Customer Reviews (43 Total)
Product: Cornell & Diehl Star of the East Flake 2oz
I just finished a tin of Penzance and knowing that I most likely won't see another tin anytime soon scoured the Internet for similar tobaccos. Star of the East Flake kept popping up so I figured I'd give it a go. First bowl in and I have to say, I th... Read More
ink I actually prefer this to Penzance. Visually appealing, beautiful aroma, folds easily, lights perfectly, smokes wonderfully. Read Less
Amazing English Blend
March 31, 2018
Product: Cornell & Diehl Star of the East Flake 2oz
There are a lot of blends that feature just these three component tobaccos, but only Star of the East Flake does it extremely well. I'm a big fan of Turkish Orientals, and they really shine here. The stoved red VA is flavorful, and being stoved, add... Read More
s a natural sweetness with body. Cyprian Latakia is used to great effect as well. As is the case with Kake, with its whopping 75% Cyprian Latakia content, Star of the East Flake is somehow just not overpowering. Even after countless bowls, I've had zero cases of "Latakia mouth" here. One thing to note: C&D uses red VA in a LOT of their blends, and sometimes reds can be overpowering, but not in this blend—at least none of the batches I've had. From what I understand, the flavor of red Virginia can vary greatly depending on the conditions under which it was grown—essentially making every batch a little different. The stoving process helps this, but it wont fix a bad crop. Thankfully C&D seems to be quite good at testing their components before bending. They make a great product! In my experience with two batches of Star of the East Flake, the red VA's been an excellent compliment and an essential counterpart to the other components in the blend. Finally, I'd like to weigh in on the Penzance comparison. Having smoked my share of Penzance, it's definitely NOT a Penzance replacement. Yes, it's in the same ballpark, but it's not in the infield! There are many subtleties which set it apart from Penzance—especially the type of Latakia and the use of red VA. With that said, Star of the East Flake is a wonderful and delicious English. It's aging potential seems incredibly good too. I hope C&D keeps turning out great batches of it, because I'll gladly buy again and again. I was very sad to see it out of stock while writing this review! Read Less
My favourite US blend!
November 20, 2017
Product: Cornell & Diehl Star of the East Flake 2oz
This is an awesome tobacco: tin presentation, tobacco scent upon opening, easiness of packing, lighting and smoking. The aromas are wonderful, the smoke is a great experience. Best tobacco I've tried so far, it's a shame it's not sold in Italy! :(
Easily my favorite
July 22, 2017
Product: Cornell & Diehl Star of the East Flake 2oz
The flake is better than the ribbon like everyone says. I bought some bulk which is good, but no where as good.
This was my introduction to non-aros in a sample and I instantly fell in love.
Nice mix of flavors and I find myself smoking it quite of... Read More
ten now. Read Less
Just like they all say
August 09, 2016
Product: Cornell & Diehl Star of the East Flake 2oz
Yes the flake is better than the ribbon. Maybe its in the process or the marriage of the tobaccos that helps, but all I know is it is sooo very good.
Better than Penzance?
August 12, 2019
Product: Cornell & Diehl Star of the East Flake 8oz
Fresh out of the tin the Penzance Comparisons fall flat. 6 months in the jar and in my opinion it's a twin to Penzance. Given that this blend is easy to find and usually in stock, that makes it better than Penzance. I love this blend.
Good light English, not Penzance
June 22, 2019
Product: Cornell & Diehl Star of the East Flake 2oz
I don't really get the comparisons to Penzance...to me this is nothing like Penzance. The tobacco here is much less complex. That being said, this is still a decent medium to full English that is very well balanced between the three ingredients, ha... Read More
s consistent flavor throughout the bowl, and burns wonderfully. Moisture content out of the tin is a tad on the moist side and requires some drying time. Only reason for 3.5 stars is I don't see what the huge fuss is over this one. Good medium to full English in it's own right, but not comparable to Penzance in my opinion. Read Less
flake better
January 30, 2016
Product: Cornell & Diehl Star of the East Flake 2oz
Flake version very little to do with the ribbon one and,of course a lot better.
