Back in the 80s when I was a very young guy, I was fascinated by Big League Chew - the shredded bubblegum meant to mimic pouched chewing tobacco a la pro baseball. You could create enormous wads of gum and enormous bubbles.
Somewhere along the line (I was 6 or 7) I chanced upon a pouch of RedMan. I recognized that it was tobacco, not bubble gum. Still, I was curious- it was open so I stole a sniff. Smelled pretty good- sweet and savory and unique. I had enough fear of retribution in those days (hard head/soft ass) so I didn't take a pinch.
Fast forward 30 odd years and here we are. The first time I popped a tin of Sam's Flake the aroma sent me back to that day, the feel of a rolled up foil pouch and that uniquely sweet and savory smell. I've never again smelled Redman.. I don't want to ruin my memory. In my mind, the two are strangely linked.
2018 Gawith Sams Flake in the Yeti Dublin.