After my last review of Peterson Irish Flake, Rothnh suggested I try UF as I might like that as well. In this week's TAD, I purchased a tin of UF along with a pound of SG FVF.
Initially, I was concerned UF would be similar to SG Firedance, a tobacco for which I have little use. Firedance is basically BBF topped with a berry-like topping. The berry topping, IMO, clashes with the BBF as it is over-powering and sickeningly sweet. I think it is a shame to waste perfectly good BBF in this fashion!
When I opened the tin of UF, I had an opened tin of Firedance for comparison; same basic berry/plum smell except the Firedance smelled a little sweeter. "Oh-oh", I thought, "Here we go again!" The UF had nice broad flakes, neatly packed. Along with that berry/plum scent I could smell a pleasant fig-like aroma, common to most good Virginia flakes (except McClelland flakes, which I also enjoy).
I took a glance at UF's tin description: "An easy smoking blend of Virginia's and Burley tobaccos, made in the traditional way."
Ah-ha, Burley's in this one! The Burley might make all the difference.
I took out my Canadian flake pipe (an old friend) in which I had just finished a salt and Everclear treatment to remove previous ghosts and loaded it with cube-cut/dried UF. The dry-time was about an hour. I lit the tobacco with 2 false lights.
I was greeted by a thick, full-bodied smoke similar to IF. I immediately tasted the nut-like Burley flavor melded with the Virginias with a slight plummy flavor. Unlike Firedance, the berries and plums were way in the background. The flavors did not clash but blended nicely. In fact, the fruit was more evident in the room note, which I found pleasant. When will I learn that tin aroma can have little to do with the taste of a tobacco?
As I reached the bowl's half way point, the enjoyment continued. This is a satisfying smoke. It's strength is medium to strong (my favorite range) with very little tongue bite.
The last third of the bowl was equally consistent and tasty...I love it when a tobacco performs like this!
I highly recommend University Flake. It isn't quite as strong as IF, IMO, but is slightly sweeter with a bit more flavor. I think I will go into the horde mode on this one! Thanks Roth!
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