Gawith, Hoggarth & Co. Best Brown #2

There is an earthy musty funk upon opening the tin. After rubbing out the long irregularly cut flakes, a sweet and somewhat sour aroma emerges. With further airing, the tin note takes on almost an Apple cider vinegar like smell. The acetic nature of the aroma brings back memories of McClelland’s Virginias. These flakes are fairly dark in color, and loaded with sugar crystals. There are notes of brown sugar and freshly baked bread. The smoke is thick, toasty, nutty, only vaguely grassy. At its best, this is reminiscent of hot buttered cinnamon raisin toast. There is a smooth mouth feel, and the smoke never gets bitter, even at the heel. This flake smokes wet even with prolonged dry time, yet refuses to bite, even when freight trained. A classic natural VABur. As good as this is, I don’t find myself getting particularly excited about smoking it. No Lakeland bleed over whatsoever.