Tobaccos Astley's - No.109 Medium Flake

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	moniker (220)	2013-07-14		Mild to Medium	Very Mild	Mild to Medium	Pleasant

"There are certain delicious sensations that are no less intense for being vague." - Charles Baudelaire

I suspect that Astley's 109/Virginia Flake - like the proverbial prostitute with a heart of gold - suffers long at the hands of its habitués, not to mention being "ghosted" by myriad other tobaccos that are used in the same pipe. So, my recommendation comes with a stipulation, that the smoker takes the time and makes a best effort to discover what is special here.

This tobacco is fresh and enticing right from the tin, falling to short, chunky "ribbons" as the flakes are handled. It packs and lights OK and, once it is lit, I find it takes but little attention to keep it lit. It makes enough smoke, and it is "strong enough", within the context of its profile. IMO, it is best smoked in still air, to the point of smoking it indoors, if you can. Anyway, I do NOT recommend doing chores with a pipe full hanging from your jaw. I will even go out on a limb and say it might be best in a narrow "sipping" stack that is dedicated to it.

What is really good here may be ephemeral, but it is also exceptional, if not unique, mild, rather nutty Virginia tobacco with a delicate topping that need not offend even the most sensitive and inquisitive palate. This same VA does "muscle up" some over the course of a bowl, but in decidedly relative terms, and many probably never even notice this effect. Smoked down, the "smoky" part of its Va flavor concentrates, to the point where one might well miss the rancid fruit and an increasingly "acrid" quality that is - somehow - not only not offensive - at all - but it is part of what makes this blend special, IMO. And, oddly, the delicious, enduring aftertaste gradually works its way back to Va sweet.

All in all, despite my prolix intonements, I am pretty much at a loss for words here, like trying to describe dejas vu (or type it without proper script options...). Just, if you're willing to make the effort, this can delight, reward and even satisfy in a way that is not only different but better than other "light" tobaccos.

Update: Just wanted to share that A 109 needs to be kept in its sealed tin if one aims to age it. It dries and wilts sadly if left for long in a jar, even a "sealed" Mason jar. Since it needs close to "factory" moisture to act as intended, IMO, either smoke it soon (best), or keep tabs on hydration, once a tin has been popped.

Pipe Used: various briars; narow sippers preferred

Age When Smoked: young-ish to old-ish

Purchased From: Liberty Tobacco

Similar Blends: Contrast to Dunhill Flake.

23 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	StevieB (2081)	2015-07-08		Medium	Very Mild	Medium	Very Pleasant

Astley's - No.109 Medium Flake.

What a delicious tobacco this is. It had me captivated the moment I cracked open the tin. Rather than being separate flakes this has been packaged in a similar fashion to Orlik Golden Sliced; one long flake rolled up. Upon the opening I can see that the tobacco has secreted a fair quantity of oils as the paper that tops the tin is heavily stained from them. The smell from the can is so enticing, a sort of raisin/dough/bread like aroma. The tobacco is quite dark in appearance and although the paper top had a good oil covering the flake itself is of a perfect hydration to smoke right away. I opt to tare off some of the flake, rub it out, pack my pipe then light it up and if I was captivated from the aroma I'm truly enchanted by the taste.

I get a flavour very similar to the tins note. Obviously the Virginia is the main player, grassy and fresh but alongside it there's that same raisin/dough/bread enhancement which is absolutely lovely. The nicotine is about medium in this which suits me well. If you require a tobacco to sit and relax with without the need to keep fiddling about with your lighter and tamper then this is for you; it can be enjoyed with very few relights and only a little tamping.

If someone were to say to me "this is the only blend you can smoke for the rest of your life" my retort would be "well I can easily deal with that". Total smoking bliss. Highly recommended.

Pipe Used: Peterson Sherlock Holmes Lestrade

Age When Smoked: New

Purchased From: The Danish Pipe Shop

Similar Blends: No comparison for perfection.

17 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Emeritus Account (30194)	2011-11-17		Mild	Extremely Mild	Mild	Pleasant

I don't recall the other Astley blends being this way, but this was what I call a "wraparound" flake, in that it wasn't cut in bars or flakes. It was a huge rectangular chunk of tobacco that was folded over several times before tinning. As I broke off flakes, I would flip this chunk over and start on the other side to keep the chunk in one piece. Kind of cool, but then I'm easily amused.

Very well-behaved tobacco. Smoked great either folded and stuffed or rubbed out. The lemon citrus flavor of bright virginia was noticeable but not overwhelming. There were definite bass notes in this one and it was exquisitely balanced. Neither too mild nor too heavy, not too light or too flavorful. Not terribly complex but not a one trick pony. This is "just right". Consequently, there's not much to say about it. You'll either like it or you'll love it but I can't imagine any virginia smoker disliking it. I prefer Astleys #44 but that's just me. This is something every VA smoker should try, particularly if they like to smoke while doing other tasks. This one won't demand your attention. Good stuff!

16 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	JimInks (3048)	2014-01-09		Mild to Medium	Extremely Mild	Mild to Medium	Pleasant to Tolerable

There's a light topping of some kind that added a light citrus/sugar note, but it tended to fade as I smoked. The raisin hit I sensed when I opened the tin also seemed to fairly much vanish. The Virginias offer a fair amount of tart and tangy citrus, hay and grass, bread, earth, wood, mild vegetation, tangy darker fruit, light sugar, spice, acidic lemon, and floralness. Not very complex, but it isn't meant to be that way. The strength is in the center of mild to medium. The taste level is a step past that center. The nic-hit is a notch less potent than the overall strength and body. Won’t bite, but fast puffing may result in a harsh note. Has a few small rough edges. The flake is easy to break apart. Burns a touch warm, clean and slightly slow with a very consistent flavor from top to bottom. Requires a few relights. Leaves little moisture in the bowl. The short lived after taste and room notes are pleasant. Can be an all day smoke. Three and a half stars.

UPDATE 6-2022: The changes in this blend are similar to other recent K&K products that I have smoked. The main differences are the elevation of the tart and tangy citrus, floralness and the sour lemon, all of which are more potent now. The tangy dark fruit, earth and wood are barely evident. Even though it’s not visually apparent, the amount of red Virginia was cut quite a lot with orange Virginia which accounts for much for the changes. The sugary citrus topping is stronger now as it has a little more than a moderate effect, and does not wane. I also sense a light syrup note which was not present before as well as a little more acidity. Burns a tad harsher now. The strength, nic-hit and taste levels are a notch higher here. The room note is a little stronger, too. All of the other previous observations of the earlier manufacture still hold. I deduct half a star because of the extra acidity, so I rated it at TR as a three star blend.

-JimInks

13 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Lyle (32)	2015-11-29		Medium	Very Mild	Mild to Medium	Pleasant

I have a pipe dedicated to this blend; I've smoked five tins.

This is the first VA that I really fell for. The first four tins I smoked had a really nice, deep, chocolate overtone that I really liked. Although labeled as a straight VA, I detected a very judiciously applied sugar and chocolate/carob top dressing--nothing that would jump out, ghost a pipe or get in the way, but something that made the flake very approachable.

The last tin I smoked, purchased in 2012 and smoked in 2015, had no detectable chocolate topping. This may be because it dissipated over the years of aging, or possibly because the formula changed. Either way, it remained mostly familiar and delicious.

A lot of straight VAs are grassy, lemony, or hay-like (which I love), but are a little harder to appreciate for the newcomer, depending on experience. I loved this as a newbie, and continue to return to it.

As with most Virginia tobaccos, smoking as slow and cool as possible yields the best results. These are not bold flavors compared to Latakia blends or strong aromatics.

Pipe Used: Several dedicated to VA, one to this blend

Age When Smoked: Several tins, varying from 0-3 years

8 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Virginia lover (218)	2014-06-18		Mild to Medium	Very Mild	Mild to Medium	Pleasant to Tolerable

The description on the tin is spot on with this broken flake. Sweet, mature Virginias are there from the get go. This tobacco is sensitive to how and when you smoke it. Use the same pipe and make it your first smoke of the day. This way you make the most of it.

