I started back in September, so it has been all discovery. Nailing down a favorite is tough but I’m just gonna say GLP Union Square. Love the pure, unadulterated Virginia.
I smoked a couple ounces of that in 2019-2020 and really enjoyed it. Reminds me of church incense, and yet the tasty, high quality Virginias still manage to shine through. I got some Kendall Flake thinking it would be similar, but it really isn't. Much more perfumey. I have it jarred away for aging. Maybe some cellar time will mellow it a bit.Hands down, mine was Gawith, Hoggarth & Co. - No. 7 Broken Flake. I normally pick up Dark Birds Eye, Kendal Mix, Kendal Dark, Ennerdale, Rum Flake and any of the Dark Flakes or Plugs as they are my staples. After the last few drops, I always saw this sitting around with stock availability. I tend toward stronger blends and thought it might be too light after I read the TR description:
"This is virtually a blend reversal of Coniston Cut Plug with 75% flue cured Virginia. 16 % dark fired, and 9% burley. The blend therefore has far milder characteristics; and is rounded off with the addition of typical English flavours, and a touch of vanilla."
After everything else was gone after the mid-summer drop, I saw this still in and added it to an order figuring "Well, at least its got the sauce." I was joyfully surprised when it arrived and I smoked my first bowl. It is lighter but not light. It's richly sauced and I call it medium strength.
What was your favorite tobacco discovery of 2021?
Man I really need to bone up on some watch city, really interested on trying their offerings.This has been a great year in my eternal tobacco exploration! My biggest discovery this year would probably be Watch City Cigar, thanks to my discovery of this forum (thanks!). I've smoked my way through quite a few of their incredible offerings and The Churchwarden has made the permanent rotation. In fact, I'm eagerly awaiting an order from them so I can try their new blends and Elf Dandruff.
Another gem I discovered is LaFleurs Bluff from the Country Squire. I haven't had a perique explosion like that in a while, I can't recommend it enough.