Latakia Flake
- Thread starter rayje589
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I'll definitely echo scarborian's plugs for the Germain and the Pease. I'd add Germain's Royal Jersey Original Latakia Mixture (which is as close to Penzance as you can get without "Penzance" on the tin) and Esoterica's Penzance (my favorite blend).
"Virginia's just don't do it for me as I find them a bit bland."
"Blandness" tends to be a sign that a pipe smoker isn't smoking slowly enough. Obviously, I don't know if that's the case here or not. And what's "bland" to you might be "flavorful" for me, while your "flavorful" might be enough to make me cross-eyed.
I've just found so much rich pleasure in straight VA and VA-based blends that I'd hate to see you miss out on something you might enjoy simply because you weren't taking quite the right approach. So if you haven't experimented with very slow draws and different packing methods, I'd encourage that.
Bob
"Virginia's just don't do it for me as I find them a bit bland."
"Blandness" tends to be a sign that a pipe smoker isn't smoking slowly enough. Obviously, I don't know if that's the case here or not. And what's "bland" to you might be "flavorful" for me, while your "flavorful" might be enough to make me cross-eyed.
I've just found so much rich pleasure in straight VA and VA-based blends that I'd hate to see you miss out on something you might enjoy simply because you weren't taking quite the right approach. So if you haven't experimented with very slow draws and different packing methods, I'd encourage that. Bob
My problem is that I like aeros and I like latakia blends. So smoking anything else just seems a bit lacking for me. But I also haven't smoked in nearly two months so there is that. I've tried a few VA blends but as I said, it just doesn't do if for me. I think it might be the 'hay' smell that puts me off.
edit:
I'm also only a year into my (infrequent) pipe smoking so I still have a bit to learn, though habits are starting to set in.
edit:
I'm also only a year into my (infrequent) pipe smoking so I still have a bit to learn, though habits are starting to set in.
rayje:
You mention in your Public Profile that you've had Frog Morton. Did you not like that? It sounds like exactly the kind of latakia-forward, aromatic-quality blend you might really enjoy.
You might also enjoy some of the European flavored/scented flakes. European blenders tend to favor African Virginias in their blends, and these tend to be darker in flavor than American varieties. I'd suggest Samuel Gawith's Perfection as a starting spot; it's lightly flavored with vanilla and has a similarity to Frog Morton on the Town, although it's not quite as refined as the FMotT, to my palate. And, of course, there are the so-called Lakeland blends, which are scented with tonquin.
Bob
You mention in your Public Profile that you've had Frog Morton. Did you not like that? It sounds like exactly the kind of latakia-forward, aromatic-quality blend you might really enjoy.
You might also enjoy some of the European flavored/scented flakes. European blenders tend to favor African Virginias in their blends, and these tend to be darker in flavor than American varieties. I'd suggest Samuel Gawith's Perfection as a starting spot; it's lightly flavored with vanilla and has a similarity to Frog Morton on the Town, although it's not quite as refined as the FMotT, to my palate. And, of course, there are the so-called Lakeland blends, which are scented with tonquin.
Bob
Well after you mentioned changing my technique I went and popped a tin of Davidoff's Flake Medallions. Didn't care for the smell and aside from lighting problems (don't think I've let it dry enough) it's okay. The perique is a different bite than I'm used to. Also, about halfway into the pipe it started to get a gurgle. This is also when I realized I have no idea where my churchwarden length pipe cleaners are. So I'll have to try again when I can find them.
Yo sam
1. Most Navy Flakes don't have Lat, but the SG NF does - very nice flavor.
2. Yup: C&D SHF is a typical American broken flake. This one is a Balkan and fairly middle of the road.
3. +1 on SG BF - did you notice how cool it smokes?
hp
les
1. Most Navy Flakes don't have Lat, but the SG NF does - very nice flavor.
2. Yup: C&D SHF is a typical American broken flake. This one is a Balkan and fairly middle of the road.
3. +1 on SG BF - did you notice how cool it smokes?
hp
les
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