I like the honey sweet and raisin taste, mellow and yet interesting. It's a shame that there is the typical European topping of aniseed and licorice applied to this otherwise perfect flake. This topping is sometimes strong enough to distract you from a good and honest smoke and then disappears to come back when you have settled once again. For me that's the only minus.

Virginia lover

8 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	SteelCowboy (685)	2013-10-05		Mild to Medium	Extremely Mild	Medium	Pleasant

I am a big fan of well-aged Virginia's and VaPers. I wasn't bowled over with excitement by my first experience with #109. Having stowed away the second of two tins for several years, I decided to revisit it since it has garnered a lot of positive reviews. The aged, darkened flakes smelled of the usual raison, fig and hay scent that comes from an aged Virginia blend. #109 offed some sweetness, but not as much as I expected. Astley's #109 smoked with a nice balanced flavor, but it bit me. I seldom get tongue bite and so I soldered on with different pipes, different cadence and packing methods, but I just couldn't get past the bite. I guess it is just a body chemistry thing, but it is what keeps me from rating it higher. It is worth a try for Virginia lovers, but not one I will personally be buying again.

8 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Capt (339)	2011-09-08		Mild to Medium	None Detected	Medium	Pleasant

Having a very Va sensitive tongue, Astley's 109 is probably the most mild mannered Va out there. Definitely one of my favorite tinned Va flakes to date. I purchased this tin in 2003 and didn't open it until 2006. I smoked a few bowls, and left it at that. This was before I "understood" Va flakes.

Well, 2011 rolls around and this guy gets on a HUGE Va flake kick, unlike any kick I have ever been on before. Spending hundreds of dollars trying to sample as many Va's as I can. While stocking the cellar with my newly acquired blends I find this tin of 109 deep in the back of the shelves. I take it out and open it, finding the moisture content still perfect, even though it had been opened for 5 years.

Everything clicked and finally made sense. This was one fine smoke. Sweet, complex for a Va, and just plain enjoying. Lit, packed and stayed lit without troubles. Great room note, and just enough nicotine to know your pipe is lit. I highly recommend this blend, escpecially those with sensitive tongues.

8 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Rodricus (29)	2011-06-22		Very Strong	None Detected	Full	Strong

For the virginia lovers, this is the tobacco to smoke. It is a superb flake by Astley´s as well as their best blend, in my opinion.

In the tin the tobacco is tangy and a little sour: nicontina is here at her best. If you let the flakes dry a little they might turn a little white. The flake is somehow sharp, so rubbing turns out to be an important decision: to brake or not to brake?

This delicious blend is also strog for me, so I just smoke it on the evenings or after an abundant meal. And also only when I want to remember that life has a lot of good things to deliver.

7 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	O'Confrère (40)	2016-05-09		Mild to Medium	Extremely Mild	Mild to Medium	Pleasant

Can’t believe I never got around to putting in my 2 cents about this one, especially considering that, along with Compton’s Commonweal, McClelland Rich Virginia Ribbon, Boston 1776, C&D Opening Night, F&T Cut Virginia Plug, McCranie’s RVF and RVR, Samuel Gawith BBF and FVF, it’s one of my go-to ‘straight’ virginias (must be a bit of burley in some of them).

This one brings together the most disparate elements beautifully. It’s at once dark, earthy, bright, tangy, creamy and surprisingly rich. How’s that possible? It’s herbal, pleasantly tannic (think coffee!) and, yes, with a lovely sweetness. It develops wonderfully in the pipe and ages deliciously in the tin. The richer second half of the bowl offers leatheriness and buttery nuttiness (burley? African virginias?). No. 109 has depth and balance. It is a very distinctive tobacco, definitely one to try for Va. lovers. I 'cellared' about 20 tins some years ago, and I'm glad I did!

Highly recommended!

Also recommend the reviews from Bear, moniker, and DK…

Pipe Used: several, all reserved for Va's w/out topping

Age When Smoked: 8 years

4 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Emeritus Account (30194)	2001-03-09		Medium to Strong	None Detected	Full	Tolerable to Strong

This is doubtlessly the best pressed Virginia blend that I have ever tried. I'm honestly not sure why it doesn't get the kind of recognition that other Va. Flakes do. Regardless of its level of critical acclaim, I have yet to find a superior straight Virginia flake for both its remarkable flavor and round, but never overwhelming, body.

It is unquestionably a rather sweet blend. The natural sweetness of the Virginias manage to surface without the slight bitterness that, for example, is associated with some of McClelland's flakes. Similarly, the sheer weight of the smoke (or the body) doesn't seem to interrupt the flavors to the same degree as any of Gawith's Virginia Flakes.

I find it is a far better smoke when given as much attention as possible. Along with a couple of Greg Pease's blends, this is one of the few tobaccos that I really feel like I have to sit down and smoke carefully and thoughtfully. All of the nuance is lost (and the beauty of this blend is most certainly in its nuanced complexity), when the blend is not the primary focus of the smoker. (By the way, Astley's #2 is an excellent all day smoke that doesn't require much attention to be appreciated. I smoke Astley's #2 as one of my primary all day smokes, but I long ago gave up trying to appreciate #109 without giving it its due attention.)

Certainly the most predominant sub-flavor is fruity. At the beginning of the bowl, I seem to get more citrusy notes as a result of the acids in the tobacco (I presume). The blend seems to mellow as progresses and loses some of the tartness. By the end of the bowl, soft fruitiness (like very ripe plums or grapes) seems to be the predominant flavor.

This is one of only three or four blends that I would "highly recommend".

4 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	BingCrosby (162)	2018-09-06		Medium	None Detected	Mild to Medium	Pleasant to Tolerable

Ok what's the deal,? This used to be a 'wraparound flake' flake right?? Marlin flakesque from what I understand... the tin I bought looked like neat stacks of capstan.. disappointment aside, when I lit up my Frank method packed rub out... I was greeted with a warm, earthy, spicy (More cayenne than pepper) Virginia palette. .settled in later on in the smoke to a carmally raw sugar note..seems pretty pure, relatively unflavored.. not my cup o tea.. but delicious and a very distinct natural tobacco..

3 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Ocelot79 (32)	2018-03-17		Medium	None Detected	Medium	Pleasant

Medium, very high quality VA. This is what I take, along with a Lovat or bulldog on a long walk in the countryside, or when beachcombing. I want the weight, the creaminess and the smoothness of a good VA, but I don't need complex flavours or tobaccos that require any special handling to perform well. Long strands of this flake twisted carefully but firmly down into the bowl (NOT rubbed) perform these tasks splendidly, IMO. There are stronger flakes out there, which I may use later in the day, but unlike Astleys 44 for instance, this one is better behaved; no nicotine/oily gurglings or fussing about with pipe cleaners mid smoke. I have a guess that many reviewers call this a milder tobacco not because it is mild (I think it's firmly medium) but because it is so well behaved that the smoking experience is 'milder' overall. -there is plenty of satisfying strength here. Absolute model of a well-behaved plain, medium VA. The other great thing about this one is that it will tell you a good deal about the condition of the pipe being used; if there is any strange taste or 'ghosting' from another tobacco, this straight VA will reveal it, and will indicate that cleaning may be necessary.

Pipe Used: Asthon bulldog & other shorties.

Age When Smoked: 3 years

Purchased From: Ries, Chicago

3 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Gentleman Zombie (729)	2016-09-28		Mild to Medium	Very Mild	Medium	Pleasant

Very nice flavors of citrus and darker fruits with a light addition of anise. Modest amounts of sweetness and spice. This is a very tasty smoke, but requires some discipline to keep it that way. I barely have enough which makes this a flake that I won't be smoking much of. I will enjoy it on occasion though. If you can keep it slow and cool you'll get a first class smoke out of it.

Mild to medium in body. Flavoring is very mild. Taste is medium. Burns very well.

