I just got into pipe smoking in the last year or so. I find my favourite blends contain Latakia. Of course it is not Syrian Latakia. I read a lot of reviews and posts and almost all of them love Syrian Latakia. I wish I had started sooner so I could have at least tried Syrian Latakia for myself. Is it really that different? Any ideas on where I might find some to try?
Missed Out On Syrian Latakia
- Thread starter tzinc
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It does lend a different flavor IMHO. Better is simply a matter of personal opinion I suppose. I tell you what, a statement made by Mike McNeil about the possibility of Cyprian going the same way doesn't get much talk but, he sounded pretty serious.
Mike S.
Mike S.
Syrian latakia blends turn up for sale every now and then. Mac Baren Vintage Syrian is probably the most common. Beware of Ashton Artisan's Blend. Although the label said Syrian latakia up to just a few years ago, Arno van Goor in his Dutch Pipe Smoker blog reported back in 2013 that the manufacturer Kolhase & Kopp had already ran out of the leaf.
The Turks have built new latakia production facilities. I posted a link in another thread to the trade magazine report that I don't have time to hunt down right now.
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I have some of the Mac Barens in my stash, so I'll be interested to see how that smokes. I've never been one to get a heart ache when I'm told tobacco is no longer sold. I'm interested in the outfits that produce and deliver. I can't smoke a daydream. I am enjoying my McC's Dark Star, but when it's gone, it's gone; the McC couple decided to retire, and that's that. I only mourn for the Syrian people and their lot at the hands of their national leader.
Syrian isn't that different from Cyprian. It is mainly a bit softer and less campfire smokey. Cyprian can be overpowering if used too heavily. Syrian might have a little more aromatic sweet/sour notes. But if you went to the ends of the earth to find Syrian and then tried it you might be a little underwhelmed. It's not THAT much different.
I'll happily take your word for it. That is good news...provided what they use to cure/smoke it is available to them.
Mike S.
I never liked latakia until the Syrian ran out. I got more of a tire fire note in the Syrian to be honest.
I'll just echo what others have said. There just isn't that much of a difference, and latakia blends are my favorite.
Syrian is very different than Cyprian. Softer. More incense than smoke.
When I was starting out, the guys in the shop were all smoking lat bombs. It smelled like burning tires to me. Then, I got to try Ashton Celebrated Sovereign - a med strength Syrian latakia English blend. That blend got me going on English blends.
In some of his most popular blends, Greg Pease used both Latakias. My favorite was Renaissance. But, it was already discontinued when I got started.
Later when I got the chance, I tested out all of the McClelland Syrian blends. I chose 3 Oaks Syrian to cellar in quantity.
When I was starting out, the guys in the shop were all smoking lat bombs. It smelled like burning tires to me. Then, I got to try Ashton Celebrated Sovereign - a med strength Syrian latakia English blend. That blend got me going on English blends.
In some of his most popular blends, Greg Pease used both Latakias. My favorite was Renaissance. But, it was already discontinued when I got started.
Later when I got the chance, I tested out all of the McClelland Syrian blends. I chose 3 Oaks Syrian to cellar in quantity.
I was lucky enough to get a tin of Wellauer's Latakia and it was delicious, even though I'm not a Latakia fan. Incense sounds like it.
I haven't tried MacBaren's Vintage Syrian yet, I have it but I'm worried about actual Syrian Latakia percentage in it. Could be just a pinch to justify its name. You can't miss it when it's 100% pure, that's for sure.
I haven't tried MacBaren's Vintage Syrian yet, I have it but I'm worried about actual Syrian Latakia percentage in it. Could be just a pinch to justify its name. You can't miss it when it's 100% pure, that's for sure.
Here's the report on the new Turkish latakia production: Nurturing a Niche - Tobacco Reporter - https://tobaccoreporter.com/2021/04/01/nurturing-a-niche/
Syrian latakia was almost half the blend.
I find Syrian to be a bit stronger in the nicotine department with a slightly more complex flavor. Cyprian has very little nicotine and a stronger flavor. My $0.02.
Holly's Non Plus Ultra is not a substitute.Send me your address in a private message, I have something for you.
I always preferred the Cyprian latakia. It has a good deal less subtlety.
Well the fact is there are so many types of tobacco strains that just aren't commercially available that you've missed out on a lot more then just latakia.