The tin note was like a booze soaked apricot or an overripe apricot that was about to fully spoil. The flakes were really wet, probably the wettest c&d tin I have encountered. I definitely wasn't expecting this when I opened it.
I have left the flakes in the tin to dry out a bit as per my usual routine. I have left the lid off for a few hours at a time and it is drying out well. The initial boozy, fruity aromas are fading but they are there if you really stick your nose in the tin.
I am 2 smokes in. One rubbed out and one folded and stuffed. I noticed the boozy aroma in the taste of both smokes but way more in the first smoke. Despite drying the flakes out pre smoke, this blend bites me like none other. I smoke a lot of red Virginia, burley, perique and a lot of c&d but this is by far the most bitey blend I have ever smoked.
I will have another bowl tomorrow then probably leave it for a week or two. if that doesn't help, I will jar it for a few months.
I know this sounds negative, but it's not intended that way. I've been smoking various blends long enough to know that it may just need time.