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Okay, so I've never tried a single Rattray blend to date. When I'm done typing this out, I'll be crawling snugly back under my rock If you were to suggest just ONE Rattray blend for a guy to try, which would it be? I'm getting ready to make a tobacco order and want to try some new stuff. I'd like to include a Rattray blend. Any suggestions? Thanks, fellas!

Hard to say, not knowing what you like, but I think Rattrays Virginias are sublime. Marlin Flake, Old Gowrie, and Hal O' the Wynd, be hard to go wrong with any. Maybe start with Marlin Flake.

You're gonna love the Rattray's stuff. Of their Virginias, Hal O' the Wynd is my favorite. If you want something a little different than plain old Virgy, the Professional Mixture is pretty mild w/ a little Orientals, 7 Reserve for medium, 3 Noggins for full, Black Virginia is a good condiment. But if you have to pick one, I'd go with Hal.

i'm going to try some Hal. what other strickly Virginia Rattray blends do you guys recommend?

Red Rapparee is excellent and Brown Clunee deserves some attention.

There all great. You really won't go wrong.

For straight Virginia, my favorite Rattray's in order of preference:

Hal O' the Wind
Marlin Flake
Old Gowrie
Brown Clunee

This also happens to be the order of "strength". If you prefer a mild smoke, reverse the list.

If you like mild balkan blends, Black Mallory is pretty tasty. It's Red Rapparee with some orientals and latakia, but not enough to make bystanders call the fire department suspecting a brush fire somewhere nearby.

what about dark fregrant or dark virginia? are those good?

does dark fregrant have any orientals or strong latakia?