There is no added flavoring of any kind outside the tobacco. It does have almost a caramel like flavor to it, but that's the latakia talking to the burley. Interesting and wonderful things happen when latakia is used as a condiment rather than the base in a blend.

The great taste, wonderful packing and burning qualities, all day smoke-ability and nice price all contribute to an easy 4 stars.

I was prepared to write this one off when I read the ingredients -- plain white burley with a little latakia didn't sound too interesting, and I usually don't care for blends that include much cavendish. I grew to like old Walter more with each pipeful, though. There is just a teasing taste of latakia here, and there is a comfortable nicotine kick from all the burley. My sample was gone quickly and I'll be buying more of this one.

Update, April 2006

I have continued to smoke this one, and I like it more and more. I still find this surprising, since the ingredients sound just like those for the entirely undistinguished C&D Americana. But, this one works. It's a keeper.

So far, I am detecting hints of a some kind of flavor, but it doesn't seem to taste much like latakia to me. More than anything else it really just seems to irritate my mouth, even when smoked slowly. It makes my tongue feel dry and scorched almost instantly and the feeling persists until I finish the bowl, although it seems to fade quickly. Maybe its just be a sign that the tobacco is still too dry.

On the basis of what I have, I would give this one star. However, I suspect that my sample is over the hill, so I'll give it the benefit of the doubt and go with two for now. I'll revisit this review in a week or so and update it accordingly depending on the effects of further rehydration. I hate to give a bad review based on a suspect sample so keep that in mind here.