Rattray Stirling Flake

Rattray's Stirling Flake is simply a fabulous blend. The tin note upon opening was pure tobacco. It is smokey, leathery, and a little tarry. I think the burleys have the lead here. They are slightly nutty, earthy, and a little sharp. The KY keeps pace with them and occasionally take the lead. This must be where the leather and smokiness comes from they also have notes of dusty earth, woodsy, and maybe just a note or two of floral in them as well. They are not quite as spicy as some blends but that KY spice is there running alongside the rest of the flavor profile. The VA's may also have an earthy, woody note as well but it is hard to tell with everything else going on in this big full blend. They definitely have some dark fruit notes that suggests that red VA has been used. About the 1/2 mark I begin to pick up on some grassy, mildly tart and tangy citrus that also suggests that maybe a small amount of bright VA has been used as well. This will fade in and out and stays way in the background. The VA's add some sweetness to the blend that counters and plays off of the smokey, woodsy, spice of everything else. There seems to be light topping that reminds me of licorice root extract but it is very mild and does not intrude on the tobaccos but may help tone down the burleys and KY. Also, at about the 1/2 way mark I get some cigarish notes too. These will stay until the bottom. Simply a brilliant flake that I like better than the current version of Peterson's Irish Flake but there are similarities to it. My money will be spent here, however. Well worth a try if you like big blends. The nic hit is strong and satisfying. Enough that I do not need a second bowl right away. The finish is med to long but does not linger for so long as to affect other bowls from other blends. The room note is pure tobacco, which I love but others find it strong so be aware of it if you are smoking around others who may object. I have already ordered more to cellar.