Manufacturer Description:
That's pure nostalgia! Those who mourn the old, strong and full Latakia blends, who have almost completely disappeared from our tobacco landscape, are completely comforted here. This mixture combines the best Virginia grades, lots of Oriental leaf, about 10% Dark Fired Kentucky, good 40% Latakia (!) And a good pinch of Louisiana Perique. Take this ...
Characterisation:
For an English Mixtur, the Balkan Blend is coloured amazingly light. The rather broad and short-cut fibers are light to medium brown with black-brown proportions. But the fragrance reveals, next to a very sweet note, the smoky Latakia. The tobacco was firmly pressed into the tin and seems a bit dry when rubbed with the fingers, but is of good consistency, to be stuffed immediately.
Plugging:
The Balkan Blend can be plugged with more pressure, than you would usually do, as this ensures a better puffing.
Light up:
As the Balkan Blend rises slightly under the flame, smooth the surface with the tamper and then give fire again. The following burn is then completely uncomplicated.
Smoking properties:
The Balkan Blend meets all the expectations that one can have of an English Blend and above all by the different flavors that the tobaccos contribute that accompany Latakia and Oriental. These are balanced to each other, so that an ethereal incense note combines with a tart spice. On the tongue you can taste the peppery tingle of the Kentucky, who is also responsible for the abundance of smoke. Virginia and Perique contribute toasted bread flavors, nuttiness and fine subtle acidity, resulting in a multi-faceted taste profile. One should not smoke too greedy, however, because otherwise the tobacco can gargle and burn on the tongue. If one observes this, only fine medium gray ash and some condensate remain in the pipe, so that there is not much to clean.
Redolency:
The austere redolence of the Balkan Blend is according to the English tobacco blend. That's why you should enjoy the Balkan Blend in the open air or with other Latakia-smokers.
Conclusion:
The Balkan Blend is indeed a lighter, but typically English blend, whose smoky-sweet scent betrays the contained Latakia. In the smoke strong aromas are dominating, as they are peppery, tart and smoky typical of the Oriental, Latakia and Kentucky. But with attentive smoking behavior, the mellow roasty and nutty aromas of Virginia and a fine acidity of Perique to taste, which makes the course of the smoke varied. This makes the Balkan Blend but rather recommended for the experienced smokers, not only looking for a tobacco by the way, but an English Mixture that challenges them, but also has much to offer.
Copyright © 2013 by TECON GmbH
with friendly support of Dennis Hübel
