(Curly) Strang

Strang is the rope-wound tobacco from the Motzek workshop in Kiel; production continues today under Thomas Darasz using the name TAK (Tabak aus Kiel). Virginia, burley, and perique leaves are wound into a thick rod resembling a cigar; the smoker slices this rod with a sharp knife into thin rings (curly) before loading. Records indicate the product was off the market for a period due to the unavailability of one of the tobaccos used, and was later brought back into production.

Dark virginias give sweetness in the direction of honey, brown sugar, and molasses; burley builds a dry, nutty base, while perique adds sharpness at the finish. Strength and flavor sit a bit above medium. Aimed at smokers accustomed to cutting rope tobacco and smoking at the pace the slice dictates.