I am working my way through some samples generously donated by forum members, and Burley Flake No. 1 has been particularly enjoyable. In the past I have been less interested in Burley leaf, but a few recent acquisitions have deepened my appreciation for this leaf.
Tin Note / Preparation
Most of the Burley I’ve had in the past has been ribbon or shag cut. This flake has a bit more depth to it than those even in the bag. I rubbed out the flake.
Smoke:
This flake smokes quite well—easy to light and easy to keep lit. As of late I haven’t been looking at the ingredients of my blends before trying them, as I enjoy trying to detecting the flavors themselves instead of looking for the various leaf. That helps eliminate the power of suggestion.
Obviously I knew the blend was Burley, and that is certainly the predominant flavor. The perique is minor—it more gives a sort of smoky/spicy note to the smoke instead of being overtly present. The Virginia sweetness rarely comes through, but I was surprised by a single puff last night in which this sweet note came through. It was a bit of a fermented sweetness, so I assumed this was merely a bit of age on the flake, but after reading the ingredients, I think this is more of the faint Va/Per note coming through.
The mouth sensation of this tobacco immediately signals that it is potent and robust. One thing I really enjoy about this is that unlike many of the drier, ribbon/shag Burleys I’ve had, this flake makes for a long, relaxed smoke.
Nicotine level:
Massive and concrete. This may be the strongest blend I’ve ever smoked. My go-to smokes are Gawith ropes, shags, flakes (Dark Flake, 1792, etc.) and I’ve recently been smoking through Mapacho and other N. rustica blends. I would say Burley Flake No. 1 is as strong or stronger than any of these.
In Summary:
In summary, this was a highly enjoyable Burley blend. The splash of Red Virginia and Perique produce a cohesive, smooth smoke with a bit more bass note than previous Burleys I’ve smoked. This one goes to the top of my list, and I can certainly see why Cornel & Diehl is often touted as the master of Burley blends. Thank you, cobguy!
Tin Note / Preparation
Most of the Burley I’ve had in the past has been ribbon or shag cut. This flake has a bit more depth to it than those even in the bag. I rubbed out the flake.
Smoke:
This flake smokes quite well—easy to light and easy to keep lit. As of late I haven’t been looking at the ingredients of my blends before trying them, as I enjoy trying to detecting the flavors themselves instead of looking for the various leaf. That helps eliminate the power of suggestion.
Obviously I knew the blend was Burley, and that is certainly the predominant flavor. The perique is minor—it more gives a sort of smoky/spicy note to the smoke instead of being overtly present. The Virginia sweetness rarely comes through, but I was surprised by a single puff last night in which this sweet note came through. It was a bit of a fermented sweetness, so I assumed this was merely a bit of age on the flake, but after reading the ingredients, I think this is more of the faint Va/Per note coming through.
The mouth sensation of this tobacco immediately signals that it is potent and robust. One thing I really enjoy about this is that unlike many of the drier, ribbon/shag Burleys I’ve had, this flake makes for a long, relaxed smoke.
Nicotine level:
Massive and concrete. This may be the strongest blend I’ve ever smoked. My go-to smokes are Gawith ropes, shags, flakes (Dark Flake, 1792, etc.) and I’ve recently been smoking through Mapacho and other N. rustica blends. I would say Burley Flake No. 1 is as strong or stronger than any of these.
In Summary:
In summary, this was a highly enjoyable Burley blend. The splash of Red Virginia and Perique produce a cohesive, smooth smoke with a bit more bass note than previous Burleys I’ve smoked. This one goes to the top of my list, and I can certainly see why Cornel & Diehl is often touted as the master of Burley blends. Thank you, cobguy!
