A method for the production of a flavor granule for a smoking article comprises the steps of: a) forming an inner core by compaction of particles of herbaceous plant material; b) providing a coating suspension of colored binder particles comprising at least one colorant and at least one polymeric binder in a solvent; c) applying the coating suspension to the outer surface of the inner core to form an outer layer, wherein the coating suspension is applied to the inner core within a coating system and wherein within that coating system the vapor pressure of the solvent is greater than 5 kPa; and d) drying the outer layer to evaporate the solvent.