Pipe Tobacco: Latakia
The world of pipe tobacco is diverse and fascinating, with a wide range of varieties and blends capable of satisfying the different tastes of smokers.
Among the many types of pipe tobacco, one of the most fascinating and unique is definitely Latakia.
Latakia has a distinctive aroma and manufacturing process, managing to win a special place in the hearts of pipe smokers around the world.
Before we delve into the characteristics of Latakia, let's get to know its history.
Latakia pipe tobacco is named after the city of Latakia, located on the Mediterranean coast of Syria, a place where it sinks its historical roots.
The production process of Latakia is known for its remarkable length and complexity: although the tobacco is grown and dried like any other variety, the smoking stage is different.
Find out why in the next paragraph!
The characteristics of Latakia pipe tobacco
As mentioned in the introduction, what makes Latakia special and what differentiates it from other types is its smoking method.
After drying, tobacco leaves are hung over a fire fueled by oak, cedar and other local aromatic essences.
This fire, burning slowly, releases a thick, aromatic smoke. Being exposed to this smoke for several weeks, the tobacco leaves gradually absorb the aromas of these burning essences.
It is this slow and careful smoking that gives Latakia its characteristic smoky and earthy aroma.
From Latakia we can therefore expect an intense and assertive flavor, capable of attracting many pipe smokers.
Latakia is very rarely smoked alone, without being blended, but is often combined with other tobacco varieties to create interesting and complex blends.
One of the best known blends containing Latakia is the "Balkan Blend," a combination of Latakia with Orientals and Turks, resulting in a rich and intriguing taste.
At the same time, we also find blends that include aromatic and sweet tobaccos to balance the intensity of Latakia.
How Latakia tobaccos affect smoking
Latakia is a tobacco of choice for smokers who want a strong and distinctive aroma. Added to this, Latakia adds a certain complexity to the blend, providing a particularly rich tasting experience.
We could almost call it a "warming" tobacco because of its smoky taste, making it perfect for relaxed evenings and conversations among friends.
Whether you are an expert or a tobacco pipe novice, Latakia offers fascinating smokes worth exploring.
What are the best Latak pipe tobaccos
Among the best pipe tobaccos containing Latakia are Samuel Gawith's Commonwealth (Virginia and Latakia) and Balkan Brebbia, which we could call a Scottish Mixture because Virginia is replaced by Kentucky.
Among the English Mixtures, noteworthy are Squadron Leader, Solani 779, Peterson's Old Dublin, Rattray's Red Rapparee and Robert McConnell's Sovereign.
