Sampling Sam Gawith Flakes

[DotAndBang’sPipes]

Now is probably not the best time to inquire about SG tobaccos since they are sold out in most places. Still, I’ve been trying to figure out a way to sample a number of different SG tobaccos that a) I’d really like to try but b) am not sure I’ll like (I don’t care for Lakeland flavoring). Nevertheless, my curiosity over Grousemoore, Bob’s Chocolate Flake, St. James, Firedance, 1792, and others, is killing me! Should I just pick up the tins and take the risk, or is there a better way of tackling this? Thanks in advance. PS Hit the “submit” button before I could choose the correct sub topic under which to label this post!

 

[ekert]

I've never tasted Lakeland essence in chocolate flake, FVF, St. James flake, or firedance flake and would recommend picking up a tin of each as these are all quite enjoyable IMHO.

 

[hoosierpipeguy]

You could purchase 8 different tins for under $100. Chances are very good you'd like a few of them.

 

[workman]

I would purchase the tins. Pop one, smoke, and if you are not crazy about it after 4-5 bowls, jar it. Then pop the next ::

 

[saltedplug]

I don't think you can buy SG flakes less than 50g. Trade? Although you've been a member long enough, you would need to up your post count, but with meaningful posts, as the mods will chastise you if they see you posting just to trade. Workman also has a good strategy of jarring what you don't like. The tastes of most change, especially early on. If you come back to a blend in a few months your additional experience may help you out.

 

[canucklehead]

My local B&M has several Samuel Gawith products in their bulk jars (they also still have a little bit left of a few bulk McClelland products). I like to buy a little baggy to try before buying a whole tin, as tins here of Samuel Gawith cost $57.50. They are always in stock though.

 

[madox07]

anglocatholicpiper if you never tried lakelands just buy one tin. Look on reviews, and see which one sounds best compared to your expectations. Order that one tin, try it, play around with it and order the rest if you liked the first. And another tip ... don't start with 1792, in my experience tonka is a love it or hate it thing.

 

[teufelhunden]

So, are all Samuel Gawith blends considered Lakeland or just a few? Which ones? I have only tried Best Brown Flake and Squadron Leader and did not notice any strange (floral) flavor or scent. My tongue needs a good scrubbing though so that could be a contributing factor..

 

[workman]

When pipe smokers talk of lakeland blends, they mean blends with a certain kind of topping, that is used by Samuel Gawith, Gawith & Hoggarth and others. Not all of their blends have it. BBF and Squadron Leader don't. I haven't tried a Lakeland essence blend yet, but I have a tin of Grousemoor, which I believe is considered a Lakeland. I know that FVF, St James Flake, Lakeland Dark, 1792 Flake, Cabbies Mixture and the latakia blends are not considered lakelands.

 

[teufelhunden]

Workman, thank you sir. I read a very lengthy thread on this subject and it did not really help me much so your succint lsiting of what is and is not considered Lakeland in the SG blends/tobaccos is very helpful. Now I just need to wait for the next shipment of SG; Best Brown, Squadron Leader, and St James to get on the shelves................still waiting!

 

[leafsmoker]

Yes try the 50 gm tins.I know I love chocolate flake and 1792 flake.

 

[condorlover1]

Lakelands. You either love the stuff or hate it but once smoked in your pipe you will never been truly alone! :rofl:

 

[crashthegrey]

I would just buy the tins when available. These are really hard to get samples, and quite honestly, I wind up smoking a whole tin before I decide if I like something completely new anyway.

 

[cosmicfolklore]

I put 1792 in the Lakeland category, with that tonquin bean stuff. I don't hate it, but still, it's in the category.
I can't imagine giving a blend a fair go of it with under 50grams worth. I mean, the flavors change as the tin stays open in rotation, and dries out some... sometimes the very last bowl is the absolute best. I wouldn't even consider picking up only an oz to try something. That is just dabbling.

By buying at least one tine, most times I will buy three tins to truly give a blend a go of it.
If you don't like Lakelands, then just skip Gousemoore altogether...

 

[mso489]

I don't know why you have to sample the whole SG inventory at once. I'd research the constituents of the various blends to the degree possible. Then choose one that sounds like something you'd enjoy. Try it intermittent with other blends in rotation. In nine months, or a year, or whatever, pick out another. I think if you do this in a manic way, you'll end up with thirty of forty dollars worth of blends you don't like, and maybe about the same of those you do, and storing quite a bit of both categories. I'd just slow down and gain a little perspective, or that's my slant on it anyway.

 

[mityahicks]

Bob's flake definitely has Lakeland. It is mild, and I dig it, but others may not