African Queen #500

Sutliff African Queen #500 is a ribbon-cut bulk blend combining Izmir-origin oriental leaf with Mozambique tobacco and Virginia. It's listed in the catalog under the aromatic category, but the topping level is kept low, leaving the emphasis on the oriental leaf's own spicy, herbal character.

The maker describes the blend as appealing both to those accustomed to English-style mixtures and to those used to the native American style. It contains no latakia; as a result it offers a medium-intensity smoke that runs on the oriental leaf's dry spiciness rather than a smoky profile. A stepping stone for those wanting to sample oriental tobacco in the shadow of a topping.