Rodeo Shag

Rodeo Shag is an unflavored blend produced by Gawith, Hoggarth & Co. in the town of Kendal in England's Lake District. Its composition combines flue-cured and dark-fired Virginia leaves with Burley; sources indicate some of the leaves are sourced from Brazil, India and Indonesia. As the name suggests, it's presented in a very fine shag cut.

No essence or syrup is applied; sweetness comes only from the leaf's own sugars. In the smoke, a round Virginia taste without pronounced tang, dominated by grass and hay, is supported by an earthy, woody body from the dark-fired leaf and Burley. It's medium-bodied and suited to smoking all day. Since the fine cut lights and burns quickly, lightly moistening it and packing it loosely is the usual practice. Suited to smokers seeking an unflavored, plain, English-made everyday blend.