A lot of the old farmers up here in Wisconsin used to stuff a cigar in a cob and cut it off flush with a pocket knife. I think it was mainly because if was a convenient way to carry and load tobacco.
I like to use a retort on all the new estates I get in . Seems to kill the ghosts very well. For the lakeland flavored one . Dedicate it to Lakelands. That is one strong flavor to try to get rid of.
Took me a wee bit to get into the 7 Seas Red. Had enough of a cold that I couldn't taste anything. Once that cleared up I found it a nice mild tasty blend.
I have developed a great fondness for Lakeland style tobaccos. Right now I am smoking a bowl of G&H Kendal Mixture. A fairly lightly flavored one. I like it!