Newminster Navy 400 Topped?

[JohnMosesBrowning]

I'm trying out a bunch of new (to me) virginias this summer. Newminster Navy 400 stands out amongst the many I've been sampling and I am curious as to why.

In the reviews on TobaccoReviews.com folks mention things like sweet bread dough, and I think JimInks even uses "Caramel" and "butter" as descriptors.

To me it definitely is much sweeter than other virginias I'm trying to the point that it is almost an aromatic by comparison. That's a bit of an exaggeration of course, but I find it hard to believe that my palette picks up that much sweetness from an untopped straight virginia.

What experiences do you have and am I right that there's a noticeable flavor added to it?

 

[crashthegrey]

I have not had it in some time but I do not recall it tasting like it was topped. Cased? Of course, but not heavily.

 

[mingc]

I think it has a fruity topping and there's so much of it I that I consider it an aromatic. YMMV (do the kids still say that these days?)

 

[JimInks]

I'm trying out a bunch of new (to me) virginias this summer. Newminster Navy 400 stands out amongst the many I've been sampling and I am curious as to why.

In the reviews on TobaccoReviews.com folks mention things like sweet bread dough, and I think JimInks even uses "Caramel" and "butter" as descriptors.

To me it definitely is much sweeter than other virginias I'm trying to the point that it is almost an aromatic by comparison. That's a bit of an exaggeration of course, but I find it hard to believe that my palette picks up that much sweetness from an untopped straight virginia.

What experiences do you have and am I right that there's a noticeable flavor added to it?

That was one of my older reviews, and you mistook my description of the tobacco for the topping. I can see why you did, too. I just rewrote it for accuracy. Yes, there is an obvious citrus topping which is noticeable even at the char light. Thanks for pointing this out to me so I could fix an old review.

Here's the new version:
The Virginias are mildly tart and tangy citrusy, sugary, bready, grassy, lightly woody and earthy with a few drops of honey notes, and a pinch of spice and floralness. The sweet citrus topping mildly tones down the tobacco. The flakes easily break apart for a fairly smooth, very moderate burn rate. The taste may be fairly one dimensional, but it's an all day sweet smoke that wears well while you go about your business. The strength and nic-hit are just below the center of mild to medium. The taste is a notch past that mark. Won't bite or get harsh, but does have a few minor rough edges. The cool, clean flavor is very consistent to the finish, requiring an average number of relights, and leaves virtually no moisture in the bowl. Has a very pleasant, lightly lingering room note and after taste. Makes a nice companion for tea or coffee, too.

 

[Chasing Embers]

What experiences do you have and am I right that there's a noticeable flavor added to

Yep, like honey.

 

[anotherbob]

chew on it lightly. I just noticed that's a good way to tell what a VA is topped with.
Seriously honey is amazingly obvious when tested this way.

 

[hoosierpipeguy]

I smoke this blend quite often. I get an orange citrus flavor I've always assumed was a topping.

 

[kschatey]

Yes, it's definitely topped with Golden Grahams cereal... But that's just my opinion. Love the stuff!

 

[crashthegrey]

I guess I need to smoke it again.

 

[spicy_boiii]

Yes, it's definitely topped with Golden Grahams cereal... But that's just my opinion. Love the stuff!

That's what I got when fresh. After sitting/airing out for a while I get more of a honey/citrus.

What, in my perception was the topping, and what came from the varietals, I do not know. I would agree that it is topped, but not heavily, in fact it's one of the blends I first think of when thinking of blends that have been topped very minimally and to great success.

 

[Steveage]

I can't get past the taste of Newminster Golden Grahams.
I like Sutliff Virginia Slices.
I love Orlik Golden Sliced.
But then I'm new to Virginia tobacco .......So don't my word on anything!

 

[kcghost]

Honey is the flavor i get and then some orange.

 

[JimInks]

Honey is the flavor i get and then some orange.

I just took a look at my revised review that I posted here. I wrote citrus because of the orange, and neglected to write honey, because it certainly is there. Guess I'll change that again. Won't be the first time I've rewritten a review.