MERCY... Better than Penzance
October 25, 2021
Product: Cornell & Diehl Star of the East Flake 2oz
The best of all time, period. I could smoke only this for the remainder of my of my life and be perfectly content. The flavor exhibits a dark, rich and sweet profile with a velvety mouthfeel. Consider a black cauldron of spiced and sugared plums slow... Read More
ly stewing and caramelizing over a smoldering smoky campfire while surrounded by a dark, musty and moist woodland. Elements of Pinot Noir and caramelized fat on a meaty steak appear now and again. The flavor is consistent down to the heel. The primary differences between the flaked and ribbon cut: The flavor profile of the flake is much denser and far richer and with greater sweetness. The Orientals in the flaked form are far less sharp and less fragrant than the ribbon, though they still posses a verdant nuance, but not to such a high level of distinct floral and herbal levels as the ribbon. The mouthfeel of the flake is creamier and certainly what I would call "velvety". The ribbon is still very creamy, but the flake is more so. This does border on a Lat-bomb. I've smoked a pipe since 1995, and over the decades I've smoked literally hundreds of mixtures and blends, which is the fun part of this 'hobby'. But along the way I discovered a favorite... Star of the East ribbon cut (and now SOTE Flake). I've got pounds of the ribbon cut cellared, and it ages marvelously. The flake provides a glimpse of what the aged ribbon cut is like 7 years in. Age this for at least 5 years and it becomes something really special and rewarding. If there was one mixture that was truly comparable to Penzance, SOTE Flake is the one and only, but it's BETTER than Penzance. Even fresh it tastes much like the 8 year old Penzance I just finished. Penzance leans more grassy VA than SOTE Flake, and lacks both the herbal note of the Orientals and the dark fruitiness. Rather, Penzance is more candied and grassy. I can see where someone who likes less Latakia, strength and body would enjoy Penzance more, but I relish the darker profile and higher strength of SOTE Flake. Both leave a sweet finish on the tongue. The only drawback to this flaked version... it's more expensive than the ribbon cut, harder to keep lit and can't be obtained in bulk. But damn... this is GOOD. Nicotine is a little stronger than the ribbon cut and is on the stronger side of moderate with a 2.5-3 out of a 5 nicotine level. This is the one. Read Less
Good English!
January 02, 2021
Product: Cornell & Diehl Star of the East Flake 2oz
I like the heavier Latakia content in this!
Lush Smokey Rapture!!!
July 21, 2020
Product: Cornell & Diehl Star of the East Flake 2oz
Finally, I have found and amazingly delicious tobacco that produces voluminous clouds of smoke, silky, silky, smooth with zero tongue bite, even with a rapid cadence. Just fantastic 👏 .
Definitely will be a foundational smoke in the rotation..
配合9mm濾心，適合大口徑
November 23, 2019
Product: Cornell & Diehl Star of the East Flake 8oz
一開始難以接受那強烈的圖一開始難以接受那強烈的圖土味，嘗試不同的煙斗之後發現，揉散後配合9mm濾心會變得溫和許多。
Product: Cornell & Diehl Star of the East Flake 2oz
This broken flake version. A robust and complex experience of bold smoky Latakia and spicy nuanced orientals. This is a swell smoking experience.
However, I tend to like the ribbon cut better.
How Had I Never Heard of This Before?
May 14, 2019
Product: Cornell & Diehl Star of the East Flake 2oz
Tin note almost exact match for ‘Quiet Nights’. This is truly one of the best blends I’ve ever smoked. Broken flakes of smoky Latakia. Most blends with a lot of Lat leave a heavy aftertaste from the oils. A very light and creamy smoke with a lovely ... Read More
aftertaste. The orientals really shine. A truly exceptional blend that is always in stock and inexpensive. What more can you ask for? Read Less
my favorite english blend
March 09, 2019
Product: Cornell & Diehl Star of the East Flake 8oz
Full of flavor...but you must be a fan of latakia. The red virginia blends so well with latakia, plus add in some oriental and this is just a wonderful smoke. And yes, I enjoy the flake more than the ribbon cut.
