Balkan Sasieni

Balkan Sasieni is a Balkan mixture with origins in London and a history of nearly a century. Macedonian and Black Sea Orientals are brought together with a generous amount of Cyprus Latakia over a base of golden and red Virginia; production today takes place in Denmark, with tins going mostly to the North American market. It carries no added flavoring.

On opening, an intense Latakia scent is noticed; once moisture is adjusted, it offers a balanced, easy-lighting smoke. Latakia's soot and wood character dominates, but it doesn't mask the Virginia sweetness underneath or the spicy bitterness of the Orientals; strength builds gradually through the smoke, and the ash stays light gray. It suits smokers familiar with Latakia-forward English and Balkan mixtures, looking for a medium-bodied but flavor-intense tobacco.