Fireproof Chocolate Flake

[Sir Yak]

I was getting a few tins of Cringle Flake last week and decided to add a tin of Chocolate Flake to the order. I’d never tried it but somebody in the Briary was smoking it one day when I was in there and it smelled great.
I’m an experienced piper and I’m not sure I’ve ever had a harder time getting my bowl lit. The first bowl was one I rubbed out and let dry for 30 min before loading. For the 2nd bowl I rubbed out a flake and let it sit out for about 6 hours before packing it. It was a little easier but not much! Once things finally got going it was alright.
So far I’ve enjoyed this blend, but I just wondered if others feel like they really have to work to get it going. Maybe I’ve got a really wet tin. I really can’t remember the last time I smoked any Sam Gawith blends so I’m not sure what is typical with their moisture levels.

 

[Peter Turbo]

It tastes good for sure but it is a pain to keep lit. Probably my least favorite SG blend in terms of performance in the pipe. I have no issue with SJF, BBF or FVF after some dry time.

 

[Chasing Embers]

Cube cut it and gravity fill it.

 

[Sir Yak]

Cube cut it and gravity fill it.

I’ll try that next

 

[Chasing Embers]

I’ll try that next

Only tamp with the weight of the tamper when it won't take a relight and it should be right as rain.

 

[didimauw]

For me to get some blends dry enough to smoke sometimes takes a couple days sitting out.

I plan on trying my sample of 1q some day, but I don't have the patience right now

 

[Winnipeger]

Pack your pipe (gently) then leave it in the chamber for a few days before lighting it. You can do that with the cube-cut/gravity fill too. That might take patience but it usually works well for me with a rotation of pipes. 99% if the time I have no relights.

Or:

Probably 6 hours of dry time is insufficient. Try 24, 48, 72. Intact flakes will dry slowly enough that you can leave them sitting out for a while without worrying about it. I put the tobacco in a jar and leave the lid off for up to several days until the flakes on top are nice and crispy. The flakes on the bottom will retain more moisture. Then seal the jar and leave it for a couple of weeks for the moisture to equalize throughout the jar. Repeat if necessary.

 

[FurCoat]

I've always had issues with SG blends burning until lately. Ever since they stopped sealing their tins, I've not had a problem. I smoked 1792 right out of the tin with only one relight. I'm becoming a big fan of the new tins.

 

[clynch]

Tried some Old Toby. Very moist. I didn't dry it out. Lit it multiple time then put it down over night. Following day it lit beautifully and smoked awesomely to the bottom of the bowl.

 

[The Algerian]

I’m moving toward brands of tobacco
made by less popular makers. Not disappointed with my choices so far.