Customer Reviews (44 Total)
Don't judge a book...
March 21, 2019
Product: Orlik Dark Strong Kentucky 50g
Don't judge a book by its cover! With a name like "Dark Strong Kentucky" you might assume it is a very strong taste and might not be for you. But the opposite is true with this one! The name is very misleading. This tobacco is very sweet an... Read More
d has a nice mellow molasses taste. I started to smoke this during my transition from aromatic to non-aromatic tobaccos and I feel it bridges the gap quite effectively. I would definitely recommend this tobacco! Read Less
Good, But Something Artificial About It
April 11, 2018
Product: Orlik Dark Strong Kentucky 50g
This was an enjoyable smoke, but like many brands, I detected something artificial in the flavor. I mostly smoke C&D, so I am quite sensitive when there are ingredients other than all natural tobacco. This has that mildly "something is just ... Read More
not 100% natural" taste / aroma to it. Read Less
Candied Tobacco
April 09, 2020
Product: Orlik Dark Strong Kentucky 50g
Very sweet (maple sugar added). It's a predominantly VA in base, but the sugar sublimates the flavor nuance. The Dark Fired is negligible and offers limited depth. The nicotine is very light. There's virtually no tobacco taste in this... almost a... Read More
rtificial. If you want candied tobacco without tobacco flavor, go for it. Read Less
Product: Orlik Dark Strong Kentucky 50g
Beautiful flake presentation with a stripe of golden Virginia down the middle. Lovely aroma and flavor of stewed fruit. I only wish it had a bit more spice to it. Otherwise, easy to prepare and, if dried accordingly, smokes well. If not dried it ten... Read More
ds to be steamy. Read Less
the best pipe tobaccos
January 22, 2021
Product: Orlik Dark Strong Kentucky 50g
For me one of the best pipe tobaccos. Only one minus in it - it ends quickly.
Too bad its gone...
January 16, 2021
Product: Orlik Dark Strong Kentucky 50g
Sad to see you guys are discontinuing this one. Its pretty good. Its grown on me too. I like this for a change of pace from my usual English and Balkans. To be honest I wasn't blown away by it when I first tried it. So most of the tobacco lived in a ... Read More
mason jar for about 6 months. I know that's not long in the cellaring world, but it was enough to make it better to me. Some good earthy flavors, a little dark spicy fruit, with the bright Virginia poking through. Read Less
Hits the DFK sweet spot.
October 25, 2020
Product: Orlik Dark Strong Kentucky 50g
This is a great blend, sweet, smokey, woody, slightly aromatic with molasses and liquorice.
Realy good
March 21, 2020
Product: Orlik Dark Strong Kentucky 50g
Didnt think i would like it a first but the flavor suprised me.
Well worth it
February 19, 2020
Product: Orlik Dark Strong Kentucky 50g
Very tasty and has a wonderful presentation. I really enjoy the molasses and licorice flavors. It’s a definite keeper.
Happy I Tryed It!
February 07, 2019
Product: Orlik Dark Strong Kentucky 50g
Very good little Flakes, Smell from the tin sweet,Smokey slightly licorice-E.. But I really enjoy the tin note. The Taste does not disappoint.. This is not Irish Flake or ODF. This has some of the same flavors but not as strong by any means... This ... Read More
is sweet,slightly smoky and smooth. I had not tryed this Blend because I had Hurd the topping was strong and I normally enjoy more natural tobaccos but in this case I think it adds to the blend sweetness and a more rounded smooth flavor... Very good I will be buying more! Read Less
This stuff makes me drool.
