Sabotage

Sabotage is one of Ken Byron Ventures' latakia-containing blends, its name coming from a deliberate blurring of the line between aromatic and English type. Per the manufacturer's description, barrel-fermented Acadian Bright Virginia, matured red Virginia, Turkish (oriental) leaf and latakia are brought together. The distinguishing process is that cognac is soaked directly into the latakia during blending, rather than sprinkled over the tobacco; this places the casing inside the most aromatic component rather than on the surface.

In the smoke, latakia's woody, smoky, leather-like side leads; oriental leaf adds a spicy, dry edge, and the Virginias add a bready, lightly fruity sweetness. The cognac isn't perceived as an independent sweet casing but as a grape-like depth sitting beneath the smoky base. Suited to smokers accustomed to latakia-based blends seeking a measured casing on top; for those expecting an unflavored English blend, it's a different structure.