Understanding tobacco

[bamacfa]

I recently started a thread on my favorite tobacco which is Northwoods and asked for suggestions on similar tobaccos. In doing some research I see that latika is what gives it that woodsy aroma and taste I think or maybe it is the toasting of the tobacco. So if I am looking for similar blends should I look for primarly latika based blends.

Being new to pipe smoking all the tobacco types can confuse you. You have virginia and latikia and oriental and so on and so on. I guess thats what makes it so interesting.

 

[papipeguy]

You're well on your way to the pleasures of lat blends. There are hundreds of choices and then there are the different latakias and orientals to work through. Everyone has their favorites and there are the "crossover" blends that incorporate latakia with semi-aromatics, which can be very interesting by themsleves. I'm currently smoking Two Friends English Chocolate which I was introduced to a couple of years ago by my tobacconist. It is a regular in my rotation along with other "English" blends. So explore and discover what appeals to you. The menu is endless.

 

[pstlpkr]

Welcome aboard bamacfa!
You seem to be interested/intrigued by names of the tobaccos. (Just an observation, not meant as fact.)

So, to help you understand what makes Latakia and Orientals (which are technically the same types of tobaccos), and Virginias, Burleys, and Cavendish types actually are I suggest that you do a quick Wikipedia search on the types I've mentioned.

A cursory read will open your eyes to a whole new world of possibilities.

"A little knowledge can be a dangerous thing" especially where TAD (Tobacco Acquisition Disorder) is concerned. :D
Don't get me wrong, so called "English" blends are wonderful, but you'll be limiting yourself to the realm of possibilities. Not all Aromatics (and Latakia is an Aromatic) are sweet and fruity.
Since you seem; also, to have a propensity toward "English" blends, you really should give Samuel Gawith Grousemoor a try.

You may just say "I shoulda had a V-8", and of course do one of these...

 

[doctorthoss]

If you like Northwoods, you should try GL Pease's Maltese Falcon and Chelsea Morning. Also, the Frog Morton series by McClelland -- along with Legends and Wilderness -- are in the same ballpark. Also, Shortcut to Mushroom from Just for Him is a pretty tasty latakia crossover mixture.
There are hundreds of blends out there that use latakia, and latakia is what's giving you that "smoky" flavor in Northwoods. But latakia is just one component, so latakia-containing mixtures often taste NOTHING like one another. The huge variety in flavor combinations is one of the reasons I like smoking a pipe, but it can be a little bewildering at first. I recommended the specific blends above because of their similarities to Northwoods. I really can't imagine liking Northwoods and not liking those other blends, as well.

 

[bamacfa]

Lawrence you may be correct about the name thing if it sounds outdoorsy I am drawn to it LOL. I will do more research. And doc thanks I will buy some of the brands you speak of. There is not a shop around here so I will have to buy online, any suggestions?

 

[lonestar]

John if it is a burning campfire/barbecue pit sort of a smell you like, that is Latakia.

My two favorite sites are www.smokingpipes.com and www.pipesandcigars.com . I just sent out your package today or I would have added a few samples of english/latakia blends .

 

[bamacfa]

Awesome did you get your package?

 

[lonestar]

did you get your package?

:| I still havent made it to the shop to open it yet.

John and I worked out a trade on a woodworking forum. He is a custom call maker and wanted to try a pipe.

Here is the first Turkey Call I got from him, Its Flame Box Elder and the striker is Curly Maple.

Beautiful wood, loud and beautiful sound too !

And I got two more calls coming :puffpipe:

 

[captainbob]

There is no end to quality blends containing Latakia. The problem may be that many beneficiaries of your smoke may not appreciate the Latakia content. Therefore, consider what percent of Latakia pleases you most. Such as, 20%, 40% or 60%. Then consult with your tobacconist. Beyond that, decide if you are pleasing yourself or those around you (thus compromise, if desired). Also, there are aromatics containg Latakia, and mostly, non-aromatics containing Latakia.
An example of an aromatic containing a small amount of Latakia: http://tobaccoreviews.com/blend_detail.cfm?ALPHA=C&TID=3117. While in the minority of "aromatics containing Latakia", it just may be the social media that will satisfy both sides, if needed, or desired. Latakia Blends are, indeed, wonderful in my opinion!

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