The Rattray’s Trinity – Product Review

I thought I would write a brief article comparing the three great Virginia/Perique offerings from Rattray’s. Of course this is personal taste but the reader may find it useful when comparing.

Old Gowrie

Old Gowrie for me is the sweetest of the three as well as the lightest and is my personal favourite. The perique is a back note, a condiment of pepper that beautifully compliments the sweet red Virginias. I could quite happily smoke this all day and even though I used to prefer straight Virginias such as Dunhill flake, I find old Gowrie to be so satisfying at any time of day that it has become my favourite pipe tobacco. It is sweet and slightly tangy and light enough for an all day smoke.

Marlin Flake

Marlin Flake has more sugary sweetness than Old Gowrie. This must be due to the addition of the Cavendish. There are touches of Rattray’s Black Virginia here but with far more depth for my taste. I did find this harder to keep alight than Old Gowrie but that could have been more of a moisture issue so a little drying time might help. This is fruitier and more syrupy than the other two and I experienced more nicotine with Marlin Flake. Again, the perique is a condiment that never overpowers.

Hal O’ The Wynd

Of the three Hal O’ The Wynd, for my taste, is strongest in nicotine as well as perique. The sweetness of the Virginias does take a back seat here and the perique leaves a peppery, spicy, almost cayenne pepper taste on the tongue. This is far more savoury than the other two and a lot stronger. The sweetness is there but more of a deep, bready sweetness that is very satisfying.

Of the three VaPers from Rattray’s I do love Old Gowrie. I find the sweetness is deep, not sugary, the nicotine just right and the perique a hint of pepper that complements and adds depth. Marlin flake is sugary-sweeter and stronger in perique and nicotine and I find Hal O’ The Wynd to be the strongest in perique and nicotine.

I hope this article helps the reader see some of the differences between these fine tobaccos from Rattray’s and this may help in making a choice, but of course this is all personal taste so you may have to try all three for yourself and discover your own personal favourite.