Rattray Hal O' the Wynd (British Collection)

Hal O' the Wynd is a Virginia-based broken-flake blend in Rattray's British Collection line. Alongside Virginia it contains Kentucky and Perique; the proportion of these two leaves is low, so the taste that comes forward in the smoke is pure Virginia. Kentucky adds strength and a lightly bitter edge to the blend. At first light it gives a sharp, lightly tart flavor; as the smoke progresses the strength settles in and Virginia's sweetness becomes pronounced, with flavor intensity peaking in the second half of the bowl. It tends to arrive moist; airing regulates the burn and settles the taste. The Rattray name draws on the Scottish pipe-tobacco tradition; the brand's tobaccos are produced today in Germany.