10 Downing Street

10 Downing Street is among the unflavored blends of Wilke Pipe Tobacco, a New York house tracing its roots to 1872. Structurally it's Burley-based; Virginia flake is added on top, and it's finished with Latakia and Perique. This construction sets the blend apart from classic English mixtures: Latakia smoke and Perique spice sit atop Burley's nutty, dry body instead of the Virginia usually found in English mixtures.

When Burley's fullness meets Perique's plummy spice, a medium-to-high body results; Virginia flake provides a measured sweetness and sugar balance. Since there's no casing, the flavor is entirely leaf-derived. It suits smokers accustomed to Latakia mixtures who also want Burley's dry, full character; it's not for those seeking a light everyday tobacco.