Fruity/Figgy Perique Blends for the Red-Sensitive Smoker

[futureman]

I'm looking for blends described in the title: sweeter, plummy VaPers which will not bite red-sensitive smokers.

Note that I'm not necessarily looking to avoid red Virginias completely. Rather, I'm looking to avoid blends in which the reds can be aggravating. For example, while I'm especially sensitive to red, Solani 633 is a rather cool smoke for me (as it is for smokers like @cigrmaster). Haddo's Delight, Anniversary Kake or Rattray's offerings, on the other hand, are tasty but terribly bite-y for me. Red sensitive smokers will likely understand.

Any recommendations? The blends I enjoy to date include Solani 633, Doblone d'Oro, and De Lux Navy rolls. Watch City and GL Pease have blends I'd like to try but I'm hesitant about whether the red-component will be too uncomfortable.

 

[Brewfan]

I think WC Old Dominion might fit the bill. I'm not overly red Virginia sensitive, although I can sometimes identify the bite people talk about. I like a figgier perique rather than spicier, and Old Dominion gives that to me.

 

[futureman]

I think WC Old Dominion might fit the bill. I'm not overly red Virginia sensitive, although I can sometimes identify the bite people talk about. I like a figgier perique rather than spicier, and Old Dominion gives that to me.

Their perique blends do seem delectable!

 

[Brewfan]

Their perique blends do seem delectable!

Midway through my first bowl of Old Dominion I set myself an alarm for the next Rouxgaroux release, I thought it was that good.

 

[seanv]

Peter Stokkebye Luxury Bullseye Flake after 5 years in a jar

 

[Jimmy_Jack]

Midway through my first bowl of Old Dominion I set myself an alarm for the next Rouxgaroux release, I thought it was that good.

I got a Lb of Roux..wish I had 3

 

[briarbuck]

Davidoff Flake Medallions

 

[futureman]

I got a Lb of Roux..wish I had 3

I've been eyeballing it. May have to take the risk despite all the reds.

Any experience with flake #558?

 

[spicy_boiii]

I really only get those flavors with either red or stoved VA. And after that, from significant age/flavoring.

I'd second the recommendation for Luxury Bullseye Flake, but I recommend stoving and Jarring it. Good stuff. Very plummy and stewed fruit.

 

[shanez]

The WCC Old Dominion is the way to go.

The Rouxgaroux is definitely tasty however if you're red sensitive and you get it too hot or smoke too much of it you'll get bit.

 

[futureman]

Bought several ounces of both Old Dominion and Flake #558. Thanks for the suggestions!

 

[sandollars]

What A great thread. I, too am Red sensitive and while I am avidly exploring Burleys and VaBurs at the moment, I do have a few recommendations:

Peterson Elizabethan 6/10
Solani 633 8/10
C&D Bayou Morning 6/10
Germain's Royal Jersey 9/10

And in the following blends, you won't even miss the Perique in these VaBurs and they will scratch that itch.

Peterson's University Flake 7/10
Watch City Slices 9/10
Stonehaven 9/10
Peterson 3P's 8/10

 

[futureman]

What A great thread. I, too am Red sensitive and while I am avidly exploring Burleys and VaBurs at the moment, I do have a few recommendations:

Peterson Elizabethan 6/10
Solani 633 8/10
C&D Bayou Morning 6/10
Germain's Royal Jersey 9/10

And in the following blends, you won't even miss the Perique in these VaBurs and they will scratch that itch.

Peterson's University Flake 7/10
Watch City Slices 9/10
Stonehaven 9/10
Peterson 3P's 8/10

Great recommendations. Thanks. Solani 633 is indeed a great smoke!

 

[seanv]

Not to be that guy but Elizabethan with about 3 years on it is sublime.

 

[sandollars]

Not to be that guy but Elizabethan with about 3 years on it is sublime.

Be that guy.

You speak the truth.

 

[shanez]

Bought several ounces of both Old Dominion and Flake #558. Thanks for the suggestions!

If you like both of those once you try them, keep an eye out for McConnell's Black Flake to be in stock.

It's somewhere between the two but better than both, IMO, which is saying a lot considering how much I like Old Dominion. Slightly reminiscent of Dunhill's Dark Flake too although not the same.

 

[anotherbob]

What A great thread. I, too am Red sensitive and while I am avidly exploring Burleys and VaBurs at the moment, I do have a few recommendations:

Peterson Elizabethan 6/10
Solani 633 8/10
C&D Bayou Morning 6/10
Germain's Royal Jersey 9/10

And in the following blends, you won't even miss the Perique in these VaBurs and they will scratch that itch.

Peterson's University Flake 7/10
Watch City Slices 9/10
Stonehaven 9/10
Peterson 3P's 8/10

University flake is great. Plummy and complex more so then people seem to think it is.

 

[futureman]

Just a quick plug for Watch City’s Flake # 558. Outstanding blend, although I need to sip slowly as it can be a little tingly. I love the way it crumbles. And with a little drying, I can get an outstanding smoke to the bottom of the bowl. Think “cinnamony raisins with spice” and you’ve almost got it.

Old Dominion is a quality product as well, but the amount of red Virginia’s in this one result in lots of tongue bite for me.

 

[Brewfan]

I'm sorry the OD didn't work for you, it never gave me the "Red Virginia Tingles". Hopefully, you aren't stuck with too much you can't use.

 

[Puff nstuff]

I'm a relative newcomer to the pipe, so fair warning. The first flake I ever tried was Drexel VIII. I found it to be very nice, not bitey, and definitely plum/raisin forward - a very positive experience. Some may scoff; it's now a bargain basement blend that may not be available for too much longer, but for $5.50 a pouch it might be worth a try. I bought a few and jarred them up.