Dunhill Virginia Ready Rubbed

Like my fellow reviewer Beer, my 100 gram tin is old - about 25 years old. The only difference is that mine has been opened. I probably have smoked at least 3 or 4 other tins of this blend when it was still available over 20 years ago, but did tire of it. My biggest problem was the floral-like smell which pervaded the taste, as well as it smoking too hot with lots of tongue bite. I contribute the latter to my still novice ways of smoking at that time, and Virginia Ready Rubbed fell out of favor.

My smoking technique has greatly improved over the years - and so did my opened tin of VRR. It was nearly full as I probably had only one bowl-full of it after first opening it long ago, but that floral-like essence was no where to be found to my great delight. What remained was a beautiful, darker in color than what I remember (mahogany brown), ribbon cut Virginia with just the right moisture content. After packing I was rewarded with a very flavorful Virginia which was in no way overbearing. It burned clean to the bottom of my pipe bowl and without moisture or tongue bite (I took my time sipping it lightly). The Virginia was still tasty after all of those long years stored away in my tobacco cabinet and the room note was commented on favorably by the non-smokers in my house. I wish it were still available as I would enjoy it again (after aging to rid it of that floral essence) for its ability to satisfy. All in all I rate it 3 out of 4 stars.