Samuel Gawith Full Virginia Flake Pipe Tobacco
Samuel Gawith Full Virginia Flake represents the pinnacle of pure Virginia craftsmanship. Hot-pressed using centuries-old equipment in Kendal, England, this celebrated tobacco offers a straight, unadulterated Virginia experience without any added flavors. It’s a benchmark blend among pipe enthusiasts known for its honest sweetness, tangy dark fruit character, and exceptional aging potential.
- Pure Virginia leaf: Hot-pressed for caramelized sugars and concentrated depth with evolving complexity
- No added flavoring: Delivers natural tobacco sweetness, earth, wood, citrus, bread, and gentle spice
- Medium strength: Approachable yet substantial; suitable for extended sessions
- Traditional flake cut: Slow, cool-burning—ideal for folding, rubbing out, or stuffing as preferred
- Ultramodern aging potential: Fermentation deepens fruit notes, sweetness, and complexity over years in the cellar
- Handcrafted in Kendal since 1792: Produced on fully preserved 18th-century machinery
- Pleasant room note: Suitable for indoor enjoyment, never overwhelming or harsh
Every hand-cut flake of Full Virginia Flake showcases dark brown hues and irregular thickness, a charm of its artisanal manufacture. Upon opening, the tin releases aromas of tangy, fermented fruit, sweet hay, and rich earth. The tobacco arrives moist—15 to 30 minutes of drying is advisable for easy ignition and a steady burn. When prepared, the smoke unfolds in waves: bright citrus and grassy notes, molasses, bread, dark fruit, subtle pepper, and velvety creaminess as the session deepens. The flavor is direct and satisfying, rewarding contemplative, patient smokers with nuanced transitions and lingering sweetness—even more so as age brings darker, deeper developments.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Blend Type | Straight Virginia |
| Components | 100% Virginia |
| Cut | Flake |
| Strength | Medium |
| Nicotine | Mild to Medium |
| Flavoring | None |
| Room Note | Pleasant to Tolerable |
| Available Sizes | 50g Tin, 250g Box |
| Manufacturer | Samuel Gawith (Kendal, England) |
Summary
- Box Count:
- Region: England
- Strength: Medium
- Binder:
- Wrapper:
- Filler: 100% Virginia
What makes Full Virginia Flake special?
It’s hot-pressed pure Virginia tobacco, producing deep flavor, honest sweetness, and remarkable aging potential with no additives.
How should you prepare the flakes?
Allow to dry 15–30 minutes, then rub out, break, or fold and stuff based on preference—each method reveals new characteristics in the bowl.
What flavors develop?
Tangy dark fruit, molasses, earth, grassy hay, citrus, bread, and cream with touches of spice as the bowl progresses—more intense with age.
Is this difficult for beginners?
Medium strength and smooth profile suit new smokers as long as flakes are prepared and dried properly for a cool, easy smoke.
Does this tobacco age well?
Yes, superbly—older tins turn fruitier, more complex, and develop mellow depth that seasoned collectors covet.
How are flakes cut and why are they uneven?
Each flake is cut on historic 18th-century machinery, preserved for their unique texture and size variation—a sign of traditional craft.
How is the moisture on arrival?
Arrives quite moist—always dry until springy for best performance and easiest lighting.
Best storage?
Seal in the tin or transfer to an airtight jar for long-term enjoyment and slow aging in cellar conditions.








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