The Balkans

The Balkans is a Latakia-forward mixture from the Italian pipe house Savinelli's series. Its structure holds virginias, earthy burley, spicy Oriental leaf, and a high proportion of latakia; the aroma that greets you on opening the tin gathers around wood smoke and dark earth tones. The medium-width ribbon cut makes packing easy and gives an even burn.

The smoke is creamy and intense. The virginias leave a measured sweetness in the background, the Oriental leaf adds a floral, lightly astringent edge, and the latakia builds the profile's dominant smoky body. A blend for those accustomed to the fullness of Balkan-type mixtures who seek a full-bodied, layered smoke; it may be heavy for those used to aromatic tobacco.