- Manufacturer: Astley’s
- Blend Type: Virginia
- Cut Type: Flake
- Strength Level: Medium-Full
- Overall Rating: 4.3
- Primary Tobaccos: Dark Virginia
- Similar Blends: Samuel Gawith Full Virginia Flake, Mac Baren Dark Twist
- Recommended Pairings: Strong black coffee, single malt Scotch, dark rum
- Recommended For: Experienced Virginia smokers, those who appreciate rich, deep Virginia flavors, lovers of flake tobaccos.
- Avoid If: You are new to pipe smoking, sensitive to nicotine, or prefer lighter, brighter Virginia blends.
- Tin Note/Aroma: 5
- Flavor Development: 5
- Burn Quality: 4
- Smoothness: 4
- Recommend: 5
- Pipe Smoked: Dunhill Shell Briar Group 4
- Discontinued
Essential Information
TL;DR
Astley’s No. 44 Dark Virginia Flake is a powerful and deeply satisfying Virginia blend, perfect for the seasoned smoker. This dark flake delivers a rich, naturally sweet, and earthy flavor profile that evolves beautifully throughout the bowl. Its robust character is complemented by a noticeable nicotine presence, making it an ideal contemplative smoke. While it requires a bit more attention to packing and lighting due to its flake format, the reward is a cool, smooth, and incredibly flavorful experience. Highly recommended for those who crave the profound depths of well-aged, dark Virginia tobacco.
The Experience: A Deep Dive into Astley’s No. 44 Dark Virginia Flake by Astley’s
First Impressions
Tin Note: The moment the seal breaks on a tin of Astley’s No. 44 Dark Virginia Flake, a profound and intoxicating aroma fills the air. It’s a deep, earthy sweetness, reminiscent of dark dried fruits like figs and raisins, intertwined with notes of rich molasses and a hint of cocoa. There’s a subtle tang, almost vinegary, that speaks of fermentation and careful aging, promising a complex and mature smoking experience. This is not a bright, grassy Virginia; this is a dark, brooding, and utterly captivating scent that hints at hours of enjoyment.
Appearance: The flakes themselves are a sight to behold: uniformly pressed, dark brown to almost black, with occasional lighter streaks. They are dense and oily to the touch, indicating a high sugar content and thorough pressing. The presentation is impeccable, a testament to the traditional craftsmanship involved in creating such a flake. The moisture content is typically perfect, allowing for immediate enjoyment, though some may prefer a slight drying time depending on their packing method.
The Smoke: Journey Through the Bowl
Packing and Lighting: Preparing Astley’s No. 44 Dark Virginia Flake for smoking requires a moment of consideration, as is typical with quality flakes. Whether you opt for the fold-and-stuff method or rub it out completely, the tobacco packs well into my Dunhill Shell Briar Group 4. The charring light is straightforward, raising a thick, fragrant plume. A gentle tamp and a second light usually get it burning evenly. Once lit, it tends to stay lit, burning slowly and consistently, allowing for a long, contemplative smoke with minimal fuss.
Initial Flavor: The first few puffs are a revelation of deep Virginia character. A rich, natural sweetness immediately coats the palate, not sugary, but more akin to dark honey or caramelized sugar. This is quickly joined by earthy notes, reminiscent of freshly turned soil and dark bread. There’s a subtle fruitiness, dried and stewed, that hints at plums and figs, providing a delightful complexity. The smoke is incredibly smooth and cool from the outset, with no hint of bite, even when eagerly puffed.
Mid-Bowl: As the bowl progresses into its middle third, the flavors deepen and intensify, becoming even more profound. The sweetness evolves, taking on a richer, almost syrupy quality, while the earthy notes become more pronounced and grounding. The fruitiness becomes more defined, often leaning towards dark berries or stone fruits. A subtle spiciness, a gentle white pepper, occasionally emerges, adding another layer of intrigue. The blend maintains its remarkable smoothness, delivering a dense, creamy smoke that fills the mouth with satisfying flavor. The complexity is not overwhelming but rather a slow, deliberate unfolding of rich Virginia character.
Finish: The final third of Astley’s No. 44 is a powerful and satisfying conclusion. The flavors consolidate, becoming even more concentrated and robust. The deep sweetness and earthiness linger, often with a pleasant, slightly smoky undertone. The blend burns down to a fine, grey-white ash, leaving the pipe remarkably clean and dry. There is no harshness or bitterness, only a profound sense of satisfaction and a lingering, pleasant aftertaste that invites another bowl. It’s a testament to the quality of the leaf that it remains flavorful and composed to the very end.
Room Note: The room note of Astley’s No. 44 Dark Virginia Flake is rich and deeply tobacco-centric. It carries a sweet, earthy aroma with hints of dried fruit and warm bread. While it’s a pleasant smell for most pipe smokers, it’s a robust tobacco aroma that might be noticeable to non-smokers. It’s the kind of room note that evokes a sense of comfort and tradition, a perfect accompaniment to a quiet evening.
Strength: This blend sits firmly in the medium-full strength category. The nicotine content is noticeable and satisfying, providing a solid kick without being overwhelming for experienced smokers. It’s a blend that demands respect and is best enjoyed when you can sit back and fully appreciate its robust character. Beginners or those sensitive to nicotine should approach with caution and perhaps a full stomach.
Final Thoughts: Verdict on Astley’s No. 44 Dark Virginia Flake
Overall Assessment
Astley’s No. 44 Dark Virginia Flake is a magnificent example of a dark Virginia blend. It’s a tobacco that speaks of tradition, quality, and a deep understanding of the leaf. Its strength lies in its profound, evolving flavors and its ability to deliver a consistently smooth and satisfying smoke. This is not a blend for quick puffs; it’s a blend for contemplation, for savoring the rich tapestry of flavors that only well-aged dark Virginias can provide. It’s a truly rewarding experience that solidifies its place as a classic.
Smoking Experience
The technical performance of Astley’s No. 44 is excellent for a flake. Once properly prepared and lit, it burns slowly and evenly, producing a cool, dry smoke. It requires minimal relights and leaves a clean, fine ash. The moisture content is typically ideal, contributing to its superb burn characteristics and ensuring a bite-free experience. This blend offers a reliable and trouble-free smoking experience, allowing the smoker to fully immerse themselves in its rich flavors.
Recommendations
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.3/5 Stars) Astley’s No. 44 Dark Virginia Flake earns a well-deserved 4.3 stars for its exceptional depth of flavor, robust character, and smooth, satisfying smoke. It’s a truly outstanding dark Virginia.
Who Should Try It: This blend is an absolute must-try for experienced Virginia smokers who appreciate rich, deep, and naturally sweet flavors. If you enjoy the profound complexity that dark Virginias offer and are comfortable with flake tobaccos, this will be a cherished addition to your rotation. Fans of Samuel Gawith Full Virginia Flake or Mac Baren Dark Twist will find a familiar yet distinct pleasure here.
Who Should Avoid It: Beginners to pipe smoking or those sensitive to nicotine should approach this blend with caution, as its strength can be quite pronounced. If you prefer lighter, brighter Virginia blends or heavily cased aromatics, the deep, earthy character of No. 44 might not be to your taste. It’s a serious Virginia for serious smokers.
Additional Notes: Like many high-quality Virginia flakes, Astley’s No. 44 benefits immensely from aging. Cellaring a few tins will allow the flavors to deepen and meld even further, transforming an already excellent smoke into something truly extraordinary. Its timeless appeal and consistent quality make it a staple for any serious pipe smoker’s cellar.
