I realize that by posting this 'rule of thumb' I'm likely to stir up both a little controversy and perhaps some criticism, but I'm going to post this guideline anyway.
I hear a lot of confusion regarding what makes an English an English, a Balkan a Balkan, an Oriental blend an Oriental blend. Of course, pipe recipes aren't that black & white; one can't always stuff every blend into a specific class, but the formula that was given to me (from a man who spent six years w/ Peter Stokkebye) is easy to understand and, more importantly, the most logical system to organize different blends I've yet to come across. Here it is:
Va = Virginia
Va + Perique = Va/Per
Va + Latakia = English
Va + Oriental/Turkish = Oriental
Va + Oriental/Turkish + Latakia = Balkan (possibly w/out Virginia)
Va + Oriental/Turkish + Latakia + Cavendish = Scottish
* depending on the blender Perique or Cavendish may be used to any formula above as a 'condiment'
I'm sure we can all agree to disagree, but this class system has really helped me over the years to study and understand the differences between different blends and blenders.
P.S. When considering the difference between an English and a Balkan, especially an English that has an Oriental presence or a Balkan with a Virginia presence, I find that it makes sense to draw the line between the two depending on how forward the Virginia role is: The more Virginia, the more the blend will fall into an English camp. The less, Balkan.
I hear a lot of confusion regarding what makes an English an English, a Balkan a Balkan, an Oriental blend an Oriental blend. Of course, pipe recipes aren't that black & white; one can't always stuff every blend into a specific class, but the formula that was given to me (from a man who spent six years w/ Peter Stokkebye) is easy to understand and, more importantly, the most logical system to organize different blends I've yet to come across. Here it is:
Va = Virginia
Va + Perique = Va/Per
Va + Latakia = English
Va + Oriental/Turkish = Oriental
Va + Oriental/Turkish + Latakia = Balkan (possibly w/out Virginia)
Va + Oriental/Turkish + Latakia + Cavendish = Scottish
* depending on the blender Perique or Cavendish may be used to any formula above as a 'condiment'
I'm sure we can all agree to disagree, but this class system has really helped me over the years to study and understand the differences between different blends and blenders.
P.S. When considering the difference between an English and a Balkan, especially an English that has an Oriental presence or a Balkan with a Virginia presence, I find that it makes sense to draw the line between the two depending on how forward the Virginia role is: The more Virginia, the more the blend will fall into an English camp. The less, Balkan.
