Russ's article describes in elegant detail the process and I applaud him for such a wonderful contribution. The whole "casing vs topping" debate should finally end with this article. The only point I will add is for the believers that their tobacco is "untreated" with any flavoring. To them, I suggest that they fill their bowl with raw tobacco. But, first, tie your pant legs shut and have a bowl of ice cubes at hand for thy tonque. As Craig Tarler put it, "I don't look forward to tonque-bite Thursdays". He was referring to the regular testing of newly arrived Virginia tobacco pallets to test the consistency of the harvest. So, as I have often said, in general terms, aromatic vs non-aromatic is simply a matter of "degree". Choose your "degree" and enjoy your smoke!
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