Kendal Rodeo Shag

Rodeo Shag is an unflavored blend produced by Gawith, Hoggarth & Co. in the town of Kendal in England's Lake District. Its composition combines flue-cured and dark-fired Virginia leaves with Burley; sources indicate some of the leaves are sourced from Brazil, India and Indonesia. As the name suggests, it's presented in a very fine shag cut. No essence or syrup is applied; sweetness comes only from the leaf's own sugars. In the smoke, a round Virginia taste without pronounced tang, dominated by grass and hay, is supported by an earthy, woody body from the dark-fired leaf and Burley. Since the fine cut lights and burns quickly, lightly moistening it and packing it loosely is the usual practice.