- Tobacco Name: Astley’s No. 109 Medium Flake
- Manufacturer: Astley’s
- Blend Type: Virginia
- Cut Type: Flake
- Strength Level: Medium
- Overall Rating: 4.0
- Primary Tobaccos: Virginia
- Similar Blends: Mac Baren Virginia No. 1, Peter Stokkebye Luxury Navy Flake
- Recommended Pairings: Green tea, sparkling water, light lager
- Recommended For: Virginia flake enthusiasts, those seeking a balanced and naturally sweet smoke.
- Avoid If: You prefer heavy aromatics or strong Latakia blends, or dislike natural Virginia sweetness.
- Tin Note/Aroma: 4
- Flavor Development: 4
- Burn Quality: 4
- Smoothness: 5
- Recommend: 4
- Pipe Smoked: Savinelli Roma Lucite 614
- No longer in production
Essential Information
TL;DR
Astley’s No. 109 Medium Flake is a beautifully crafted Virginia flake that delivers a balanced and naturally sweet smoking experience. Its medium strength and smooth character make it an excellent all-day smoke for Virginia enthusiasts. The flakes are easy to prepare and burn consistently, offering notes of hay, citrus, and a subtle bready sweetness that evolves gently throughout the bowl. It’s a forgiving blend that rarely bites, making it a reliable and enjoyable choice for those who appreciate the pure essence of quality Virginia tobacco. Highly recommended for its consistent flavor and superb smoking qualities.
The Experience: A Deep Dive into Astley’s No. 109 Medium Flake by Astley’s
First Impressions
Tin Note: Opening a tin of Astley’s No. 109 Medium Flake reveals a clean, inviting aroma that speaks volumes of its Virginia heritage. The dominant notes are of sweet hay and freshly cut grass, with a delicate hint of citrus and a subtle bready undertone. There’s a natural, almost earthy sweetness that is entirely unadulterated, promising a pure and straightforward smoking experience. It’s a comforting and familiar scent for any Virginia lover, suggesting quality leaf and careful processing.
Appearance: The flakes are pressed uniformly, displaying a beautiful range of golden and light brown hues, characteristic of quality Virginia tobaccos. They are firm yet pliable, indicating an ideal moisture content right out of the tin. The presentation is impeccable, with each flake neatly cut, making them easy to handle whether you prefer to fold and stuff or rub them out. Their consistent appearance hints at the consistent burn and flavor that awaits.
The Smoke: Journey Through the Bowl
Packing and Lighting: Preparing Astley’s No. 109 Medium Flake is a simple pleasure. I opted to fold and stuff a flake into my Savinelli Roma Lucite 614, and it settled perfectly. The charring light takes easily, producing a rich, sweet aroma, and a gentle tamp followed by a single true light is usually all that’s needed to get it burning evenly. This flake is remarkably cooperative, maintaining a consistent burn with minimal relights, allowing for a relaxed and uninterrupted smoking session.
Initial Flavor: The first few puffs are a pure expression of bright Virginia. A clean, natural sweetness immediately greets the palate, reminiscent of sun-ripened hay and a touch of honey. There’s a subtle citrus zest that adds a refreshing brightness, preventing the sweetness from becoming cloying. The smoke is incredibly smooth and cool from the outset, with no hint of harshness or tongue bite, even when drawn a bit more eagerly. It’s a gentle and inviting start, setting a pleasant tone for the rest of the bowl.
Mid-Bowl: As the smoke progresses into the mid-bowl, the flavors of Astley’s No. 109 deepen and become more integrated. The initial brightness mellows, allowing a richer, bready character to emerge from the Virginias. The hay-like sweetness persists, becoming more rounded and satisfying. Occasionally, a subtle, almost nutty note surfaces, adding a layer of complexity without disrupting the overall harmony. The blend maintains its exceptional smoothness and cool burn, delivering a consistent and flavorful experience that is both comforting and engaging. It’s a steady evolution rather than a dramatic shift, showcasing the inherent beauty of well-processed Virginias.