Pipe Used: MM Dagner Poker, Country Gentleman, Marcus

Age When Smoked: fresh

Purchased From: Mars cigars and pipes

3 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	fr_tom (393)	2013-09-19		Mild to Medium	Extremely Mild	Mild to Medium	Pleasant

I am on my second bowl of this in a Peterson African meer - a dublin with the p-lip. The tobacco is described on the tin as "matured, naturally sweet, broken Virginia flake - medium strength." I open the can and find long wide flake similar in appearance to Orlik Golden Sliced in the 100g tin. The flakes are dark and smell sweet with no identifiable honey or flavor of sweetener. The tin had just a hint of raisins perhaps. A piece was torn off and rubbed out. Moisture seemed about right to me, and I did not dry it or let it air.

The smoking experience is mild and mellow. There is a slightly sweet virginia flavor and no other tastes to me. Some people taste perique in this, but I do not. The tobacco flavor grows in strength as the bowl progresses, but it is still what I would call mellow and slightly sweet. I get just a hint of citrus every now and then.

This has been a very pleasant smoke. It is not a flavor bomb or have complex flavors. I would recommend this to someone wanting to try a good Virginia. It smoked cool for me, and I did not have problems keeping it lit or with tongue bite. It was easy to sip and had enough flavor that I was not puffing away trying to get more out. The cost per oz in the 50 g tin is a little high for me, and I am not likely to be smoking this on a regular basis once the tin is empty. For my smoking $, there are things that I like just as much (or more) that are cheaper. It is a good smoke though, and I recommend it. If you are weary of complexity and complicated flavor descriptions, this might be a great one to try.

3 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Eulenburg (193)	2003-01-23		Medium	None Detected	Medium	Very Pleasant

Yes, indeed. A delicious, smokey-sweet Virginia beauty, similar to, but heftier than, Hamborger Veermeister. It looks as dark and luscious, heaped in the tin, as RATTRAY's Marlin Flake, which it resembles closely, although this is less peaty (by which I mean those bittersweet edges found in whiskey that has been filtered in charcoal) smoother.

I tried 109 in a picture-perfect, silver-mounted Peterson bent, a medium-sized Don Carlos oom-paul and a brand-new Radice squatty bull-dog: it proved a steady, smooth smoker on all wood, slightly edgy at the very beginning, wonderfully rich and savoury through the main part of the session, fading only ever-so-slightly towards the end.

This is more expensive than Marlin, but that is just about the only thing I can say against it: a major find. It left a marvelous taste in my mouth for a long time after I had finished puffing it.

3 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Tantric (321)	2003-01-07		Mild to Medium	None Detected	Medium	Pleasant to Tolerable

Astley?s 109 is the third blend from this house I have enjoyed over this Christmas period. The three of them seem to me excellent tobaccos!All are beautifully made, top quality and very palatable. 109 belongs, IMO, with N° 55 and N°44 in terms of being a straight forward Virginia, spicy, either in flake or broken flake form. If you plan an entire day of smoking straight Vas., you could easily start with 109 in the morning,have a bowl of N°55 for mid day and finish the day off with N°44.

N°109 is a type of Va. that provides a rich, tangy, almost beefy taste (a certain Lea & Perkins sauced undertone, similar to some of the McClelland?s I have tried, but in a more moderate and tastier vein). Never the less it is a smooth tobacco, of a rich brown colour, quite simple to pack and light. Of the three Astley?s I?ve mentioned, 109 is by far the tastier one, providing an almost joyful smoke, and I don?t find any correlation with Rattray?s blends (as I do regarding N°?s 55 and 44). The taste is so rich and spicy that I wouldn?t dub this tobacco as a contemplative smoke. It has many layers and it burns wonderfully.

I?ve enjoyed it both indoors, and especially outdoors, when walking Glinka (my enthusiastic Airedale Terrier) in a nearby wooded area. Again, highly recommended.

3 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Pipestud (1829)	2002-12-23		Mild	None Detected	Medium	Very Pleasant

Astley's 109 is a very mellow and medium strength Virginia with a tremendous variance in taste presentation as you work your way down the bowl. Upon opening the tin, you will find a rich, dark Virginia flake in folded strips. There is also the tangy smell of uncased Virginia leaf, but only distantly, and the tang never shows itself at the match. If you enjoy a straight Virginia Flake that won't knock out over with a big nicotine punch, then punch this ticket.

3 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Benjamin Meyer (25)	2022-01-31		Mild	None Detected	Mild to Medium	Pleasant to Tolerable

A tasty middle of the road Virginia flake. Good sweet and typical smell from the tin. Beautiful flakes are easy to prepare. Work well as a fold and stuff. Benefits from a good drying as it gains in strength and makes the burn easier. Overall, mechanics are great for a flake.

Flavor is typical of a none cooked VA. There are many in this category. Good sweetness, little zest, lots of bread. This one is a good representation of the genre but I don't find it to stand out particularly.

If it were easier for me to get, I'd probably have a stack or two of it, but as it is, I'll stay with the others I have and enjoy already. Namely BBF from SG.

Pipe Used: Mostly my meerschaum billiard

Age When Smoked: 2 yo tin

Purchased From: Gift from a friend

Similar Blends: Samuel Gawith - Best Brown Flake.

2 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Big Train (118)	2016-02-12		Medium	None Detected	Medium	Tolerable

This is one of my after diner tobaccos and well it should be . The smoker is presented with long flakes more than average in thickness . it really is sort of a broken flake because there is a good deal of strands on the bottom . The color is dark brown and the tin note is fruity and inviting . A good moisture level helps in packing and lighting . This is a slow burning tobacco that delivers flavor all the way through . The taste is natural , matured Virginia tobacco with no topping that I can notice . 109 is a rich smoke with the same punch as F & T special brown or Ratray's marlin. Though not good for the morning smoke in my opinion it's value comes later in the day when something more full bodied is desired . It is almost identical to Wessex brigade dark flake , also made by K & K .and I smoke them interchangeably . This , along with the Wessex , is in a class by it's self in the Virginia world . Enjoy some. Edited 6/5/16 K & K has changed the presentation . It is now delivered in a square tin , ala F & T , as a folded flake . What a loss to this fine tobacco . The old round tin presented long flakes that wrapped around the can sort of like Ratrays Marlin flake . The new presentation looks like every other folded flake made by K & K . Still the same great tobacco but the new presentation takes something away from the experience . I guess that I will use Wessex brigade dark flake from now on , it being exactly the same tobacco , still presented in the traditional way .

Similar Blends: Wessex brigade dark flake.

2 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Mr. Big (321)	2015-03-25		Medium	Extremely Mild	Medium	Pleasant

New Tin- initial impression- Tin note has the scent of figs with a single long loose flake of medium dark Virginia . Very easy to rub out or break off and will require some drying. The initial flavor and scent is unremarkable with a slight spice, good N ( I find it more than acceptable), not hay or grass like, more English in flavor with high sweet notes and maybe some bitter base notes. One of those blends that's nice while smoking it, but a year later, after my memory fades, I'll be asking, "that was good but I don't remember why !!!" Now fast forward !

Tin Open One Week-scent and flavor starting to develop, you have to French inhale in "small wisps" to find it.

Tin Open One Month- The subtle scent further develops. The blend now has a very smooth sweet flavor, but the real interest is the scent. You have to allow the smoke to drift up the nose or "French Inhale", the fragrance is sweet , reminds me as if there was some "Samsun Oriental "in this blend ? But there is something else ???? Wait for it, wait for it..... have you ever smelled "Kiwi shoe polish"?, it's totally intriguing. Ok, maybe it's an "anise" as reviewer , " Virginia lover 2014-06-18" described it, but nothing as overpowering as in Ramsgate or Blackpool , I love it and I'll be buying more.

"Sometimes I have to just laugh at my reviews." I recommend you read reviewers, "DK 2011-11-17" & "Virginia Lover 2014-06-18 ", & "Moniker 2013-07-14" for "well written" reviews.

Update 4/25/17- The newer two tins I tried have a much stronger Vanilla taste. I'm not a fan, I find it cloying and I'm removing a star.

Pipe Used: cob

Age When Smoked: one month

Similar Blends: closer to a McClelland Virginia.

