Capstan Original Flake
Composition: Virginia
Cut: Flake
Price range: Medium
Capstan Original Flake: review
Capstan Flake is a historic pipe tobacco, known to have been a favorite of J.R.R. Tolkien when it was still produced in England. Today, its production is entrusted to Mac Baren.
Opening the tin, one is greeted by a sweet and intense aroma, with notes of honey, dried fruit, and raisins, while the dark color recalls the typical Dark Virginia.
The flake cut, combined with the right level of moisture, ensures an excellent aromatic experience, whether it is crumbled or rolled and placed whole in the stove.
To fully appreciate its aromatic nuances, it is essential to properly manage the pace of smoking, especially in the initial phase.
But what exactly does that mean?
Tobaccos such as Capstan Flake require smooth and controlled smoking: overheating the tobacco pipe could in fact make the taste flat and anonymous.
Being a pure Virginia, its flavor profile is mild and less structured than, for example, an English Mixture. The bouquet is broad, but herbaceous notes dominate, well-defined but never explosive, as is the case with blends such as Golden Glow or Samuel Gawith's Full Virginia Flake.
To whom do we recommend Capstan Flake?
If you are a neophyte, we recommend crumbling it whole, reducing it to a Mixture cut for an easier and smoother smoke.
If you are an experienced smoker, try both modes: crumbled and whole, so you can explore the different aromatic nuances that emerge depending on the format.