Blending Latakia

Blending Latakia is a single-component product McClelland sold in bulk for those building their own blends; it isn't a finished blend but a building block. It consists of ribbon-cut Cyprian Latakia, and records indicate Smyrna leaf was used as the base leaf.

Smoked on its own, its taste and aroma lean heavily toward soot; since Latakia is processed by smoking, it carries a woody, tarry, dry character, while staying low on nicotine. It's a component that those building their own blends add in measured proportions to a Virginia or Oriental base. Withdrawn from the market when McClelland closed.