Byzantium

Byzantium is a distinct take Cornell & Diehl brings to the classic Balkan mixture. What sets it apart from the usual Balkan structure is that the blend contains no Virginia at all; as a result, Oriental leaf comes to the fore, and Latakia, lacking a sweet foundation, comes through more starkly. The components are limited to Cyprus Latakia, Oriental leaves, and perique.

The Oriental's dry, incense-and-spice-leaning character forms the blend's backbone; Latakia brings smoke and resin, while perique adds depth and a plummy sharpness. With no source of sugar present, the smoke settles into a mineral, dry direction rather than a sweet one. Nicotine sits between medium and hearty, while flavor intensity is high. It suits those wanting to trace the Latakia-Oriental relationship without a Virginia veil.