Alternative to RDF Besides Stonehaven.

[GawithPiper]

I’m trying my best to find a replacement for Rich Dark Flake [RDF] that is readily available in the U.S. please help and thanks! I am about to pull the trigger on some Mac Baren Old Dark Fired [ODF] but I would like everyone’s advice.

Edit- No, your eyes aren't deceiving you; edits made today, March 16, 2022

 

[Simmerdown☕️]

I’ve never smoked anything like it. RDF is it’s own animal. Stonehaven is similar, but definitely different. Some say Astley’s No44 or Wessex Campaign are comparative to RDF. But, that’s not so in my estimation. ️

 

[GawithPiper]

I’ve never smoked anything like it. RDF is it’s own animal. Stonehaven is similar, but definitely different. Some say Astley’s No44 or Wessex Campaign are comparative to RDF. But, that’s not so in my estimation. ️

This stuff is amazing brother!! I’m hooked for sure.

 

[Davy Jones]

Having tried both I am unsure there is anything equivalent or close because of the casing used in both which is very malty as in whisky/scotch.
If I remember well, the main difference between the two is: RDF is more Virginia oriented and Stonehaven, burley oriented. Or the other way around.
Bothy Flake is whisky flavored but has latakia and no Burley so that won't work.
Not useful a contribution and I did digress but I'm afraid those two are fairly unique.

 

[GawithPiper]

I’ve never smoked anything like it. RDF is it’s own animal. Stonehaven is similar, but definitely different. Some say Astley’s No44 or Wessex Campaign are comparative to RDF. But, that’s not so in my estimation. ️

Both of the options you suggested are sold out everywhere too this definitely gets annoying trying to locate good tobacco

 

[Simmerdown☕️]

Both of the options you suggested are sold out everywhere too this definitely gets annoying trying to locate good tobacco

I mentioned that some thought they were similar…I’m not one of them. ?️

 

[GawithPiper]

I mentioned that some thought they were similar…I’m not one of them. ?️

Lol, right. Just looking at all dark flake possibilities.

 

[cosmicfolklore]

Some blends were designed and became popular because they were totally unique. Most (if not all) of the Esotericas and Germains are like that. If there were already stuff being made like these blends, there would be nothing special about them.

 

[GawithPiper]

Some blends were designed and became popular because they were totally unique. Most (if not all) of the Esotericas and Germains are like that. If there were already stuff being made like these blends, there would be nothing special about them.

True statement. I’m just trying to trick my mind. The unavailability drives me crazy ?

 

[GawithPiper]

I just came from the cigar world. Excellent brands like Davidoff and Padron are in every shop. I know they are big producers but it’s the availability that kills me.

 

[cosmicfolklore]

I just came from the cigar world. Excellent brands like Davidoff and Padron are in every shop. I know they are big producers but it’s the availability that kills me.

Right now we have a phenomena going on in pipe tobaccos. Whatever the psychology is, newbie pipesmokers are buying up stock as it is released. Us old timers realize that we still have plenty of things to explore that aren't in the panic buy zones, and honestly, I could spend a few years just exploring C&D blends without a worry for these unicorns.

 

[GawithPiper]

Right now we have a phenomena going on in pipe tobaccos. Whatever the psychology is, newbie pipesmokers are buying up stock as it is released. Us old timers realize that we still have plenty of things to explore that aren't in the panic buy zones, and honestly, I could spend a few years just exploring C&D blends without a worry for these unicorns.

I agree. I’ve had conversations with some tobacconist and they said 5 years ago most of the unicorns didn’t move hardly at all. I seem to always miss the good old days.

 

[cosmicfolklore]

See, all of these European unicorns just end up being glamorized aromatics anyway. Licorice, treacle, molasses, etc... sure, they're quality aromatics, but to me, aromatics all the same. I enjoy more of the pure tobacco experiences, or at least that is how my tastes have swung. I'm not going to get all bent up about something that has had a lot of flavorings added. I am not an Esoterica or Germains hater... I'll smoke them when they cross my path, but I am just not going to get all bent over flavorings.

I'd rather enjoy the pure fruits of the vine than to go taste testing expensive versions of flavored Boone's Farm.

 

[pauls456]

RDF, ODF, I guess this thread is only for insiders. Have pity for the poor ignorant pipe enthusiasts who aren't in on the tobacco-related acronyms.

 

[GawithPiper]

RDF, ODF, I guess this thread is only for insiders. Have pity for the poor ignorant pipe enthusiasts who aren't in on the tobacco-related acronyms.

Rich Dark Flake & Old Dark Fired

 

[Simmerdown☕️]

Right now we have a phenomena going on in pipe tobaccos. Whatever the psychology is, newbie pipesmokers are buying up stock as it is released. Us old timers realize that we still have plenty of things to explore that aren't in the panic buy zones, and honestly, I could spend a few years just exploring C&D blends without a worry for these unicorns.

Agreed! I’ve realized that more of the blends that I enjoy in a regular basis are becoming more & more C&D blends…Haunted Bookshop, Pegasus, OJK, etc.
I used to look down on my ⛰ of Esoterica/Germain’s & McClelland with a snooty ass grin. ?‍ Now, I’ve been craving more & more C&D. ?️

 

[cosmicfolklore]

RDF, ODF, I guess this thread is only for insiders. Have pity for the poor ignorant pipe enthusiasts who aren't in on the tobacco-related acronyms.

I had to google it also, which didn't give me results, so I had to peruse Tobaccoreviews to figure it out. Technically, they should have used the whole name first, then the RDF afterwards. No one daily refers to this one as RDF enough to make it common knowledge.

 

[jpmcwjr]

Rich Dark Flake & Old Dark Fired

Thanks!

I always encourage a one time use of the full name at the beginning of a post.

Edit: wrote the above prior to reading cosmic's post above. So, redundancies happen!

 

[sablebrush52]

I’m trying my best to find a replacement for RDF that is readily available in the U.S. please help and thanks! I am about to pull the trigger on some Mac Baren ODF but I would like everyone’s advice.

RDF and ODF are NOTHING alike. The only blend like RDF is its half sister, Stonehaven.

I've smoked some of the other substitutions that have been suggested and there's no resemblance, and I just have to question the palates of those who make those suggestions.

 

[jpmcwjr]

Agreed! I’ve realized that more of the blends that I enjoy in a regular basis are becoming more & more C&D blends…Haunted Bookshop, Pegasus, OJK, etc.
I used to look down on my ⛰ of Esoterica/Germain’s & McClelland with a snooty ass grin. ?‍ Now, I’ve been craving more & more C&D. ?️

One poster here looks down on Esotericas and writes once a month or so how he despises it.

But do I interpret correctly that your use of "look down" in this case means you looked at it?