I know there are a few members of this forum that said they were disappointed by this VA flake, but I have come to really, really enjoy the stuff. The flakes are a lovely brown and blonde mix, stacked and folded neatly in the circular tin. I rip and ruffle to my normal "broken flake" consistency and don't have to let it dry very long at all, about 10 minutes or so. Flavor, from first light, has a light apricot and hay type flavor, and once you get a true light going it almost tastes as if there is a light honey topping, or if not a topping then the blend has a nice whisper of honey flavor. Burns very dry and flavor remains very consistent through the whole bowl, and what really surprised me about this blend was how smooth this blend is. Not a hint of harshness even when puffed vigorously, but the flavor really comes through best when you go slow and steady (as you should with all pipe tobaccos). I think I read that some were disappointed by the fact that the flavor didn't have the citrus type edge, but I personally dont mind the absence of that tart finish, because, in my opinion, too much of that tartness can give a Virginia a bit of harshness. Smokes great in a churchwarden, goes good in a big bowl, small bowl, corn cob, clay, its really hard to go wrong with this blend. I have two more tins waiting to age and I have to say this blend was a really good choice. Will definitely order more.
