Samuel Gawith : Balkan Flake

A very classy and handsome looking tin

Thank you for your visit! I am starting off this blog by reviewing one of the most revered Virginia / Latakia (Va/Lat) blend produced by the House of Samuel Gawith. This blend has been favoured by many veteran smokers, especially ones who are fond of the Latakia tobacco. 

The packaging is very minimalistic in appearance with the "Balkan" word being very bold and prominent. To purists, this can be somewhat of a misnomer as typical "balkan" blends consists of a generous blending of Oriental tobaccos. However, there are no Oriental tobaccos present within this blend. Some believe the term "Balkan" that is being used here is in fact referring to the Virginia tobaccos that are grown within the Balkan regions, hence the name "Balkan Flakes". 

Now on to the tin aroma, to beginners and those who are unfamiliar with Latakia scent the tin aroma is ghastly and has even been referred to as a "deathly" aroma. Prior to sampling this blend, I have had the fortune of visiting other Va/Lat blends hence I was in for no shock. A close friend has even coined the Latakia tobaccos as the Durians of tobaccos. Upon opening the tin I was greeted by a sweet, damp, minty yet slightly pungent aroma. Immediately I can tell there's quite a "healthy" dose of Latakia in the mixture, SG claims it to be 70% Virginias and 30% Latakia. I knew I was in for a treat.

The "Balkan Flakes" are quite moist straight out of the tin, hence to inexperienced smokers packing this tobacco may be quite a chore. You can either opt to rub it out and leave them to air dry for about 30-45 minutes before packing or go heads on and pack the damp tobacco by folding it into the pipe. I had very little issues with packing mine. Off note is that most SG tins or packagings will dry out pretty quickly and in little or no time you will have a decent flake to work with.

I have to be completely honest here in saying that at the time this review was typed out, I have had 2 bowls of this excellent blend. Hence during the second time packing it, I was practically drooling and can't wait a second longer to light up my pipe and let the games begin.

Due to the damp nature of the tobacco, lighting took a while longer in comparison to the ribbon cut tobaccos which I was more accustomed to. I would recommend to perform 2 charring lights prior to smoking away the tobacco in it's wet state. Once lit, the prominent Latakia aroma takes center stage and huge volumes of smoke were sent billowing into the room. True to the description on the packaging, this blend smokes very cool with a very generous sweet, woody/campfire aroma lingering on the tip of one's tongue.

One of the highlight of this blend is that after a relight, you are not greeted by the "burned" taste as other tobaccos tends to exhibit. This blend would be perfect for those who loves to "clench" their pipes in their mouth for a "hands-free' smoking experience. Large volumes of smoke with a "blue"-ish hue dominates the room. If you are looking for complex or a myriad flavour or taste, you will be disappointed with this blend. It is very monotonous akin to walking on a long straight road with no turnings left and right. it will not surprise you with a bit of this or a bit if that, it is what it is, a perfect blend of fine grade Virgina and Latakia. This will definitely be a main stay within my rotation. All in all a very afford-ably priced option with a decent dose of Nicotine.

Price : RM 35.00 / 50g tin. available from The Embershoppe http://www.theembershoppe.com/