Tashkent and Royal are completely different blends. Royal has VA in it and is really just a medium-bodied English - a very good one, but there are many similar blends. Tashkent is for the folks that are oriental hounds. Tashkent has no virginia in it whatsoever - just Latakia and different orientals. I LOVE Tashkent, but then I love Orientals and really love the spicy, tangy and soda taste that you get from them. It is a one of a kind blend, but yeah, if you feel that you need a sweet backbone to your English blends then yes, you would prefer Royal. Omega and Smith's Own should also be tried, as well as Pride of Lochlomand (spelling?). I haven't tried British Blend or Century but many folks like those as well.