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Yes sports fans, after much deliberation we're back to pit our final four Virginia/Perique blends against each other in somewhat-less-than-mortal combat. We lost some good contenders in round two, and with every elimination the stakes get higher (as far as no stakes competitions go), and each decision harder than the last. But now, to battle!
Round Two Rundown
Marlin Flake vs Elizabethan Mixture
As far as easy-to-reach-for blends go, these two are right at the top of my list, with both blends being far easier on the palate than traditional VaPers, and offering softer, sweeter takes on the popular combination. Elizabethan picks up some more points here, as the cut and moisture level does make it easier to stuff in a pipe and go, while Marlin can vary greatly depending on packing technique and preparation, so a little extra time is required up front.
What it loses in ease of packing, Marlin Flake more than makes up for in complexity. Puffing away inattentively is all well and good during the day, but when no other tasks occupy the hands and the mind is free to drift, Rattray's entry provides an interplay between components that occupies as much or as little attention as you're able to give it.
Clearly, Elizabethan Mixture's reputation for being an excellent starter blend is well deserved, and if you're reading this as a relative new comer looking for blends to try, this is a great way to start your adventure. That's not to say that pipe smokers with a little more experience under their belt won't enjoy it, but I think it's clear that for those people, Marlin Flake edges out Dunhill's milder offering.
Winner: Marlin Flake
Bayou Morning Flake vs St James Flake
While St James Flake has a healthy dose of our featured condimental, it's nowhere near the Perique powerhouse that is Bayou Morning Flake. Where St James is more than capable of holding one's attention, Bayou Morning demands that attention, laying a firm hand on your shoulder, directing you to the nearest chair, and planting you solidly in it.
But therein lies the problem. While I definitely enjoy what Cornell's and Diehl's lecturing professor has to say, it's in the conversation, the back and forth between smoker and Samuel Gawith's kindly tutor that I find myself more invested. Essentially it's St James' mild complexity that makes it a ready all-day smoke: light enough to smoke while otherwise occupied, with enough going on that I still enjoy sitting down to contemplate a bowl. Bayou Morning, on the other hand, is the far more interesting smoke at the end of the day, but is simply too demanding to smoke while doing anything other than concentrating on my pipe.
Preparation wise, Bayou Morning is far easier, with only some small drying time needed before packing, while Samuel Gawith's flakes require both extensive drying time and some attention paid to packing. Still, it's not enough quite enough to edge out St James, which will take this match up.
Winner: St James Flake
Round Three Match Ups
Two more match ups, two more felled titans, and while Elizabethan Mixture and Bayou Morning Flake won't be joining us next time, they still live on in our hearts. And cellars. Okay you get the point. Now light a bowl to our fallen heroes and leave us a comment below.
Tagged in: At Smokingpipes Cornell and Diehl Dunhill Rattray's Reviews Samuel Gawith Tobacco
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Comments
St James for the win! Tough competitor in the final showdown though, Marlin Flake is quite good.
@Mike Pomery It's definitely going to be tough one.
Called it!! (Albeit a bit down the game play) and no Adam you're not that predictable but after careful reading through your arguments pro and con in blends it was a case of simple extrapolation and a good dose of magic of course.
And now it will come down to semantics. Are we going for the odd one out with a sweeter backbone or the more restrained but more perique forward offering. Both need a bit of prep time, both are easy enough to smoke without full attention and both have a degree of complexity.
On the whole St-James wins it for me by a hair because sometimes, just sometimes I don't need the slightly sweeter frills and just want a straight up dose of Perique.
@Sid Haha, thanks Sid. You bring up some interesting points, and it's going to be an interesting process. Guess I just have to smoke more Marlin and St James ;)
I was sad to see the Elizabethan go as its my favorite blend, but the Marlin Flake is a good contender and deserves to be in the final. I tried the MF and really liked some of the sweetness it offers. Good blend. I wasn't as much of a fan as the SG because it tended to have a dirty taste.
@Bryan Webber I get that more as grass and hey with St James, but ultimately we all taste what we taste. I am glad you enjoy Marlin Flake though, it's fast becoming one of my favourites.
Been loving this showdown. I am on a Perique binge and happily sampling along with you. Tried Fillmore for the first time because of this and am very happy with it.
@Rhys I'm so glad we could help!
So, I was wrong on my pics (mainly due to bias). However, in looking at this matchup, I have to say that Marlin Flake should win out. Adam, correct me if I'm wrong, but St. James Flake utilizes a topping, whereas Marlin Flake does not? This being the case, again I say, Marlin Flake takes the title.
@Sdsmusumeci I believe that Marlin Flake does have a whiskey topping, but it is quite discreet. St James most definitely has a topping. I wouldn't count that against either of them though.
A tough call, Bayou Morning Flake vs St James Flake!
St James is definitely a favourite of mine as is St James Plug, perhaps the Plug is more 'creamy' than the flake
@Andy Brodie It really was Andy. And I've heard the plug version has a slightly creamier profile. I'm a little jealous you've tried it ;)