Ran across a jar of 2/18 Newminster 400 last week and decided to pop it. The almost 4 years have worked well for this blend. I get more citrus sweet and tart from this blend than maple sugar sweetness. The flavors are stronger and more prominent after 4 years with the rough edges smoothed out. Really enjoying this blend, happy I put for our five pounds away. May add a couple more. Kind of reminds me of Wessex Gold Virginia Flake which is another favorite of mine for an earlier in the day smoke.
I kind of screwed up but turns out to be kind of good. When jarring, I just folded the Flake in half and stuffed as much in the jar as I could. They're so tight, all I can do is tear out broken Flake from the top and stuff it in the pipe. Very easy to load and I think breaking the flakes up may release the flavors a bit more. The moisture level is perfect, this lights and burns to a fine ash rather effortlessly.
I see this blend can still be purchased for thirty something dollars per pound. WOW! What a bargain.
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