Opened up my fresh halfer of "Crossroads" this morning. In a lovely straight Apple it tasted a bit sharp but tamed down well enough for that expected melange of flavors...described as "an 80% mix of 3 distinctive Virginias, Turkish Izmir in a minor role, and just enough Cigar Leaf for accent" to come through. For me, aside from the VA's it's the Turkish that characteristics the blend. I know that in 6 months it with smooth out and taste better, but I couldn't wait. In fact, here I am again with a fresh bowl in my Briar Spirit Irish...with the conical bore concentrating the flavors as I smoke it down. Very nice indeed. To me, there just aren't any blends out there as interesting as these non-Latakia Patton's. Great stuff. Sure, I appreciate a good VA flake, some stinky Britweed and a lovely deep Burley blend regularly... but for when they are, nothing does it like Crossroads, Dark Horse or Oriental Dusk.