Virginias: Now I See What All The Fuss Is About

[numbersix]

Thanks to Harris' generosity, I was fortunate enough to try some 7 year old Mac Baren VA flake (which he included with a bunch of aromatics that he gifted to me). I've only tried 2 other VAs and neither were aged this much. What a difference some years make - wow!
This stuff burned beautifully, no sting, no bite - perfectly sweet.
Count me as a fan.

 

[bentmike]

Right on six! I even think opening a tin to let the air in then giving it a few months makes a difference. I notice the smokes just keep getting better as I work through a tin of Virginia. I can't wait to try out some of my flakes that I have recently put into storage.

 

[ghost]

I've had a few OMG moments recently with some new Escudo, I can't imagine how good an aged Virginia is. I'm stockpiling now, darn you all...

 

[matchstickman]

I've had a few OMG moments recently with some new Escudo, I can't imagine how good an aged Virginia is

I've managed to get my hands on some Escudo that just passed the 15 year mark, and Im thinking of waiting for a special occasion to crack that bad mamma jamma. Probably on my wedding day, or maybe my birthday.
For all you guys getting into Virginias and VA flakes, Hamborger Veermaster should be on your short list of must try tobaccos. That stuff is amazing even when fresh, and Ive got two tins of it that Im going to sock away for at least 5 years before I crack them open to see how good it gets.

 

[rotschefeller]

I've been on a Virginia kick as of late as well. At first I wasn't a huge fan, I didn't dislike them but I thought they were a bit boring. When I moved to KC in April the first thing I did was buy some stuff from McClelland. 3 Virginias and one Frog Morton so far. Now it's like I don't want to smoke anything else.
I would like to age some of this to test this notion that Virginias age well, but I don't think I can keep a hold on them long enough! :lol:

 

[daytonsean]

I agree on the Veermaster. It's such a good smoke. I'm thinking about ordering ten or twenty units of it, and letting them kick back and chill for a good five years.

 

[numbersix]

For all you guys getting into Virginias and VA flakes, Hamborger Veermaster

Thanks for the tip pipe novelist - I will have to try that.

 

[cigrmaster]

six, I just realized yesterday when I was moving stuff around that I sent you Mac Baren Navy Flake from 2006. It was next to the jar of the regular VA flake, so now you like a VA flake topped with a dash of rum. Since you like that, there are tons of other Va flakes you will enjoy.
Here is a list of others you might want to try.
Astleys no 44 and 109

Fribourg&Treyer Cut Virginia Plug

Dunhill Flake

Wessex Brigade Campaign Dark Flake, Brown Flake, Gold Flake, Gold Brick

SG Best Brown Flake

Solani SIlver Flake

GL Pease Navigator

Rotary Navy Cut

Hamborger Veermaster

 

[ciderguy]

I'm glad you are beginning to understand VAs. They are a rewarding pursuit. Age makes a huge difference. Home stoving (200 to 220 F for 2:30 or so) can give you an idea of what a blend might taste like after aging or allow you to taste a little bit of that aged flavor in a young tin.

 

[numbersix]

six, I just realized yesterday when I was moving stuff around that I sent you Mac Baren Navy Flake from 2006

Thanks Harris - very good to know. I am a fan of Navy flake in general - never had one this aged before - wow - what a difference. Thanks again bud, I really appreciate you taking the trouble!

Home stoving (200 to 220 F for 2:30 or so)

Thanks ciderguy - I've read mixed reviews on doing that, but good to hear someone recommend it - can't hurt to give it a try.

 

[andrew]

I even think opening a tin to let the air in then giving it a few months makes a difference.

Indubitably, the first time I tried McC's Blackwoods flake I was unimpressed, so I let it sit for about 2 weeks and then tried it again and I started to get that great tangy smoke, I'd read on quite a few reviews of it to try that on a young tin. It does make a huge difference on a young tin.

 

[judcole]

I've been deliberately cellaring Virginia blends long enough that, if I smoke something that's not aged, it's because it's a new blend for me. I don't have a huge collection - I am not a Virginia only guy, nor do I have tons of money - but there's a few tins down there heading for the 10 year mark. ::

 

[hfearly]

Still, VA is not VA.
I absolute love my 2005 Escudo, the 2001 McClelland Virginia #24 and #27

but the 1998 Dunhill Light Flake and the 2000 Holger Danske Navy Flake do nothing for me => I don't like Lemon Virginias.

 

[shaintiques]

Yeah I used to be a mainly aro smoker, but I did a trade with Harris last year and he sent me a nice selection of Virginias. Now one of those is my favorite smoke. Smoked some in the car as a matter of fact last night on the way home. As a kid I used to go to a lot of auctions and there was always at least one old farmer smoking some cherry flavored something, and that led me into Aros, many of which I still like and have cellared, but the right Virginia has become the epitome of what pipe smoking is all about. Each to their own of course, but if I die, I'de like to go with my bent Pete and my favorite Va in my mouth.

 

[cigrmaster]

Six, it was my pleasure. Turning on friends to blends they have not tried before and watching them really dig them is a good feeling. I believe you are on your way to becoming a VA lover.
Sam, I believe Shain's favorite is Fribourg & Treyer Cut Virginia Plug. It is one great all around VA flake, very tasty fresh and sublime with a decade or more.

 

[shaintiques]

Yes Harris knows, it is CVP.

 

[gwtwdbss]

That is great Six! I remember when it hit me. I was stunned. I rarely smoke Aro's or Latakia anymore since then.