Penzance

Penzance is the most sought-after blend in the Esoterica line, and its recipe is not disclosed. Per the maker's description, select virginia leaves, Turkish and oriental tobaccos and Cyprus latakia are hand-blended, pressed hard, and cut into wide, thick flake slices. It is produced by J. F. Germain & Son in Jersey.

The pressing binds latakia's soot and the orientals' spice together within the sweetness of aged virginia; the result is a medium-strength profile in the English-Balkan line but with its edges softened. The flake needs to be rubbed out and smoked slowly. Due to limited production it appears in the market only periodically.