Rattray's

[virg99]

Hello all . I am thinking about purchasing some Rattray's va/pers.
let me know your favorites and why
Looking at getting one of Marlin flake,Jocks mixture,and Hal o' the wynd
Thanks for any input,as I have not tried any yet

 

[Merton]

Old Gowrie and Hal o' the Wynd are two of the all time great pipe tobaccos.

 

[Homer]

I like Bagpiper`s dream.

 

[HeavyLeadBelly]

I like Bagpiper`s dream.

Not a VaPer lol

As others noted HotW and Old Gowrie are fantastic blends.

 

[FLDRD]

I've heard Marlin Flake touted by a friend but I haven't tried that one yet; although it's on my shelf.
Anyone wish to comment on it?
I've enjoyed Hal 'O The Wynd at times, others it's a little much cigarette-ish; which could be my cadence.

 

[BriaronBoerum]

To me Marlin Flake is a solid, uncomplicated VaPer, emphasis on the Va. It's not as dark, dank and rich as some other VaPers that go heavy on the Perique, but it's got good flavor; it's topped, but that topping accentuates the leaf. Because it's mostly Va's, I agree that it can get ashy and cigarette-like if pushed too fast. It's one of those blends that doesn't knock you out at first impression, but you find yourself reaching for more often than you expected.

 

[khiddy]

Rattray's Dark Fragrant is a good VaPer to try. The perique is very much a whisper in the blend, while the Virginias are cavendished and stoved – not an American-style goopy black cavendish, but solidly European-style, based solely on Virginia leaf. There's a light casing that gives it a bit of sweetness complemented by a tang, and the blend smokes cool and dry.

It also works well as a blender in place of the long-lamented Sutliff 507-S Stoved VA, thanks to the perique being so light in the blend.

 

[Simmerdown☕️]

Both Marlin Flake & HOTW are delicious blends. The later has some dark fired Kentucky in the mix and a touch stronger in body and flavor if that matters. I’ve found Marlin to be an all day delicious VaPer to enjoy. You might consider Old Gowrie as well. However, you can’t go wrong with any of the 3 imho. ️

 

[Homer]

Not a VaPer lol

As others noted HotW and Old Gowrie are fantastic blends.

True. But still my favourite.

 

[huntertrw]

Although it's NOT a Va/Per, if you enjoy medium English-style pipe-tobaccos, then allow me to recommend Accountants' Mixture. Its label describes it as, "...a mixture of Virginia tobaccos of different cuttings combined with Black Cavendish and a hint of Latakia." I find the tin-note to be delightful and that it translates well to the smoke.

In his book, "Pipesmoking - A 21st Century Guide" author Richard Carleton Hacker describes it, in part, as, "A slightly aromatic-behaving English, if you can imagine such a thing. It is slightly sweet with a tart undertaste..." I concur with this description which is what led me to try Accountants' Mixture in the first place.

 

[HeavyLeadBelly]

True. But still my favourite.

That’s fair! I also enjoy that blend

 

[spike]

Jock’s Mixture is an English blend. Latakia and Dark Cavendish, but no perique. It is still very good if you’re interested expanding your search.

 

[Barry H]

Being in the UK I've tried almost all Rattray's and you can't go wrong with any IMHO. Old Gowrie should be protected by an Act of Parliament. Hal O' The Wynd is Kentucky forward so may not suit. Marlin has Black Cavendish so needs to be smoked slowly. I find it's a bit light on the Perique for me, but YMMV of course. TBH I find most VaPers lacking in Perique but that might just be me. OGS is another 'hunt the Perique' blend.

Another one to try is Solani Blend 633.

 

[geoffs]

All of HOTW, OG and Brown Clunee are excellent. Listed here in descending order of strength, IMO. Marlin Flake is a "cousin" to these three as it includes cavendish. Also fantastic but sweeter and milder, in my experience. Try them all!

 

[K.E. Powell]

Notch another vote for Old Gowrie. A top 5 VaPer for me, easily. This also reminds me I need to try more Rattray's blends.

 

[hoosierpipeguy]

I have 4 and tins of Marlin Flake available on my last 4 sale thread.

 

[Pickin&Pipin]

I'll Vote for Old Gowrie also, I've been trying to narrow down my blend rotation and Old Gowrie will be part of it. Virginias are flavorful and the perique/DFK pair together well with this blend.

 

[BingBong]

HoTW is my preference, then Brown Clunee, then OG. From a fullness and balance perspective. Marlin Flake is a mere pretender compared to those three.

 

[Bowlsmoker67]

Definitely Marlin flake and Ole Gowrie

 

[elvishrunes]

got a couple tins of Marlin, was expecting something else…. I do like the really fat wad of flakes In a whole ribbon, and the smell is nice a bit like Mclellands sweet and sour. But it’s really dark with a good chunk of black Cavendish and lighter on flavour and nic. It’s a good tobacco for people coming from codger blends who want to try flakes, step up a bit. I like it, but won’t buy anymore, Hal and Old Gowrie get better reviews, but are broken flake unfortunately. I think it was Macconnell flake I’m more after, have to try some…