GREATNESS
February 01, 2019
Product: Cornell & Diehl Star of the East Flake 2oz
PURE GREATNESS
More stars please!
November 21, 2018
Product: Cornell & Diehl Star of the East Flake 8oz
I would give this ten stars. As everyone says it’s better in the flake. It breaks apart very easily and burns wonderfully. Latakia and orientals are mostly what you’ll taste but there’s still a very nice, slightly sweet, bready base. It tastes mo... Read More
re balanced than I expected. Excellent after taste as well and I rather enjoyed the room note. I think the flake helps it maintain some flavor continuity as the ribbon seemed to dance around abruptly on the palate. Read Less
Excellent blend
October 11, 2018
Product: Cornell & Diehl Star of the East Flake 8oz
Being a frog on a log smoker as well as the other Morton blends from Mclelland I had to find some decent English blends since sadly Mclelland closed production. I took a stab at some of Cornell & Diehl's offerings. Being a Latakia and Turkish fan... Read More
I have not been disappointed in the least. I'm always skeptical in trying new brands as I've been let down by many different blends. However that said I'm very pleased by C&D's offerings. The flakes and cakes have a great tin and room note. Even my nonsmoking Daughter lets me smoke in her house. I've definitely found my stand by blends. The stuff goes from tin to pipe without having to dry it, every sip is pure smokey spicy flavor that Latakia fans enjoy. Burns nice and clean. Very happy to have given this one a shot. If you Dislike aromatic tobacco with fake flavoring, and truly like the taste of good tobacco give them a try. Definitely be ordering this one in the 8 ounce tins from now on. Read Less
Strong and tasty
September 03, 2018
Product: Cornell & Diehl Star of the East Flake 2oz
This blend is absolutely fabulous. Very spicy with flavor. The stoved red virgina really shines thru sweet hay taste. Very good blend,
Flakes make a big difference.
August 30, 2018
Product: Cornell & Diehl Star of the East Flake 2oz
I enjoy Latakia mixtures, so after being a fan of Star of the East Gold, I thought it was high time I tried this flake I kept hearing about. By “hearing” I mean it seemed like everywhere I went online there were references to this flake being a must ... Read More
try. So rather than try the Star of the East (regular mixture), I got my hands on a flakes tin. Short story: yep, it is quite good. Long story: It's a Latakia flake. It's good. But... and this is where I blaspheme, I've had better. Germain's Special Latakia Flake comes to mind. Not to mention Esoterica's Penzance. But, Star of the East, even with all of its recent fame is still way easier to come by than either of those. Perhaps that is what fans of this flake need; something akin to flakes that are not readily available. This is a good Latakia flake, don't misunderstand. But, there may be a bit of hype based on availability. Regardless, this (broken) flake stands on its own merits. My tin was perfect in moisture. It packed well and burns nice and slow. The flavor is rich and wonderful throughout the bowl. It's a bit on the heady side compared to the Gold version, which I guess is to be expected. I enjoyed this mostly in the cool mornings, but it can easily be enjoyed anytime of day. If you are on the fence about trying this one, I'd say go ahead without worry. If you love Latakia, you will love this flake. Enjoy. Read Less
Excellently blended
August 24, 2018
Product: Cornell & Diehl Star of the East Flake 2oz
A musty delicious tin note, taste is full flavored. An all day smoke, or good ending to a long day.
