The deeper into the bowl you get, the spicier it gets, but the more pronounced the cavendish gets to really keep things in check. It it tremendously well-behaved in the bowl with virtually no bite. It has the traditional Virginia "hay/straw" flavor, but it's not overpowering leaving a very pleasant, mild aftertaste.

If I were an all day every day smoker, this would be one I would pack in the bowl all the time as a good economical, everyday smoke. Do I give it 4 stars? No. But in my ratings scheme, a 4-star blend has to be in the stratosphere of tobaccos. But this gets every bit of 3 stars and I highly recommend everyone give it a shot.

For less than $5 USD an oz, you're getting a very good quality bulk coin tobacco with little to no risk at all. If you've tried Vapers in the past and weren't crazy about them, give this one a shot.

I very much enjoy Luxury Navy flake but found LBF to fall flat. I have tried and tried with this one. I've smoked it in all my best vaPer suspects, tried smoking only this belnd for a couple days straight. Left it to age in jars. Nothing.

I always think the light bulb will suddenly go on and I'll get it.

But I never do.

All I find in this blend is a dry, flat, nearly tasteless smoke.

So why rate it 3 stars?

Despite my experience I would still recommend anyone with any level of interest in VaPers try this stuff. It's a good quality blend and clearly many others find it highly enjoyable.

It's certainly a credible offering. It just didn't click for me.

edit.. the more i smoke this the more I notice the cavendish.. and while it is still a 3 star smoke I would have to say that this is far from the ideal va/per smoke.

The coins rub out easily, and light well. For a Virginia blend, this one is forgiving. Sweet and tasty.

Try this in a meerschaum. It really is impressive. I don't find it boring at all. Smokes great to the end of the bowl and, for those who might care, seems to go well with the palate after eating a pork or fish dish for supper. It actually seems to compliment the meal. This is definitely a keeper in my personal rotation.

Packing: Coin broke easily. One coin was not enough for my Peterson System 303 and two coins was just a bit too much. Was forced to pack it a little tight.

First Impression: Once I got it charred enough to tamp into the bowl it happily took to the flame. Nice light flavor. Not sure what it is but there an interesting taste here I am not familiar with.

EDIT: I recognize the flavor now. Its a PS thing. I remember it from another blend I tried long ago.

Halfway Through Bowl: Nothing has changed. Still going strong. Wondering when the bite will kick in. Had a couple of relights, but I'm sure its due to the packing.

End of Bowl: Remained consistant throughout the entire bowl. Could be boring if you smoked it a lot, but a good quality smoke in its own right. No goopy dottle at the end in a pipe that is notorious for such a thing.

Room Note: Smells like a good tobacco. Actually put this in a stinky pipe and it almost seems to sanitize the stench.

Likes: Quality tobac. Good taste. Took the foul smell from a horrid pipe. I smoked very slowly and barely had any bite. Happy about that.

Dislikes: Not an English

Probably one of the best Virginia-Perique blends ever. Escudo? Nope but just as good as the past(1973- till when it was discontinued temporarily) and the present incarnation.

Simply put it does everything that a Virginia-Perique blend can do and then a little more.As good or better than anything else out there including the Kendal tobaccos and any other.

Get some---you'll see.

Lighting and burn are a little problematic for me with LBF. I tried stuffing the coins and rubbing them out with the same result: several relights throughout the smoke. Once lit, LBF has a delightful VA flavor, slightly sweet with the pepperiness of the Perique constantly present. Even more sweetness appears when you hit the little Cavendish bullseye. It's a nice surprise in a pleasant smoke.

Prices on LBF are reasonable, considering the expense it must taka to manufacture those coins. I get mine from Mars Cigars but there are many good vendors out there.

Scores for LBF: taste- 17 of 20; lighting and burn- 6 of 10; value; 8 of 10. 31 points equals a high *** score for LBF.

Better than Flake Medallions...But its competition Orlik Bulls Eye...

The pouch aroma is of clean VAs and tangy Perique, but the sweet smell of cavendish is missing. The feel of the coins is firm and the moisture level seems to be just right. I have had no need to dry this before smoking. I tend to be a rubb and fluff guy when it comes to flakes, so bear that in mind. I just hate fighting to get a good even light with the fold and stuff style. This rubs out very easily and packs firmly with just enough spring to let you know when you have it just right. It only took to hits of flame to get it rolling, and minimal attention needed to be given with the tamper. There are so many tastes going on in here it is hard to keep up....butterscotch, vanilla, cocoa, something fruity, something nutty, a little sour raisin....I need to go have more to get it all figured out. It was sweet, and creamy, cool and not too dry or wet. It never steamed me out and only required a single swab of the pipe cleaner at about the halfway point. By the end I could actually feel the nic catching up to me and was ready to be done, but still wanted more. Even at the bottom of the bowl it kept evolving and never got ashy.

As I try different tobaccos, I find those that I go back to buy more of....this is one.