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1. 

   Bob
   

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   What exactly is an English blend?
   Is every blend that contains Latakia an English blend?
   Are English Blends and Latakia Blends the same thing?

   Find out the answers to these questions in my latest article:

   English Blends and Latakia Blends - One in the Same?

   Be sure to post your comments in the comments section of the article as well.

   "When the Government Fears the People, There is Liberty;
   When the People Fear the Government, There is Tyranny." - Thomas Jefferson

   Posted 1 year ago #
2. 

   Kevin
   

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   I think this is a great educational article for any newer pipe smokers, and a nice reminder for the more experienced of how things were in the past, and how they have changed as we moved into the present regarding what is referred to as an "American Blend" and what is referred to as an "English Blend" ... and a Latakia blend!

   Great job researching and writing it Bob! I learned something here myself.

   Reminder: Please post your comments on the article. Thanks to papipeguy for already doing so!

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   Posted 1 year ago #
3. 

   bowhatchie
   

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   Great article Bob.. I must admit I was guilty of this association. Now that I know better I will not do so in the future.. thanks for the education. Well done!

   Kevin.. I tried posting this on the article link three times with no success.

   Posted 1 year ago #
4. 

   William
   

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   Bob, this a good piece on illuminating that the origins of the term “English Blend” is the result of previous purity law requirements. However, I would eliminate both “English Blend” and “American Blend” from your list. Since the purity laws are no longer enforced and the classifications you give that follow them render these terms meaningless in regards to blend type. Both the UK and the U.S.A. make all the other blends you listed. Outside of geographical curiosity these two blends (UK/USA) do not offer the pipe smoker any useful information in my opinion.

   Geography is important when classifying types of tobaccos and where they are grown but not necessary when classifying types of blends.

   It’s analogous to the questions “What kind of car do you drive and what are you smoking?” “I drive an English car and I’m smoking an American blend”. These answers are not very helpful but “I drive a sports car and I’m smoking a VaPer” are a little more clarifying.

   Anyway, that’s my suggestion if simplifying blend classifications is a goal.

   EDIT: bow, I had the same problem.

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   Posted 1 year ago #
5. 

   tedswearingen
   

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   I also tried posting on the article with no success.

   I make a distinction between an English blend and one with Latakia. I wouldn't class Mac Baren's Latakia Blend or McClelland's Samovar as English, for instance. There's a difference.

   However, I tend to think of an English blend as a loose recipe consisting of a Virginia base and a noticeable amount of latakia. I understand this was born out of antiquated British law, but that's etymology for you.

   I feel that it's unnecessarily confusing to throw out this definition in place of one that classes solely according to national geography. By this reasoning a 20 year old tin of Nightcap would be considered an English blend whereas something current would not. Any old tin of Peterson would be English and any current tin would not.

   To me, an English blend is simply a style with a fairly reliable definition.

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   Posted 1 year ago #
6. 

   fred
   

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   A well written article, on a subject that continues to provide
   controversy. Thanks Bob!

   Posted 1 year ago #
7. 

   marmal4de
   

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   Great article Bob! Tho, even with clarification, I will continue to call them english blends, for the sake of how easily it rolls off of the tongue.

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   Posted 1 year ago #
8. 

   Bob
   

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   Thanks for posting your comments guys. They are showing up now. Comments on the blogs have to be approved before they show up, that is why the do not show up immediately.

   We also have tons of spammers that post on the articles and a lot of comments get put in the spam folder and have to be approved.

   Posted 1 year ago #
9. 

   brian64
   

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   Great article Bob! And I agree it makes much more sense to use the term "latakia blend".

   Also, it would be nice if all blends disclosed any and all additives they may contain...preservatives and otherwise. Do we really even know what additives may or may not be in any given blend these days?

   In a time of universal deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act. -- George Orwell
   
   When an honest man learns he is mistaken, he will either cease being mistaken or he will cease being honest. -- Anonymous

   Posted 1 year ago #
10. 

    westcoastrich
    

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    Bob,
    Thanks for the informative clairification.
    Rich

    Posted 1 year ago #

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