January 17, 2019
Product: Orlik Dark Strong Kentucky 50g
Mention “Orlik” among smokers and the subject will turn to two standards in the industry; Orlik Golden Sliced and this one, Dark Strong Kentucky. Dark Strong Kentucky is a delicious blend. To understand the greatness of this once unavailable flake, i... Read More
t's important to understand dark-fired Kentucky Burley. Hopefully, you know what Latakia is and how it's made, Kentucky (or DFK, as it's known in my club) is made with Burley in much the same fashion; smoking the Burley with woods and herbs to impart a smokey, woodsy, earthy and often barbecue-like spiciness to the leaf. I think of it like this, if Latakia reminds you of smoke from a BBQ pit, then dark-fired Kentucky is what you get when you add the meat and sauce! There are many blends out there with Kentucky in them (some of which only list Burley as an ingredient), but Orlik's Dark Strong Kentucky is slightly different. Where most Kentucky based blends are strong and can lack a pleasant room note, contrary to it's name, this one is not too strong at all and its room note can draw a crowd's curiosity. I'd say it's medium strength, but because it has a molasses-like flavor and sweetness to it, its bark is worse than its bite. It is in the sweeter style of BBQ (think Kansas City or Memphis style), rich and tangy, but also sweet and full flavored. It comes somewhat moist pressed and cut into approximately one inch square flakes that resemble aged smoked bacon cuts with the light Virginia being sandwiched between the Burleys. Because of the moisture, I usually let them dry a while (sometimes a few days) and/or rub them out thoroughly to prepare. Like many flakes it takes a little more effort, but is very rewarding for it. Whether you rub 'em or stuff 'em, it's a slow smoke either way. If you're interested in trying a dark-fired Kentucky tobacco for the first time, this is a great place to start. If you find you like the flavors but wish it had a more vinegar base, I highly recommend St. Bruno as your next step. Enjoy. Read Less
Didn't meet my expectations
June 12, 2018
Product: Orlik Dark Strong Kentucky 50g
As mentioned in other reviews there seems to be some pg added (a little too heavily for my taste), and it takes forever to dry to my desired moisture level. For me the flavor, while good, was underwhelming and I always found myself wishing for a lit... Read More
tle more. I'm not sure if the topping obscured the tobacco flavors or added to it in any significant way, but nonetheless I was a little disappointed. All that being said, the actual flavor of the dark fired and Virginia is rather pleasant. The nicotine level seems akin to old dark fired or slightly less, which I would consider medium. Despite extensive drying time, moisture collects at the bottom of the bowl. It probably seems like I'm having a jolly old time ripping into dark strong Kentucky, but I criticize as a lover of Kentucky and Virginia's, and the flavor was much milder than the title suggests, as was the nicotine (which I enjoy). On a positive note the presentation of the flakes is excellent, and you'll find three neatly layered stacks of beautiful dark brown flakes with a golden stripe in the middle. There is a flavoring of maybe liquorice or anise as well that's done lightly. Near the bottom of the bowl it does gather some strength, but by the time I'm really starting to enjoy that flavor, it's finished. I don't see myself cellaring this blend but I will happily finish the few remaining bowls I have after a little time in the jar. If you like old dark fired but it was too strong in flavor or nicotine then dark strong Kentucky might be your blend, but for me the flavor was a little too muted for a blend built around dark fired tobacco. UPDATE: I'm currently reevaluating both Dark Strong Kentucky and Golden sliced by finishing both tins using different packing and pipe methods. I will update both of these reviews very soon, but for now I'll say that I am currently enjoying OGS quite a bit and to he honest I'm a little baffled.. pleasantly. Read Less
Great smoke
April 13, 2018
Product: Orlik Dark Strong Kentucky 50g
Dark fired tobacco is great, and it combined with the licorice/plum topping makes for a great, heavy, dessert type smoke.
Great smoke
April 13, 2018
Product: Orlik Dark Strong Kentucky 50g
Dark fired tobacco is great, and it combined with the licorice/plum topping makes for a great, heavy, dessert type smoke.
Amazing!
February 22, 2018
Product: Orlik Dark Strong Kentucky 50g
Really smooth and very tasty tobacco. Nice sweetness and no tongue bite, this tobacco is a masterpiece.
dissapointed
January 23, 2018
Product: Orlik Dark Strong Kentucky 50g
well i love OGS, but this fell short, looks amazing, with alternating stripes of dark burley and light virginia, smells promising, but the taste was flat and bland. maybe some time in solitary confinement would straighten it out?
it looks and smell... Read More
just like Peter hienricks dark strong, but tht has a liquarish topping and i loooooove that.