Product: Cornell & Diehl Star of the East Flake 2oz
Dry smell with a lot of presence, with a lot of personality. I do not know if it's really a flake because it came to me as broken flake, but it's still easy to handle and pack. Smokes easily and burns slow with a very pleasant dry flavor. This tobacc... Read More
o will be part of my cellar for a long time Read Less
Very Pleasent Smoke
August 27, 2022
Product: Cornell & Diehl Star of the East Flake 2oz
I tried Pirate Kake before this and while smokable I would never want to smoke a 2nd pipe full at 75% Latakia. Star of the East though very pleasent smoke I am enjoying this very much at 50% Latakia
The Elite Standard
March 30, 2022
Product: Cornell & Diehl Star of the East Flake 2oz
This is the type of tobacco that makes a person wonder why they smoked anything other than this delicious offering. I first came across this because I was in search of the fabled Penzance. One of the first recommendations I came across was Quiet Ni... Read More
ghts which is fantastic, but when someone spoke to me with the conviction that this was hands down the best, I had to try. I must say, I have never enjoyed a tobacco more than I have enjoyed Star of the East. I stand by my word that there is nothing better. This tobacco is perfect in every way imaginable. Read Less
My lord that is good
February 09, 2022
Product: Cornell & Diehl Star of the East Flake 8oz
This stuff is incredible, and I’m really surprised I don’t hear it talked about as much (Facebook pipe smokers group). This blend has
ALL the right blends of high quality tobacco leaves. This is a fantastic smoke. 50% Latakia, but the red VA and or... Read More
ientals really compliment and tame the latakia so it is not over bearing. You get plenty of sweet, and spicy notes in front of the Smokey goodness.
It’s better than pirate cake which was my favorite C&D blend until I tried this. It reminds me of GL’s quiet nights only better. SOTE flake is a lot richer, and fuller while not being either a lat-bomb or nicotine powerhouse. A lot of reviewers compared to penzance. I’ve never had that blend as I can never find it available, but that’s OK with me. I would be 100% happy if I ended up stranded somewhere for life and could only smoke this.. it really is that good. Buy the 8 OZ tin, you’ll just order more if you only buy the 2 and price wise can’t beat it.
Happy smokes!! Read Less
Latakia Lovers Mix
November 01, 2021
Product: Cornell & Diehl Star of the East Flake 2oz
This is by far one of the best Latakia-blended tobaccos I've tried. Probably one of the best. Of course, there is 50% Latakia in the mix; which I absolutely love. You can clearly taste the Lat of course, but the other component tobaccos do stand thro... Read More
ugh-out the entire bowl. This will definitely be in my daily rotation as a mid-afternoon smoke... Read Less
Full bodied and then some!
June 09, 2021
Product: Cornell & Diehl Star of the East Flake 2oz
Like arriving into old Constantinople on the Orient express, your rail car full of deep rich orient tabaco with warm Smokey Latakia wafting through the air. A distant far off land beckons, perhaps, the star of the east?
Rich and Full
May 27, 2021
Product: Cornell & Diehl Star of the East Flake 2oz
Amazing tin note on opening, deep rich notes of Orientals and Latakia. Perfect on a cold winters day!
Product: Cornell & Diehl Star of the East Flake 8oz
Excellent mix, tasty and smelly. I can smoke this tobacco all day!
Like the bulk ribbon, only better
February 02, 2021
Product: Cornell & Diehl Star of the East Flake 2oz
The pressing makes this blend better in nearly every way. Deeper, darker, more. Just excellent stuff.
I love english mixture
December 27, 2020
Product: Cornell & Diehl Star of the East Flake 8oz
Another winning in my cellar.......
super star.
November 22, 2020
Product: Cornell & Diehl Star of the East Flake 2oz
IM going camping lol this is a great blend no tongue bite nice and smooth smoky camp fire burns slow all round winner.
Not for Sissies
November 18, 2020
Product: Cornell & Diehl Star of the East Flake 2oz
This is definitely a man's smoke. I did enjoy it, but the old campfire and worn shoe leather can be a bit overpowering. If you are a fan of those flavors, you'll love it.
Beautiful Blend!
October 27, 2020
Product: Cornell & Diehl Star of the East Flake 2oz
I bought the 8oz flake and do not regret it! Definitely has some "Quiet Nights" vibe to it, but slightly sweeter.
Latakia is subtle. Leathery, musty, but mixed with some sweet notes make this an engaging smoke.
This is one of the nicest burning b... Read More
lends right out of the tin. Extremely smooth. Definitely recommended! Read Less
A Favorite!
