Tobacco let down

[Aguineapig]

This is definitely me. I have loved every McClelland Virginia I've tried. I've been underwhelmed by nearly every C&D and GL Pease blend I've tried.

My blends that have really been let downs have been Old Joe Krantz, Mississippi River and Solani Aged Burley Flake. I really expected to love ABF and tried. It tastes like any other burley to me, and that isn't good.

I have had a few blends that I started out not liking but enjoyed later like Irish Flake.

And I can really see it, because they are so different. C&D/Pease and D&R VA blends are dry, a bit rough (especially without age), and generally more like a "dry wine" (not to sound like a complete snob-- I almost never drink wine!). If someone likes sweet VA, they'd probably hate something like C&D yorktown which is tangy, a bit woody, and only slightly sweet. Can't blame em. My palate always liked burleys, so I gravitate towards that sort of thing. But something like 5100 red cake is probably basically the yardstick by which a "sweet virginia" is deemed. It was too wet for me, and a bit too sweet and lacking in body and some of the bassier notes that I like. But seriously, look how many people absolutely adore the stuff. Goes without saying "like what you smoke" period.

I have been considering trying ABF, too; but have been putting it off because I expect the same result. I'll get around to it one day. Same with the C&D Burley Flake.

I agree with Cool breeze on the ABF. Now, I like burleys. a lot. everything from OTC, to C&D, and condimentally applied burleys (I love a touch in a VA blend). ABF just didnt impress my enough to warrant the price. It reminded me more of an OTC burley than it did the fuller bodied ones-- I was expecting it to be far less sweet, stronger, etc. To me, if you like prince albert or SWR and you want a higher quality presentation and in flake form, and are willing to pay a lot for it, ABF is for you. I smoked up all I was sent (thanks Cool breeze!) but wouldn't buy more.

The C&D burley flakes I think are like the opposite. I've only had #4. It packs a hell of a wollop of nicotine, savory rich, full mouth feel smoke, some cigariness, and a tiny hint of smokiness from latakia and a hint of tangy sweetness. I probably only smoke it a couple times a year out of my well aged jar, in a small pipe due to the nicotine.