J. F. Germain & Son Goldleaf R/R

Virginia Goldleaf Ready Rubbed is a straight blend made up solely of flue-cured Virginia leaf. Golden and brown leaves are selected and lightly pressed, then rubbed out — so it has a loose, broken-flake-like ribbon structure that can be filled straight from the tin. The light pressing slows the burn rate, allowing the Virginia's natural sugar and sour-citrus-tinged flavors to come forward. Flavor-wise it's intense but unflavored, and moderate in nicotine; smoked cool, its bready sweetness and light citrus sharpness become more pronounced. Records indicate it's cut from the same leaf as Peacehaven, which goes to the US market under the Esoterica name.