IRC Virginia Flake

IRC Virginia Flake is a single-varietal Virginia blend, part of Iwan Ries & Co.'s own-name flake line. Per the maker's description, it's prepared from untoasted Virginia leaves and has a mild, lightly sweet character. Since it's pressed and sliced, it gives smokers the freedom to fill it either rubbed out or folded.

In this type of unflavored Virginia flake, the taste comes from the leaf's own sugar; because it can sting the tongue if smoked too fast over a hot bowl, it calls for a slow, cool pace. It's aimed at smokers looking for a plain Virginia, free of Latakia or flavoring, that rewards aging.