I'm Getting Addicted to Navy Flake, Rolls, etc.

natibo · Dec 6, 2013

Since my re-introduction to pipe smoking (I took a few years off), I've become quite addicted to this Navy Stuff. Been smoking Peter Stokkebye Luxury Navy Flake and Escudo. Next up is a tin of Capstan Ready Rubbed. Mac Baren: Navy Flake and GLP Navigator are on the list for future TAD purchases.
Funny, when I left pipe smoking years ago I thought I was a firm Latakia man. I'm quickly becoming a VaPer/Navy man! I'm enjoying the sweetness!
Anyone else made this switch in their pipe smoking careers?

smokeybear · Dec 6, 2013

I have in the last 6 months slowly turned into a VA/Per and navy fanatic myself except I came from aros.

mso489 · Dec 6, 2013

In an earlier post, I posited that the aromatic, to English blends, to Virginia and Virginia Perique progression

was a standard tradition. Forums members didn't buy it so much, but a few agreed they'd gone this particular

path. I think I like to wrangle all three into the rotation. One tobacco sets off the other, and it surprises the

palette when you get back around to one type or the other of tobacco or blend. Plugs, rolls, and sliced does

involve me a little more with the preparation and packing, and if I have time, that's pleasant.

petes03 · Dec 7, 2013

I don't have much experience with Navy flakes/rolls as of yet, but I'm working on it! Now to me, what constitutes a "Navy" flake or roll is that it must have a Virginia base, with some cavendish and a little burley (maybe), although I know that some have a tiny bit of Perique or Latakia in them, but in my opinion those are not necessary. That being said, the "Navy" blends I've had are McClelland Navy Cavendish Flake, Mac Baren Dark Twist, and Peterson University Flake. I might also add Mac Baren Roll Cake to that list, although it does have a tiny bit of Latakia in it, though it's not really perceptible to my taste. All of these are top quality blends that I enjoy on occasion. I don't smoke these regularly, as Va's are not exactly my thing, but these are growing slowly on me. On my Christmas list, I put Mac Baren Navy Flake and Dunhill Deluxe Navy Rolls, so I guess I'll have to wait and see if Santa brings those to me to try! Lol!
Oh by the way, I'm smoking some 2011 McC NCF right now!

pilotpuffer · Dec 18, 2013

natibo - I'm like you in that I am returning to pipe after a 5 year hiatus. I remain a fan of my primary English blend: Dunhill's Early Morning Pipe. I recently experimented with Stokkebye's Luxury Twist Flake at my local tobaconnist's shop (John B. Hayes, Winchester, VA). So, I purchased 6 ozs.
I really like the taste, mildness - yet flavorful and without excess casings of the VA mixture. The rubbing out still remains fun to do among non-puffers.
I will try the Navy Flake based on your comments. Thanks!

Perique · Dec 18, 2013

I'm a big fan of VaPer blends. Luxury Navy Flake and Escudo, as you mentioned, are among my favorites as well. You're definitely not alone.
You also mentioned GLP Navigator. My only advice would be to jar this one and let it sit for a year or so. You may want to try GLP Fillmore, which smokes a bit better young.
For a tangent on the "Navy" theme, try C&D Blockade Runner. Not a VaPer, but a true, old school Navy cavendish.

weezell · Dec 18, 2013

Newminster No.400 Superior Navy Flake, for the price, GOOD STUFF if I do say so myself...

petes03 · Dec 22, 2013

Well, I'm half way through my first bowl of Mac Baren "Navy Flake" right now, and I must say, I do belie this one's a winner! The tin is dated June 2013, I just popped it an hour or so ago, and let a flake dry about 30min. I used the "Z" pattern fold n' stuff method for packing, one good charring light, and one good true light and it's been nice and sweet! Now granted, I'm only half way through the first bowl, but man, this stuff is tasty and low maintenance so far! I believe it will get even better with more age in the jar!

judcole · Dec 22, 2013

There's always a great deal of discussion about what constitutes a true "navy" flake, as opposed to just a flake or roll. The general consensus among veteran pipe guys seems to be that it is a rum topping. I enjoy an occasional tin of Gawith Navy Flake, which adds latakia.

In an earlier post, I posited that the aromatic, to English blends, to Virginia and Virginia Perique progression was a standard tradition.

