Samuel Gawith Saint James Flake

[Mad Hatter]

A mixture of medium and dark VAs with some light VAs and Perique also. Imagine something very similar in flavor to Bracken Flake, but not quite so full, with a dash of Perique added and there you have it. Its a nice buttery tasting smoke that fills your mouth. The perique fits in nicely as more of a ghost of a flavor than anything else and there might also be a touch of chocolate in there as well. A little light on nicotene but a good smoke

[Mad Hatter]

Maybe I sold the perique just a little short on this one. After another bowl it seems to be the life of the party, just didn't recognize it for what it was.

[Alyks]

I'm starting to become a big fan of the Virginia/perique genre. This one's going on my 'to buy list'. Thanks for the review.

[aeroswat]

Originally Posted by Alyks

I'm starting to become a big fan of the Virginia/perique genre. This one's going on my 'to buy list'. Thanks for the review.

See if I can't get you a couple bowls in your package

[Alyks]

Originally Posted by aeroswat

See if I can't get you a couple bowls in your package

Wow. That would be awesome. Thanks again for granting yet another wish.

[dls]

Here goes my attempt at a review. I smoked this in my peterson 80s (quickly becoming one of my favorite pipes, by the way). Keep in mind, I'm still a noob (and so is my palate), so your mileage may vary.

Opening the tin gives a very sweet, raisiny smell, much like Escudo. My tin was fairly moist so I set out about half a flake to dry. 10 minutes later and it was still a little too moist for my tastes, so I broke it up as well as I could, and let it sit for another couple minutes. Perfect. It's not the easiest thing in the world to pack, as the flakes tend to stick together very readily, but I think the trick with this particular flake is to be rough with it. Once it's rubbed out, it's still pretty coarse, so I used the three tamp method of packing. The taste is very light at the beginning of the bowl, but it quickly transitions to a nice smokey flavor. It's got a pronounced perique element, which I enjoyed immensely. It builds towards the bottom of the bowl, but levels out around half way and maintains its flavor from there. As far as tongue bite goes... what tongue bite? I couldn't believe how aggresively I could puff this stuff, and still get no bite from it. No relights were needed, and a nice white ash were produced. Overall, I'd give this tobacco 4/5 bananas, only because it was such a pain to get dryed and packed. Definitely going in my "favorites" pile.

[EvanS]

Originally Posted by dls

Here goes my attempt at a review. I smoked this in my peterson 80s (quickly becoming one of my favorite pipes, by the way). Keep in mind, I'm still a noob (and so is my palate), so your mileage may vary.

Opening the tin gives a very sweet, raisiny smell, much like Escudo. My tin was fairly moist so I set out about half a flake to dry. 10 minutes later and it was still a little too moist for my tastes, so I broke it up as well as I could, and let it sit for another couple minutes. Perfect. It's not the easiest thing in the world to pack, as the flakes tend to stick together very readily, but I think the trick with this particular flake is to be rough with it. Once it's rubbed out, it's still pretty coarse, so I used the three tamp method of packing. The taste is very light at the beginning of the bowl, but it quickly transitions to a nice smokey flavor. It's got a pronounced perique element, which I enjoyed immensely. It builds towards the bottom of the bowl, but levels out around half way and maintains its flavor from there. As far as tongue bite goes... what tongue bite? I couldn't believe how aggresively I could puff this stuff, and still get no bite from it. No relights were needed, and a nice white ash were produced. Overall, I'd give this tobacco 4/5 bananas, only because it was such a pain to get dryed and packed. Definitely going in my "favorites" pile.

good review David - I like how you noted the flavors building thru half a bowl. This seems to be a common theme with many Gawith blends

great work

[dls]

Thanks Evan, it really is good stuff! I've yet to try the Kendal Cream flake that you recomended me a while back, but so far all of SG's flakes have been wins in my book.

[cquon]

Nice review. Now, "don your robe, chant the oaths,....."

[hollywood]

Evan was very generous and sent me a big sample of this great smelling tobacco. Thanks again!!

The aroma in the baggie was not really strong, but was a wonderful aroma. Could almost taste it! The flavor is so much like the aroma! I could just have drooled on this for hours!! I picked up some fig and another familiar flavor that I just couldn't figure out. This blend really seemed to be strong in Perique, but in a very good way. I really enjoyed the mixture of VAs and the level of Perique in this one. I'd also have to say there has to be a lot of nicotine in there too. Had a little buzz going on after a good sized bowl.

Overall I was very happy with this tobacco and will be buying some for sure! I can't wait to try a few more Va/Pers now! Think I have been missing the boat!

[EvanS]

Nice review Dave!! Be interested in what you think of the others...esp Dorchester and Solani 633.

But you "got it" on the St James...if my guess is right the flavor you couldn't figure out might have been an odd/pleasant cream hint. LOVE that about Gawith stuff

[Kayak_Rat]

I have been working on a sample I got from someone at the HHerf. I am really njoying it. I am not a huge Vir fan, but this seems to have something that grabs my attention. Maybe it is the Gawith kick Ev's speaks of.

[IHT]

it's a Va/Per, zack. maybe it's the perique.

[EvanS]

Originally Posted by IHT

it's a Va/Per, zack. maybe it's the perique.

for the love of Pete, do you have to ruin every special moment?

[Nutiket_32]

Four such distinguished gentleman, yet none of you used the search feature to point out the existing thread halfway down the page? Greg, I'm particularly ashamed of you. Maybe it's just disappointment, but you all have let me down.