Bruck's take on Cornell & Diehl Virginia Flake
I received some C&D Bright VA Flake in a little trade with
@Aguineapig
a few days ago and have been trying it off and on.
Appearance: this is "chip cut" broken flake, very light brown, looks like Special K or corn flakes.
Tin note (baggie note actually): smells like tobacco, nothing out of the ordinary
First light: clean virginia taste, not unlike a very smooth cigarette.
Room note: Mrs. Bruck didn't complain.
Mid bowl: hints of citrus, grass/hay. No tongue bite, very smooth and consistent. I don't detect any added flavoring or other components for that matter. Very light on vitamin N.
Bottom of the bowl: got a little damp toward the end, which I rectified by reverse airflow. Required a couple relights; other than that, it burned down to ash and the flavor stayed pretty consistent throughout.
Pipe used: cheap no-name briar.
Overall I'd give this 3 out of 4 stars. I'm a big fan of VA flakes, and while this one isn't among the best, it certainly is respectable, and additionally has a unique smooth, cigarette-like flavor not normally found in VA flakes. Some may consider this a negative, but I rather like it personally. It strikes me as a flake version of the D&R shag cut VAs.
