African Virginia Shag

African Virginia Shag is one of the unflavored Virginia blends English tobacconists sell by weight from the jar. As its name suggests, it is built from Virginia leaf grown in Africa and cut into very fine strips, i.e. shag. German maker Planta's product of the same name is found under this name in bulk at British retailers.

The shag cut catches light quickly and burns fast, so it calls for slow puffing and a narrower bowl. With no casing, the taste comes directly from the leaf's own sweetness: bready, herbal, and lightly sugary. Suitable for smokers looking for unflavored Virginia who are used to the fast burn of a fine cut.