I am still wearing the helmet and sticking to the cul-de-sac for now, but I believe I've made some progress in my enjoyment of VA flake.
I've rubbed out and smoked some of the Peter Stokkebye's Luxury Navy Flake about three times now.
Today, I was able to get the nice, even and mild "center of the bowl" light and work it slowly down to the bottom. Lots of nice flavors in there, getting all of the regularly mentioned characteristics. The grassy notes, the citruses, from lemon to orange and even into a sweeter bit of cherry-like tastes.
As many have stated, the perique is VERY subdued in this tobacco. Also, after the first half, it yields a bit and can tolerate a notch up on the puff and heat without attacking the tongue.
Alternating reviews debate the existence of a possible rum treatment. I'm not quite getting it, but it could be as light as the perique and easy to miss.
Also debated is the preferred bowl shape. Many choose a wide pot type. I'm still using the narrower and conical Viking Classic Dublin, which I've designated for VA's in general. I may need to experiment more there.
Still to come is the Bullseye Flake. Maybe tomorrow....
I've rubbed out and smoked some of the Peter Stokkebye's Luxury Navy Flake about three times now.
Today, I was able to get the nice, even and mild "center of the bowl" light and work it slowly down to the bottom. Lots of nice flavors in there, getting all of the regularly mentioned characteristics. The grassy notes, the citruses, from lemon to orange and even into a sweeter bit of cherry-like tastes.
As many have stated, the perique is VERY subdued in this tobacco. Also, after the first half, it yields a bit and can tolerate a notch up on the puff and heat without attacking the tongue.
Alternating reviews debate the existence of a possible rum treatment. I'm not quite getting it, but it could be as light as the perique and easy to miss.
Also debated is the preferred bowl shape. Many choose a wide pot type. I'm still using the narrower and conical Viking Classic Dublin, which I've designated for VA's in general. I may need to experiment more there.
Still to come is the Bullseye Flake. Maybe tomorrow....