Mr. Christian’s Derby Shag

Derby Shag is a blend prepared from bright Virginia leaf rested for over a decade, cut into a very fine shag. The maker states the leaf is matured with a casing of Woodford Reserve bourbon, floral honey, and a touch of mint, that the product is offered moist for ease of storage, and that its fine cut means it needs to be dried out before smoking. The brand notes it's the series' last aged shag and that the blend isn't an aromatic aimed at a particular room note; it was offered as 2 oz. bulk.

The long rest settles Virginia's tang and brings a dark-fruit and honey line to the front; the bourbon and mint stay in the background of that structure. The shag cut burns fast, so it calls for a slow draw and a small bowl. Aimed at smokers interested in aged Virginia who are used to working with a fine cut.