Va/per suggestions.

[redneck_toy]

Seems my tastes are changing after a full year of piping. Started out down the Latakia road, and enjoyed the smoky, campfire tastes associated with English/Balkan blends to begin with. I guess what I'm experiencing now could be classified as "palate fatigue." Seems like all my lat blends started tasting the same. I was afflicted with TAD early in my piping days, and have a ton of latakia based baccy's. I did, however, buy 4 ozs each of Stokkeby's luxury twist, and luxury navy flake about a year ago when P&C had a great sale on them. Tried them fresh, and detested them both. Tasted like straight up hay. Fast forward a year with them resting in Mason jars, and my, what a difference! Really like what each are turning into.
Ordered some Dunhill DNR, and Dunhill Flake in my latest baccy order to try. I'm on my second coin of DNR, and man, do I ever like it. Haven't tried the flake yet, but am anxious to do so.
What are some recommendations for a good va/per that will age well, and have similar tastes? The obvious pick is Escudo, as I've read many reviews that name it as the DNR "generic" blend. I'm looking to cellar a lot of Virginia's in the near future, and am curious what you brothers deem worthy. All advice is greatly appreciated.

 

[bostoneo]

I enjoy McClelland 2015 Vaper Flake myself

 

[sweemzander]

I am relatively new to piping myself ( a few years), but here is what I have really enjoyed in recent months
- Cornell & Diehl Manhattan Afternoon (a straight virginia, but with great honey notes to it)
- Cornell & Diehl Bijou (great now, but was made to age for 10-15 years)
- Most Samuel Gawith Flakes (have not tried them all)
- Stokkeby's Navy Flake - I liked this right away
- Peterson Irish Flake (strong stuff)
- Peterson Irish Oak (technically a VaPer, but has some burley & black cavendish in it too - aged in oak Sherry Barrels)
Your tastes may differ from mine, but those are some of my favorites currently. That may change once we get into the colder months

 

[bostoneo]

Gonna have to try me some of that Irish flake if its supposedly strong

 

[sweemzander]

Gonna have to try me some of that Irish flake if its supposedly strong

Only tried one bowl so far. Should have had it after a meal or something, though it didnt give me the shakes like Haunted Bookshop did haha

 

[bostoneo]

Only tried one bowl so far. Should have had it after a meal or something, though it didnt give me the shakes like Haunted Bookshop did haha

ya haunted bookshop made me take naps after trying it a few times

 

[sweemzander]

Oh, I forgot another - McClelland Red Cake - good for anytime of day!

 

[c.ortiz108]

McConnell's Scottish Cake is an under-the-radar blend that gets rave reviews. Also Samuel Gawith St. James Flake.

 

[redneck_toy]

I've smoked three or four tins of Irish flake so far. Absolutely love that stuff. @bostoneo, you should definitely buy a few tins. That is on my short list already. Also have haunted bookshop, and like it really well. Thanks for the suggestions so far

 

[redneck_toy]

Gonna have to try me some of that Irish flake if its supposedly strong

Pretty high vitamin N content, but not over the top. About right for me. I have a high tolerance to it.

 

[mikeman84]

Some of my favorites are formers cross grain flake and full grain flake

 

[thedismaltrade]

Beacon, beacon extra, Solani 633, sixpence, Fillmore, SJF, DNR, escudo, chenet's cake, triple play, Elizabethan, Dunbar would be a good start

 

[thedismaltrade]

Btw- Irish flake isn't a Vaper. BUT is a great flake!

 

[MyFathersKeeper]

I second both the Dunhill's - Elizabethan & Deluxe Navy Rolls.

 

[K Williams]

GL Pease Fillmore
Fire Storm
Luxury Bullseye Flake
Dunhill De Luxe Navy Rolls
Dunhill Elizabethan Mixture
Escudo
Solani 633


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[Tennessee Dave]

I like MeClelland St James Woods, GLP Haddos Delight and McConnell's Scottish Cake for VaPers

 

[redneck_toy]

A little cross posting, but some might not keep up with the purchase thread....
I tried the OGS last night, and really enjoyed it. Great price point as well. My only regret is I only bought two tins of it.

The escudo is new to me as well, but just finished a tin of Dunhill DNR, and expect it to be the same.

 

[thedismaltrade]

i really enjoy OGS on occasion but the perique (arguably added) is sooooo light. Escudo is iconic

 

[Xavier Dredo]

i really enjoy OGS on occasion but the perique (arguably added) is sooooo light. Escudo is iconic

Yeah, I'm still a pipe noob, but these are on opposite ends of the VaPer spectrum. I dig OGS, but It's so mild I picked up some blending perique just to spice it up a bit. Escudo, on the other hand, I just laid down 4 tins to see what develops!

 

[thedismaltrade]

Yeah, I'm still a pipe noob, but these are on opposite ends of the VaPer spectrum. I dig OGS, but It's so mild I picked up some blending perique just to spice it up a bit. Escudo, on the other hand, I just laid down 4 tins to see what develops!

What develops with aged Escudo is the sharpness fades and the VA and Perique meld together in a deeper, smoother, richer harmony of smoking bliss. I enjoy it for it's sharpness fresh and also aged- depending on my mood.