Wesley's No. 13 Golden Flake

Wesleys describe this as: A lighter blend of medium strength flakes and Turkish for natural aroma and smoothness. Slow-burning, not too rich, ideal for out-door smoking.

Loved this blend. Although not stated, I'm sure its composed of Burley and the Turkish / Oriental. This blend has a really nice touch to it. Easy smoking tobacco. The smell in the package can be described as "a real tobacco smell" with a hint of menthol and spicy-smokiness (from the Turkish). On the palate though, nothing of the possible "menthol" but just a very nice natural tobacco flavour, and a hint of sweetness that lingers on. A pleasant room note - definitely one of my new favourites. No tongue bite.

The Turkish produces plenty of earth, wood, smoke, floralness, vegetation, herbs, buttery sweetness, some spice, bitter sourness, and mild incense as the dominant component. The burleys offer a fair amount of earth, wood, nuts, and sweet bread. They play a secondary support role rather than providing full support as they mostly just take some edge off the Turkish. While I do not detect a topping, something in the sweet casing (probably sugar) moderately tones down the harsher aspects of the Turkish. The strength and nic-hit are a step past the medium mark. The taste level is in the center of medium to full. No chance of bite, though you may risk light harshness if you puff like a steam engine. Has a few rough edges. May need a light dry time. Deeply rich with some zesty depth, it burns cool, clean and a little slow with a very consistent sour, floral, mildly sweet and spicy, smoky, rather savory flavor that extends to the pleasantly lingering after taste. The room note is a bit more pungent. Leaves little dampness in the bowl. Requires some relights if not dried. Not an all day smoke, but it’s certainly repeatable for those used to a more natural Turkish flavor. Three and a half stars out of four.

-JimInks