I really enjoy this blend as it is a top notch aeromatic blend. It feels a little moist but lights well with some care. The char light was rum and then more rum. The flavor of nice dark rum stays from the initial light all the way through to the bottom of the bowl. Until I smoked this I hadn't realized the extent that rum contains vanilla, caramel, and brown sugar notes. Also present are notes of spices that one would associate with spice cookies and pie. There is an occasional note of nuttyness from the burley. The blend does not bite at all but it has a defined "sweet spot" in that the sweetness really lives in that nice spot where you sip the blend. Pushing it the sweetness disappears. I'm not sure that I ever tasted the VA in the blend, the sweetness I think may have been from the VA, hence the sweet spot, but I'm fairly certain it was also the topping. No chemical taste, clean burn, and a very pleasant room note. My beard smells amazing and the wife highly approves. I will be purchasing much more of this blend!