Mr. Christian’s Bright Flek

Bright Flek is a bulk flake prepared from rested bright Virginia leaf. The maker notes that the color darkens with the leaf's maturity, that no flavoring is added to the blend, and that the profile stays light to medium. It's sold as 2 oz. bulk. The brand deliberately spells its products "flek" rather than "flake" because the bulk slices don't have the pristine look of factory-boxed flakes and can arrive as broken pieces.

The taste develops along unflavored Virginia's tangy-sweet, herbal, breadlike line. Because the slice is compact, it needs to be crumbled and aired out before smoking; in return it burns slow and cool. A pick for lovers of plain Virginia and those who like to cellar tobacco for extended periods.