Pease's current article was very enlightening-I have heard before that this stuff is 'rare', but I didn't realize how rare. What are the best blends to enjoy this stuff while it is still around?
Best Syrian Latakia Blends?
- Thread starter hiplainsdrifter
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I just tried some MacBaren HH Vintage Syrian dated to 2012. It was delicious and gets great reviews.
I've had the HH Vintage Syrian. It gives you a rough outline of what Syrian latakia should be. I think that the two Syrian blends of Greg's that I've had, Raven's Wing and Bohemian Scandal, were heads and shoulders better than that, though. But you'll get a definite idea of Syrian latakia from the HH blend.
Wilderness is a superlative blend. Not to enter the political zone, but I just try and keep in mind that this serves to provide money to the Syrian regime.
^ Really? I thought all the Syrian that is currently being used was bought up 10 years ago, and that stuff was 'vintage' when purchased. How would that affect the current Syrian economy?
This is a short but very good article on the subject of Syrian latakia from The Tabac Club. Deforestation is the main reason for this strains disappearance. With the current political climate in that country I doubt things will improve.
http://www.tabacclub.com/francais-le-latakia-cette-herbe-si-recherchee-latakia-this-sought-after-herb/
http://www.tabacclub.com/francais-le-latakia-cette-herbe-si-recherchee-latakia-this-sought-after-herb/
If you're worried about supplying Syria with extra funds, keep in mind that the latakia you may be smoking is already paid for by those that purchased it to make the blends. It's not like they get per tin royalties.
McClelland Samovar is the only Syrian Lat blend I've had. I don't smoke much Lat any more, but this one is pretty dang good.
I am fond of Mac Baren HH vintage and I was fortunate to get a tin of Bohemiian Scandal from 2003. Which if you can afford it is the way to go but it's really hard to find. Anyway if you are a Latakia Blends here is a link for you. About a year ago a bunch from this forum created a list of the top rated Latika blends.
http://pipesmagazine.com/forums/topic/lets-make-a-top-5-latika-blend
http://pipesmagazine.com/forums/topic/lets-make-a-top-5-latika-blend
I personally prefer HH Vintage Syrian and 3 Oaks Syrian. I once wrote a review about those two (HH Vintage Syrian vs. 3 Oaks Syrian). In that article is also a link to my Syrian Latakia blogpost.
I smoke both MacBaren HH Vintage Syrian and McClelland 3 Oaks Syrian. Both are great, and taste a lot alike with wonderful incense-like properties. Since I find them so similar, I'd recomend the MacBaren due to the lower price point. Arno's comparison of these two is a great read as well.
Also, if you're looking for something that contains a bit of Syrian Latakia, but more of other baccy types, I'd higly recommend both MacBaren's Solent, as well as McClelland's Wilderness. I like the Solent better between these two, great mix of flavors.
Also, if you're looking for something that contains a bit of Syrian Latakia, but more of other baccy types, I'd higly recommend both MacBaren's Solent, as well as McClelland's Wilderness. I like the Solent better between these two, great mix of flavors.
Syria hasn't produced a leaf of Latakia in over a decade. Once McClelland and Mac Baren run out that's it.
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