But every one else seems to really like this stuff so maybe i just havent found the right pipe to smoke it out of Read Less
Make my day
November 17, 2017
Product: Orlik Dark Strong Kentucky 50g
When I first open the tin, I am not surprise or anything, I packed it as normal routine, but something happened after I start to light the tobacco and my draw... it was a eye opener for, good taste, no tongue bite all the way, it really wake me up an... Read More
d make my day. Will surely be in my list to purchase more. Read Less
Delicious
November 14, 2017
Product: Orlik Dark Strong Kentucky 50g
Agree that it's a great all day smoker. Fully bodies and sweet. Molasses from start to finish, and lingering finish that is so pleasant. I love this tobacco. After not enjoying the golden sliced, I was pleased to enjoy this one from Orlik is not just... Read More
pretty packaging after all. Read Less
Smooth, rich - an all day smoke
August 12, 2017
Product: Orlik Dark Strong Kentucky 50g
Used my William Demuth long-stem system pipe for this. Didn't bother to rub it out, but just folded it in. Stays lit, no problem. Very smooth, no bite at all. Purchased this during the recent sale and am now upset that I didn't get more.
Smooth, rich - an all day smoke
August 12, 2017
Product: Orlik Dark Strong Kentucky 50g
Used my William Demuth long-stem system pipe for this. Didn't bother to rub it out, but just folded it in. Stays lit, no problem. Very smooth, no bite at all. Purchased this during the recent sale and am now upset that I didn't get more.
Semi-Strong & Smooth
June 29, 2017
Product: Orlik Dark Strong Kentucky 50g
Not too strong, smooth with great flavor and pleasant room-note. Will keep this one in the top 5 in my rotation, until something better comes along. Don't see that happening any time soon. A little pricey, but, worth it if you want the best of the be... Read More
st. Read Less
Not Strong In The Gawith Lakeland sense
May 23, 2017
Product: Orlik Dark Strong Kentucky 50g
but strong when compared to the other Orlik offerings.Flavorfull,and with a detectable but not overpowering sweetness.I am now smoking a newly opened tin that has been sitting around for a few months.Upon opening,I saw three neat,square stacks of ind... Read More
ividual slices,with a section of light colored tobacco in the middle,and two sections of the dark on either side.A pungent aroma accompanied this as I stuck my nose into the tin.It is moist enough to fold,which I did,and rubbed out another one and placed the strands atop and around the folded slice as a sort of kindling.This worked well.You will need a few pipe cleaners to keep the smoke channel walls swabbed down if smoking straight from the tin as I am right now,but still, it's not too sloppy and wet.I recommend this to smokers who want to move into the realm of the Gawith 1792 Flake and Lakeland dark.I give it five stars for it's quality,presentation,and flavor.If cellared for 8-10 years,this should be great. Read Less
Dark Awesome
April 23, 2017
Product: Orlik Dark Strong Kentucky 50g
this has a silkly smooth subtle brown sugar/chocolate taste that is a subtle compliment to the burley and virginias. this is a very very nice smoke
Product: Orlik Dark Strong Kentucky 50g
This is a really fine tobacco with the sweetness of molasses, the malt, tamed by the nutty flavor of the dark Kentucky making it smooth, medium strong, and a very mellow smoke!
Holy Smokes
December 06, 2016
Product: Orlik Dark Strong Kentucky 50g
Sweet molasses and brown sugar. Received a tin as a gift. Will have to buy more. My only complaint, its not sold in larger tins.
Nice and Solid
September 28, 2016
Product: Orlik Dark Strong Kentucky 50g
First off,I was a bit scary of this,thinking its being too strong and punchy to my likings,but it turned to be opposite,
Very nice,mellow and bold mixture, there is something similair tastewise with their Golden Sliced,perhaps same sort of virginas ... Read More
were used with some dark fired Kentucky addition+a hint of liqurice toppings?its not too storng in nicotine and I do prefer Orlik DSK to the Mc Barens HH Old Dark fired,the blend which I find more earthy and higher in Nicotine.Yet Good thing we can have this blend here at Smokingpipes,since in Eu its not available at any tobaccoshop. Read Less
A really great Orlik Tobacco
August 25, 2016
Product: Orlik Dark Strong Kentucky 50g
A really great tobacco from Orlik. It is medium strong, not too wet, good burning. The taste is tobacco real, but also flavors of malt / Stout Beer, licorice...little sweetnes are tasted. Not for allday, but sometimes a good smoke for a nice evening.... Read More
On my Top 10 Read Less
Almost perfect
January 28, 2016
Product: Orlik Dark Strong Kentucky 50g
Each pipe smoker has to discover that perfect blend that has all the qualities he/she is looking for in a pipe tobacco. for me, this is almost perfect, I want my tobacco to be a little sweet with just a smidge of top dressing...this blend has that. ... Read More
it has to smoke cool, with plenty of smoke... this blend has that. the tin note and room note have to be pleasing...This blend has that. this blend has all the qualities of a tobacco I am looking for, why do you ask is it just "almost Perfect" I haven't tried every blend of tobacco, there might be one better. if you enjoy pipe smoking, do yourself a favor and pick up a tin of this blend, you'll be glad you did. Read Less
excllent
December 29, 2015
Product: Orlik Dark Strong Kentucky 50g
One of my top 5 favorites here. Great tin smell, Great taste, Great aroma, Great smoking quality from start to finish. Nothing but good things from this tin for me.... and the 9 or so others ive already went through
Buy it while you can.