2 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Bluesmoke (75)	2014-12-01		Medium	None Detected	Medium	Pleasant

Very nice VA. Pleasing aroma (bread, yeast, caramel) from the tin. All those same aromas transfer well to the smoke. A nice dark profile, as I said, caramelized sugar and a nice slightly spicy and sweet smokiness. Great inhalation when breathed through the nose...little tingle. This was moderate in flavor and body and a delight in which to indulge. This will be stored and broken out later for inspection. I feel this will mellow some with time. A good VA and quite filling after one bowl. This is a nice offering indeed. MJCKYAYFF

2 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Kilmarnock Piper (251)	2010-05-19		Mild to Medium	Mild	Medium	Pleasant

I was looking at Hagen's review, and he said something about K&K having added caramel and vanilla when they did the blend. My tin is from 2005. Somehow, I think this is that blend. There does seem to be a caramelly topping that is not quite my cup of tea (or pipe of tobacco), but I don't think it ruins it. However, the tobacco might be better without it. I like it alright, just prefer more natural tobacco usually. I can't speak to what the tobacco was like when blended in England, or at the present time, since my tin is 2005. I will smoke it; indeed, I am getting to the bottom of it, and have a sealed tin in reserve, which I will cellar a while. The Virginias are of good quality. This goes well with the apple cider I am drinking right now. I have gotten the best results from thoroughly drying, and from small to medium bowled pipes. Actually, smoking the present bowl in a larger bowled Brebbia (but not huge) and not completely dried out. Still, it opened up midbowl, and I am getting some nice flavors. They are not pure tobacco flavors, but that's ok.

2 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Emeritus Account (30194)	2009-02-03		Mild	None Detected	Medium	Pleasant

update: going through my reviews here, i find that i'll have to downgrade a good deal of the praise i've given so many blends. 4 stars should, i feel, be reserved for the blends i find truly exceptional. so, this is downgraded a bit. end update.

now this was a pleasant surprise. i used to smoke it a lot when it was made by, i think, macconnell (or perhaps astley's themselves?). it came as small golden flakes, and it was sharp and a bit winey. then the production was transferred to k&k, and that was a catastrophe. they added vanilla and caramel, completely destroying my beloved #109.

today, 15 years later, i grabbed a tin at the fine tobacconist at ströget in copenhagen, thinking that the reviews here on t.r. pointed to another change in this blend. and yes, it is now once again a fine tobacco, though nowhere near the ancient #109: dark brown with discreet sweetness, in a style reminding me somewhat of "bright cr flake" (but without the hint of flavouring, or perhaps a different one). a quite pure virginia, and a very pleasant clean smoke. nothing sensational, just the deep, slightly fruity/spicy notes i love so much in a well aged va.. infinitely much better than, say, orlik's "golden sliced".

delightful when new, but may become absolutely wonderful if stored for 5 years.

2 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Pseudo Nim (129)	2008-12-05		Mild	None Detected	Mild to Medium	Pleasant to Tolerable

A superb early morning smoke in the hotter weather, I originally bought three tins while the weather was still warm, for some time now, the cold has made it's presence felt, still, I have two more tins for the summer.

A light and easy tobacco to pack and smoke usual superb astley quality, no bite just pure virginia, an excellent smoke if you want to be aroused very slowly but soon to be discarded for more stronger tobacco's thereafter. Certainly not (IMHO) for the English winter nights or morns (where we are currently experiencing -7c) such as they are, at present I am looking more for a SG Skiff, at least or SG Squadron Leader to start the day.

2 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Emeritus Account (30194)	2008-10-04		Mild	Extremely Mild	Medium	Pleasant

A Mild & Mellow Flake. Just like the tin description and most definitely an all day smoke.

In the early Fall I find myself moving from Virginias toward the Latakia laced Balkans and English mixtures, but #109 is an exception. It provides year round appeal with its rich dark brown-sugar tin aroma, with hints of honey and toasted nuts. Pecans, not mine, thank you Rev. Jackson. Arrives in the tin almost at perfect moisture, but some drying does help. I prefer it shagged out over the fold and stuff method. I wouldn't mind a good shagging out myself. Fill your bowl lightly with this one or you will soon regret not doing so. It can be tough to keep lit otherwise. It's a sipper, so take it easy.

Reveals a rainbow of flavors as it meanders down the bowl, with the molasses-brown sugar elements staying in the foreground. There's hints of dark cocoa, licorice, cookies and freshly baked bread. Aged a few years in the tin, it starts to develop little nooks and crannies of flavors difficult to describe other than damn tasty.

If you're looking for a Vitamin N delivery system that will knock your undies off, this ain't no panty dropper. Mild in all the good ways, but packed with flavor.

2 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	RCUSElder (244)	2006-05-12		Medium	Very Mild	Medium	Pleasant

I finally got to this one, so here goes:

Appearance and Tin Aroma: This smells like a Va that has had a delicate touch of some sort of Chocolate essence. The flakes are neatly folded and appear to be stoved as well.

Packing and Lighting: Just rub out slightly and pack. 2-3 lights max.

Initial Flavor: Smooth, mellow VA, the casing is sweet, but not cloying.

Mid-Bowl: This blend gets into the zone easily, the room note is pleasing to non-smokers. No tongue-bite.

Bottom of Bowl: Not much increase of strength, ash is grey and dry. This could be an all day blend.

Overall: This is a high quality blend that is a perfect intro to Va Blends. It is only slightly cased and it never gets bitter. It burns cooly and does not "gunkify" your pipe. It is not something that I will smoke regularly, but will always have on hand. I preferred it in group 3-4 sized pipes. Give it a go! Pip! Pip!, Cheerio!

2 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Emeritus Account (30194)	2004-10-31		Medium	None Detected	Medium to Full	Pleasant to Tolerable

I find this tobacco to have a singular ability to evolve in the pipe. The first ten minutes or so are totally underwhelming, leaving one to consider if it was worth purchasing. Ho hum. After puffing away for a time, it begins to grow in both body and flavor until I find myself completely immersed in the experience. By bowl's end, I'm pining for more. Lush without flamboyance, round without bloat, No. 109 has a long, lingering finish worthy of a Pauillac. I place it at the very top of a short list of the finest Va flakes available.

I would never consider it for a quick, short smoke, but whenever I have the time to give it its due, it's mighty hard to beat. This blend is to Virgina flake what GLP is to English mixtures.

=====Addendum, 10/04- A man once paid a visit to the famed gourmet Brillat-Savarin, and was advised by servants that he was busy enjoying his dinner. The man waited patiently, noting that it was 7:00PM. He found this odd, as it was common knowledge that the great epicure would dine religiously at 4:00. When finally greeted by his host, he could not help but make mention of this, whereupon Brillat-Savarin responded that he had, indeed, eaten at 4:00, but, as correctly pointed out by his staff, was "enjoying" his meal.

As I write, I am enjoying a bowl of 109, consumed approximately three hours ago.

2 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	BostonPipe (84)	2004-06-26		Mild to Medium	None Detected	Mild to Medium	Pleasant to Tolerable

Well, another "Winner" from Astley's. With so many descriptions of the tobacco, I'll keep my remarks to the actual experience.

The taste runs consistent the length of the bowl. I find this Virginian to be a great Summer smoke. The subtle natural sweetness combined with the citrus note is just a delight on a hot day in particular.

It burns down to a grey/white ash with very little dottle. I find with tamping the run of the bowl, I do not need a single relight.

2 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Exedwardsguy (11)	2004-06-10		Mild	Mild	Mild to Medium	Pleasant

Astley?s 109? where to begin with this enfant terrible of the Virginia flake circuit? The word paradox only begins to describe this gorgeously made flake. The standard Astley?s tin is presented this time in tan with jolly nice red print. The flakes are thinly sliced, but longish and folded over in multiples. The tobacco is a visually attractive mix of younger yellows and slightly more mature browns. The tin aroma is, to my sense, simply one of brown sugar.

The flake rubs out well and packs nicely, though a bit moist. The charring light takes some patience due to the moisture - 2 Vestas for sure. Once things get under way, though, the aromas and flavors are unimpeachable. One tastes the brown sugar among the usual but slightly rounded grassy Virginia flavor. At this point, a fine light version of the extremely venerable No 44.

