The various Virginias offer a range of deeply bold varietal aspects: a lot of earth, a small amount of grass, fermented dark fruit and a light citrus, along with a very minor spice note. The toppings do tone down the tobaccos a little, but mostly work in concert to create a homogeneous, very consistent floral, earthy flavor from start to finish. I notice the almond, rose geranium, heliotrope and rose fragrances more than the vanilla, coffee, whisky, rum and musk. Has just a little of the “soap” and “perfume” usually associated with a Lakeland blend. You have to spend dedicated time to obverse the less noticeable toppings. The nic-hit, strength and taste levels are medium. There’s no chance of bite or harshness even if puffed fast, which I don’t recommend. This should be smoked slowly to capture all that it has to offer. The flake is easily manipulated to suit your packing preference. Burns a little slow, very cool and clean, and can burns to ash with little difficulty. Requires a few relights, and leaves just a little moisture in the bowl. Has a very pleasant after taste, and a very floral room note. Both will linger a little. Will ghost a briar fairly quickly, though it’s not as strong as G&H Grasmere. Not an all day smoke, but it’s certainly repeatable.
