I just tried (fresh) Samuel Gawith's Full Virginia Flake

[Natch]

I've faded in and out over the years (I'm talking FVF flake here boys, not reality! :lol: ) as to whether it's the benchmark to which all other Va flakes are measured, or just one of a half-dozen great Va flakes. For most of the past decade it was about the middle of the top Va pack in my rating. But I recently acquired more (which allowed me to open up some aged) and it's at the top again.

But, as with reality, it may change tomorrow.

Natch

 

[Kyle Weiss]

FVF, until another blend knocks it off its smug pedestal :lol: is going to be the subject of nuances for a while.

My "fresh" (green) FVF is socked away with a date on the jar, awaiting my return. I have to crack open the aged tins I have (I think they have about 8 - 9 years on them, bought from a Brother) and I will make another "I Just Tried..." to supplement my first visit with the stuff.

If, by then, I have discovered a crystal-encrusted, somewhat white-streaked treat inside and blows my mind, no one will be more pleased. I have the tendency to want to like stuff, but my natural skepticism keeps me in check. Especially now that I'm really going down the deep, dark road of matured Virginia--which is a beyond pleasing. 8)

Billmess? How's he been? :lol: Lurking, I'd guess, I miss his posts!

 

[vaperfavour]

The Zimbabwean leaf started to become shaky in late 2004. By 2006, it was gone. FVF with the Zimbabwean was FAR better than the current stuff which, to my tastes at least, is not even close to FVF with the Zimbabwean. Is FVF without the Z leaf good? Sure it is but not as good as it was. Anyone who says different either didnt smoke it back then or cant taste tobacco (imho, of course) I have high hopes that the stuff without will become quite good with 10 years under its belt. I will keep my fingers crossed. You can read all about what happened to the Zimbabwean leaf by googling the Zimbabwean revolution. It was a socialist revolution, and it doesnt look good for getting Zimbabwean into our beloved FVF any time soon, if ever. Such is life.