So, what's the word on taste? How did it differ from the non-crystalized smoke?
This is the first time I've had SJF so I don't have point to compare to. I will admit I put the flake directly to my tongue before breaking it up. It didn't taste sugary or sweet. It just had a mild, pleasant tobacco flavor.
This seems to be consistent with the smoke. The tin note was plum and raisin through the roof but it was rather mild in the smoke with the Virginia/tobacco flavor leading the show. In fact, over puffing made the plum/raisin almost disappear altogether. There was a very consistent sweetness that was more there upon reflection and was not an in-your-face kind of sweetness. It was almost not noticeable and was certainly not sugary in any way. Just pleasant.
If I compare it to the only other VaPer I'm really familiar with, Dunhill Dark Flake, I would say this is probably a better smoke. The dunhill seems to rely more on the perique, which is okay and why I like it so much, but this seems smoother, more well-rounded, and more complex, albeit sipping is required for this to be noticeable. The fact that slow sipping and concentration is required of the SJF is a big plus in my book. It seemed to make for a more relaxing, contemplative, and overall enjoyable smoke.
I must admit, though, I don't know if I can directly attribute the above to the SJF directly or the age.