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Bought into the hype around Full Virginia Flake and picked up an 8 oz. box last time it was in stock. I'm only on my 3rd bowl but it's been frustratingly underwhelming so far. Impossible to keep lit, difficult to get any flavor out of it in between the constant relights...I need to experiment with different airing out times and packing techniques.
 
Volkditty said:
Bought into the hype around Full Virginia Flake and picked up an 8 oz. box last time it was in stock. I'm only on my 3rd bowl but it's been frustratingly underwhelming so far. Impossible to keep lit, difficult to get any flavor out of it in between the constant relights...I need to experiment with different airing out times and packing techniques.
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Don't despair!! Flakes can be a pain to both light and keep lit. I tend to stuff the first few flakes, but rub out the last bit so it will light easier. Once you get the fire head going, it smokes well. Pretty much true more all flakes (at least for me!!). Good luck!! FTRPLT
 
I'm starting the afternoon with Kensington in a Rob Roy. Ranger, I consider Kensington an anytime smoke, it pairs well with hard cider and wine, no bite and nice flavor. Charring Cross and if memory serves Odyssey demand more attention to the nuances of flavor, a more contemplative smoke. I have a tin of Abington in the queue, Pease calls it the fullest Balkan.
 
Don't despair!! Flakes can be a pain to both light and keep lit. I tend to stuff the first few flakes, but rub out the last bit so it will light easier. Once you get the fire head going, it smokes well. Pretty much true more all flakes (at least for me!!). Good luck!! FTRPLT
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For sure! Every flake blend I've tried has had some kind of learning curve to get the best out of it...FVF has just been particularly problematic for me. I still have plenty left to practice on.
 
Just finished smoking year 2016 Edward G. Robinson's Pipe Blend in a 2014 Basil Meadows smooth slight bend squashed tomato with an aluminum band and a black pearl acrylic stem in the military mount style.
Basil_squashed_ tomato copy.jpg
 
Balisong said:
I'm starting the afternoon with Kensington in a Rob Roy. Ranger, I consider Kensington an anytime smoke, it pairs well with hard cider and wine, no bite and nice flavor. Charring Cross and if memory serves Odyssey demand more attention to the nuances of flavor, a more contemplative smoke. I have a tin of Abington in the queue, Pease calls it the fullest Balkan.
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Bali, I agree on the Kensington. Haven't tried Odyssey, but have tried Abingdon and found it a bit disappointing. Taste was just okay and had a tendency to smoke a bit hot unless I nursed it, and some rough spots. Will be interested in hearing what you think of it.
 
Enjoyed a very late lunch, and am half way through this bowl of Charatan Rolls in a 1980s White Pipe straight lattice apple meerschaum with an acrylic yellow cream colored saddle stem. Putting finishing touches on my review of this blend. Ice water and bergs is my drink.
WhitePipe_Apple80s.jpg
 
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