I recently dropped a 2007 tin of Brebbia’s Preludio Mixture No. 60 on the floor and broke the seal, so I’ve been smoking that. And it has changed dramatically, IMO. Originally, it was a fairly standard English made special with the inclusion of Syrian latakia, which I love. When fresh it reminded me somewhat of GLP’s Raven’s Wing (even though the Syrians weren’t up to the once-in-a-lifetime quality of Pease’s blend).
Now, though… The floral incense of that Syrian latakia has disappeared entirely. To me—and I still need to try it in more than one pipe—it is now simply a standard English. It’s making me wonder if all Syrian similarly fades over time…or whether this was just a case of the specific crop used in this tin of Preludio Mixture. I do have some Frog Morton with Syrian cellared and perhaps a few other blends that I can smoke for a comparison. But I have to say that this blend I once specifically sought out has become something much less remarkable for me.
Now, though… The floral incense of that Syrian latakia has disappeared entirely. To me—and I still need to try it in more than one pipe—it is now simply a standard English. It’s making me wonder if all Syrian similarly fades over time…or whether this was just a case of the specific crop used in this tin of Preludio Mixture. I do have some Frog Morton with Syrian cellared and perhaps a few other blends that I can smoke for a comparison. But I have to say that this blend I once specifically sought out has become something much less remarkable for me.
