I've recently dug some Virginia flake from my cellar, which I bought several years ago when I first got deeper into pipe smoking. I tried a bunch of blends at that time, and found myself drawn mostly to English blends, which is most of what I smoke now (if I'm not smoking Carter Hall in a cob, that is). Anyhow, now that my technique has improved, I am finding that I am greatly enjoying a good Virginia flake. The tastes are seeming even more nuanced than those in a good English. The flakes I'm smoking right now are McClelland's Christmas Cheer and Dunhill Flake. McC's is now out of business as everyone knows, and Dunhill Flake is nowhere to be found.
I'm looking for a good representative example of the Virginia Flake style. The notes I am appreciating most are the grassy, fresh-cut hay notes and the light "earthy" notes. I also like the fruity plum-like notes in the Christmas Cheer. Basically, I am liking everything about the flakes in my cellar. I look forward to hearing some recommendations from Virginia lovers.
I'm looking for a good representative example of the Virginia Flake style. The notes I am appreciating most are the grassy, fresh-cut hay notes and the light "earthy" notes. I also like the fruity plum-like notes in the Christmas Cheer. Basically, I am liking everything about the flakes in my cellar. I look forward to hearing some recommendations from Virginia lovers.