Then something very bad happens. Slightly before mid-bowl, heat builds up and a fetid pong emerges ? I know, some blandly refer to this as ?Lea and Perrins? flavor ? I can imagine the ingenuous smile as they describe it as such, but in my personal hell, it brings to mind freshly opened tins of Vienna sausage, just popped jars of strained peas, and potted meats from days of yore when Kraft Macaroni Dinner and Jello brand gelatin molds epitomized la nouvelle cuisine. I cast about desperately for the delightful flavors that began this adventure.

Miracle of miracles, they re-emerge, slightly darker and even more rounded in the final third of the bowl. The L&P flavor is but an early morning nightmare, fleeting and washed away by the dawn. The semi-sweetness of tawny port develops toward the end, subtly endowing the mild Virginia flavors with a delicious darkness? utterly unexpected and utterly exquisite. The whole thing winds up in a fine dry ash.

If you are one who doesn?t mind the flavor described as ?meaty?, or ?Lea & Perrins? I can see how this would become one of your favorites, as it is sublime for me as well (excepting the brief funk), and I debate each time whether or not to endure the slightly queasy interval I know is inevitable, for the sake of the delights that embrace it. Usually I go for it!

2 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	JClark (26)	2004-04-20		Mild	None Detected	Mild	Pleasant

For the most part, I agree with all the positive comments already posted about this flake. I find this smokes best thoroughly rubbed, and dried out. The taste is mild, slightly sweet, and at the same time sort of deep and earthy. At times these flakes are so mild that they are almost tasteless and are a bit like smoking hot air. However, at other times they are very flavorfull in a mildly subtle way. All and all a very good mild virginia flake that I keep on hand for occasions that I'm in the mood for something a bit lighter, milder.

I would like to add one gripe about this tobacco. I don't doubt that the contents of the tin would actually register 50 grams on a scale, however, the tobacco comes so moist that once it is thoroughly dried, the smokeable tobacco you are left with is far less than 50 grams. Once dry the 50 grams is probably more like 25 - 30 grams which makes this a fairly expensive tobacco for regular consumption.

2 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Emeritus Account (30194)	2003-11-21		Very Mild	None Detected	Mild	Pleasant to Tolerable

Given that this is such a popular tobacco, I spent my own dime to try it. I was hoping for something other than what I got, I'm afraid. We all have our tastes, and I couldn't taste this one at all until I neared the middle of the bowl. Its sweetness isn't apparent until the latter half. It's a very wet smoke, and while I enjoyed the flavor towards the end, it didn't strike me as a "come and get me" tobacco. I'm sure it's a fine tobacco, but regrettably, it's not my "thing."

I'm sorry to bring the average score down, but alas... My tastes differ. My favorite full-bodied blend is McClelland's Dominican Glory with maduro. You may or may not like it, and can qualify my opinion based on that.

It was smooth, and elegant tasting to be sure, but it's just not my sunrise.

This piper gives this a 3 out of 5.

Pleasant winds to ye all.

====UPDATE!====

Had some of this stuff aged, and thought it was superb. Nice tang, subtle sweetness... Didn't burn my tongue to a crisp this time. A very pleasant smoke!

DJM

2 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	NEWMAN (305)	2003-08-06		Mild to Medium	None Detected	Medium	Pleasant

Although my tin was marked as made in Germany, there was no indication that Kohlhacs & Kopp was the blender as with other of the Astleys tobaccos that I've enjoyed. I thought that A&C Petersen,indicated above, was in Denmark. Whoever the blender, they did a great job and I was not disappointed. My dark brown flakes were almost 6" long and folded into the round tin. Packing, lighting and the lack of relights were excellent even thought the tin moisture content was higher than expected. A rich, but smooth, naturally sweet, cool smoke, this blend didn't even hint of bite from start to finish. It is just as advertised but a bit mild for my normal tastes as an all day event. However, in hot weather or as my first smoke of the day, it's a pleasure. Although I personally prefer the added strength of their #44, I still had to give this the highest available rating for a good high quality VA flake. Try some.

2 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Paddy (127)	2003-03-13		Mild to Medium	Mild	Mild to Medium	Pleasant

This is more like it. After smoking Astleys No.2, I was not expecting much. But this is a good smoke. It comes in thin, long, dark brown flakes, folded over in the tin. It has a vegetal barn smell of good quality Virginia similar to sweet clover. It rubs out and packs easily. It lights easily with no harshness in the initial smoke. A light neutral sweetner has been added, but does not interfere with the Virginia flavor on the tongue nor in the aftertaste. This could be an all day tobacco, but may not have a heavy enough tobacco flavor to go the distance over several successive pipes. This would be a very good Virginia for the novice smoker. Absolutely no bite nor hint of a bite from start to finish which is unusal for a Virginia. I will keep this on hand, and smoke it occasionally. Highly recommended. Paddy.

2 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Emeritus Account (30194)	2002-12-02		Mild to Medium	None Detected	Medium	Pleasant

I sometimes hesitate spending hard-earned cash to try a new tobak but I'm glad I took a chance w/this one. Astleys #109 is an excellent VA that is true to the "mild and mellow" tin description. As stated by others, this is a mostly dark brown to black flake w/smidgeons of lighter colors threaded in. It appears that it's one long flake that is folded over a few times and placed in the tin. Rubs out very easily to packing consistency and lights equally well. I was surprised when I noticed I almost didn't need to use a second match. I charred, tamped lightly, and read another paragraph or so before relighting. When I put the pipe back in my mouth I habitually drew on it before I even lit the 2nd match and lo and behold.....smoke! Once burning good, the natural, hard-to-beat, good VA flavor comes forth w/slight sweetness and faint citrusy notes. The typical VA tang is present but very subdued. Virtually NO bite here, folks! I notice a woodsy note that reminds me of the mild fermented aroma when I opened the tin, sorta like a forest after a Spring rain. The smoke is cool and creamy, mostly mid and high notes but there is some bottom to it especially farther down the bowl where a richer and more smokey flavor surfaces. This is a very tasty and flavorful VA, perhaps one of the best. Though it was somewhat moist in the tin (the tin seems to have a good seal to it too), moisture while smoking was pretty much non-existant; I used a pipe cleaner about 1/2way just for the heck-of-it. Some drying time wouldn't hurt. I used a GG size Castello "Old Antiquari" panelled Lovat that has a fairly deep bowl, but IMO this tobak would smoke good in most any size bowl. Burns to a fluffy ash and leaves the pipe clean and dry. IMHO, this would be a good tobak for smokers new to the world of VA's as well as seasoned pipers. My only complaint would be that I wish there was more tobacco in the tin, but it's a good tobacco for the price. My "smoke this on occasion" rating is because I'm going to make this tin last as long as I reasonably can, (gonna hafta use some restraint) and will definitely have a couple more in the cellar for the near future. This would be a good all day/all the time smoke but that could get a little pricey. As a now and then/frequent smoke this is a very good choice. I'll always have some of this around. Hey, works for me! ==Update== This is just a brief update after having smoked more of this VA. tobak side-by-side w/#55. Since I gave #55 Elizabethan the highest overall recommendation, I felt it was necessary to also give the same rec to #109, simply because they are both, IMHO, excellent smokes. I still think I prefer #55 as I stated in my review, but #109 has a bit more body and burns a bit slower depending on how you rub it out, so spending your day w/Astley's VAs. would be very pleasurable, to say the least. I certainly wouldn't refuse either one, anytime.

2 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Emeritus Account (30194)	2002-04-05		Mild to Medium	None Detected	Mild to Medium	Very Pleasant

The latest issue from Astleys, a blending house that, IMNSHO, is only matched by the "House of Pease" in consistency throughout it's entire line. #109 is named after the company's address on Jeremy Street in London. Tin appearance: 50g tina a la dunhill or mac baren.

