This is about the last of available 'bulk' flakes I need to try. I didn't realize it had a 'topping'? I really enjoy Newminster's Superior Navy Flake's 'pouch note'. I've got lots of PS LNF, improperly aging in their original mylar bag, and I've had LBE, which, while acceptable, wasn't a big hit for me in my piping infancy. I started with a nicotine habit and thus found stouter blends more to my liking back then.
In fact, it's probably the strength ratings for Twist that put me off of trying it so far. Now I hear about this topping and I think about how I really enjoy the smell of the Newmie...and I'm sorely tempted.
As a nicotine hound I enjoy burley, but I still like flavors, including Latakia, Virginia, Perique, "Orientals", and some of the more organic flavor additives.
I have smoked a lot of different VA flakes, and they're all in their niche as uniquely enjoyable albeit similar, as are Latakia blends similar in their way, and I think that one must always remember about how the palate responds to changes and also how you yourself evolve as a piper.
I've got some tobacco that is considered to be aromatic, but they're really burley (or in the case of Autumn Evening, VA) blends with a flavor addition, but not the more foodlike comodities rich with propylene glycol and chemical smells masqurading as what have you.
I guess I should try some of Russ Oulette's monthly blends to see if HE can provide me with another genre to keep on hand.