Well, I generally don't do a write-up on something unless it's outrageously good or outrageously bad, and that holds up in this case. I am happy to report that, in the case of LTF, the former is the case. This is just absolutely stellar tobacco! It had been quite awhile since I had smoked any of PS's products, and since the local B&M had a limited supply of LTF left in stock, I decided to get a couple of ounces. Man, am I glad I did! I have developed more of a taste for Virginia tobaccos lately than I have ever had in the past, which is very exciting, and this is one the absolute best Virginia flakes I have ever had. I believe there's a bit of cavendish in it, but the Virginia is strongly dominant, and I could smoke this over just about any Virginia out there. The flakes are the perfect shape, nice sized squares, and the moisture level is perfect as well, having been kept in the cigar humidor at the B&M in vacuum type bags inside little PS boxes. They are perfect for the fold-and-stuff method or for fully rubbing out, or you can leave a little bit kind of like a broken flake. As of now, I have been smoking it fully rubbed out, but it behaves quite well no matter what you do with it. I like these square flakes better than long rectangles, too. It burns nicely, and the ash left behind is nice and fine. I'm sure it would smoke nice and cool too, if only I could slow down enough to let it do so! I just like the taste so much that I can't slow down enough not to heat my pipe up a little bit! I have been smoking it in my Peterson Standard System 303 (fishtail), which is mostly used for all different varieties of Virginia's and basically anything that tends to produce moisture. So, I can't tell you whether this stuff smokes moist or not, but I can say that it has never gurgled or steamed in my Pete, and I really don't think it would in any pipe. The taste of this stuff is just so very fine, and I'm planning to buy a pound of it in the next couple of days because my tobacconist warned me that it's about to become very hard to get. Something about the company having problems or something of that nature, and by the way, if anyone knows anything about that, I would love to hear it. But with prices being so reasonable on this stuff, and it being a bulk tobacco, I figure I'll get a pound to smoke on. I don't imagine I'll be aging it for any length of time, simply because it is too tasty to leave it just sitting there. Temptation would most certainly get the best of me there! So, I highly, highly recommend this tobacco to anyone who loves Virginia's and especially flakes. Peter Stokkebye just makes such damned fine flakes. Four out of four stars on this one. NOTE: I have, since writing this review, looked at the reviews on TR and noticed people saying that this is an aromatic or something. In my opinion, this is not an aromatic at all, but just a sweet tasting Virginia, and maybe a little bit of sweetness coming from the cavendish. I'm curious to see what others think about the idea of it being an aromatic, because as I smoke it, I really don't taste anything other than nice Virginia tobacco.
I agree with you. This is one great tobacco. I can't quite figure out what that topping is. Raisins and rum? What ever it is, it's addictive. Love this stuff. Thanks for the review.
I love LTF, it's one of my all time favorites! If you haven't tried LBF, you should, it's very good as well.
LTF and LNF are two I haven't tried. We need to do a trade at some point, Smokehouse. Hard to believe Stokkebye is having production issues! As MM said, I'd like to hear more detail if anyone has any.
I find LTF to have a moderately strong topping. I wouldn't call it an aromatic, but it isn't 'just VA'. Not really a negative, since 'just' tobacco anything is rare. I personally find it destracting, but my opinion is just that. Another opinion of mine is Iwan Ries' Flake is a much more subdued(topnote) kissing cousin of LTF. Eh, smoke what you like, like what you smoke, right?
Yearly, LNF/LBF/LTF become scarce. They do come back with force and depth but until then, enjoy what you have, enjoy something else, be patient....it'll return, and no need to rush since they stay stocked for a while. Great smokes, all of the PS Luxury flakes/coins! Ed Puff
Great review MM. I am not one for really mild blends, I tend to look for fuller flavored stuff myself but a really nice review. Paul
Great review! i'm going to have to pick some up. Hopefully I can find it at a B&M around here because I cant afford shipping haha. Thanks so much for taking the time to review it!
Looks like Southbound got ya covered. Otherwise you know I got your back. Let me know what you think of those ones. LNF is my favorite Vaper, and I love the LTF. Mix a little LTF with that VA flake.
Glad to hear that they always come up with more after a drought. It has been out of stock at P&C, and Smokingpipes for a while now.
I like LTF a lot. I'm not that bit a fan of LBF, probably because I smoke a lot of Escudo, so LBF tastes a bit flat to me.
Actually, I just ordered a quarter pound of it from Smokingpipes yesterday after writing this review. Couldn't find it anywhere else, but yeah, they had it. Go get 'em! I figure that quarter pound will last me until I get some more, plus I ordered a big tin of Hal O' The Wynd, which is another I haven't tried but have heard great things about. I've been on a bit of a Virginia kick lately, and I've picked up FVF, LTF, and HOTW, among others. Can't wait for that order to come in so I can try that stuff! OH YEAH!, and I got some Solani Silver Flake coming in too! Hooray! And Capt, I am not surprised to hear you say that, but I believe I disagree. On the whole, I find Bullesye Flake to be at least as good as Escudo, if not just a touch better. The Bullseye has a bit sweeter taste, and other than the obvious shape reasons, I think Bullseye is a good name for it, because it definitely hits the spot for me every time! Ok, I'll quit the corny crap. But really, I believe I remember being just a tad bit underwhelmed when I first tried the famous Escudo. I prefer Bullseye for coins, and for just a great Vaper, I absolutely love Dunbar by Esoterica. Dorchester is great too.
I'm glad to hear they have it back in stock. I just hope it's still available after my employer gives me my hours back, and maybe I can buy some. I'm having to put TAD on hold for the moment. As far as the Dunbar, and Dorchester goes, I've never tried them yet either, now I gotta add them to the wishlist as well. After smoking English blends pretty much exclusively for years, I've really taken to VA's and can't get enough of it now!
Great review. I love me some LTF, and have about a pound of it cellared. I've also got about a pound of LNF cellared also. Been trying to find some LBF, but it seems to be out of stock just about everywhere.
I checked smokingpipes a couple days ago and they didn't even have it listed; not even as 'out of stock'. Did they get more in?
