The taste is the same as the plug, as Jim stated in his review. I found that it needed a few more relights than the norm. This was probably due to its freshness and I did not rub out the flake or dry it to the extent that I would do with the plug. I am well stocked on the plug and I think I would buy which ever was available, at the best price, if I need to deepen the cellar any further.I’m interested to hear the difference between this and the plug version. Anything noteworthy?