Bennington Tobacconist No. 45, Rich’s Blend

No. 45, Rich's Blend is Bennington's chocolate version built on the same body as No. 31 Donegal. Black, twice-heat-fermented Burley from the Green River region is pressed long-cut and rested; golden Virginia ribbon and Virginia flake are added along with a generous amount of air-cured, fermented Kentucky Burley. The topping that gives the blend its name is imported Swiss chocolate, added at the final stage. This topping thickens the tobacco's natural nutty and sweet sides toward cocoa, but since the structure stays Burley-heavy, it doesn't turn into a syrupy aromatic. The maker states the blend is smokable all day and doesn't bite the tongue.