The Virginia is boldly earthy with a dark fruit taste. I believe some Kentucky burley is also present because I continually sense a nutty earthiness that I associate with it. I get a little cocoa, not as much as I expected, but it's smooth and creamy. The floral rose essence is very noticeable, more at the front than the finish, but even at the end, its presence is obvious. While the toppings do mute the tobacco flavor, you'll definitely get the latter in every puff to various degrees. Needs some dry and prep time as G&H ropes normally will. Burns slow and requires relights. The moisture level in the bowl depends on how you dry it. I leave a little moisture in the tobacco, but can smoke it to ash. Will ghost a briar. Has a very pleasant after taste and the room note doesn't scare away your women or your cats.