October 14, 2015
Product: Orlik Dark Strong Kentucky 50g
This pipe tobacco is enjoyable from the first to last puff. This is a mellow and pleasant blend of select Virginias with some dark fired Kentucky. It is not overpowering even though it provides a smokey and complex taste and room note. Do not let a b... Read More
ad review or two keep you from discovering this wonderful pipe tobacco from Orlik. Read Less
Fantastic
August 15, 2015
Product: Orlik Dark Strong Kentucky 50g
I tried this tobacco without any preconceived notions about what it should or shouldn't be. It has a great appearance, perfect moisture level, smokes well while only rarely requiring a re-light and has a unique taste/flavor that I can't get enough o... Read More
f. Read Less
A great burley blend
January 14, 2020
Product: Orlik Dark Strong Kentucky 50g
I'm not a huge burley fan, but this is one tasty burley. Smooth, sweet, and tasty.
A well balanced blend
November 12, 2019
Product: Orlik Dark Strong Kentucky 50g
Smells wonderful; molasses, brown sugar, hay, and a little prune on the nose. Good balance between dark and light flavors. Leather, mild spiciness, hay, and dark fruit on the palate. Raisiny-sweetness on the finish when smoked slowly. Burns well when... Read More
rubbed out. Occasionally get a little bit of licorice. Not bad!
Edit: I dont usually smoke the last 3rd of the bowl, but when I do I get booming hot chocolate notes! Read Less
Dessert Blend!
July 01, 2019
Product: Orlik Dark Strong Kentucky 50g
What I smoke when I want all day dessert! just molasses/maple goodness. Even a little Anise taste in there. I like this better than the Dark Strong Flake from PH. Nice small good looking flakes here. Very sweet to me, but not in an Aro-choco gloop wa... Read More
y. At under $10, for sure worth a go if you like molasses Read Less
Very good tobacco
June 25, 2018
Product: Orlik Dark Strong Kentucky 50g
Nice blend. Very flavorful and easy to smoke.
Not bad
December 24, 2017
Product: Orlik Dark Strong Kentucky 50g
Find myself unable to like or dislike this blend it has a pretty distinct taste that I would describe as molasses I also taste the dark fired and get the Virginia. But the main taste is the Molasses sweetness not really what I'm looking for in a blen... Read More
d Read Less
Not too shabby
November 03, 2017
Product: Orlik Dark Strong Kentucky 50g
Just finished a tin of this and I think it ended on a good note. Initially, I was not all that impressed. I tried the blend in various briars but always found the the topping to be too much. A brown sugar/molasses flavor takes the forefront of the bl... Read More
end with a mild spice and moderate body. The blend is overall pretty monochromatic and lackluster. And then I smoked it in a meerschaum and everything changed. The sweetness was still there but not overpowering. The dark fired tobacco had a much stronger presence by bringing a wonderful spice to the table. By switching to a meer the blend went from blah to pretty darn enjoyable. Read Less
Gave it a try
October 15, 2017
Product: Orlik Dark Strong Kentucky 50g
Decent for the price.There's better and worst
Orlik-Kentucky
April 09, 2017
Product: Orlik Dark Strong Kentucky 50g
Orlik's Dark Strong Kentucky is quickly becoming my choice. As Christopher and others have posted, this blend is not too strong. What it is, is satisfying. I have and am generally a smoker of non-aromatic English blends. Those favored tobaccos mu... Read More
st now share company with this fire cured Kentucky blend. From time to time, I also like to add a touch of Perique to take it an extra mile. Cheers! Read Less
Not strong
April 07, 2017
Product: Orlik Dark Strong Kentucky 50g
This is not a strong flake. It's a good smoke, smooth and a good amount of billowing smoke. I think it would've been strong had they backed off with the sweetness. The sweet is dominant I find. Good flavours just too sweet to carry the name "Dar... Read More
k Strong Kentucky. " The smoke flavour I get is nice, just not enough. Take it for a spin and you be the judge. Just sayin. Read Less
GOOD GOOD GOOD!
