Sorry to disappoint but I never did fathom the topping. I believe however that it was complex, comprising at least 3 agents, maybe more. Over the years, as related to me by smokingpipes.com, Bracken Flake has had various incarnations. I know of three but it is difficult to say which reigned just when.
I just traded for 2 tins that were supposed to be from 3/07 but I think were mislabeled as the contents, although a good, smoky, medium-bodied smoke, were what I understand to be current production.
My chronology would be:
2-back '02, '03-6/07
1-back 6/07 - fall '08
current - fall '08 - ?
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OK, so as not to disappoint, I've had my nose in a jar of what little I have left of the 2-back version, and I would say it has light tonquin, light floral, chocolate topping. Other than the tonquin, the rest is all a shot in the dark.
Oh, and while on the topic, if anyone has any of the two-back version that they could part with, you would find me eager to trade.