St. Bruno's Flake

[PipedJimmy]

Hey guys, wanted to do a review just in case no one had covered this blend before. I fell upon this one by accident desperately searching for a tobacconists in my area I was directed towards Waitrose (a British supermarket, not sure on the availability of this blend in outside the U.K.), where they stocked this flake and a ready rubbed version, I did some research on 'tobaccoreviews' and it seemed to reveal fair results. I picked up a 25g pack for £4.39, worth a shot and have to say that I was greatly impressed by the quality of this tobacco, its not as full or as creamy as FVF but it definately hits the spot, it has a slight smell of vinegar upon opening and one of the pouches (I have since bought more) was fairly dry initially, the flakes were actually quite brittle, I put it straight into the pipe after rubbing it out and it provided a long cool satisfying smoke, if you live in England and fancy a change, then the price makes this one worth an inspection!

 

[kilted1]

It's been many years (mid 1980's) since I last smoked St Bruno. It isn't available in the USA that I know of. As I recall it was a very nice flake, (never tried the RR version) medium to strong in body and fairly heavily 'scented'. I recall thinking it is was rather harsh in comparison to other scented flakes.

I always favored Condor (original long cut) also sadly no longer available in the States, and it remains one of my all time favorite of the scented flake varieties. Since you found St Bruno enjoyable, you might want to try Condor, I find it somewhat more 'refined' and 'gentle' than St Bruno, though they are in a very similar vein. Condor is fairly moist to the touch and the flakes are very pliant, but as far as I'm concerned, the moisture level is perfect for a nice long dry smoke with almost no dottle. Keep your puffing cadence slow as you would a Virginia as Condor puffed too quickly can tend toward bitterness.

Thank you for your review. ipe:

 

[PipedJimmy]

Ha ha ha! And you for yours Sir.

 

[Strongirish]

This is a much lighter blend more along the VA vein but it is flat delicous. This is another that if available in the US I would smoke on a regular basis. It's a shame that these wonderful British blends are not available over here. I think they would sell very well if they were.

 

[Trout Bum]

Thanks for posting the review. St Bruno sounds quite tasty; the fact that it is nicely priced makes it even better. Some day, when I make it across the pond, my wife will be wanting to visit cathedrals and museums, and I will be ranting and raving about quaint little pipe shops and trying to find some St. Bruno's!

 

[alfredo_buscatti]

Someone said in this or some other thread that buying from the UK could be cost-prohibitive. It is. I paid $159.00 for 500 g of Revor Plug some two years ago. Never again, although I do like the tobacco very much. I'm rationing it so that it will last my lifetime.

In general for pipes and tobacco, if it's not available domestically, I don't buy, unless of course some gem like Imperial's or Bell's version of 3Nuns should resurface. There's just too many great pipes and tobaccos available in the US to drop that kind of cash.

 

[PipedJimmy]

Lol that sounds like a good trip Trout!

 

[babysinister]

A friend of mine from the EU is visiting the U.S. this week and will be bringing me some Dunhills and a pouch of St. Bruno's. So as you can well imagine, I'm looking forward to the remittance.

 

[Winslow]

I reccomend talking with Martin McGahey of McGahey's Tobacco Shop if you
want U.K. tobaccos sent over to the U.S.,it's not that bad pricewise since you
won't pay U.K. VAT taxes.He has a website;

http://www.the-tobacconist.co.uk/

Although they can't take credit cards since recently,if you talk to Martin he will have you arrange payment in some other way.I've done business with him before and
am a happy customer.
Got some Condor from him 2 years ago,the warning labels on the pouches were
bigger than you can believe! :x

 

[Wet Dottle]

A friend of mine from the EU is visiting the U.S. this week and will be bringing me some Dunhills and a pouch of St. Bruno's. So as you can well imagine, I'm looking forward to the remittance.

On my return from vacation, in mid July, there were 5-packs of ST. Bruno Ready Rubbed (250 g total weight) for 30 Euros at the Duty-Free shop in Lisbon, Portugal. That's very good compared to the prices usually practiced in Europe.

The bend itself is ok, albeit unsatisfying if you're looking for something like St. Bruno Flake: it has similar flavor at reduced intensity. It's worth it if you like strongly flavored tobacco. I buy it occasionally to reminesce about the old flake version, which used to be a favorite of mine.

 

[PipedJimmy]

I have stored the majority of two packs since buying them and of thinking of letting them age like that, does it matter that the air tight container has been opened a couple of times?

 

[Strongirish]

If you open the container you will slow the aging down and let some moisture out so it will dry quicker, but it will still age.

 

[PipedJimmy]

Fair enough, much obliged. The answer seemed evident, yet its one of those niggling points where one really isn't quite sure.