A review of these two classics could perhaps be construed as beating a dead horse, since they are discussed so often, but I had never taken the time to compare them back to back. While my taster is good, it does not have a real clear memory of subtleties. This is a great way to compare two blends that have been historically likened to one another in the sense of "If you like this, you ought to try that." This is also a strong encouragement to lay some of each down for aging if you have the means. Well, here are my thoughts. Sorry in advance for the long post!
Full Virginia Flake vs Union Square
FVF jarred in 2010, smoked 15 years old.
US also jarred in 2010.
FVF:
Very dark and rich after 15 years in the jar. The lid popped the moment I loosened the Ball jar ring. Still moist, perfect humidity. Aroma is very sweet and raisiny. Rolled a flake into a ball and jammed it in there.
Caramel – just a hint but only early on. Bready and toasty. A little tangy. Richer than most pure Virginias. A bit of sweetness accompanied by an earthiness not unlike burning wood that is not totally dried out in a campfire.
After settling in, the second third brings on some umami character, becomes even richer in flavor, not especially complex but deep, consistent flavors.
Very easy burning, only a few relights.
Last third: gets stronger, and more wood becomes evident, and I mean like a bona-fide campfire. The overall burn was cooler than normal, with the pipe getting hot only near the end. The aftertaste at the very end included just the tiniest hint of Lakeland, and I imagine that although they purposely do not add essence, nevertheless if you’ve seen pictures of their shop, I imagine it’s next to impossible to completely isolate the FVF from the other flavors wafting through the air in the production room.
This is certainly a classic, and it has indeed aged very, very well. I enjoy it now more than ever before, and am very happy I put down a few jars many years ago.
Union Square:
Aroma in the jar is less sweet than FVF, but still with a little dried fruit. Smells like candy. More grassy and more tangy. It is certainly manufactured with less moisture than FVF which I suspect is because Samuel Gawith uses PG while Pease sticks with water (at least from the limited information I have received).
The first flame brings out a candy-like essence, not as much sweet as fruity. A completely different experience than FVF. Lighter, toastier, not as rich but still chock full of flavor. Still a lot of natural sweetness, along with more classic Virginia grass and hay. Sweet tree bark, and a slight beer malt character makes this more complex than FVF for sure. A bigger variety of flavors waft in and out, and all this is in the first third-bowl.
The second third settles in to a sweet, smoky, complex experience that varies depending on the amount of heat you decide to apply. Retrohale is a little more challenging due to the increased brightness of the blend, which is really the biggest difference between the two. FVF is brooding and dark, rich and full, while US is more complex, a bit brighter while maintaining big flavors.
The age has removed its ability to bite, something I remember having to be careful of when this blend was younger. I think Union Square may be the most age-worthy blend I know of right now judging from the improvement over ten years. I loved it back then, I am enjoying it even more now. Much more methinks.
The bottom of the bowl finally gets a bit sharper. The same flavors are there but muted, and the expected ashy strength comes through a bit more than with FVF. This would the only place where it might lose points against FVF but it’s not significant.
Conclusion:
While FVF is darker and richer, US is brighter and more complex. Both are world class Virginias, and I don’t prefer one over the other. It’s more of a mood thing. Just depends on what I’m in the mood for, and while these two blends are often compared to one another, they are quite different. It’s not one or the other, but I recommend Virginia lovers keep both on hand, and be sure to have enough to lay down for few years!
Full Virginia Flake vs Union Square
FVF jarred in 2010, smoked 15 years old.
US also jarred in 2010.
FVF:
Very dark and rich after 15 years in the jar. The lid popped the moment I loosened the Ball jar ring. Still moist, perfect humidity. Aroma is very sweet and raisiny. Rolled a flake into a ball and jammed it in there.
Caramel – just a hint but only early on. Bready and toasty. A little tangy. Richer than most pure Virginias. A bit of sweetness accompanied by an earthiness not unlike burning wood that is not totally dried out in a campfire.
After settling in, the second third brings on some umami character, becomes even richer in flavor, not especially complex but deep, consistent flavors.
Very easy burning, only a few relights.
Last third: gets stronger, and more wood becomes evident, and I mean like a bona-fide campfire. The overall burn was cooler than normal, with the pipe getting hot only near the end. The aftertaste at the very end included just the tiniest hint of Lakeland, and I imagine that although they purposely do not add essence, nevertheless if you’ve seen pictures of their shop, I imagine it’s next to impossible to completely isolate the FVF from the other flavors wafting through the air in the production room.
This is certainly a classic, and it has indeed aged very, very well. I enjoy it now more than ever before, and am very happy I put down a few jars many years ago.
Union Square:
Aroma in the jar is less sweet than FVF, but still with a little dried fruit. Smells like candy. More grassy and more tangy. It is certainly manufactured with less moisture than FVF which I suspect is because Samuel Gawith uses PG while Pease sticks with water (at least from the limited information I have received).
The first flame brings out a candy-like essence, not as much sweet as fruity. A completely different experience than FVF. Lighter, toastier, not as rich but still chock full of flavor. Still a lot of natural sweetness, along with more classic Virginia grass and hay. Sweet tree bark, and a slight beer malt character makes this more complex than FVF for sure. A bigger variety of flavors waft in and out, and all this is in the first third-bowl.
The second third settles in to a sweet, smoky, complex experience that varies depending on the amount of heat you decide to apply. Retrohale is a little more challenging due to the increased brightness of the blend, which is really the biggest difference between the two. FVF is brooding and dark, rich and full, while US is more complex, a bit brighter while maintaining big flavors.
The age has removed its ability to bite, something I remember having to be careful of when this blend was younger. I think Union Square may be the most age-worthy blend I know of right now judging from the improvement over ten years. I loved it back then, I am enjoying it even more now. Much more methinks.
The bottom of the bowl finally gets a bit sharper. The same flavors are there but muted, and the expected ashy strength comes through a bit more than with FVF. This would the only place where it might lose points against FVF but it’s not significant.
Conclusion:
While FVF is darker and richer, US is brighter and more complex. Both are world class Virginias, and I don’t prefer one over the other. It’s more of a mood thing. Just depends on what I’m in the mood for, and while these two blends are often compared to one another, they are quite different. It’s not one or the other, but I recommend Virginia lovers keep both on hand, and be sure to have enough to lay down for few years!
So you have to choose between additives (which spoil the taste) and moldy tobacco.