Firebird Flake is a new addition to Cornell & Diehl’s Small Batch series. This pressed flake is crafted from a blend of sun-cured Orientals, dark-fired Kentucky, and Virginia tobaccos, some of which are aged up to 20 years. The production is limited to 5,000 tins.

The aroma from the tin is reminiscent of bread, figs, and hay.

Upon lighting, the flavors of stone fruit, spice, fig, wood, and nuts come through. The smoke is smooth, savory, and spicy, with a surprising hint of green pepper. The finish is smoky, woody, and lightly peppered, with some bread notes. This tobacco is full-bodied and full-strength.

As the bowl progresses, the smoke becomes creamier, and the green pepper note intensifies on the finish. In the latter half of the bowl, the woodiness increases while the creaminess fades, leaving a smoky and spicy profile with black and red pepper notes in the retrohale. The tobacco burns all the way down.

Firebird Flake is a great blend showcasing the best that Orientals and Dark Fired tobaccos have to offer. It is not something I would recommend to the beginner, or if you are not into copious amounts of spice. But I will be surprised if this does not end up on my list for the best new tobaccos of 2025. It is not just blowing smoke, and highly recommended.