Tobacco appearance and tin note: Extremely dark colored, well aged, broken flake with just an occasional bit of lighter weed peeking out. Moisture: Higher than I like, the entire contents have melded together (pluck at one flake, the entire contents lift out). Tin fragrance, glorious, light, sweet Va, with no (zero, zip, nada) hints of catsup, vinegar, acetic acid, or anything that isn't glorious tobacco. Flake breaks up well, but I highly recommend letting it dry on a paper for a few minutes before packing. . We're packed. Opening "Blood Rave" Theme from the Blade Soundtrack on the faithful Nakamichi, assisted by a pair of old Advent Heritages.... let's rock! Flame hits weed releasing.... wow.... mmm..... wow! One of the softest, lightly fragrant smokes that I have ever encountered. It has sufficient body that the delicate citrus and cashew notes have support, but just enough. Smooth? Less friction on the palate than liquid teflon on black ice. If you are in to such things, this is unquestionably the most inhale able tobacco that I have ever run across. The fragrance and room note carries all the delightful elements of a carolina curing barn sans the grassiness. Mid bowl: the fruit mutes a tad, making ways for more of the cashew butter aspects, the bowl develops more complexity, and it was no slouch in that department to start with. Very slow burning, you can't hurry this one (nor would you want to) not because it would slap your tongue, but because when ya hurry you'd miss al the nuance in this one's conversation. End bowl. Unbelievable. A Va that has nary a nip or bite even down in "no man's land" at the heel. Now rich and buttery. Summary: This is it! The Finest Va flake that I have found. Deliciously light, smooth and fragrant. If you shy away from Va's, because of bite, burn, or the dreaded "Heinz" factor, get this one. Trust me. You will become a fan. 10 out of 10 Bearclaws. -- Bear Graves

2 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	smokethefox (14)	2022-03-18		Medium	None Detected	Medium	Tolerable

My first question was to this tobacco: Mr. Perique, are you there? I swear there is some of it. The tin note is of mildly sweet and sour dried berries. I did not detect the typical hay and grassiness. The flakes are have a beautiful deep brown colour. A 20-30 min. of drying time helped for me with this one. After that I folded and stuffed the flake. Lighting was easy and only 2 relights were needed. The smoke is cool and tangy, lots of sour berries. The taste remains all till the end. I like the more hay and bread like taste of my Virginias, but still, recomended. This is a nice, quality baccy.

Pipe Used: Real Briar

Age When Smoked: New

Purchased From: etrafika.cz

1 person found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	BrokenRecord (124)	2020-07-05		Mild to Medium	Extremely Mild	Medium	Pleasant

Astley's No.109: A Classy Grassy/Citrusy Virginia Flake

No.109 is made up of a mix of bright/lighter leaf, red, and darker Virginias—the latter of which I believe to be stoved. The Virginias tend to be more on the grassy/citrus side of the spectrum with an ample amount of natural sweetness.

Folded and stuffed, No.109 is a four-star Virginia flake. It enhances the sweetness and balances out any rough edges in the smoke. Rubbed out, the flake is good but nothing special. I also appreciate how this flake burns to a fine white ash.

1 person found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Voyaging (80)	2019-08-13		Mild to Medium	Mild	Mild	Tolerable

The presentation is neat and there is a stack of wide, chocolate brown flakes. The smell is slightly tangy and bready. That tanginess recedes with air time.

There is an overall bready, molasses flavor. Not many bright peaks. There is a nice cinnamon bread note I kept getting, and cocoa and nuts. There is also a slight chemical note I get a hint of, which I didn't like, but it goes away, and the more dry time, the less it shows up. This reminded me a little of Wessex Brown Virginia Flake, which I enjoyed more. It's kind of close to Wessex Brigade Campaign Dark Flake, which I did not enjoy.

The Nicotine was noticeable. Strength was mild to medium and the taste was the same. I don't love this blend, but I would recommend it to straight Virginia lovers who like many of the European-styled Virginia flakes. It's a simple and enjoyable blend.

Pipe Used: Various briars

Age When Smoked: One year

Similar Blends: Wessex Brown Virginia Flake, Wessex - Campaign Dark Flake (Brigade).

1 person found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Emeritus Account (30194)	2018-07-07		Medium	Extremely Mild	Medium to Full	Strong

I’ve tried this tobacco several times over the years and I still don’t like it. The tin I smoke from now is two years old. I have tried 109 every which way possible, and it bites like a snapping turtle. The little enjoyment I have got from it has been brief. The flakes are dark brown soft and fall apart with the slightest touch.

Pipe Used: Dunhill

Age When Smoked: 2 year

Similar Blends: Hot coals..

1 person found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Namshang (3)	2015-06-13		Mild to Medium	Mild	Medium	Pleasant

This of brown sugar aroma is very strong and sweet. It was not a bad feeling, a lot of other good tobacco. If you love sweet, it is accept.

Pipe Used: Peterson Aran

Age When Smoked: New

Purchased From: PipeStory Eunpyeong, Seoul, Korea.

1 person found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	rogermugs (14)	2013-07-29		Mild	None Detected	Mild to Medium	Pleasant to Tolerable

No Bite, complex flavors despite the mildness, and the real kicker, no other tobacco has the same effect after the smoke. Something about 109 makes me want to rub my tongue over my teeth all day long, enjoying the deliciousness again and again.

I like 44 alright, but this takes the cake handedly.

1 person found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Emeritus Account (30194)	2010-09-02		Mild	None Detected	Mild	Pleasant to Tolerable

As most of the reviewers said here the tin description explains well the tobacco. It is a mild and mellow mixture. It suits perfectly when you wish to enjoy a cup of tea or coffee in hot summer mornings. The tin content is considerably moisty, so try to air your portion of tobacco for a while. I personally let the tin open for more then a day and rubbed my portions before packing.

I noticed nice sweet flavors of uncased Virginias in this mixture . It has a mild nutty chocolate taste and sometimes fruity flavors. It is not a satisfactory blend for my nicotine and more tobacco taste searching palate, but as I said it fits well for early morning tobacco enjoys.

1 person found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Emeritus Account (30194)	2010-07-18		Mild to Medium	Extremely Mild	Medium	Pleasant to Tolerable

This is it! This is my all day smoke mild enough to smoke all day but tasty enough that you know you are smoking quality tobacco. This never bites even when pulling extra hard it can burn a little hot if not rubbed out a little. Rich silky white smoke. I also do detect something of a very very light taste in the backround but what is even more noticeable is a slight peppery tingle reminiscent of Virginia/Pa blends Strange as it says it is all Virginia. This is certainly worth the bucks you have to shell out for it (smoking pipes.com has the cheapest prices on tins that I have found) So anyone who loves a mild Va this one is for you.

1 person found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Emeritus Account (30194)	2010-04-07		Medium	None Detected	Mild to Medium	Tolerable

This classic VA flake is tasty indded! Wonderful tin aroma, sort of a fruity, sweet smell in a straight VA manner. No topping detected. Easy to rub out and pack. Let this one set a few minutes - a freash can will be a tad on the wet side. Burns well after a good rubbing abd setting. Nice, fresh VA flavor; no harsh overtones. This is a great smoke for those wanting to try VA's or like the milder, less acidic tasing VA's.

1 person found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Emeritus Account (30194)	2009-08-26		Mild to Medium	Extremely Mild	Medium	Pleasant

I stumbled on to this blend at my local B&M. I requested a straight Virginia that was somewhat mild. I was given a 50gm tin. Upon opening the tin I was greeted with a pleasant aroma of quality Virginia tobacco. I detected a light casing but not so much as to overshadow the pure tobacco aroma. I found the moisture content to be minimal. The broken flake packed and lit easily. At first I detected an ever so slightly sweet taste,however it quickly subsided and the true Virginia tobacco taste arose to the forefront. I find this to be an extremely mild and pleasant tasting blend. A wonderful way to start the morning with a fresh cup of coffee or tea.There was no apparent bite. This could easily become an all day smoke. I would highly recommend this to aromatic smokers who wish to evolve and expand their taste selections. The only negative aspect of this blend is that it does not come in a larger quanity than 50 gms. I am compelled to give this blend four stars only because there aren't five stars.

