I feel compelled to add that the staff at Gatlin Burlier tobacco shop are wonderful people; helpful, knowledgeable, and friendly. If you are near that part of Tennessee, you owe it to yourself to stop in.

In packing I was instructed by Richard, the house pipe-guru and super nice guy, to roll the flake, stuff it in and light, with a fairly tight packing technique - worked great.

The classic VA flavor is there with a medium to strong nic-kick, for me anyway and my tolerance level - I don't smoke everyday, but more often than not. Tangy VA flavor with very light hints of lemon and a ever-so-slight honey note, not sugary or heavy, just right. Some might say there is no topping at all, I'm not sure myself - which is nice and keeps me wondering and exploring this blend.

There is not a lot of complexity here, but there needn't be. Straight VAs (which this essentially is) are just that - straight VAs. This one smells creamy and wholesome in the lit bowl, definite sign of a winner.

If you are a VA man, this blend fills the bill.

Bite? No, but it has a strong VA Tang. Take it easy if you are new to staright VAs - especially flakes - and you won't be disappointed.

This flake will burn on and on if you want, I smoked one flake for over an hour while talking to Richard with a few relights. I like to let my pipe rest often and go out, so the relights were not the fault of the tobacco, just my smoking habits.

Stop by the Gatlin-Burlier next time you visit the Smokies, you'll be glad you did.

Thanks,

Ethan