Hampton Rich Dark Flake

Rich Dark Flake is a dark-colored flake in which Germain presses together several Virginia varieties with Burley. The pressing time is kept long; this extended fermentation brings the leaf's own sugar to the surface, creating a molasses-like dark sweetness and a heavy body. Nicotine is above average, and it isn't suited to smoking on an empty stomach.

Records indicate this blend was released for the British market as the counterpart to Stonehaven, which goes to the US market under the Esoterica label; the name Hampton appears as one of the labels for the same product. Flake slices are rubbed out or folded before filling. It's suited to experienced smokers who enjoy dark, unflavored, full-bodied Virginia-Burley presses.