Summary: A codger blend turned up to 11, powered by the same intense flavors behind C&D's "Cube Cut Burley" and "Dark Burley."
Cornell & Diehl play to their strengths with this blend which combines layers of rich Burley with red Virginia and condimental Perique to make a stern smoke that brings out the strength and sweetness of a good Burley mix. It arrives in loosely assembled flake, falling apart slightly perhaps from the pure intensity packed inside.
For those who enjoy the classic Burley flavor of codger blends, but always wanted them to land a punch like Dolph Lundgren, "Burley Flake #1" delivers a solid smoke with the majority of its flavor coming from the dark, dense and earthy sensations of Burley. The first quarter of the bowl has, like a good cigar, a bold and slightly bitter taste, but then the moderate sweetness of Virginia and fruity gentleness of the Perique come into play until the final quarter, when only the powerful full taste of Burley and Virginia creates a contemplative final flavor.
Like most Burley blends, this one requires introspection from the taste-driver smoker to discern the web of internal tastes that Burley provides in layers as it burns to ember. The faint sweet and peppery fruitiness accents this and lets the Burley hide its rougher edges, while preserving the fully "nutty" flavor that Burley lovers crave. Bring a book, however, as this one smolders for a delightful hour-long sipping smoke.
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