You missed the FREE Stonehaven!

[Blackhorse]

So, of the blends that are listed with a solid 4-star rating, Stonehaven is third re the number of reviews with a whopping 159! All but six of those were submitted in 2011 or before. All but thirteen in 2009 or earlier. This is interesting in that it's been harder and harder to get recently...and the vast majority of reviews were done at a time when it was more easily obtained. So if one could still actually lay one's hands on it IMHO there would likely be more reviews!

With that as a preface (and I'm not here to entertain comments about why it's hard to get, whether or not someone thinks it's worth getting or read your review, etc.) -

What I'd like to find out, seriously, from members here who regularly smoke flakes, are at least fairly seasoned pipe smokers, etc. - who among you thinks Stonehaven might well be in your wheelhouse, has wanted to try it, but has been thwarted due to the difficulty in finding it anywhere.

So,

1. if you HAVE tried it, no need to respond.
2. list your three favorite flakes in order of preference.
3. indicate how long you've been smoking a pipe.
4. note how long you've been wanting to try it, but haven't because you've not been able to get any, etc.

That's it. Simple. Thanks for your help.

OH! And I reserve the right to delete any post that is off topic, doesn't follow the above directions or is inappropriate. 8)

(this all relates to a small private project I'm involved with, so thanks in advance for your help)

 

[mark]

2) Best Brown Flake
    FVF
    Escudo

3) 20 years give or take 

4) about five years.

 

[Mozjo33]

2. MacBaren Stocton
GLP Union Square
SG BBB

3. 3 years

4. Never knew it existed until about a year ago. Would like to try it because of everyone talking about it.

 

[Jhenderson]

Escudo, best brown flake, old dark fired

I've been smoking for about 5 years

Until I started getting on bob, I hadn't experimented a whole lot with tobaccos. So, after reading about it on here I wanted to try it. I'd say about 2 months.

 

[deepbass9]

2. ABF, FVF and Escudo (or, OSG if square flakes only)

3. 3 years, or thereabouts

4. oh, since I heard of it or so....always like to try the "grails"....

 

[huffelpuff]

2)Capstan Navy Flake, PS 400, Dunhill Navy Rolls

3)Going on 27 years now

4)Been looking for it for about 2 years now

 

[Ocelot55]

1) Best Brown, FVF, whatever other virgina flake I have on hand. I'm really taking a shine to Old Dark Fired since I got some in the bombing run.
2) 8 years
3) since it has been unobtainable I put Stonehaven out of mind. Can't say I've been actively seeking it. A lot of really good flakes out there already.

 

[DrT999]

2 Grasmere Flake, St Bruno Flake, SG Chocolate Flake
3 37 years, although with a 12 year hiatus until 2 years ago
4 light interest for about 18 months

 

[Fr_Tom]

2) Orlik Golden Sliced, Old Dark Fired, Luxury Bullseye Flake

3) 36 years

4) I had never heard of Stovehaven until I joined BoB a couple of months ago.

 

[Anonymous]

PS LNF
PS LTF
MB ODF

over 50 years but off and on

Found a blend and would smoke it for year. Not overly experimental until hanging around here.

 

[idbowman]

2. Embarcadero (if broken flakes count)
Sam's Flake
FVF
PS LBF (If broken flakes don't count)

3. 11 years or so


4. About 3 years (I'm not constantly "on the lookout," though. But anytime it crosses my mind to look it's no where to be found).

 

[monbla256]

2) McC's FM 2000
    McC's Blackwoods Flake
    Orlik's Golden Sliced
3) 40 + years
4) Not big on unavailable 'bacs so haven't really put this one in my sights to get. Besides, I'm not a big Burley fan.

 

[juanmedusa]

2. Kendal Flake, Dark flake scented, Best Brown Flake
3. 5 years
4. I was curious to get some a few years ago but of course couldn't. Now if I see it on sale (super rare) I pass it up because I don't want to get hooked on a tobacco I can't possibly keep stocked just even for my own use.

 

[ftrplt]

2. FVF
   Solani Burley Flake
   McCrainie's Red Ribbon Flake

3. 50 years

4. Never had a "yen" for it!!!! FTRPLT

 

[Blackhorse]

So here's the thing...I had gotten into a trade that ended up with me getting more than I expected, including an 8 oz. foil of Stonehaven. So I decided to share the wealth...thinking that sending out samples of one ounce woud provide enough for someone to get a good feel for the stuff.

I set this thing up (which closed at midnight Sunday night) to see who would respond and asked specific questions about member's experience and desire re: Stonehaven. I ended up picking guys that had enough experience as a pipe smoker and a smoker of flake style blends that would what to do with it - and guys that said they WANTED to try it but had never been able to make the stars line up, etc. Those guys should know who they are, as they have been sent PM's. All but one has responded. The FREE One Ounce Samples that are already bagged and ready to go will be sent tomorrow.

Note: it's going out FRESH out of a newly opened bag so that you guys will know what it comes like. It's damp and needs (depending on the humidity in your area) some drying time for sure. This is just me, but when I smoke it I want a nice slow burn so I don't rub it out a lot. I just 'crush/crumble' the flake and fit it carefully into a bowl so as not to compress it too much...add a little rubbed out on top for lighting purposes and go for it. Smoke it slowly, like a good boy! Fast puffing will just kill the flavor.

Anyway, if you didn't get chosen, don't fret. I had a couple of emails that weren't trying to get any as they already had too much! One is notable. I'll post it in the next slot to give it the attention it deserves.

Here is the point. If you want Stonehaven, you can get it. But you have to look!

Anyway, thanks to those that responded. The cross section was interesting and the information appreciated.

TTFN

 

[Blackhorse]

OK - as promised - here's the information on how to get Stonehaven any ol' time you want it.


posted by:  cigrmaster



Thanks.  Good stuff.

And...so as not to precipitate a debate on that or other aspects of this thread, it is now locked, for your viewing, but not writing pleasure.

Thanks guys.

BH