Characterisation:
When opening the round tin, the vintage Latakia exudes an appetizing sweet-smoky and chocolatey fragrance. The long cut tobacco fibers are medium brown with lighter and darker brown parts. The tobacco is firmly pressed into the tin, but the impression is deceptive, because the Vintage Latakia is not sticky, but in just the right humidity to be plugged immediately.
Plugging:
The Vintage Latakia is long and frizzy, which should be considered when plugging. If the tobacco is plugged loosely and becomes tighter at the top, as is customary with loose cuts, then you should allow a bit of space upwards, as the tobacco rises slightly under the flame.
Light up:
The frizzy fibers of the Vintage Latakia rise by their structure under the first flame, but if you push them gently back with the tamper and then give once more fire, you get a reliably lasting glow.
Smoking properties:
The smoke of Vintage Latakia is creamy and cool, as is often attributed to English blends. The Virginia contributes the usual aromas of toasted bread, while the Latakia is of the smoky and spicy variety and can be found only in the background of a fine ethereal note. Despite the spice, the tobacco is not stressful and the aromas are very balanced, so that the Vintage Latakia can be easily smoked. This is also achieved by the completely uncomplicated burning, which leaves only finely flaked, almost white ash and hardly any condensate in the pipe.
Redolency:
The redolence of Vintage Latakia is, as one might expect from a tobacco containing Oriental and Latakia, severe. That's why Vintage Latakia should be enjoyed in a circle of like-minded people or in the fresh air.
Conclusion:
The predominantly medium-brown Vintage Latakia is reminiscent of chocolate with its appetizing scent, but is barely sweet in the smoke. It is creamy and cool, but dominates a spicy Latakia and strong toasted bread notes. Those who like spicy tobaccos and rather tart Latakias will find an uncomplicated English blend in Vintage Latakia. Even beginners may like the Vintage Latakia as a good start to the natural English tobaccos, if they are not put off by the more intense, but not excessive flavors.
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with friendly support of Dennis Hübel