1 person found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Emeritus Account (30194)	2009-07-23		Mild	Extremely Mild	Mild to Medium	Very Pleasant

This is my favorite Virginia, because it's mild, and being a broken flake, it's easy to work with. It's always a bit sweet, without overdoing it. Light enough I don't get burned out on it.

1 person found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Pipe4ever (204)	2009-02-13		Very Mild	Extremely Mild	Mild	Pleasant

This is a delicious mild Virginia Flake with somewhat the same taste and flavor as Peter Stokkebye Luxury Twist Flake and with a permanent earthy-hay/creamy bass note, very mild and tasty, great for morning smoke.

Overall, a good quality mild Virginia for an everyday smoke, unfortunately it is not available in bulk to add it to my standard all day Va rotation.

1 person found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Max1a (38)	2009-01-29		Mild	Mild	Mild to Medium	Tolerable

This is a fine Va, Flake. You can tell quality leaf is used. Nice flakes, soft and fine in texture compared to some. Topping is present and quite noticeable. Less so if it is allowed to air out some. Recent tins do not display the same quality and flavor as the past. Still a good tobacco, just not an "Oh, boy!" or a "Wow".

1 person found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Emeritus Account (30194)	2008-05-06		Medium	None Detected	Full	Pleasant

While on my recent stop travelling down the Virginia hiway at the village of Astleys, my second visit was at No.109 Jerimy St. London. Great place to visit....I may want to stay awhile. Much has been written on this blend ,so I'll keep it short. Unlike No.2, No. 109 has absolutly no vinigar aroma....only mild, sweet tobacco. This blend has no bitterness. If smoked slowly you will be rewarded with a mildly sweet, flavorfull, no bite smoke. This could become one of my "all day" smokes. That says a lot, considering all of the great blends avaiable. Rate

1 person found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Jaybee (77)	2007-10-27		Mild to Medium	None Detected	Mild to Medium	Pleasant to Tolerable

This is one of my all-time favorites. It starts a little mild but really builds character by the middle of the bowl. It has very little bite and lights easily in either flake form or rubbed out. For a Virginian it requires little attention and unfolds with a variety of flavors throughout the bowl. If you want a powerhouse, this isn't it. If, however, you want a sweet, natural Va. that can be smoked all day.....look no further.

1 person found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Emeritus Account (30194)	2007-02-15		Medium to Strong	None Detected	Medium	Pleasant to Tolerable

A very nice Virginia. I really like the looks of this in the tin. Rather large flake which does take a bit of effort to rub out. Seemed to work best for me if a rubbed out a bowls worth and let it sit for an hour.

It did take a light or three to get it going, this is not a one light tobacco ( after charring of course ). I found it rather strong, I got a definite nicotine "whirl" from this which rarely happens with other Virginia's. I did not detect any flavoring beyond the normal Virginia sweetness I'd expect. As stated, it does burn down to a nice clean ash. This tobacco is part of my Virginia rotation, and is quite enjoyable.

I can't give it 4 stars because then there'd be no room for Old Gowrie and Hal O' The Wind at the top of the Virginia heap. A very nice Virginia however.

1 person found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Emeritus Account (30194)	2007-01-31		Medium to Strong	None Detected	Mild to Medium	Pleasant

I found this to be a very nice pure Virginia. It does have a tanginess or, as some have put it well, a citrusy flavor to it. I found I got a pretty good nicotine kick from this stuff, thus found it stronger than others have noted. All in all, a nice, smooth, good and pure tobacco.

If you rub it out it does dry up quite a bit. I found it had better flavor when moister, so consider rubbing out only that portion you intend to put in your pipe and let the rest be until next time.

1 person found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Emeritus Account (30194)	2005-12-14		Medium	None Detected	Medium	Pleasant to Tolerable

Astley's 109 is a well-behaved little number that I believe has more complexity than other reviewers here seem to have found; its construction is odd (though this may be inherent to all Astley blends---this is the first blend in their line I have tried) but really does work very well in terms of being manageable and keeping lit easily. There is more sweetness than savoriness here; the VA note is strong and clear though certainly not overwhelming by any means. It is, after all, supposed to be "mild and mellow" and that is a fair and decent description.

Overall, 109 is an enjoyable blend with good manners that could easily be an all-day smoke.

1 person found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Emeritus Account (30194)	2005-12-13		Mild	None Detected	Mild to Medium	Pleasant to Tolerable

Well this is not my after dinner smoke but let's do it some justice. It is extremely tasty with absolutely no bite. A tobacco that every virginia lover ought to try.

1 person found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Emeritus Account (30194)	2005-09-07		Very Mild	None Detected	Mild	Pleasant to Tolerable

This is certainly a mild and mellow Virginia blend... in fact, a little too mild for my taste. That's really my only complaint with this well rounded mixture. I'll be sticking to Hal O' the Wynd as I like a little more fullness with my tobacco.

1 person found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Lochinvar (78)	2005-08-12		Mild	None Detected	Mild	Pleasant

This is my 2nd favorite tobacco from Astley's. It is not the strongest or sweetest Virginia on the block. However for an all day Virginia or to give your senses a breather, this is a fine blend. Just remember, it is mild, don't try to puff more flavor out than it has, or you will get bit.

1 person found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Spike (296)	2005-07-01		Medium	None Detected	Mild to Medium	Tolerable

A long dark ribbon flake that comes rolled in the tin like Orlicks Golden. Darker than I anticipated with light streaks. A very pleasant medium Virginia. I give three and three quarter stars.

1 person found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Emeritus Account (30194)	2004-12-18		Mild	Very Mild	Medium	Pleasant to Tolerable

After much reflection on this blend and a full 50 g. tin I just don't get this blend. I don not dislike it, and I certainly love VA's, and am partial to them in fact. It reminded me of Marlin Flake in appearance, but the smoke that it renders doesn't please me as much. I did not find any bite in the smoke despite, I might mention, that it was VERY moist in the tin. And come to think of it the tin note is delicious. I would like to come across a tin of this that has aged for 5 or 10 years, I imagine that would be a real treat, but as for this weed as sold and in all it's splendor I will not keep in my rotation, and haven't the patience to cellar on my own. I cannot say that this is not a great weed, for it has recieved much acclaim by many a respected reviewer, but it is not for me. Update, Astleys No. 109 Well I have stumbled across another tin of this weed. As chance would have it I took this as an opportunity to uncover secrets that I had not previously found. I failed. I wonder if this blend is if the sorts that will open up and smooth out with age. Perhaps what I look for in a Virginia blend is different than other connoisseurs, but I feel that with such splendors as Marlin Flake, Full Virginia Flake, and Light Flake that this weed does not sound a resonance that holds its own.

1 person found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Mr. Dottle (162)	2004-10-12		Mild to Medium	Mild	Medium	Pleasant to Tolerable

So what?s wrong with a tobacco that?s ?mild and mellow? and advertises itself as such? Absolutely nothing. This is a delightful, exceedingly good Virginia blend and a nice change of pace from heavier, full-bodied blends. This is a great morning smoke or even an all day smoke for some. It may be one-dimensional but it doesn?t bite. I like it much better than Astley?s #44.

I rate this tobacco 9.8 out of 10.

1 person found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Emeritus Account (30194)	2004-09-04		Medium	Mild	Medium	Pleasant to Tolerable

September 2004

No. 109 is a very mild Virginia blend, and I did like the touch of sweetness that I haven't seen in a lot of other Virginias. However, it simply did not pack enough punch for me. Give me some Perique with my Virginia flake, please! The "Mild and Mellow" descriptor on the tin is definitely accurate. I did like the sweet and sour tin aroma, and the flake cut was beautiful.

