After Dark

After Dark is one of the Latakia-containing blends from the Japanese Roland brand. Here Latakia is used in measured proportion rather than raw and sharp; instead of pushing the smoky layer forward, the mixture balances it with Virginia sweetness and Oriental leaf spice. As the name suggests, it is meant for evening smoking, building a character that is not heavy but calm and cohesive. It sits stronger than the brand's blend called Before Dark.

The Roland brand belongs to the Fukashiro company, whose roots go back to 1924, built on a tradition associated with the Ginza Kikusui house in Tokyo and pipe maker Fukashiro Tsutomu. It suits fans of Latakia blends who don't want the smoke load to dominate. Its unflavored composition means it doesn't appeal to aromatic seekers.