I've never tried a Wessex blend. But I can tell you that Red Virginias, in general, probably need the most care in smoking than any of the Virginias. I'm currently going through a 2006 tin of McCranie's Red Flake, and it requires a very slow draw or else it will be sharp on the tongue. But if you're deliberate and mindful in how you approach these, I think you'll be richly rewarded. The Red Flake delivers a ton of sweetness when approached carefully.
I would say that it's good to approach any all-Virginia blend with caution at the outset, until you get a feel for the technique that delivers the most flavor with the least bite. (And the bite, in this case, is due largely to the high sugar content of this leaf, not any additives. If you're getting bit by an aromatic, I think you can lay the blame entirely on the flavorings/additives that are part of the blend.) The only exception is a dark-stoved Virginia. These tobaccos -- my favorites are McClelland's Dark Star and Butera's Royal Vintage: Dark Stoved -- are processed in such a way that their flavors are much darker and much more mellow. Sometimes, though, the processing/pressing also results in flakes that can be very hard to rub out. Dark Star is near-impossible. But it's okay to smoke it in chunks if you have to; just be prepared for many relights.
Bob
