|
|
Spring Showdown 2016: Final Four Spring Va-Per Tobaccos
With the announcement of our second Spring Showdown, we also mentioned we'd be doing it a little differently this year. Instead of an all in brawl to see which blend in a wide open field of contenders was the best springtime smoke, we narrowed the scope a little to just VaPers. Anyway, we gave ourselves some time to deliberate and we're ready to announce the round one winners.
Round One Rundown
Though there's a definite contrast in presentation (more on that later), and in the profile of the Virginias, the first and most notable difference between these two to me is the ratio of Perique, with Escudo's proportion of the condimental tobacco being high enough to impart a certain figiness, but not quite high enough to bring "the spice." Not so with C&D's Bayou Morning Flake, with a strong dose of Perique bringing both strong fig notes (which combine perfectly with the earthy mustiness of the Virginias) and peppery spice.
Presentation wise, there's not much argument. Though I do actually find the rough and ready nature of C&D's chunky flakes quite appealing, Escudos spun-cut coins (for which the blend gets its name) are clearly prettier, especially neatly arranged in a circular pattern within the tin.
If you're looking for an all day smoke, Escudo is probably going to be your best bet here, but for my money (and for the purposes of this competition), the dark complexity and healthy nicotine dosage of Bayou Morning Flake makes it the winner.
Winner: Bayou Morning Flake
Louisiana Perique Flake vs St James Flake
Well damn. While I knew that there was a good chance that one of these magnificent VaPers from the sibling Kendal factories would finish over the other, I wasn't quite prepared to directly compare the two, especially so early on. That being said, I'm glad to have had the opportunity to directly compare the two, as it highlighted some nuances in both blends that I might have missed comparing either to say, Escudo or Elizabethan Mixture.
Despite a few similarities in the topping (chocolate, Lakeland essence, and maybe some booze), the topping on SG's offering is incredibly mild, serving instead to round out and highlight the grassy, earthy sweetness of the Virginias and the spicy kick of the Perique. In Louisiana Perique Flake, GH's topping seems to be the main show, and the VAs and Perique act as a (incredibly accomplished) accompaniment. Presentation wise, there's little to differentiate the two, especially if you opt for St James in its 250g option. The tinned flakes are somewhat neater, as those of you familiar with Samuel Gawith will know, but in aggregate I'm going to call it a draw.
It's going to have to be St. James. While Louisiana Perique Flake is an exceptional offering, it's just too light on Perique for me to put it over St James. Don't let that put you off though, in the Venn diagram of VaPers and Lakelands, Louisiana Perique is the perfect intersection.
Winner: St James Flake
These two blends may just exemplify the nuances available in the Virginia Perique subset, though from different ends of the spectrum. Where G.L. Pease has clearly gone for a blend that showcases how Perique can change and bring out unique flavours in the Virginias, Rattray's have put their emphasis on the Perique itself, building a base of tangy, sweet Virginias, mellow Cavendish, and maybe even a hint of Dark Fired Kentucky on which the dried fig and plum flavours are brought to bear. There's a creamy finish to both of these blends that goes a long way to softening the tanginess of the VAs and spiciness of the Perique, while taking nothing away from either. In Fillmore's case I think it's an ever so light pinch of Latakia; in Marlin Flake's it's the marshmallow softness of the Cavendish.
This is another tough one, as I think these might be the two most complex offerings in the entire field. That being said, complexity isn't the only thing I'm looking for. While Pease's blend may be a little more intricate than Rattray's, Marlin Flake has a little more going for it in the mid notes, meaning it's just as enjoyable when I'm inattentively puffing away as when I'm sitting down and concentrating on my bowl, which edges it over the top.
Winner: Marlin Flake
McClelland 2015 vs Elizabethan Mixture
On more extreme sides of the spectrum than any of our previous matchups, McClelland's 2015 Virginia Perique Flake and Dunhill's Elizabethan Mixture are tricky to compare. The latter, often described as a starter VaPer, is light on Perique and married to sweet brown and tangy bright VAs to create a light, eminently smokeable blend, while the former mixes a light touch of Perique with McClelland's signature orange and red Virginias to create a sweet, tangy blend absolutely singing with fruit notes.
While both of these blends bring something quite special to the table, what those elements are couldn't be more opposite, with 2015 bringing a huge amount of complexity, especially compared to the somewhat one-note Elizabethan Mixture. Dunhill's blend lends itself to all day smoking, with the subtle flavours being easier on the palate than 2015's big, bold flavours. I'm giving this one to Dunhill, as the easy smoking nature, combined with the more ready to smoke cut and moisture level mean I'm always more likely to reach for it over 2015.
