Latakia

[OwlTellYa]

I’m still learning what I like in a tobacco blend, but I’m beginning to think I don’t like Latakia. I’ve tried blends with more (Larry’s Blend) and less (Early Morning Pipe), and had similar displeasure with each. I do like the Early Morning Blend except for what I think is the Latakia flavor. Is there a blend that is basically Early Morning Blend without the Latakia so I can compare?

 

[Humblepipe]

Peterson tends to blend with some ratio of Latakia. I might recommend Cornell & Diehl Oriental Silk No. 414. The VA and the Oriental is there... there is Perique too (not present in Early Morning). Still, perique should not overwhelm the blend and you will be able to contrast sans the Latakia.

 

[bullet08]

Latakia is what most people call "smokey", "bbq", or "campfire" type note. I don't think that describes what Latakia is like, but with lack of proper way to describe it, that fits. Some people don't care for Lat. You might be one of 'em. Keep them in jars, and try again 6 months later. Believe it or not, your taste and preference can change dramatically as you continue smoking pipes.

 

[OwlTellYa]

Latakia is what most people call "smokey", "bbq", or "campfire" type note. I don't think that describes what Latakia is like, but with lack of proper way to describe it, that fits. Some people don't care for Lat. You might be one of 'em. Keep them in jars, and try again 6 months later. Believe it or not, your taste and preference can change dramatically as you continue smoking pipes.

It seems “musty” to me. I will try again in six months.

 

[cosmicfolklore]

I didn’t take quickly to latakia. Actually, it took me about 8 or so years to finally develop a taste for it. But, even then I am not a full on latakia lover. I definitely prefer it in smaller proportions, or blended to take on more complex flavors.

If you have a blend that you hate early on, set it back, jar it, and come back to it later when you feel like exploring your taste buds again.

 

[OzPiper]

Not everyone is a fan of Latakia. Or orientals

Just as there are lots who dislike the taste of coriander/cilantro.
I used to be a hater, but now absolutely love it.

Tastes change.
You can re-visit Latakia and Oriental blends later. You may find your tastes have changed

There are “crossover” blends - essentially Latakia blends with an aromatic topping eg Sillem’s Black and Boswell’s Northwoods.

They may well be a gentler introduction to the genre

If not, there are lots of other genres for you to try and like.

 

[Chasing Embers]

When you smoke the tobacco used to make latakia you may wonder why they would do something to alter its flavor to begin with.

 

[PaulRVA]

 

[Humblepipe]

I didn’t take quickly to latakia. Actually, it took me about 8 or so years to finally develop a taste for it. But, even then I am not a full on latakia lover. I definitely prefer it in smaller proportions, or blended to take on more complex flavors.

If you have a blend that you hate early on, set it back, jar it, and come back to it later when you feel like exploring your taste buds again.

Good advice here.

 

[kcghost]

It's not for everybody.

 

[Humblepipe]

Latakia, Latakia... some people think it's funny, but it's just brown and.... (sorry, I had to)

 

[rsshreck32]

Try some English Ernie-Ental from Watch City. The Latakia in that blend is very smooth.

 

[Akoni808]

When you smoke the tobacco used to make latakia you may wonder why they would do something to alter its flavor to begin with.

Is Latakia just orientals? I’m not disagreeing as I’m not a huge fan of Latakia, but you could say the same thing about KDF, but I find it delicious.

 

[Chasing Embers]

Is Latakia just orientals?

Yep, Smyrna. KDF is an improvement and an expansion over the original, latakia is such an insult as it completely masks the original. Sort of like pouring a bottle of liquid smoke on filet mignon.

 

[Akoni808]

Yep, Smyrna. KDF is an improvement and an expansion over the original, latakia is such an insult as it completely masks the original. Sort of like pouring a bottle of liquid smoke on filet mignon.

that’s a good assessment. It is more of an expansion, rather than a masking in the case of KDF.

 

[PaulTheScandinavian]

As of today, I don't touch any blend containing Latakias.in the past I Have had my fair share it in the past.

 

[bluegrassbrian]

It didn't take me long to realize I had no time for latakia. Early on I didn't much care for oriental-heavy blends either - but in time I ended up LOVING them.
Still don't like latakia though. Can't wait for it to the way of the dodo.

 

[OwlTellYa]

Peterson tends to blend with some ratio of Latakia. I might recommend Cornell & Diehl Oriental Silk No. 414. The VA and the Oriental is there... there is Perique too (not present in Early Morning). Still, perique should not overwhelm the blend and you will be able to contrast sans the Latakia.

Is the C&D Oriental Silk similar to their small batch Steamworks? Cause I just opened that tin this morning and really liked it.

 

[Humblepipe]

Is the C&D Oriental Silk similar to their small batch Steamworks? Cause I just opened that tin this morning and really liked it.

Same components (VA, Perique, Orientals), but Steamworks sounds like an excellent choice... mind you I have not smoked it, but from my reading it sounds like you made a great choice.

 

[Honkytonk Man]

When I first started this journey, I had no idea (like most, I guess) what tobacco to get.
I'd heard and read great reviews about My Mixture, so I bought some.
I guess I must've liked it as I bought some more. after a time, I began trying other blends, without Latakia, and came to realize that I prefer VaPers and haven't smoked My Mixture, or any other Latakia tobacco since.