I make no bones about the fact that my favorite flake is Capstan Blue and I tend to compare all other Virginia flakes to the beloved Blue. My local B+M often doesn't have my Blue in stock so I have been trying others..... Orlik Golden Slices, SG Golden Glow, etc and recently my guy had me try a new flake. I had seen it often before but avoided it as it is listed as a "Navy Flake" and no where on the tin does it say it is a straight Virginia. The flake is Holger-Danske Royal Navy Flake and it has come to be my second favorite when Blue is unavailable and I have rarely if ever heard of it being discussed on here if ever. I'm not sure if it is because it's now widely available or just not that popular but I like it.
On opening the tin I am met with the same "hay-like" smell I get with Capstan. Sweet and grassy, that smell that can only mean "Virginia". The flakes are a bit darker the Blue and cut more of a square then rectangular. They are about the same thickness but the square cut makes it a bit harder to do the fold-n-stuff method. I generally will break off about a quarter inch off the side and fold the remainder of the flake, the extra I rub out and place on the top for easier lighting.
This flake lights easy and your greeted by a nice plumb of white, sweet smoke rich of sweet Virginia flavor with very light fruity under tones. The whole bowl burns nicely to a light grey/white ash and is a cool burning flake. If you have never had a chance to try this hidden gem take a chance and you might find a quiet beauty.
On opening the tin I am met with the same "hay-like" smell I get with Capstan. Sweet and grassy, that smell that can only mean "Virginia". The flakes are a bit darker the Blue and cut more of a square then rectangular. They are about the same thickness but the square cut makes it a bit harder to do the fold-n-stuff method. I generally will break off about a quarter inch off the side and fold the remainder of the flake, the extra I rub out and place on the top for easier lighting.
This flake lights easy and your greeted by a nice plumb of white, sweet smoke rich of sweet Virginia flavor with very light fruity under tones. The whole bowl burns nicely to a light grey/white ash and is a cool burning flake. If you have never had a chance to try this hidden gem take a chance and you might find a quiet beauty.
