Star of the East Flake
Star of the East begins with a base of 50% Latakia and is complemented by generous layers of Turkish tobacco and naturally sweet Red Virginia Cavendish for an exceptionally deep and full-bodied smoking experience. A long-time favorite of Cornell & Diehl customers.
Characterisation:
Once the pull-tab lid of the small, round tin is opened, it can be resealed with the additional plastic lid. However, an airtight container is better suited for longer-term storage of the Star of the East Flake. The tobacco is located under the wrapper leaf, encased in paper. The flake pieces are large and medium to dark brown. A smoky, autumnal aroma reveals the oriental tobaccos it contains. A brief pre-drying improves the burning, but is not strictly necessary. The Star of the East Flake can be plugged immediately after opening the tin.
Plugging:
A larger pipe is best suited for the coarse flake pieces. However, you can also crumble the Star of the East Flake slightly to create a ready-rubbed tobacco of the desired fineness. In any case, the tobacco should be packed into the pipe loose and only gently pressed down. A few fluffy crumbs on top of the filling will then easily catch the flame.
Light up:
The Star of the East Flake requires some attention when lighting due to its shape. The first flame is for preparation. Then, the surface is smoothed with the tamper, and a second flame is used to create an even ember.
Smoking properties:
One can expect intensity from a tobacco with a rich Latakia and Oriental content, in the style of an English blend, such as the Star of the East Flake. And you will not be disappointed. The tobacco is smoky and spicy. Strong, not necessarily typical aromas of wood and leather have a cigar-like quality and appeal to lovers of classic English tobaccos. Smoked cool, a slight note of incense and a hint of toasted bread can also be detected. Keeping the pipe cool also benefits the smoking process. Occasionally, however, it may be necessary to relight the pipe. The Star of the East Flake forgives this without any loss of flavor. At the end of the bowl, only a few unburned crumbs and some medium-gray ash remain.
Redolency:
Due to the presence of oriental tobaccos, the room fragrance has a distinctly "English" character. Therefore, consideration should be given to non-smokers and those with sensitive noses.
Conclusion:
Inside the company's signature small, round tin is a coarsely crushed flake. Its dark brown hues and autumnal aroma hinting at its oriental tobacco origins. Indeed, the Star of the East Flake is primarily aimed at smokers who prefer English blends, particularly the spicier varieties: robust in smoke and with aromas reminiscent of fine cigars, such as leather and wood. This doesn't necessarily make the Star of the East Flake beginner-friendly. In any case, the tobacco requires some experience with flakes or ready-rubbed tobacco, both in preparation and in smoking with care. If the pipe is kept cool, the experienced smoker will discern the more subtle aromas, reminiscent of incense and toasted bread, which lend the Star of the East Flake its characteristic roundness. As a stronger, spicier tobacco, the Star of the East Flake is best suited for the later hours of the day.
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