Germain's Medium Flake

Medium Flake is J. F. Germain & Son's pressed blend built solely on Virginia leaf. Per the maker's description, red, brown, and golden Virginia grades are pressed together and sliced to rub out easily; the aim is to let the leaf's natural flavor come forward. Body is light to medium, and it smokes cool.

The flavor comes directly from the leaf's sugar and carries a pronounced sweetness; sources note that it can sting the tongue if smoked too fast. It suits smokers who want an unflavored, single-varietal Virginia and who are accustomed to smoking slowly; like other pressed Virginias, it takes well to aging.