I have a rectangular tin labeled "The Balkan Sobranie Flake" from the 1980s. It claims that it is "rich in aroma". I assumed that it was Virginia. Does any one know if it is a Virginia?
Yo lo -
I saw this tin and had a bowl a few months ago. It was a very dark VA flake, and tasted like a smoother version of Capstan Brown, that is to say full and creamy but not as sweet as FVF.
hp
Yes, the Sobranie is a Virginia - the Balkan being just a part of the brand name - a bit aromaticy.
Other lost Va.s are Dunhill Ye Old Signe and Dark Flake, Benson & Hedges OVF, Players Gold Leaf, Tawny and DeLuxe Navy Cuts, Sherpa and Sherwood, Godfrey Phillip's Long Cut, Will's Cobnut and Bulwark (the last not pure Va.), John Sinclair, Dobies Four Square.
Many more UK flavoured Va. (or Va. based) flakes - many illustrated by Troy elsewhere (such as Porteous).
Mso489 -- I saw tins in the 79/ and 80s, even here in the wilds of East Tennessee. I didn't see many back then, mind,p you, but they were certainly here. Most of the stuff sold was obviously pouches and drugstore tubs, but there was also a market for bulk aros and the occasional tin of Dunhill.