No. 31 Donegal

No. 31 Donegal is the dark, pressed, Burley-centered blend among Bennington's shop blends. Black, twice-heat-fermented Burley from the Green River region is pressed long-cut and rested; the maker states this gives a mellower structure than ordinary black Cavendish. Golden Virginia ribbon and Virginia flake are later added to the mixture, along with air-cured Kentucky white Burley for body.

The result is a low-acid tobacco with restrained sweetness, not prone to tongue bite. The Virginia share adds a light sugar layer, while Burley provides a dry, nutty base. It suits smokers avoiding heavy aromatics but not wanting a completely bare Virginia either; the maker also emphasizes that the blend is smokable for beginners.