Cosmicfolklore: I don't mind a little teasing. I know how it looks to some. I'm just lucky to work at home where I can smoke all day, and I'm at the point where I don't feel comfortable without a pipe or a cigar any more. I probably do have a little leather tongue going on. But, the reason I can smoke all day and night is because I almost never smoke the same blend twice, and the variety keeps me interested and also helps with palate cleaning. Every job I've had in the last thirty some years allowed me to smoke whenever and how much I want to. Even in college, I used to smoke in the dorm, library, and sometimes, in the classroom. Those were the days!!!
Thank you for your kind words. And btw, I love Virginia Spice, and think it's one of Russ' underrated blends.
Now smoking year 1947 Sir Walter Raleigh in medium bend grain etched undated Preben Holm Ben Wade Prominence B freehand. I got about three bowls worth in a trade. I've now smoked SWR from each decade starting with the 1940s, and I must say the taste is extremely consistent. This 1947 is a little deeper in flavor than the following decades, but the taste is the same. Just amazing!