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Chasing Embers

Captain of the Black Frigate
Nov 12, 2014
43,248
108,343
I'm very interested in trying an Oriental-forward blend. Not straight Oriental, but a quality blend that gives me that. Thanks, LeRoy
Check this out.
 
If you had to guess what would you say the latakia % is in this?
I have been fooled by latakia content in the past. As Russ Ouellette has said, some blend loaded with it can have a moderate latakia taste, and with the right Orientals a moderate amount of latakia can taste like a lat bomb. With that in mind, I would say that it is very moderate latakia tasting. And, after mid bowl, I would say that the other Orientals take center stage.
 

kg.legat0

Lifer
Sep 6, 2019
1,028
10,408
Southwestern PA
If you like red Virginia flavors, I can't recommend GLP Embarcadero enough. Also, for a cost-effective, high quality option, Low Country Natural Virginia and Oriental is great - I smoke that blend a few times a week. It's like 20 bucks a pound and punches above its weight.

Other blends that come to mind: C&D Sunday Picnic, Warped The Red Hunt, C&D Mad Fiddler Flake, C&D Bijou, and GLP Cairo ...No latakia in any of these -wish I was more into it because it seems there are a lot of good oriental blends I miss out on.
 

kg.legat0

Lifer
Sep 6, 2019
1,028
10,408
Southwestern PA
Hmmmm... I tend to categorize some of these posted as just Virginias with a condimental level of an oriental. Which, to me, is totally different from an Oriental blend. An Oriental blend is similar to a Balkan, but maybe with more of the other Orientals (besides latakia) being forward.
I could totally be confusing some official nomenclature with my own mental labeling habits...emphasis on "mental" lol
 

davidintexas

Part of the Furniture Now
Jun 4, 2013
673
209
Wilke #111 is a favorite of mine. However, depending on how forward you want the orientals, this may be a little on the light side, and it has a little bit of burley. The Latakia is just condimental. Here is Jim Inks review:

JimInks
Reviewed ByDateRatingStrengthFlavoringTasteRoom Note
JimInks (2856)2018-03-01
★
★
★
★
Mild to MediumNone DetectedMild to MediumPleasant
The rather floral, herbal, woody, buttery sweet and lightly sour, earthy, moderately spicy Orientals take a little of the lead. The very nutty, earthy, woody, toasty sweet burley plays an important support role. The grassy, tart and tangy citrusy Virginia is between being a secondary player and a condiment. The smoky, earthy, woody, musty sweet Cyprian Latakia is almost a condiment, and the flavor push it provides rounds out the experience. The strength and the taste are a step or so past the mild level. The nic-hit is mild. No chance of bite or harshness, and has no rough edges. Burns cool and clean at a reasonable pace with well balanced, nuanced, very consistent taste that is a little richer than expected given the strength level. Hardly leaves any dampness in the bowl, and requires an average number of relights. Has a short lived, pleasant after taste and room note. Those looking for a stronger, more Oriental forward blend may find this to be a little light, but not only is this an all day smoke, it is a good starting point for the novice wondering what Orientals can do in a blend without being overwhelmed by their presence. And it’s complex enough to hold the interest of the veteran smoker all day as well. Four stars out of four.
 

shanez

Lifer
Jul 10, 2018
5,188
24,080
49
Las Vegas
Watch City Cigar Persian Slipper!

This is a blend in the Scottish tradition which leans toward the Oriental. Izmir Turkish, Green River Black, Crumb-Cut Burley, Latakia, a touch of Perique and a bit of Carolina ribbon for a nutty sweetness.
 

anotherbob

Lifer
Mar 30, 2019
15,675
29,392
45
In the semi-rural NorthEastern USA
If you like red Virginia flavors, I can't recommend GLP Embarcadero enough. Also, for a cost-effective, high quality option, Low Country Natural Virginia and Oriental is great - I smoke that blend a few times a week. It's like 20 bucks a pound and punches above its weight.

Other blends that come to mind: C&D Sunday Picnic, Warped The Red Hunt, C&D Mad Fiddler Flake, C&D Bijou, and GLP Cairo ...No latakia in any of these -wish I was more into it because it seems there are a lot of good oriental blends I miss out on.
my first pipe of the day (brebbia Italian Canadian) is loaded and ready to go with Cairo. Which is a great blend, if you get it don't buy the sample size (2 oz tin) get the coffee can sized 8oz. Not only is it that good. But a secret about VaOr they are subtle enough that it will probably taste like a really good cig (camel in this case) not bad but then one day they open up and it's like that scene in Harry Potter where he finds out about puberty (I never read those things or watched the movies I just assume that's what it's really about).
 

anotherbob

Lifer
Mar 30, 2019
15,675
29,392
45
In the semi-rural NorthEastern USA
C&D Shandygaff

I would recommend not buying that one. But only because there is a creepy bar in this town named that. It's the bar where middle aged losers meet freelance escorts (most polite way to put it.). Actually the blend sounds great. Just have to put an establishment like that on blast when ever possible.