Maryland - Blending?

[jgriff]

It seems like Maryland leaf was pretty common a while ago and I still see some blends mention it as a component. I'm sure it's mostly like any other burley but as a Maryland native, I sort of have to know. Is there anyone who makes a blending version of Maryland tobacco? Or a particular blend that features it more?

 

[rmbittner]

I'll be interested to see the other (more helpful!) responses. I've never heard of anyone releasing specific burley varietals for home-based blending, whether it be Maryland, Kentucky, or any of the burleys from Africa or South America.

 

[rmbittner]

Mike:
Greg Pease wrote about Maryland in one of his "Ask GLPease" columns. Here's what he said:
"Maryland tobacco is, in fact, grown in Maryland, and it’s interesting stuff. The flavour profile is similar to burley, and, like it’s Southern cousin, it bears little to no sugars in the cured product, and absorbs flavourings readily. Unlike burley, however, its nicotine content is very low, and its easy burning characteristics and chameleon-like ability to adapt to its surroundings make it a useful tobacco to add to a blend that needs a little taming. Where it’s a fantastic backup singer, but it’s not so great as a soloist. I don’t know of any blends that feature it, for that reason. Its use has fallen out of favor in recent years, though it still has its place. I used it in one of my old blends from my previous label (Inverness) and I’m working on a few things now. Stay tuned."
Interestingly, he treats it as a separate variety altogether, not as a burley variation.
Bob

 

[jgriff]

Thanks everyone. I'll check it out and see if I can come up with a source. From descriptions, a few of the "big guys" use it in blends. McClelland uses it in a few of their Grand Orientals and their Townsman Cavendish lines, Esoterica uses it in And So to Bed, Germain uses it a couple of blends, etc. So it's not unused but there may be just old stockpiles akin to Syrian Latakia.