Walter H.

Reviews


Peterson - Royal Yacht 50g
Dear Old Friend
This pipe tobacco is like a dear old friend. I always look forward to my visits with The Royal Yacht and time just seems to go by when relaxing with a bowl. It never gets old. And the taste is just so inviting and familiar. Just pure tobacco flavor with a slight plum/raisin topping. Lights extremely well and very well behaved. No bite. Not overly moist. And burns cool. High in the nicotine department so beware. The Royal Yacht is an excellent pipe tobacco that will reward you. If you like stronger burleys but want to dip your toes into Virginias, give this a shot. And the tin art is just one of a kind. Seeing The Royal Yacht tins stacked in my cellar brings me an immense amount of joy. Smooth sailing with class!

Sir Walter Raleigh - Regular 1.5oz
Sad
The old Sir Walter Raleigh recipe used to be one of my favorite blends (and my favorite codger/OTC blend). Ever since STG started producing SWR, it has gone downhill and is now just doused in a vinegar bath. The cut is not even the same as the old SWR, which looked granola (it is now comprised of small ribbons or a rough cut). It appears to be lighter as well. I contacted STG many months ago and received a response that they are aware of the complaints and that the matter had been referred to their QC team for investigation. Still no change after all this time and no follow up from STG. It is plainly obvious the blend has changed substantially, and not for the better. Very sad. Bring the old recipe back, please.

Gawith Hoggarth & Co. - Rum Flake
Excellent Tobacco
This is an excellent tobacco, and a great entry point to Lakeland tobaccos. Do not be fooled - this is not a light and sweet aromatic blend (like C&D Autumn Evening, for example). This is a good and hearty Virginia Burley with a very slight sweet sauce (or “Lakeland essence”). Nothing like a goopy aromatic and not “sticky” to the touch. I detect maple and perhaps a light dose of licorice and vanilla. But it is just a hint of these flavors. Mostly just a good ‘ole VaBur from one of, if not the, best blending houses on Earth. The broken flakes are a tad moist akin to say Peterson University Flake. Some dry time (15-30 mins.) will help. Be prepared to relight a few times. Burns very cool but will leave some moisture in the bowl. More than adequate nicotine content. Not advised for the beginner. Note this is now sold as Jamaican Flake (it is the same exact blend as Rum Flake). If you like this blend and itch for a little more burley with less sauce, I recommend Gawith Hoggarth Best Brown Flake #2, another favorite of mine. If you want more sauce with similar components, I recommend Ennerdale Flake or Kendal Flake. Major kudos to the fine folks at Gawith Hoggarth. Their tobaccos are of the finest quality and I am convinced there is something for every pipe smoker on their menu. Be patient as their products will only be available a few times each year. Set your alerts to receive email notifications on Smoking Pipes and you can acquire these fine blends. And thank you to Smoking Pipes for offering the Gawith Hoggarth tobaccos. I am so appreciative.

Peterson - University Flake 50g
Strong Chill Smoke
I love stronger/simple burley blends and this just hits the spot every time. Don’t let the plum topping description fool you into thinking this is an aromatic. It’s a stout blend. I pick up more burley than Virginia leaf with an excellent berry-type topping on the retrohale that lasts throughout the bowl. Burns cool and slow. Could use a little dry time, but not too much. I cut a flake into small cubes and go to town. Nice hour-long smoke. Excellent in warmer weather if a stout burley doesn’t suit you. Perfect after-dinner blend. All I can say is, wow! Peterson, you did good.

Sutliff - Maple Street 1.5oz
Fantastic
This is an excellent tobacco. It is not nearly as sweet as Autumn Evening. Easy to pack as it comes in nice long ribbons. Does need a bit of dry time. Excellent strength. Light maple flavor. I can smell the rum but can’t detect it in the smoke. Adding a little DFK is delicious in the evenings for added strength. Such a shame this blend has been discintinued with the STG takeover.

Sutliff - Rum & Maple
Excellent
This is my favorite maple blend. It’s simple yet delicious, and a very creamy smoke. The burleys lead the way. I don’t get a whole lot of rum and the maple flavor is very light. Amazingly, the maple flavor lasts all the way down the bowl. I’ve never experienced this with an aromatic and I am delighted with this tobacco. It burns cool and clean to a fine white ash. No issues with relights. Arrives moderately damp. An hour or so of air time does it wonders. This is an excellent “all day” smoke and a blend I can see myself smoking for the long haul.

G. L. Pease - Navigator 8oz
Excellent Blend
This is an excellent blend. Though I love the taste and smell of dark fired Kentucky, I can only handle it in morderate doses. The DFK is just right in this blend. It is slightly more than condimental but not in your face. The room note on this blend is exquisite. The Virginias are extraordinary and age exteemely well. The rum is there, but by no means is this an aromatic. If you like Virginias and want to dip your toes into the wonderful world of DFK, this would be an excellent choice. And if you enjoy Navy flakes, this is a must try. What else can I say about this blend? Only that Greg Pease is a master blend and this blend is no exception to his impressive portfolio.

Samuel Gawith - Kendal Cream Flake 50g
Great Flake
I have fallen head over heals for this flake. Very rich and creamy with several nuanced flavors. I get a little of the Lakeland essence, but not too much. High quality tobacco that is quite tasty. If you are looking to dip your toes into Lakelands, this is a solid choice. Also a great choice if you like Va/Bur wants and want a light aroma. I can smoke this all day and not get tired of it.

Hearth & Home - Viprati 1.75oz
Amazing Tobacco
I really enjoy this tobacco. Very sweet up front and then the spice takes hold. One of my favorite VaPers.

Sutliff - B28 Hot Chocolate
Good Smoke
I really like this blend. I have tried several chocolate blends and this is a good one. Definitely underrated. Very smooth. Burns cool. A nice light chocolate/cocoa flavor and excellent room note. Not overly sweet and can taste the tobacco. I like this one.

Sutliff - Z92 Vanilla Custard
Love It
Probably my favorite aromatic tobacco, and definitely the king of vanilla blends. Smokes cool and clean. Great creamy/buttery vanilla flavor. A room note that is second to none. I can smoke this in a standard cob for an hour and not get bored with it. Can’t beat the price, either. Excellent tobacco.

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Blog's Commented on

Codger Country: Sir Walter Raleigh
  • ► The blend has completely changed. It is all vinegar now. I would encourage you to review the current production and it will vary considerably from this review.