The STG version is delightful to my palate. I detect almost no differences from the Lane version. I’ve had much more of the STG version though to be fair since switching from cigarettes to pipes two years ago. In regard to the topping on the STG version it’s certainly still there right along with the mild burley flavor. This is especially true when I open a new tub as it’s so fresh and none of the topping has evaporated. I wonder if the seal on yours was compromised?