Rattray Marlin Flake

MF got so many reviews, I will cut it the shortest possible. This can I'm going to finish is marked "blended by", but sure it's of the K&K production. MF is a medium flake in all senses. The kind of tobacco I usually bring with me in the working hours. It comes very wet, and just after the three or more months I got it opened it's not still dry enough. It's a pity that I realize just now when only a few bowlful do remain in the can, that MF gives the best when dried. I do agree with the guy who says that there may be a touch o Perique. I'm not very convinced of it's renowned qualities, so only two stars for the moment. But I want like this tobacco, so I'm going to buy another 100grms can which I'll let sleep unsealed for six months at least.

One of the richest flakes around, deep dark and with a wonderful texture. A real pleasure to load and smoke. But can be a bit syrupy tasting , being virginia based I found it lacking in some way , perhaps some of the other colours in tobaccos rainbow are whats needed. None the less a fine flake.

I've tried this folded, I've tried this cubed, I've tried this rubbed out somewhat and I've tried this rubbed out quite a bit, right out of the tin or dried out for a while... and I get absolutely nothing except warm air...certainly seems to be quality tobacco, it's beautifully presented, and has an interesting tin note of tobacco and juicy fruit gum...but, nothing. I don't even detect the Cavendish in this. Everybody's tastes are different and it does seem to be a genuinely quality tobacco, but it is one that does nothing for me. Giving it two stars because, in its own way, it's utter lack of any discernible notes is remarkable. Marlin Flake is certainly inoffensive, and it may be something that strikes somebody else's palate as just right for their pipe. In my big Nording, it would gurgle sporadically through the smoke. Didn't really get much nicotine out of it either, and the room note was equally bland.

I was really looking forward to this one. Unfortunately, not much good came out of this for me. I do not like the tobacco combos in this—I thought I would, but something went awry. Perhaps it was the overly sweet VA's combined with the Cavendish, I'm not sure. The perique didn't improve it, either. The snork wasn't too bad, but the sweetness couldn't be eliminated, too overpowering. Sadly, a bad taste formed in my mouth, both while smoking it, and after. Very displeasing. Just for the mildly interesting snork I'll give this one a grudging 2 stars.

Keep on pipin'

After reading several reviews, I think I may have gotten a strange batch, so I may try this again, but my batch appeared and tasted different than many others are posting. The appearance of the the tobacco in the 100g tin was strange; there were only about 5 flakes, but they were each about a foot long and folded up to fit in the tin. The flakes could not be taken out of the tin without falling apart, so the fold method was out of the question. The flakes appeared a reddish color, and had a typical vinegary smell associated with red virginias. Upon lighting, the first taste noticed was, of course, the spicy red virginia taste, but in the background, there was a level of dullness, or bitterness, somewhat like the taste of an orange is tempered by the peel when it is left on. The smoke was unusually mild and quite boring all the way down; although my batch had plenty of red virginia, it lacked the sweetness that most red virginia has and replaced it with nothing. Since other reviewers compare this to stronger, brown Virginia flakes, I may try this again in a year or two, but the batch I got was extremely mediocre compared to some of the stunning reviews I have heard about this tobacco.

I'd like to know how you folks who are giving this a good review are getting past the bite? I really like the sweet wine flavor of Marlin but it kills my tongue every time. I've experimented with different pipes and different levels of moisture/dryness etc.

Sadly, I can't recommend this. I wish I could smoke it. I really like the flavor. How do you do it?

What was at one time, I believe, a straight Virginia blend, now contains perique and cavendish. What was once a great tobacco is now just an ordinary good blend with too much competition in its class.

Readers should take note that the ratings for this blend have gone down over the past several years.

If you're looking for a great straight Virginia, try Full Virginia Flake. If you want a basic Vaper, try Luxury Bullseye Flake.

06.13.2007. having now become better acquainted with the wonderful virginia tobaccos from sam gawith, these german/danish tobaccos pale in comparison. they almost appear like goopy aromatics. downgraded one star.

05.14.2007. not a bad dark semi-stoved virginia, just not that interesting. somewhat sweet in the german-danish sense. very malty. may work well as a beginners virginia.

none of the rattray's virginia tobaccos have remained unchanged during the kohlhase & kopp period, it seems. and actually, for the most part they're made by orlik. the one that has changed the least must be hotw.

roasting old gowrie saved that tobacco. i may try the same cure for marlin flake. at present, i find it rather sad to smoke, remembering the glory it was.

A good quality tobak for what it is...straight VA`s. Seems I have to puff too hard to get any satisfaction and it can tend to bite when pushing the envelope. This tin is 2 yrs old....the remaining 2 should last for the next 10 yrs.