I have never had fresh Billy Budd but the aged (3 years) version will knock your socks off with flavor and smooth, creamy smoke. I thought this would be a Latakia Bomb but it isn't. Sure, there is a nice dose of that meaty leaf but it plays well with the cigar leaf and others and it has the complex funk of Exotique. Tim's generosity is well noted on the board and he sent me a unreal "sample" of this in a quart jar. Thank you Tim, it has been my late night smoke now for days and is just the right elixir for a good night of sleep. Even if my wife insists that I take a shower after smoking this one. Today, Seersucker is on deck. I am doubting it can compete with Billy.