Winner: Elizabethan Mixture
Round Two Match Ups
We'll be back next week with rundowns and winners from round two. If you have any thoughts on who the winners should be, or just want to suggest your own favourite Virginia Perique blends, feel free to leave a comment below.
Tagged in: At Smokingpipes Cornell and Diehl Dunhill Escudo Gawith and Hoggarth G. L. Pease McClelland Rattray's Reviews Samuel Gawith Spring Showdown Tobacco
You may also enjoy:
Comments
Oh hell, three of my favorites are in the final four!
I'm interested in the SGF and Elizabethan matchup. I favor Elizabethan because of the all day smokability. I've smoked it since I started pipes 2 years ago. I really liked the Sam Gawith as well the last time I smoked it.
I'm not familiar at all with the other side of the brackets.
Luxury Navy Flake
Looks like one of my newly ordered blends and one I'm out of got the ax in the first round and another has made it through. Looking forward for the finals. Have you guys thought of doing this monthly instead of once a year?
So... a wee bit confused here. Was this matchup carried out just by you Adam, or was this scored across the entire team? I would have loved to see each person's vote so to speak.
Have in the meantime smoked Marlin flake and St James ... I can only thank you for putting this contest up, which allowed me to find some real gems.
About the first matchup ... I know escudo but not Bayou morning flake. Are you saying that there is a lot more perique in bayou to the extent it will burn my nostrils off in the retrohale. Because to be honest, I find escudo quite pronounced in that department as you progress through the bowl.
@Kaz Nice going sir!
@Bryan Webber Elizabethan is a great blend, and I've come to discover that I may have underestimated it.
@Ken Another great blend.
@Roscoe I wouldn't worry too much, all eight had to be some seriously good blends to just get a placement. Maybe one per season, but definitely not per month. We'll see.
@Sid I wrote the opinions but I got as much input as to the winners as possible -- with show season well upon us it's tricky to nail people down to write something.
And yeah, I'd recommend trying BMF, it's definitely a hearty blend. Anymore than one, maybe two retrohales overloads my poor nose for a couple of hours.
Saint James, for the best overall flavor; personally I smoke Peter Stokkebye - more "Bite" maybe?
@Jonathan Barnes LNF is a great choice as well, it was close to getting in but there's only so many slots.
Adam,
Yet another tasty tournament you've curated for us! Gotta go with 1. St. James Flake, 2. Bayou Morning Flake, 3. Elizabethan Mixture, and Marlin Flake.
Thanks for the ride!
M
Actually, after a nice bowl of Bayou Morning Flake, I'm making a quick change: 1. Bayou Morning Flake, 2. St. James Flake, 3. Elizabethan Mixture, and 4. Marlin Flake.
So, that is my order, and I'm sticking to it!
M
@sdsmusumeci Thanks M! No love for Marlin Flake?
Adam,
Well, I figured you call me out on that. I do love me some Marlin Flake. But to be honest, and this is just my opinion, I find that it takes some age and a deep chamber to fully appreciate the subtle nuances of Marlin Flake, whereas some of the others, are great from the tin and work in almost any size bowl.
Now, back at you, why Fillmore as opposed to Stratford?
Thanks again,
M
@Sdsmusumeci Well played sir, you got me ;) It's the creamy complexity of Fillmore that edged it over the top, and probably would have taken it further if it hadn't come up against Marlin so early on.
My prognosis for the final:
St James takes it because it well ... is an awesome tobacco and gives it a bit more of an all round experience with still a good dose of nic, where bayou might just be too much of a brute.
Marlin takes it from Elizabethan because it has that extra edge of sweetness but not overpowering and can just as well be smoked without full concentration.
St James vs. Marlin
And that's a heart breaker because I love both! Only just discovered these blends through this showdown but never to be removed from the rotation!
Thx again!!
I'm a little sad that Escudo is gone but I can't wait to taste some of these I haven't yet such as the Marlin Flake. I'm just ready to see the final rounds of this competition. Hope they will finish this great comparison.
Its so hard waiting on the finals. Must be a tough one.
@Sid I think you may be onto something here. Am I that predictable?
@Andrew Humphrey You definitely need to try Marlin. It's good to see you using this as a guide on what to try, I was hoping people might.
As for the final, yes @Bryan Webber, it's a tough one, but we should have something up tomorrow at the latest ;)