Since its inception in 2016 by Head Blender Jeremy Reeves, Cornell & Diehl’s Small Batch: Carolina Red Flake has been one of their most sought after and celebrated blends. It is exactly what the name suggests: a flake blended from select top garde Red Virginias, all from the “Old Belt” tobacco growing region of North Carolina. In this run, the blend consists of Red Virginias from 2022 (TA-22), and 2019 (GA-JBL-19 and TBFO-19). These Red Virginias have significant natural sugar content (13.53%, 17.72%, and 10% respectively). The 2024 run of CRF includes 18,000 2oz. tins. The last release of CRF was back in 2022.
For my first bowl, I folded a couple whole flakes into the bowl of my Savinelli 628. I was pleased to find the tobacco lit right up and required no more than the average amount of relights throughout the bowl. It reveals a rich, creamy texture that envelops the palate. There is an undercurrent of brown sugar sweetness over which is layered notes of freshly baked bread, stewed fruit, along with earthy undertones and a soft citrus, all harmonized with a pleasant spice that lingers in the retro. The finish is characterized by a comforting blend of bread, rich molasses, and stewed plum, leaving a warm and inviting aftertaste that builds as you progress down the bowl.
CRF is certified as not just blowing smoke! If you have not read my prolegomena on how I review cigars and tobaccos, that means I like it! This is a great Virginia blend that I highly recommend, especially to smokers of Virginia blends. Get a few tins to enjoy now and a few to sit on and cellar while you can as it will almost certainly be another couple of years before it is available again.
NOT JUST BLOWING SMOKE 