Yo rush - very nice writeup. I find BBF to me more consistent that FVF. Some of my best smokes have been with FVF, but sometimes a bowl is just so-so.
hp
les
hp
les
Samuel Gawith Virginia Shootout
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I could see that being the case. This flake was already sporting some crystals despite its relative youth, but I could see longer age maybe bringing out some of the fruit others report. BBF just delivered loads of flavors in a very uncomplicated way. Nuanced but accessible. FVF made me feel like I needed to Sherlock out with a magnifying glass to unlock its mysteries.
Honestly, the comparison could have went very differently if I'd smoked the tobaccos in reverse order. Maybe next time.?
Thanks for the kind words, everyone! I may have developed some permanent synesthesia as a result of youthful indiscretions ??, but it seems to help with describing sensory input in abstract ways.
I really admire your discernment and taste buds rushx9. That was a very descriptive review. I still have my doubts about these 3 being the same tobaccos steamed for various times. I know that info comes from an insider but, it flies in the face of some of their own product descriptions. I will try to look up some of these and post. I know that I have seen GG described as bright VA and BBF and FVF described as having VA from several continents. I will update when I research further.
Just doing a rudimentary check on some of the European sites that i frequent and I see GG described as having a blend of air cured VA and BBF and FVF listed as being flue cured VA before they are all pressed. I am not saying that this is a more reliable source than an insider. Observationally, I am inclined to believe there is different components. The other point that makes me question the simple steaming is my BBF always appears darker than my FVF which, is supposedly steamed for a longer time. I would think the reverse would be the case.
BTW SG does sell both a Bright VA and a Brown VA in other countries labeled as for blending (available in 50g, 100g and 250g).
BTW SG does sell both a Bright VA and a Brown VA in other countries labeled as for blending (available in 50g, 100g and 250g).
Great review! There are many fine VAs on the market. If I were active I would save for 5 lbs of Pease Union Square; but no, maybe 15 lbs of his blends slated for demolition by the FDA.
But you can't go wrong with the Gawith VAs.
But you can't go wrong with the Gawith VAs.
That's interesting. As you can see in the pic I took, in my samples the FVF was quite a bit darker than BBF. I'm not sure about the components though. I think a lot of the blend info out there is as confusing as it is informative. Hell, Orlik had everyone thinking their most popular blend was a VaBur for years before Kevin came along and straightened things out?! I don't think BBF and FVF are only comprised of flue cured tobacco though. There is likely some air cured African Va in all 3.
Great review BBF is an underrated tobacco.I like your description' I get deep whole-grain bread' that is the first taste that hits me.
FVF for me, still remains the quintessential virginia blend.
FVF for me, still remains the quintessential virginia blend.
I agree I think it’s a mix.
and I’m not sure why your BBF would be darker than your FVF @dcon. Older tobacco than the FVF? It should be a step in color between golden glow and FVF. My FVF is usually almost black. ? (As represented by Rush’s pic)
I am cellared deep on all of the SG VA (purchased mainly over the last four years) and a great many of the tins and 250g boxes are still sealed. The jars that, I currently smoke from, are probably between 2-3 years old. My BBF and FVF are both jet black. The flakes are not identical in texture, which reinforces my belief that the blends are different. When these were new, the BBF was a deep brown and the FVF was actually a deep gold color (much richer than GG), as best as I recall. I probably don’t have any SG less than a year old so, I imagined all have gotten darker.
Many thanks for your reviews, good reading!
These three Virginias are absolute pillars of my tobacco bar. If I am not smoking a latakia blend, more than likely I am smoking one of these.
Like you, I have been smitten with Best Brown Flake above the other two for a long while now. Don't get me wrong - GG and FVF are delicious, but to me BBF has that malty-richness that elevates it above its brothers.
Your information regarding the blends is the same as I understand them to be - from memory, Golden Glow is cold pressed for a couple of hours, BBF is hot pressed for a couple of hours, FVF is hot pressed overnight. But I couldn't tell you where I first heard that!
Age-wise, they all do well, but I tend to think that FVF improves the most dramatically. In fact, I'd go so far as to say that I won't smoke it without at least 2 years of age on it. My cellar can accomodate that now. The best FVF I have ever had was a 250g bulk packed, stored in a cage-top for a couple of years.
If you are a fan of these three and like to add a little condiment to your Virginas, I'd thoroughly recommend Sam's Flake (FVF + Turkish and a little tonquin), St James Flake (FVF + Perique) and Cabbie's Mixture (Golden Glow plus perique - to my tastes).
Steve
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