I was excited at trying a true "Lat Bomb", that is, something so skunky with Latakia, that it would be disconcertingly bold. Everyone on forums around announced this would be the big bad daddy at 75% Lat, truly intense an experience. I hear there's an 80% out there.. 10 Russians I think..
Having tried Sasieni Balkan, Mississippi Mud Special Reserve, and Arango Balkan Supreme, I was both excited and nervous after ordering it, and then it arrives.
Cracking open the can (aged about 1 year according to the sticker on the bottom) I'm greeted to that pungent Lat Boost scent that is like licorice and plums, both floral and spicy smoking like varnish and a camping fire extinguished. A small amount of the cake plug was cut off already and put on top. My fingers smelling like I've rummaged through things I shouldn't have, lingering and stinking up my senses; this was going to be a true explosion of Latakia!
Latakia is an acquired taste. Some love it, some don't. I seem to really enjoy it, or so I thought.
I greedily stuffed this in my pipe, knowing I'd have to change clothes and take a shower in order to stay married afterwards. (Kidding on that, my wife is very understanding, though she'd likely comment I suspect.. being the good husband that I am to mitigate damage control!) Normally she'll sit with me outside on the porch when I smoke a blend and chat, though I went solo this time for obvious reasons.
Smoking you can barely taste the alleged Cavendish and Virginia Burley. It's Latakia for sure. Took a bit of time getting properly lit as it's a bit shredded finely. Taste is a bit .. bland? No, that's not quite right. One dimensional. I'm so used to complex mixes that are blended interestingly with tastes of exotic spices and this one is.. flat? It's a flat-Lat.
It's quite smoother than I'd thought, but not exotic by any means, or very interesting. That's the point here. I'm spoiled by what I perceive to be "excellence" with perhaps the inclusion of Orientals to round it out for a full adventure. This one is plain-Jane Latakia. I think it's smoothed-out by the Cav and V/B and is much-needed. I didn't perceive it, but I suspect it's there because I didn't choke on the stuff. I bet I'd notice if those weren't there!
Overall strength is "strong"-ish, though sipping is rewarded by allowing you to stay standing up. Heavy chimney-smoking this "blend" (is it a blend?.. arguably yes) will have your face go a bit numb like drinking too much rum on an empty stomach.
Scent lingered, even after showering. Currently cellar'ed now. Not sure if it'll improve or mature. It needs some sort of topping or additional fusion maybe, but I can't figure what I'd blend it with? Sutliff's Barbados Plantation perhaps?
I think this cake is a bit over-rated, underwhelming, and not that flavorful, but fairly pure Latakia, and it's fairly honest without being pretentious or "finely crafted". It's basic and probably good on a cold night somewhere distant, maybe on a ship after sucking on a Fisherman's Friend throat lozenge.
Somewhat recommended. If you're a purist, Lat-fiend, then I recommend it. Overall, not bad because it was smooth.
