Dan Tobacco Elwood Flake No. 2

The various Virginias provide a ton of tartly sour and tangy, acidic fermented citrus, some fermented tangy ripe dark fruit, wood, earth, a lot of grass and vegetation, light bread, cigar and spice notes, and are quite floral. They are bold lead components. The dry, very sour, herbal, floral, earthy, woody, mildly spicy, vegetative, Oriental is a supporting player. Figs may be the so-called “discreet” topping, but there’s so much perfume, fruit and sour floralness that more toppings are definitely in the mix. If this is discreet, I’d sure hate to see what the manufacturer thinks strong is. You can taste the underlying tobaccos, but the toppings greatly tone them down. The strength is in the center of medium to strong, while the taste level is very full. The nic-hit is medium. Won’t bite or get harsh but does sport a few rough edges. The flakes may need a little dry time. Burns cool, and a tad slow with a very sweet and sourly bitter, exceptionally floral, perfumy, mildly acidic, consistent flavor that translates to the long lingering unattractive after taste, and more pleasant room note. Leaves little moisture in the bowl, and requires some relights. Not an all day smoke. Will quickly ghost a briar and no meer is safe from that, either. Two stars because it is a polarizing blend: you either hate it or enjoy it.

-JimInks