English vs Balkan vs Oriental blends

[judcole]

I recently purchased a small amount of all the Altadis bulks available at PipesandCigars.com that I had not previously smoked. While smoking away, the age-old question of what's a "Balkan" as opposed to an "English" mixture went through my mind. My definitions would be as follows- I'd be interested to get the thoughts of others. (I added in "oriental",too.)
Oriental blend: Virginia or Va/burley base. Little or no latakia. Varying amounts of orientals.
English blend: Virginia or Va/burley base. Amount of latakia varies, but present. Orientals less of a presence than the latakia.
Balkan blend: Virginia or Va/burley base. Amount of latakia and orientals vary, but neither predominates.
I assume in all cases there are no toppings, etc - when you get those,you're in crossover territory - ie, Count Pulaski, some of MacBaren's latakia blends, etc.
Interested in your thoughts.

 

[jpberg]

Labels give me a headache . I think your definitions would be hard to argue with (although I'm sure someone will).

It starts to get really tricky with something like P&W 400, virginia, latakia, yenidje, burley and perique. What the hell is that called? American English?
See, now I have to go take some aspirin.

 

[judcole]

That's why I said "Virginia or Va/burley base". C&D does that a lot.

 

[marmal4de]

All I know, is I like em all.

 

[markw4mms]

All I know, is I like em all.

Ditto!

 

[spartan]

How long have people been blending tobaccos and we don't have a handle on this matter? /sigh
Call it whatever you want. You're the customer after all!

 

[admin]

Here's some suggested reading from our experts -
What is a Balkan Blend?
English Blends and Latakia Blends - One in the Same?

 

[judcole]

Great piece, Kevin - and makes it easier! I can just say "I like blends with orientals and latakia". Now, that doesn't help when "blenders" still use the old terms. :rofl: :puffpipe:

 

[85royals]

Good Lord your right a Asprin is called for LoL I just Ordered the McClelland Oriental Mixture tin sampler from Pipesandcigars.com and some others I had my eye on so I will see soon i hope..

How long have people been blending tobaccos and we don't have a handle on this matter? /sigh
Call it whatever you want. You're the customer after all!

This is the advice I think I will go with if I dig it then I will smoke it

 

[sjpipesmoker]

For my taste, English are a bit lighter than the Balkan blends I've tried (Which I don't like)...Orientials...never tried before

 

[uberam3rica]

Bump