@hoosierpipeguy and @shanez both inspired me to pick up some SJF as my tastes have recently swung hard from English to VAs and VaPers. I first located and purchased a 50g tin, then doubled down and bought a 250g pack before even receiving my 50g.
I'm happy to report I do not regret the 250g purchase.
As it happened, I received my SJF just before embarking on a road trip from Oakland over to the Eastern Sierra, where it's currently quite cold. I was unable to smoke in the truck because my gf was along and does not like the smell, nor the 2nd hand smoke.
Our hotel room was non-smoking, so I rubbed out a flake to smoke on the balcony. Unfortunately I lost track of time and the dry mountain air quickly over-dried the baccy. Not only was it cold outside, but rather windy too. I packed the pipe and stepped out to enjoy it, but the conditions were awful for tasting so I quickly gave up.
I just got home last night, so this morning I went with the fold and stuff method with minimal dry time beforehand. I was aiming for maximum flavor, relights be damned. I folded and lightly rubbed/twisted the wad to break up the thick flake just slightly. Rubbed out a pinch of small bits for tinder and sprinkled on top.
It took a few false lights to get things ready, and the flavor of those was nothing to write home about, but once it was properly lit the flavor was heavenly. Lots of peppery perique, which I love. More perique than any VaPer I've tried thus far. I have an unopened tin of Bayou Morning which is also reportedly perique heavy, but I can't yet compare the two since I've never smoked Bayou Morning.
I still have the 2nd half of the bowl to finish, but so far I'd call it rich and spicy. Perique lovers dream. I do have a slightly detectable coating in my mouth, sweet with maybe the slightest hint of lakeland? I had a cup of breakfast tea prior, so I can't say exactly.
I'm quite pleased with this blend. It is slightly fussy, but no more than other SG flakes like FVF. The flavor and satisfaction of the smoke more than makes up for the small amount of work/finesse required.
I'm happy to report I do not regret the 250g purchase.
As it happened, I received my SJF just before embarking on a road trip from Oakland over to the Eastern Sierra, where it's currently quite cold. I was unable to smoke in the truck because my gf was along and does not like the smell, nor the 2nd hand smoke.
Our hotel room was non-smoking, so I rubbed out a flake to smoke on the balcony. Unfortunately I lost track of time and the dry mountain air quickly over-dried the baccy. Not only was it cold outside, but rather windy too. I packed the pipe and stepped out to enjoy it, but the conditions were awful for tasting so I quickly gave up.
I just got home last night, so this morning I went with the fold and stuff method with minimal dry time beforehand. I was aiming for maximum flavor, relights be damned. I folded and lightly rubbed/twisted the wad to break up the thick flake just slightly. Rubbed out a pinch of small bits for tinder and sprinkled on top.
It took a few false lights to get things ready, and the flavor of those was nothing to write home about, but once it was properly lit the flavor was heavenly. Lots of peppery perique, which I love. More perique than any VaPer I've tried thus far. I have an unopened tin of Bayou Morning which is also reportedly perique heavy, but I can't yet compare the two since I've never smoked Bayou Morning.
I still have the 2nd half of the bowl to finish, but so far I'd call it rich and spicy. Perique lovers dream. I do have a slightly detectable coating in my mouth, sweet with maybe the slightest hint of lakeland? I had a cup of breakfast tea prior, so I can't say exactly.
I'm quite pleased with this blend. It is slightly fussy, but no more than other SG flakes like FVF. The flavor and satisfaction of the smoke more than makes up for the small amount of work/finesse required.
