Group Tasting - Laurel Flake and St. James Flake
- Thread starter ashdigger
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I have two brand new cobs at the ready. Would it be advisable to smoke them with another Virginia first, say FVF or something like that to season the cobs first?
I do get a different flavor from the first bowl or two from a new cob and don’t want to risk skewing the results. Thanks.
I do get a different flavor from the first bowl or two from a new cob and don’t want to risk skewing the results. Thanks.
How was the moisture level on the Laurel Flake?
It sure is sparklie!!!
Visually, ten extra years make a difference. The St. James looks much darker over all to me.
Also, the crystal structure is interesting as it only occurs on certain types of lighter virginias.
Don
It sure is sparklie!!!
Visually, ten extra years make a difference. The St. James looks much darker over all to me.
Also, the crystal structure is interesting as it only occurs on certain types of lighter virginias.
Don
They do not smell the same. One is very stewy/figgy and the other had a slight astringent plum, almost fermented smell.
I have smoked a bowl of each and I definitely prefer one of them over the other. They are very similar, but also very different.
The cut of the flakes is different too. One is very thin and the other slightly, but noticeably thicker.
If this all seems a little cloak and dagger, I'm trying to keep you fine folks from developing confirmation bias, while still giving hints of what you can expect.
Beautiful pictures! Just now seeing them. Just got my samples in the mail today, here are some pics.
Thanks again, ashdigger, I’ll be getting started on this right away!
As far as bag note goes, I completely agree with this! The smell is certainly making my mouth water! I can’t wait.
Thanks again, ashdigger, I’ll be getting started on this right away!
As far as bag note goes, I completely agree with this! The smell is certainly making my mouth water! I can’t wait.
I’m also going to note that while I am familiar with St. Jame’s Flake, it’s been awhile since I’ve had it, as I’m waiting for my oldest stash to reach 6 years before I start smoking it again, by that time I’ll have a nice cycle of it going so I can always smoke it aged, obviously I prefer SJF with some years on it. I’m also going to refrain from looking at the TR of Laurel Flake until I am done with my taste tests, I don’t want to be influenced by any one reviewer. There is plenty of tobacco of both blends to experiment in different pipes and what not so it may take me a few days before I post my thoughts on it. All of that said, let the games begin... I’m giddy!
Mine came too.. both look delicious.
Ill do a bowl of the St James tomorrow and make some notes.
For only having around 5 years of age it sure looks dark and funky!
Ill do a bowl of the St James tomorrow and make some notes.
For only having around 5 years of age it sure looks dark and funky!
Just got done with my first bowl of Laurel Flake, won’t give anything away but I will say, hot damn, it is GOOD!!!
I just got mine in the mail! I haven’t tried them yet, I’m hoping to do so either tonight or tomorrow. I will say, the St. James smells absurdly good. As far as the tin note is concerned, that one gets my vote. I’m interested to see how the actual tastes will compare...
I’m about 3/4 through my first bowl of Laurel flake.
Now I’m confident that if it’s not relabeled St James flake, it’s not too far off. Hard to know for sure considering the difference in age. The Laurel Flake in and of itself is a superb smoke having had over 14 years of age to mature and transform.
I’ve also been smoking a recently opened tin of FVF from 2007, so all in all, cousins to be sure.
I’ve always found St James flake to essentially be Full Virginia Flake with a careful addition of aromatic Perique. I’ve been curious about what kind d of Perique Gawith uses in their blends. It’s never too spicy or peppery and never too plummy/raisin/sweet. Instead I find it to be an old world incense flavor, almost like an oriental once it has been given some years to age.
For me, this is apparent in both samples provided.
Again, if I had to make a guess I’d say they are the same blends with a Virginia to Perique ratio no different than +/- 5%.
Really excellent stuff. Thanks so much for the opportunity Ash!
Now I’m confident that if it’s not relabeled St James flake, it’s not too far off. Hard to know for sure considering the difference in age. The Laurel Flake in and of itself is a superb smoke having had over 14 years of age to mature and transform.
I’ve also been smoking a recently opened tin of FVF from 2007, so all in all, cousins to be sure.
I’ve always found St James flake to essentially be Full Virginia Flake with a careful addition of aromatic Perique. I’ve been curious about what kind d of Perique Gawith uses in their blends. It’s never too spicy or peppery and never too plummy/raisin/sweet. Instead I find it to be an old world incense flavor, almost like an oriental once it has been given some years to age.
For me, this is apparent in both samples provided.
Again, if I had to make a guess I’d say they are the same blends with a Virginia to Perique ratio no different than +/- 5%.
Really excellent stuff. Thanks so much for the opportunity Ash!
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