Samuel Gawith: Navy Flake 250g Pipe Tobacco

I have no idea how close this would be to what sailors would smoke during Britain's 'Golden age'of sailing, but the fact that it is made with the same equipment that would have been used by SG during the Napoleonic Wars is good enough for me from a sentimental standpoint. I'll content myself with pretending they smoked SG Navy Flake. Plop yourself on a beach with sea salt air, close your eyes and let your imagination wander to by-gone days.
Taste: for me, this is a pleasant alteration of FVF. The base Virginia's take the lead on this one. Latakia is there but subtle, as is the rum. One of my all time favorites! Give it time. I wasn't sure what to make of it at first, but there is nothing like it....Read More

I'm somewhat loath to ding old Sam but this blend is far younger than tins from the early 2000's. Not as dark in the tin and the topping is too motor oil like and not so rummy as I remembered. I realize tobacco sources do change or perhaps it is shipped younger to meet demand. I purchased St James Flake a few years ago and found it the same. Jarred up it is now almost black so I will do so with this and see. The lat is over powered by the industrial topping? I liked this a lot back in the day. Maybe my tastes have changed?...Read More

I love this blend. Right out of the can is good but I cellared for a few years. It’s great! The smokiness of the Latakia combined with the sweet Virginia rocks!

America started this whole tobacco thing, but those Brits win the contest, hands down. This is by far the greatest navy flake currently in existence. Both sister companies Sam Gawith and Gawith Hoggarth always use the very highest quality leaf as nothing else will suffice. They give it that Old World royal treatment. More than a touch of class. This had been fit for the Queen and now it's fit for the King Himself. As companies the Gawiths represent the absolute standard for excellence, the index, the highest benchmark one could aspire to meet. As always, this blend provided truly remarkable tobaccos, exciting flavors, intoxicating aromas, satisfaction guaranteed. Smoke so thick and creamy you need to chew it. Virginias so grassy you'll think you've been transported to a meadow in the North Riding (that's Cornwall for you yanks). Latakia so damned smoky-spicy delicious it'll curl your toes. And finally, take care, boys: there is so much booze in this stuff it will make you tipsy. Such a treat, such perfection. When I crave a navy flake with all the classic components -- Virginia, Latakia, and a cask of sweet rum -- I never reach for anything else. All the pretenders should wave the white flag, pack it up, and go home. The real one has arrived. Accept no substitutes....Read More

If this is a Navy Flake, then I’m Sir Francis Dashwood. I smoked this right from the tin. By the way, tobacco does not age in a vacuum sealed tin.
The sloppy dark flakes were damp and needed a few hours to dry. Alright, the tobacco needed direct sunlight and a power fan to dry to an ideal smokable humidity.
After I loaded my pipe and added flame the Latakia was the main component I smelled and tasted. The Latakia is far over used in this blend. Strong, and aroma that is barely tolerable....Read More

Tin notes of tart plums, vinegar and sweet grass. The flakes are dark brown and dense, rubbing out takes some effort. Tobacco is a little sticky and may need some drying. Burns slow and with an average amount of relights. The strength is medium and nic is mild. Flavoring seems mild, but I think it gives the tobacco some depth. Taste is medium and fairly consistent, with notes of stewed fruits, smokey wood, grass and floral. Room note had no complaints and after taste was great....Read More

This is the first Navy flake that I have tried with Latakia. If you have ever smoked Full Virginia Flake, you can pick up the same Virginia flavor in this blend, the Latakia doesn't overpower the VA (IMO). A well balanced blend, it became an instant favorite.

Definitely breaks up the classic navy with latakia smokiness. The rum has a molasses flavor to me that gives a sweet kiss in between the spice that keeps dancing in you mouth the more you smoke it. Creates awesome smoke that is mesmerizing. This complex navy blend will definitely be in rotation...Read More

Rich in flavor! This navy flake is unique in that it adds Latakia. At first was skeptical but after trying it with just over 2 years of age, the Latakia isn’t over powering and adds a nice contrast to the otherwise sweetness and rum flavors associated with most Navy flakes. Definitely worth trying....Read More

Top 10 purchased tobacco but under 4 rating? Lesson here, it sells because it’s good. Not really complex nor is the Lat upfront. The blend is pretty straight forward, Latakia and Virginia with a splash of rum but it tastes rich, full and is completely satisfying. There is no wow factor here. It just does what you want it to. Smokey, campfire, earthy, dark chocolate. All kind of subtle but rich and full....Read More