Dark Bird's Eye

Dark Bird's Eye is produced by rolling and slicing whole fire-cured Virginia leaf together with finely cut Kentucky leaf. Since whole leaf is used instead of strands, the midrib section stands out in cross-section; this ring-like pattern in the slices gives the blend its "bird's eye" name. The leaves are lightly sauced before curing and pressing, then heated and rested for about two weeks before slicing.

A sweet, fruity side leads in the first half of the smoke; as it progresses, the smoky, earthy, salty body of the Kentucky and fire-cured leaf takes over. Nicotine is high. The slices are packed after being rubbed out and aired, and stay cool when smoked slowly. An entry for experienced smokers accustomed to dark, strong, lightly flavored English tobaccos.