Latakia

Latakia is one of the most distinctive tobaccos among pipe tobaccos. It takes its name from Latakia, the Syrian port city. It is not an ordinary tobacco type but the product of a special processing method: small-leaved oriental tobaccos are first sun-dried, then smoke-cured for weeks in enclosed spaces over the smoke of aromatic wood and scrub (maquis shrubs, pine, various oak species). The result is a leaf that is nearly black and intensely smoky in aroma.

Flavor and Aroma

The words most often used to describe Latakia's character are smoke, leather, tar, spice, and wood smoke. Its aroma reminds some of "a campfire," others of "an old leather armchair." Despite this intensity, the smoke itself is surprisingly mellow and cool; its nicotine strength is moderate.

Syrian and Cyprus Latakia

Two origins are traditionally cited:

• Syrian Latakia: The original production region. It is said to have a milder character, often likened to wine in its complexity. Due to raw-material and production difficulties, it has been very scarce on the market for many years.

• Cyprus Latakia: The origin used in nearly all modern blends. It offers a more intensely smoky and more consistent profile.

Use

Latakia is almost never smoked on its own; because of its dominant character, it is used as a spice and color component. It is the defining element of English blends: a small proportion (5–10%) adds depth to a blend, while proportions reaching 40–50% produce the intensely smoky mixtures known as "Latakia bombs." The balance it strikes with Virginia and other oriental tobaccos forms one of the most classic flavor triangles in the pipe world.