The Banker's Mixture

The Banker's Mixture is James J. Fox's ribbon-cut blend that pairs Virginia, Oriental, and Latakia with cigar leaf. The cigar leaf lends the blend a deep, earthy note; the Latakia here isn't dominant, but is kept at a level that enriches this cigar-like thread. It carries no added flavoring.

It packs and lights without trouble, and produces a rich smoke. The flavor stays balanced through the first half of the bowl, with the second half turning somewhat harsher. Nicotine sits at a moderate level. This is a profile built for smokers who want cigar character in a pipe and who are familiar with Latakia blends; because the room note is pronounced, care is needed in enclosed spaces.