Still working in the garage today. Revisited McClellan Gray Havens after about 7 months or so of jarring, smoked in my Lorenzo. A few months aging really helped this blend. The trademark ketchup/vinegar smell had just about vanished, and the flavor had developed some as well. Upon opening the tin, I thought it was rather bland, but it was much better today. I could taste the burley and the slight casing, which though evident, was certainly not in the aromatic realm. Sorry, no pics.
Orlik Golden Sliced is my #1. It's that stuck on an island forever tobacco for me. It is more or less straight Virginia. It is probable that you would like Stokkebye Luxury Navy Flake, a very similar bulk tobacco. On the high end, Capstan Blue Tin is a must try Virginia. In aromatic blends, i like traditional Danish flavors. Orlik Golden Mixture is made of the same Virginia Flake, blended with a touch of white Burley (nutty and cooling smoke, slows the burn) and unflavored Danish style Cavendish (Burley). The Dunhill you tried is a true aromatic, using Latakia, a heavy and smoky leaf. I am not a fan, but it is what make classic English mixtures so distinct. It has a huge following, and is a polarizing ingredient in terms of flavor. (I am not discouraging anyone here, just not my thing.)
I didn't make this clear earlier, but the trademark ketchup/vinegar smell I referenced above is well known to anyone trying a McClelland blend, except for maybe their latakia bends. It's a McClellan thing, not unique to Gray Havens.
You are describing the smell of a lactic acid fermentation process, which is integral to the McClelland signature flavor profile. VA relies on fermentation to develop the flavor and deal with residual sugar, balancing and mellowing the grass tones that are typical of some brighter leaves.
Have you seen the new Mac Baren HH Pure Virginia flake on P&C yet @Bama Samurai ? Looks pretty good and may be right up your alley.
Thanks for all the info...i really have been curious to see what a navy flake was like...ill have to try some
I may have to take a look at that. I'm beginning to lean toward straight Virginias and away from VaPers, and developing an interest in aromatics that aren't overly sweet, not gunked up with PG, and that let the base tobacco blend come through and not be overwhelmed by flavoring. I'm going to pay a return visit to Astley's 109. I was impressed with it a few years back. I'm going to add the new MacBarren HH Pure Virginia Flake and G.L. Pease's The Virginia Cream to my next order list.
Not too sweet is the key. Heavy flavors scream "we are covering up poor quality burley leftovers at a nice profit".
Cellaring a couple of tins of that right now! I've read that Capstan is really outstanding after a couple years or more of cellaring. I've had mine a few months now.
Today was an excellent pipe day! Kaywoodie with Gatsby Luxury Flake Wessex with Custom Burley Humidor Counter Pipe with Stokkebye Navy. And perhaps a pic and a pipe before bed.
Having some Balkan Sasieni in my Dr. Grabow El Dorado with a hot cup of Apple Pie spiced cider. Had a long, rough night at the Haunted Hayride.
Guaranteed to be awesome. Imho, a truly great flake. Too expensive for everyday use, but awesome. Price is the reason it's not my fave
Indeed! The wind was really bad and when we left to warm by the fire, we came back to find our Bigtop tent just destroyed and all the lights, stereos, etc; were smashed. Very depresing, thus, warm beverage and a good smoke!
Pipe O' the Night... Rusticated Roma Saddle Billiard Stokkebye Bulk Luxury Navy Flake @Double Edge Dougy - note the tobacco on the plate. Looks a lot like Orlik...
Yep. Oh well. Hopefully we can have it all up and running, and even better come next friday. Other than the weather problems though, great night. LOTS of terrified people. lol
