed, the berry taste burned off and the burley came out to the forefront yet the sweetness of the VA in it was there. It grew quite a bit stronger as the bowl progressed and it even started to grow a little harsh. This one has to be sipped to enjoy. My tin did not have age on it and I believe that it would get better with age as I did taste a somewhat raw taste to it. It did not seem to kick with "N" but it did satisfy me. It burned down to a grey ash with little dottle in the bottom of the bowl. The room note was very pleasant, and so was the sidestream smoke.

I liked this blend and will smoke more in the future. i did not mind the short time I was rewarded with the berry taste, but I cannot put it in the same class as Irish Flake. When I smoke Irish Flake I am smoking bliss. I don't feel that about this one. I think flake smokers should try it as it is though, I can see where this would appeal to many. I am giving it three stars as it is a good blend, just not a must have for me.

(05/29/05)

What a misunderstood tobacco University Flake is!

This is a great Burley flake that I wouldn't catagorize as an aromatic by any means. Though the tin aroma is, to me, reminiscent blueberries, the flavor is all tobacco.

It's everything that Burley lovers look for; buttery, nutty, cool-burning and a little bitter. There is the occasional Virginia tang weaving throughout the bowl, but the main player here far and away are the Mahogany and Kentucky Burlies.

This one is also a very slow-burning blend with a nicotine kick. I fold up a flake or two and set fire. Even in a small bowl, you're looking at a smoke that lasts at least an hour with few re-lights.

If you're looking for a Virginia flake, go elsewhere. If you're looking for a replacement for Edgeworth Sliced, you may have found it here. (Lovers of Orlik's Dark Strong Kentucky will also feel right at home.)

Recommended for the Burley smoker.

(10/06/06)

I'm updating owing to the fact that Orlik is now blending this fine flake. To my taste, Orlik has held true to the old formula. University Flake is still like nothing else (save some similarities to the new Irish Flake by the same blender). The only thing that has changed is the tin art (alas!). Still highly recommended.

I tend not to like flake tobaccos and University Flake is one reason why. Rubbing the correct amount is difficult, and the tobacco tends to burn somewhat hot. I must agree with other reviewers that University Flake is a burley blend, not a virginia blend.

Although I've heard a lot of praise for this blend from other pipe smokers, I find it is full without being flavourful and is overall too "aggressive" and bitter for my taste.