I cut back on my smoking some and have been getting tired of my old favorites due to the strength and switched to mediums. I revisited my older collection that have been sitting a couple years and they aren't as strong as they once were. The flavor is still good but the nic doesn't hit me as hard. Might want to age/rest some and see. Also might be your walking pace, I think I feel the nic more if I walk faster. I enjoy an easy stroll too while smoking but keep it at a slow pace.