1 person found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Emeritus Account (30194)	2004-02-24		Mild to Medium	Extremely Mild	Mild to Medium	Pleasant to Tolerable

I love the smell of Number 109 on opening a fresh tin. Although Dark Star is my favorite Virginia flake, this one smell a hundred times better. It looks a heck of a lot better to boot! The top note and half way through the bowl aren't what I'd call outstanding, but it does get a grip on you after working your way down the bowl. The taste improves significantly in the second half. It's never over sweet, just a pleasant relaxing smoke. I find this tobacco easy to use, especially compared to some other Virginia flakes. If you crumble a load and let it dry out for a day or two, there is no trouble getting the charring light or any wetness. This is one Virginia where little or no pipe cleaner use is necessary. Although I prefer a little Perique mixed in with my Virginias, for a straight air cured version this can't be beat. I'm finding myself smoking this blend more and more as a day's starter, and think it might be a great Summer smoke to relax outside with. Astley's Number 109 wouldn't work in the evening for me because I'm a constant wanderer through a fog of English/Balkans when the sun sets. I like smaller Canadians for this one because I want to get to that second half where the flavor jumps out. Still there is no hurry to finish this great tobacco, and a second bowl is always welcome! Great stuff from K&K, as usual!

1 person found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	flint (30)	2004-01-01		Mild to Medium	Mild	Mild to Medium	Pleasant to Tolerable

I purchased this based upon the reviews and it's not bad but I had a hard time keeping it lit. It also stayed moist for the longest time without any help. The tin aroma has almost a fermented grape like essence and the flavor does have a Lea and Perrins note. Another thing you'll notice when smoking 109 is a beefy/meaty taste really nice.

I finally got it to work one time and it was great but these moments are far and few. Maybe my tin was too young, I have another one aging and will update this review when I pop that one open.

1 person found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Emeritus Account (30194)	2003-12-30		Mild to Medium	Mild	Medium	Pleasant to Tolerable

Another good broken Virginia flake, ruined by too much casing. Opening the tin the tobacco looks like Marlin Flake,but smells like a candy factory. The tobacco isn't bad by no means,it's actually good,but not what I expected it to be. The casing I expect to be Licorice,and something else,not sure. My taste buds didn't like this one.I'll give it another chance and report back down the road.

1 person found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Albion1956 (42)	2003-11-05		Mild	None Detected	Medium	Pleasant

I ran out of my other Virginia flake, so I bought a tin of this, and I'm glad I did. Tobacco comes moist, as most do from K&K, and the flakes are folded into 5" slices, no problem, I pulled one off and let it air out out. The tobacco has that nice natural smell, and packing was like most rubbed out flakes. Charring light took two matches probably still a tad moist, and we went along, a tasty Virginia with no bite, unless you smoke like a freight train. This stuff is great, I haven't been this exicted about a Va flake since I tried FVF. I wanted another bowl after I finished my first, which is what I did. Good Stuff.

1 person found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Pounder 5000 (178)	2003-10-02		Mild to Medium	None Detected	Mild to Medium	Pleasant to Tolerable

I'm not sure if I got a bad tin or what, but I had problems with tongue bite. I let the tin dry out thoroughly before smoking it, and still it had some nip. I had to really watch my smoking technique to enjoy this, and I smoke VA flakes all the time! That said, this is a pleasant flake with some complexity to it. It did remind me of Marlin Flake in a muted sort of way. Personally I like a little more taste in my Virginia. Oh well, to each his own. For the price I doubt I'll buy another tin, although I just might if the "bad batch" theory seems to carry any merit. In the meantime I will stick with Marlin, or No. 27.

1 person found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Emeritus Account (30194)	2003-08-12		Medium	None Detected	Mild to Medium	Pleasant to Tolerable

Forgive me if I steal from the above reviewers.

"Upon opening the tin, I found a rich, dark Virginia flake in folded strips. There was also the tangy smell of uncased Virginia leaf, but only distantly, and the tang never showed itself at the match."

(It looks similar) ..."to RATTRAY's Marlin Flake, which it resembles closely, although this is less peaty (by which I mean those bittersweet edges found in whiskey that has been filtered in charcoal) smoother."

Similar= texture and folded strips. The 109 that I have been smoking is darker (brindel brown) where as, Marlin is a olive-copper hue.

109 is richer and smokier in taste then Marlin but still smooth. I've been smoking it quite regular lately and it could become a favorite. As Marlin already is.

A very good Virginia!

1 person found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Emeritus Account (30194)	2003-06-13		Medium	None Detected	Full	Tolerable

In the tin: Pretty, dark brown flakes. Pleasant slightly acrid smell of fermented Virginias.

Packing and Lighting: I rubbed mine out to a fairly coarse texture and it packed, lit, and stayed lit just fine.

The Taste: Yuck. Strong tobacco taste admittedly. but harsh and lacking in the sweetness I would expect from a Virginia blend. Towards the end of the bowl, intrepid explorer that I was, the "taste" just became stronger and more noxious.

I can't recommend this to anyone. Maybe it's the flake form. I've never met a flake that I liked. I'm very much in the minority here and haven't been pipe-smoking that long. Perhaps I don't know how to rub out a flake satisfactorily yet.

1 person found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Stan (179)	2003-06-13		Overwhelming	Medium	Extra Full	Tolerable

Well, after all the good reviews and being a lover of virginia flakes, I grabbed a couple of tins from my tobacconist, and started puffing in a small Dunhill Root #3. Not bad at first I thought. Then in a larger Dunhill Root # 4. A bit strong? Then in a larger yet Ardor Om Paul. Overpowered with the dark virginia in my opinion.

I normally don't review a blend I don't care for, but it did smoke somewhat better in a small pipe but nowhere near as good as I was promised it would. And it was aweful in a larger pipe, which size I prefer. Not terribly hot while smoking but just plain explosive with flavor at times.

It is like Marlin Flake a bit in strength, but sweeter and maybe fuller. If you like really strong tobacco and you are in to mixtures with darker flakes maybe the sweetness in this will grab you. But, after smoking one tin, I returned the other for Paul Olsen 111 flake (also on the strong side but no match for #109). Sorry.

1 person found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Emeritus Account (30194)	2003-01-19		Medium	Mild	Medium	Pleasant to Tolerable

This is an excellent flake tobacco. It is sweet, but not overly so. The tin aroma is very inviting. The first tastes are enjoyable and of wanting more. As it is smoked it brings on increased flavor, a bit of a nutty taste, it is crisp and very smooth all the way down to the bottom of the bowl. There is no bite and for a flake it is very easy on the stomach. This is a tobacco that can be smoked as often as you want without ever feeling overpowered. Highly recommended and worthy of its highly esteemed reputation.

1 person found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Quiggifur (99)	2023-02-26		Medium	None Detected	Mild	Pleasant

Tin note: raisin. Smoke: a little musty, mildly sweet, significantly grassy. Maybe the slightest fruit and acidity further into the bowl. Pleasant, just not really enough here to satisfy my tastes.

Nobody has rated this review yet.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Billy777 (18)	2022-06-19		Mild	None Detected	Mild	Tolerable

Not very good. I’ve tried this at various times and always had the same opinion, which is that this blend is nothing special at all. I know that quite a few people enjoy it and fair play to them. Occasionally, there is the hint of a grassy undertone, but it disappears almost as soon as the smoker notices it and is replaced by nothing. I suppose it’s okay if you just want to stick something in your pipe to smoke and don’t really care what it is. If you are looking for something with more depth and nuance try something else.

Pipe Used: Zulu, Bent Pot, Billiard, Corn Cob

Age When Smoked: Five years

Purchased From: Smoking pipes

Similar Blends: .

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	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Vuki (5)	2022-03-06		Medium to Strong	None Detected	Medium	Pleasant to Tolerable

From tin: raisins, bread, figs, yeast, vinegar Taste: figs, bun, citrus, sweet, complex Not what I had expected but very good smoke, nice bun and figs in taste, i like it a lot.

Pipe Used: Ropp

Age When Smoked: Fresh

Purchased From: Local tobacco shop

Similar Blends: Marlin Flake.

Nobody has rated this review yet.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	steppx (186)	2020-01-22		Medium	Extremely Mild	Mild to Medium	Pleasant

what a neglected blend this is.....an excellent straight virginia flake. Whatever the slight added flavour is....its extremely mild. A bit of a citrus hit....but it might just be the virginias. This is a light virginia blend in terms of varietals -- and its only moderately stoved. But the balance is great and its smooth and cool. A wonderful long smoking and cool flake.

Purchased From: cup o joes

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