March 06, 2016
Product: Orlik Dark Strong Kentucky 50g
I've been smoking this for a few months now and it's become a favourite. It's not that Dark or Strong, but that's okay. DSK smokes great and has a sweetness that tames the Kentucky better than the other attempts I've tried. Folded or rubbed, it's gre... Read More
at either way. I bought a 100 gram tin of Mac Barens Bold Kentucky at the same time and it's sitting in the shelf while DSK is disappearing quickly. Read Less
Product: Orlik Dark Strong Kentucky 50g
I was expecting more of what the name intimated. It's just too much like an aromatic. Very sweet, but not in a natural way. I was hoping to get some earthiness or smokiness, but this flake doesn't offer that. I'd say if you like aromatics and want to... Read More
get into virginias, this might be the way to go. If you are expecting "Dark Strong Kentucky" however, look elsewhere. Read Less
Not what I expected
June 13, 2015
Product: Orlik Dark Strong Kentucky 50g
The name is somewhat inappropriate. Though there is some dark fired in this blend, it's accounts for a 1/3 maybe? It's not "strong".
The dark fired is there, and it makes itself known, but doesn't dominate at all.
The VA's in it are quite... Read More
good. Nice and sweet with tobacco flavor coming through.
Nicotine hit is adequate. I like the shorter flake - no rubbing or folding needed. Just pops right in perfectly for anything around a group 3-4. Takes the light easily and burns readily, but slow and cool. Flake itself is just lovely with the dark and light mixed together.
There is a top dressing to this - for me it's licorice, possibly some molasses light flavor. This top is more present on the nose than the tongue. It's actually pleasant, and leaves a nice after-taste. The flavors are distinct, but not over-powering.
It's a nice "change of pace" flake of very high quality. I'll keep it around and smoke a tin now and again, wouldn't be my everyday flake.
Simply put - this is a lightly flavored flake that is medium in strength. I suppose other's would consider it stronger, just depends on the palate and what you're used to. I think someone that usually smokes aromatics or lighter blends but wants to dip a toe into flake or dark fired - they'd probably enjoy this. For the flake smoker - it's a nice change up. Read Less
Disappointing
May 22, 2015
Product: Orlik Dark Strong Kentucky 50g
Take a flake of Wessex Burley Slice, a flake of Orlik Golden Slice, and mix with just a pinch of HH Old Dark Fired - that's what this tastes like to me. It's disappointing as I was hoping for more of a smokey spicy dark-fired flavor. This looks alm... Read More
ost identical to Peter Heinrich's Dark Strong Flake and the flavor profile is similar, but I'd be willing to wager that Dark Strong Kentucky is cased with lots of cocoa and orange extract, sweetener (molasses?) and maybe a bit of licorice or anise. It's a pleasant enough flavor mix that accentuates the natural flavors of the burley and Virginias, but it's not what I expected from the name. The flavorings do diminish near the bottom of the bowl, and I get a bit more of the typical dark-fired flavor just before it's done.
The flakes are cut half as long as most flakes and are just the right length for most of my pipes without folding. Some of the flakes are all dark, some are all light, some are mixed, and some are broken so you need to choose your flakes carefully to ensure you get the full flavor mix. Nicotine level is surprisingly mild to me. I've finished the first tin now, and it will be my last - the experience has been the same each smoke with consistent flavor. I think it might be very enjoyable for aromatic smokers who have been put off by stronger flakes; unfortunately it tastes very artificial to me without much dark fired Kentucky. When I'm in the mood for this kind of blend, I'll stick with Heinrich's DSF - to me it has a more subtle, less manufactured flavor along with a bit more Vitamin N and more dark-fired flavor. But for the full dark-fired flavor experience, I still haven't found anything I like as much as HH Old Dark Fired. Read Less