Ribbon Versus Flake Of Same Blend

[geopiper]

Looking for your thoughts on ribbon versus flakes. Thinking of picking up some star of the East flake. I‘ve smoked the ribbon and like how it behaves during the smoke, but I have an affinity for flakes.

The taste should be the same, right? Will they both respond the same with a little age on them?

I‘m just trying to make up my mind.
thanks

 

[Rockyrepose]

I'm not experienced enough to answer this from a practical stand point but I have read where there can be distinct differences in flavor from tobacco prepared in different states due to various factors. There may be similarities but oft times the pressing of flakes marries the tobacco in ways that ribbon can't.

 

[rushx9]

Pressed tobaccos tend to taste more homogeneous and "married" while the loose versions can vary more as the bowl is smoked. It's easier to pick out the different leaf varieties in a ready rubbed. Sometimes the blend changes greatly when pressed. I've only had loose SotE, but I'd expect the Flake to taste fairly different. Penzance is(supposedly) just pressed Margate. The binders and extra humectants can make for some flavor variations of their own. A pressed mixture will often taste more creamy but less bright, if those descriptors mean anything to you.

 

[Rockyrepose]

I'd add that this is just another subjective variation like almost everything in this hobby. I think you should just go for it and try both.

 

[alaskanpiper]

If I have a choice I pick flake. I tend to find them slightly richer and to have a more consistent flavor. It also gives me more control over moisture and how the tobacco is prepared (cube, rubbed, really rubbed, etc.). Plus it takes up less room in a jar without having to mash that shit down like an overpacked suitcase.

 

[mortonbriar]

Smoke both and report back!

 

[greeneyes]

Looking for your thoughts on ribbon versus flakes. Thinking of picking up some star of the East flake. I‘ve smoked the ribbon and like how it behaves during the smoke, but I have an affinity for flakes.

The taste should be the same, right? Will they both respond the same with a little age on them?

I‘m just trying to make up my mind.
thanks

Try both. But the flake is better. They are, surprisingly, very different blends, and the flake is superior. And beyond that, the plug is superior. This depends entirely on the tobacco, of course. A perfect example is K&K ribbon, flakes and plugs. The mixtures, and to a lesser extent the flakes, will loose some "oomph" after the tin is opened with time. The plug (in this case, Gold Brick) has a certain intensity of flavor when freshly shaven that it loses if you leave the shavings to sit for an extended period of time. Again, it's only true of certain "fomulas" but something gets lost the more finely the format is cut. I'm smoking several Samuel Gawith plugs now. If you cut them and let them sit too long, they lose something. If you rub out the flakes, and let them sit too long they lose something (and so forth; some will say it "changes" rather than "loses" but again, depends on the blend).

I was speaking to a friend, a long time pipe smoker, and we were discussing tobacco reviews and such. For some reason we were discussing Bayou Morning, which I find disagreeable in every single dimension. He also has a strong disdain for Cornell & Diehl tobaccos but he insisted that Bayou Morning Flake is a different than the ribbon.

 

[sandollars]

I like the flake better too. I think it tastes more complex, also I can grind it to the uniform consistency I desire which makes me very happy

 

[geopiper]

Thanks for all the thoughts. You've helped me decide: flake it is.

 

[dquisenberry]

When a blend with perique is pressed, the juices spread though out the tobacco and make is more prevalent.

 

[karam]

I'd always go for flake vs ready rubbed, flakes give you a lot of versatility and they keep better.

 

[PaulTheScandinavian]

Aa far as St Bruno is concerned I prefer RR over the flake cut whereas with Erinmore the flake version is better by far

 

[hoosierpipeguy]

They will be different. Which is better or worse is personal preference. I like flake because I find it faster and easier to load. It also smokes slower. Try both and form your own opinion. I should add I've found one exception. I prefer the Capstan Blue Ready Rubbed over the flake version.

 

[logs]

I generally buy flake over ribbon if there's a choice, on the assumption that flake will be better tasting. But when I sit down to actually smoke I find myself reaching for ribbon more often. It's instant gratification, whereas flakes and cakes and plugs are extra work.... sometimes a lot of extra work. Ribbon is fun. Cakes and plugs are like a homework assignment.