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Irish Flake was one of the first tobaccos I ever tried when I first picked up the pipe. In fact, it was the first with such a discernible amount of dark-fired Kentucky. Given that our Peterson promotion is in full swing, I thought it was high time to revisit this old favorite and share my thoughts.
The Tin Note:
Upon cracking the tin, you're greeted by the leathery notes of the dark-fired. The closest comparison, I think, would be that of high-quality shoe leather. As unappetizing as that sounds, it actually is quite inviting when met with the sweet, dried fruit and nutty tones also present. There seems to be a bit more of an anise-like fragrance than I remembered as well — and fewer tea-like notes. Overall, I'd say woodsy, with a slight hint of something medicinal.
The Cut:
The cut is quite nice, just like I remember it: two rows of rectangular flakes, sliced thin and stacked neatly. The flakes themselves are dark with streaks of what appear to be bright Virginias mixed in with the more walnut hued strands of Burley. They're great for folding and stuffing, should that be your preferred method, but they also are quick to rub out into a nice, fine ribbon as well.
The Smoke:
When putting leaf to flame, those same leathery notes from the dark-fired Kentucky jump to the front, with the first few puffs maintaining that same flavor profile. Slowly, a subtle sweetness comes into play, balanced out by a rich nuttiness. As the bowl progresses, the sweetness becomes more discernible, however, and you can begin to pick out the individual elements therein. To my palette, it points to hints of dried fruit and anise, both of which work quite well with the more earthy, leathery quality of the dark-fired still in the background.
With many similar blends, I find that the dark-fired almost seems to dominate closer to the bottom of the bowl, but with Irish Flake, it's surprisingly the opposite. In fact, as you near the end of your smoke, the anise and fruit-like flavors appear to take center stage, which, together with the leathery notes in the background, does create an almost musky, perfume-like aroma and taste. Many smokers have compared this to the various Lakeland blends out there, but I'm not sure if I'd necessarily put them in the same category. I don't sense anything overtly floral about this blend, but I can see how the mix of anise-like flavors, leathery notes, and subtle fruitiness could evoke such a connection.
The Strength:
One of Irish Flake's most recognized attributes has long been its strength; many even point to the label itself as a word of caution. I think this is another misconception. The label reads:
"A full-bodied blend made of equal proportions air-cured, flue-cured and dark-fired. True to the pure, unspoilt tobacco taste. Recommended for the experienced pipe smoker."
It certainly is a full-bodied blend, and there is a good dose of vitamin-N, but I think the word of caution in the description speaks not to the actual strength of the blend, but to the skill and patience required to really enjoy it in all its complexity. In other words, this is a blend that you simply have to sip. Puff away, and you'll find the blend will quickly turn sour. It will burn hot, and those subtle fruity notes will just translate to an unpleasant harshness and possibly tongue bite. Take your time with it, tame the beast, and you'll really come to appreciate Irish Flake for what it is: hands down, one of Peterson's best and most expertly blended tobaccos.
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Comments
I wish Peterson's Irish Flake was sold in one pound portions.
How does this compare to Rattray's Sterling Flake?
I always cut my flakes into cubes and combine that with a half folded flake. I'll have to try this stuff out.