Mystery Tobacco #23

Smoked in an old Comoy’s Academy Award dedicated to Latakia blends.

This is an odd-looking blend of mostly very light tobacco cut in short, wide, ribbony squares, which I guess is a VA, plus some dark brown and black strands which seem to be Latakia and other Orientals judging by the smell. It’s really dry and if I didn’t know the source I’d wonder if it had been left lying around in an open tin too long.

Latakia blends are my favorite. I’m a sucker for them so I’m already thinking this could be good…. But the dryness and random cut make me a little skeptical.

I’m already halfway down the bowl and trying to find something to say. It burns fast because of the dryness, but for some reason needs quite a few relights. The Virginia is a little harsh, bitey, and cigarette-like. It kind of tastes as cheap as it looks. There’s a little interest coming from Orientals, I think - some lemon and earthy flavors. But if there was such a thing as a Latakia OTC this would be it. Just a generic English blend. Like fast food.

Not that it’s bad at all – after all it has Latakia and Orientals! It’s smokable and may be good for someone who smokes multiple bowls a day and wants something English, cheap, and unchallenging (like Adele…. sorry!). I’d smoke it if I ran out of my other English/Balkan/Scottish blends (which tend towards McClelland, SG, Dunhill and McConnells'), or if it were the last one left after a tobaccapocalypse, but don’t think I’d reach for it otherwise.

Now watch, Tobias is going to tell me it was some H&H masterwork with a wonderful reputation.... At least I know it's not Penzance!

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Quote Originally Posted by Tobias Lutz View Post
I strongly suggest drying it out a bit. I find most Cavendish based aros smoke best when they are almost crispy. Some people find smoking it too dry makes them susceptible to tongue bite, but I've not encountered this problem.
I'll do that! I was impressed that it burned so well being so wet, but will definitely dry it next time.