This seems to be pretty much the way things work. It doesn't necessarily mean that you stop smoking other types, just that your tastes broaden. : puffy

:

phred · Dec 22, 2013

Anyone else made this switch in their pipe smoking careers?

Not so much a switch in my case as an addition - I still have a soft spot for Lane 1Q and H&H Vermont Meat Candy, but I tried Latakia blends relatively early on, and I'm currently exploring Va/Per blends, along with some codger Burleys.

johnparker · Dec 22, 2013

If navy flakes are characterized by a rum topping, I am going to be reluctant to try them. My experience with Frog Morton In The Cellar (whiskey topped) was not favorable. The idea sounded great; the taste wasn't.

cigrmaster · Dec 22, 2013

I am a big fan of the Dunhill Navy Rolls and am smoking a bowl as I type. Along with Escudo, Solani 633 and Samuel Gawith St James Flake, they are the only Vapers I smoke. I love all four and smoke usually at least one a day of my 4-5 bowls. I would smoke a ton more vapers if I could handle the Red Virginia's in them, but since I cannot I am relegated to my four. I have tried probably 30 other vapers in my time smoking and loved the flavors of a great many but they bite me bad due to the reds. I used to love Haddo's Delight but could not handle the bite, that is one of the greatest vapers out there in my opinion. McClellend and Rattrays also makes a multitude of great ones if you can smoke the reds.
johnparker, Rotary Navy Cut is my favorite rum topped Va Flake as the topping is done lightly. My second favorite is Fribourg & Treyer Special Brown Flake followed by GL Peaase Navigator as my third favorite bends with rum. The Navigator could use a year as it is a tad rough due to the Kentucky in it but I still enjoy it fresh.

JimInks · Dec 23, 2013

Don't listen to beginners like Cigrmaster. He's sitting on several pounds of crabgrass and Mixture 79. :nana:
But, he is right. Just don't tell anybody! 8O
Merry Christmas to ya, Harris!

cigrmaster · Dec 24, 2013

jim, you know full well that every experienced pipe smoker prays at the alter that is Mixture 79. It is the be all and end all when it comes to pipe tobacco. Anyone not smoking this glorious blend is a neophyte and should be relegated to smoking nothing but those cheap Chinese cobs. Time to load up some 79. :nana:
Have a great Christmas Jim.

JimInks · Dec 24, 2013

Harris: Glory Hallelujah to the Mixture 79 altar! So I speakth with scortched tongue!!! Eyowwwwwwww!!!!!!!!

cigrmaster · Dec 25, 2013

Glad you agree with me. If you are getting tongue bite from 79, your technique is all wrong as 79 is the coolest smoke out there.

petes03 · Dec 27, 2013

Well, I just finished my second bowl of Mac Baren Navy Flake, and out of my limited experience with Virginias, this one is now definitely in my top five! It's had several days in the jar now, and it's now even better than the first go around! I've developed a real liking for Mac Baren blends in general here lately. So far I've had Dark Twist, Burley London Blend, Roll Cake, Plum Cake, Navy Flake, HH Highland Blend, and Honey & Chocolate. The only ones that I haven't exactly fell in love with are Burley London and Plum Cake, but they are still decent baccys none the less!
This last bowl of Navy Flake was smoked in a Nording "Special Rustic" 1/8 bent ball, a pipe which I've had for quite some time, but smoked very little. I had previously smoked a few aros and some burley out of it, but it performed magnificently with the Navy Flake, therefore it is now a dedicated Va pipe!

spartan · Dec 27, 2013

Wife got me a lot of goodies for cgristmas. Including 30oz of newminsters superior rolls. And hot damn are they tasty. 2 little coins in a small grabow lasted me 40 minutes. And the aftertaste is something I really like as well. Looking forward to seeing how it ages.

rogermugs · Dec 27, 2013

I recently acquired some Capstan Blue Navy Flake. While I haven't tried the ready rubbed, I am really impressed by this flake. The presentation is perfect in thickness, cut, and moisture. It can be folded and smoked immediately, down to the ash, and with minimal effort. It's fantastic.

murf · Dec 27, 2013

I thought I was losing my taste for Escudo. But I decided to clean out the pipe that I had used to smoke about half the tin, and it was filthy! Haven't had a bowl of it since, but am looking forward to it again

Quick question: if a true Navy Flake is topped with rum, wouldn't that make it an aromatic?

I'm Getting Addicted to Navy Flake, Rolls, etc.

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