I'm working through that bowl of SG Full Virginia Flake in my Big Ben Ranger that I filled two nights ago and started smoking yesterday. Conditions are much better for it today -- a little warmer and drier, less windy. It's tasting delicious -- plenty of the usual earth, but getting some unexpected sweetness this time. That could be the influence of previous tobaccos smoked in this pipe, though. While I already have certain pipes dedicated to English blends, Virginia/VaPers, Dark-Fired blends, etc, I think I will start being more consistent about smoking particular blends in particular pipes for longer stretches, to get a clearer idea what each one does (or doesn't do.)
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Back to the smoking conditions, it's staying lit really well today, which allows me to relax and enjoy it much more.
@kg.legat0 may be interested to know that I rubbed it out as thoroughly as possible, "packed" it very gently before leaving it to dry overnight, and am using no more that a light touch with my pinky to tamp it.
Another side note:
@JimInks 's revision to his review of this blend seems to have mostly flown under the radar. Downgrade from 4 stars to 3, but the change seems to have occurred before I got my hands on any. Jim, do you think aging will help restore some of the traits that used to make this a 4-star blend to you?