Rum flake is more Burley and, what GH calls, Sun-cured tobaccos (no, not Orientals), than Virginia. No Latakia at all. So it is quite different even in constituent tobaccos from Navy flake. With it's toppings (there is more than Rum, I can taste licorice, and more) it gives an impression of heavy sweet richness and filling that is unusual. It's not a mild blend so a bowl of this with all of its flavour is very satisfying. This one is medium strong. I found it a little too rich and heavy when new. It's not a stretch to call it the Christmas cake of tobaccos.
But with some age this is quite a different beast altogether. And I prefer it with some age so that those toppings subside a bit. Mine is 6 years aged. It loses it's heaviness and instead becomes something that is reminiscent of the original Troost Slices for me. The way the Dutch treat Burley's is now lost mostly. But Troost Slices was like a delicate pastry in flavour. I know this is just another waltz down memory lane that is very difficult for others to appreciate but this is a good part of my interest in tobaccos.
Rum Flake is a very good tobacco. And I'm going to run out of it soon. SG Navy bored me.