Finish: The final third of the bowl sees a gentle intensification of the core Virginia flavors. The sweetness becomes a touch more concentrated, almost caramelized, and the bready notes gain a deeper resonance. The citrus notes recede further, leaving a warm, satisfying finish that lingers pleasantly on the palate. The tobacco burns down to a fine, light grey ash, leaving the pipe clean and dry. There’s no bitterness or harshness, just a clean, satisfying conclusion to a truly enjoyable smoke. It remains composed and flavorful right to the very end, a hallmark of a quality Virginia flake.
Room Note: The room note of Astley’s No. 109 Medium Flake is light, sweet, and unobtrusive, typical of a pure Virginia blend. It carries a pleasant aroma of natural tobacco, reminiscent of warm hay and a hint of baked goods. It’s generally well-tolerated by non-smokers and dissipates quickly, leaving a clean, fresh scent rather than a heavy, lingering odor. This makes it an excellent choice for smoking indoors or in company.
Strength: In terms of strength, Astley’s No. 109 Medium Flake sits comfortably in the medium category. The nicotine content is present but never overwhelming, providing a relaxing and satisfying experience without any undue headiness. It’s a blend that can be enjoyed throughout the day, allowing for multiple bowls without feeling overstimulated. This makes it a versatile choice for both new and experienced smokers who prefer a balanced nicotine delivery.
Final Thoughts: Verdict on Astley’s No. 109 Medium Flake
Overall Assessment
Astley’s No. 109 Medium Flake is a testament to the timeless appeal of a well-executed Virginia flake. It’s a blend that prioritizes natural tobacco flavor and a supremely comfortable smoking experience. Its charm lies in its straightforward purity, allowing the inherent sweetness and subtle nuances of the Virginias to shine through without distraction. It’s a blend that rewards slow, contemplative smoking, revealing new facets with each puff, yet remains approachable enough for any occasion. This is not a blend that demands attention; rather, it offers quiet satisfaction and consistent quality.
Smoking Experience
The technical performance of Astley’s No. 109 Medium Flake is exemplary. The flakes are easy to prepare, whether rubbed out or folded, and they pack effortlessly. It lights easily and stays lit with minimal fuss, producing a fine, dry ash. Tongue bite is virtually non-existent, even when smoked with enthusiasm, making it an incredibly forgiving and enjoyable blend. The moisture content out of the tin is perfect, contributing to its superb burn characteristics. This is a blend that consistently delivers a hassle-free and utterly reliable smoking experience, allowing the smoker to focus entirely on the flavors.
Recommendations
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.0/5 Stars) This blend earns a solid 4.0 stars for its exceptional quality, smooth smoking characteristics, and pure Virginia flavor. It’s a testament to classic blending and a highly satisfying smoke.
Who Should Try It: Astley’s No. 109 Medium Flake is an absolute must-try for any enthusiast of Virginia flakes. If you cherish natural tobacco sweetness, a cool burn, and a bite-free experience, this blend will quickly become a staple in your rotation. It’s also an excellent starting point for those new to flakes, offering an easy-to-manage and rewarding introduction. Those who enjoy Mac Baren Virginia No. 1 or Peter Stokkebye Luxury Navy Flake will find a familiar yet distinct pleasure here.
Who Should Avoid It: If your palate leans towards heavily cased aromatics, or if you crave the smoky intensity of Latakia or the peppery kick of Perique, this blend might not offer the bold flavors you seek. It’s a subtle, nuanced smoke, and those accustomed to more assertive blends might find its gentle nature underwhelming. If you’re looking for a nicotine powerhouse, this is also not the blend for you.
Additional Notes: Astley’s No. 109 Medium Flake, like many quality Virginia blends, benefits from aging. Cellaring a few tins will allow its natural sugars to deepen and its flavors to become even more harmonious over time. Its consistent quality and timeless appeal make it a blend that will undoubtedly remain a favorite for generations of pipe smokers, a true everyday companion.