October 10, 2020
Product: Cornell & Diehl Star of the East Flake 8oz
I am a fan of Latakia and do not like a lot of spice. However, to me, this blend is terrific. The Turkish and Virginias are the star of the show here while the Latakia keeps things smoothed out and keeps any bite from the spicy Turkish in check. I am... Read More
thrilled to find a blend where I can enjoy the flavor and spice of the Turkish without it being overpowering. So, for me, this blend is rich, and a little spicy with the great flavors from the Turkish that mix very well with the Latakia. I normally smoke heavy Latakia blends and this breaks things up nicely in my rotation. This is not a puffer. I smoke it slowly in a poker or a billiard style pipe with a small diameter bowl and 2:1 ratio like smoking Virginias. Highly recommended. Read Less
If I was limited to one blend this would be it
August 05, 2020
Product: Cornell & Diehl Star of the East Flake 2oz
I am a huge fan of several other tobaccos but if I had to stranded on an island with only one that I wouldn't grow tired of I think this would be it. Just really well done. And as others have said it is easily available.
A great English flake
June 29, 2020
Product: Cornell & Diehl Star of the East Flake 8oz
This is a tin I order in bulk simply because it is such a great smoke. Now if SP could just open a local distribution center here in Asia it would be better and less expensive. Hint hint Smokingpipes
a most tasty blend
June 01, 2020
Product: Cornell & Diehl Star of the East Flake 8oz
I love Latakia. Penzance, Balkan Sobrania, Balkan Sasieni. All wonderfully Latakia rich. This has become one of my favorite blends. Latakia, Turkish and, Virginia (more Latakia of course). After 44 years of endulging in pipes, I welcome Star of The E... Read More
ast Flake in my menu. Read Less
Wanted to Love It
December 17, 2019
Product: Cornell & Diehl Star of the East Flake 2oz
This is a very fine tobacco, and as full of Latakia as you're ever likely to want. In the end, though, it just wasn't for me.
But I think a review should evaluate the blend itself, and Star of the East Flake is rich, very strong, and burns beautif... Read More
ully. If you like full Latakia, Balkan-style flakes, you will prize this.
The flakes do break easily (to me this is more of a crumble cake than a flake) and it packs itself lightly into your pipe, with plenty of air space. This may be why it burns so well.
Personally, I found it overpowering. I smoke 4-5 bowls a day, generally of VaPers and lighter English mixtures, and this one was simply too much for me. I found it best outdoors where its strong smell could dissipate and its stronger flavor could be sipped more easily.
I'm glad I tried it, for sure. But it's on to something else. Read Less
A New Favorite
December 11, 2019
Product: Cornell & Diehl Star of the East Flake 2oz
I've been digging deeper into English blends, and this one seems to be my favorite thus far. Smells like salty bbq sauce out of the tin, rubs out easily, packs easily, and smokes like a dream. Blew through a 2 oz tin, and ordered a couple 8 ouncers. ... Read More
One to smoke, one to cellar. The 8 oz tins showed up with a year of age on them already, can't wait to give it a try. Read Less
As everyone says...
November 09, 2019
Product: Cornell & Diehl Star of the East Flake 2oz
Flake has better aroma and taste than ribbon cut. It can be rubbed and folded, making it highly portable. Good smoke after meals. Oriental and Latakia play a leading role and are earthy and woody smoke. Virginia is a spice and is not detected so much... Read More
. Although it is a “strong” blend, Latakia's nicotine content is not that high.In C & D blends, if there can be a “nicotine hit”, it is mostly from Burley or Oriental. Read Less
Screw Penzance
October 26, 2019
Product: Cornell & Diehl Star of the East Flake 2oz
I am in agreement with several other reviews that this is probably better than Penzance in my opinion. It certainly doesn't suffer from the aristocratic absence of availability as does Penzance.
This is a smooth full bodied English that is pure satis... Read More
faction all the way down. The flavor is rich and Smokey and burns to a white ash.
Recommended to be sure. There is no substitute for Penzance but there is a replacement in lieu of Penzance aloof posture on the market. Read Less
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Star of the East Flake 8oz
