Rattray's Bulk HAL O' THE WYND

The flavor of straight Virginias is typically delicate, and frequently nuanced. That of HOTW is downright hardy, gently sweet, and bolstered by a solid, but not overpowering nicotine backbone. The product description is accurate, but I would downplay the "sharpness" implied -- it's not a sassy smoke. It sports a quintessential, racy tobacco taste, colored by a mildly saline finish. Beneath this lurks a darker flavor component with umami-like pungence and the bitters found in good black chocolate. It is a most satisfying mosaic of tastes riding on good smoke volume and mouth feel; best reserved for those special moments when you deserve a treat. Use a smaller pipe lest it fatigue your palate before you have a chance to explore the toastier heel of the bowl. No negative issues -- except perhaps price -- which comes as no surprise in a blend of this caliber.