I Almost Forgot What Syrian Latakia Tastes Like

[madox07]

At the back of my tobacco cupboard I have found a forgotten 100 gr tin of HH Vintage Syrian by Mac Barren, which I have picked up in Prague a couple of years ago. Oh boy am I a happy camper, as I almost forgot the greatness of Syrian latakia ... not sure if this is one of those forbidden fruit type of things, but it sure is a treat. This is one sweet, silky smooth, and dark blend. I think I opened it at the right time, too. The inner paper was very stained (I don't know how long it sat on the store shelf, but I am guessing that if you add the two years I have had it, it comes up to the right amount of time), but the nose though was still typical for a oriental and latakia blend. What can I say that already hasn't been said about this blend? It is sweet and dark, smooth and silky, with a fantastic dried fruitiness to it and a great after taste as well. The virginias confer it the right sweetness, with no bite what so ever no matter how hot you try to smoke it. The latakia surely is the prize here, while the Kentucky is not at the forefront at all (one might expect that since it is the first tobacco listed in the blend description). A reason I probably stayed away from this, and forgotten about it all together after a while, is the Kentucky that generally doesn't sit too well with my stomach. No problems on this topic though, none what so ever. Some have mentioned a reminiscence of burley, but I cannot find it there - nor is it listed in the blend description, although some bread yeast flavor appears here and there. The dryness level, well, the tobacco was a bit on the dry side. Not sure how it was supposed to be in a fresh tin, but I cannot complain about my experience. Probably if it came more moist I would have let it out to try a bit anyway. Over all, my only regret regarding this is that I may not find another tin any time soon. By far the best english blend I have smoked from Mac Barren - medium to high complexity, with just the right amount of latakia to make its presence known but not overwhelm you. Surely a 5/5.

 

[anthonyrosenthal74]

It certainly is a tasty blend. I may have to crack open a tin myself.

Some have mentioned a reminiscence of burley, but I cannot find it there - nor is it listed in the blend description

That would be the dark fired Kentucky burley.

Over all, my only regret regarding this is that I may not find another tin any time soon.

We have certainly lost some wonderful blends recently.

 

[madox07]

anthonyrosenthal74 ... I see. I wrongly thought that Kentucky is a tobacco leaf in itself, just like Maryland or other countless examples, I didn't think it was a burley. Thank you for clearing that out .. :puffpipe:

 

[saltedplug]

Whatever tobacco hits the sweet spot is a great tobacco.

 

[jacks6]

It's really a shame we lost Syrian Latakia. It had an irreplacable flavor for sure.

 

[4etecjonathan]

It's not lost only harder to find. You can find it in Egypt,Jordan and several other Arab countries.
Jon :puffpipe:

 

[snoopy311]

I do love Syrian Latakia. Happy smokes.

 

[saltedplug]

Glad you loved it.

 

[snagstangl]

I read that it was made with nicotina rustica back in 1890. Never heard that about latakia before.

 

[kcghost]

I just never developed a taste for the stuff. I prefer the Cyprian version of it. One of the few times that being in the minority worked out well for me.

 

[madox07]

kcghost it seems that you are in the advantage here, since syrian lovers do suffer due to its disappearing off the market. Not a problem for you :puffpipe:

 

[leafsmoker]

I prefer Cyprian also. I have a half of tin of Gordon Pym which I hated.I may just have to get some blends that I do not like and have a trade with someone. :puffpipe: