Cockeyed Kilt

Cockeyed Kilt is one of the house blends the Illinois-based The Story Teller's Pipe tobacconist prepares at its own counter. Per the maker's description, Latakia and Oriental leaf are first balanced against each other, then soft Cavendish, Burley and Virginia are added to the mix; it is sold ribbon cut. While Latakia's smoky backbone is preserved, a light citrus and fruit flavoring is layered on top, which is why the maker describes the blend as a bridge point between English mixtures and aromatics.

It is medium in strength and flavor; it acts neither as a pure Latakia bomb nor as a casing-forward aromatic. Suited to smokers wanting to get used to English mixtures but finding a fully dry, unflavored profile too soon, as well as those coming from the aromatic side wanting to get acquainted with smoky leaf. A house blend sold loose by the ounce rather than in tins.