Wingate

Wingate is among the shop-specific blends from Washington's long-established tobacconist W. Curtis Draper. It's built from five components: Virginias, Burley, Perique, unflavored black cavendish, and a small amount of Latakia. This structure places the blend in the classic American mixture class.

Despite the component variety, its character is kept light. Virginia sweetness and Burley's dry, nutty taste form the main axis; Perique adds a spicy, plum-evoking depth, the unflavored cavendish softens the body, and the limited Latakia leaves a smoky background without turning the blend into an English mixture. Since there's no flavoring, the taste comes from the leaf itself. Nicotine level runs from low toward medium; this is a suitable profile for those seeking a layered but not harsh smoke, and for those wanting to transition toward English mixtures.