HU Tobacco Flanagan

Flanagan. Kentucky and Oriental, backed by some Perique and Virginia leaf. This one sounds like it was made especially for me.

So, cracking the small tin it comes in, you're greeted by the sight of some fairly fragile, slightly messy flakes and a buttery, floral tin note. Pleasant, if a bit unusual.

It comes slightly more moist than i'd normally smoke my tobacco, but i wouldn't recommend drying it much, if at all. It burns alright as is, and i've found that this stuff quickly loses it's flavour and becomes harsh if smoked on the dry side.

It packs and lights just like you'd expect from a flake, and once you get it going, it won't need many relights. The flavour is interesting. It's got some depth, but it doesn't get overly complex. You've got the satisfying, earthy spice of the Kentucky, the buttery, herbal notes of the Oriental leaf, some additional, dry spiciness from the Perique, and the occasional sweet, mellow note from the Virginia. It all blends together into a rather enjoyable melange of flavours, all without artificial toppings. I'd say this blend is the result of properly good craftsmanship.

Careful though, this blend wants to be smoked slow. Otherwise, it quickly gets rough and bitey.

Towards the bottom of the bowl, the smoke becomes less pleasant and more harsh, so you'll probably end up with some dottle, as well as a little moisture, but nothing catastrophic.

Overall, this is a rather nice blend for the lover of real, unadulterated tobaccos.