Good Way to Prepare GH flakes?

[gamzultovah]

I prefer to rub GH flakes out in a bowl and let them dry out for a couple of days. Just a very small amount of moisture left, but not crispy dry. Really helps reduce relights and maintains an even/consistent burn. I then put the semi-dried-out loose tobacco in a jar to use when I want it.

This^

 

[ParkitoATL]

Following up on my progress here. I have taken to removing a flake from the jar, cutting it into approx 3/8" pieces, then leaving those in a little 1.5" tupperware (about a 1/4 cup size) for a few days. The flakes seem to shed a bit of moisture but not get super dry. Then I rub these out until fluffy right before smoking. My Ennerdale smokes this weekend in my Peterson 05 were sublime, just smooth and creamy, really quite incredible.

 

[The Clay King]

Works like a charm. Especially in the summer. It will dry very fast. Just make sure it isn't too windy or it will blow all over the place!!

@pip01 It was VERY windy when I went to the Sealed Knot at Bolsover Castle, Dad says I spent all day trying to light my pipe!

 

[ParkitoATL]

GH Flake EVOLUTION:

Last night, I snipped some Rum Flake into 3/8" - 1/2" pieces, then dropped it into the bud/spice grinder and gave it two or three quick turns. The grinder puled the flakes into a lovely short ribbon which I dried for 30 minutes and then gravity filled into my Peterson 303. Super easy to light and smoke, delicious flavor.

This is a terrific way to handle flakes.

 

[Gimlet]

I smoke quite a variety of GH/SG flakes and to be honest I never have any issues rubbing them out, lighting them or keeping them going. I never dry them out, just smoke them as they come. I rub out fully, one ribbon at a time, load the pipe and crack on.

 

[Ghosted Tamper]

After some time in a jar, SG and GH flakes seem to be nearly identical prep wise, when compared to other manufacturers' flakes.

 

[ParkitoATL]

After some time in a jar, SG and GH flakes seem to be nearly identical prep wise, when compared to other manufacturers' flakes.

Yes, that Rum Flake had about six months in the jar and seemed much easier to keep lit than previous attempts with it and other Gawith flakes.

 

[ParkitoATL]

GH Flake EVOLUTION:

Last night, I snipped some Rum Flake into 3/8" - 1/2" pieces, then dropped it into the bud/spice grinder and gave it two or three quick turns. The grinder puled the flakes into a lovely short ribbon which I dried for 30 minutes and then gravity filled into my Peterson 303. Super easy to light and smoke, delicious flavor.

This is a terrific way to handle flakes.

Following up on this if anyone is still paying attention. The grinder has become my preferred method for flakes.

Straight out of the jar, no drying, cut flakes to 3/8" - 1/2" pieces, then grind. You can actually customize your grind a bit by only turning it once or twice, you will still feel some resistance and thus have some smaller chunks, but the burn is very much improved compared to rubbing, at least with the thicker GH flakes. I call this a light grind.

If you keep turning the grinder until there is no resistance you get very small little flakes, I would almost call this a mince cut or full grind. It's very fluffy and so small that drying time is not needed.

Since the mince cut is so small I add a layer of meer chips on the bottom of the bowl, then drizzle in the tobacco, using zero pressure, just trying to fill it up nice and fluffy. It burns wonderfully this way.

I'm experimenting to see if I like the light grind or full grind better. Either way, the grinder is a winner for Gawith flakes.