For those who want background, here's Pease on the term "Balkan":
http://pipesmagazine.com/blog/put-that- ... kan-blend/
But hold that for later.
The argument has been made that the Balkans, English and Orientals are all variations of the same components but in different measure. Now as a Compleat Idiot my impression is that what we'd call English has more to do with Latakia component, ibid for the Oriental blends (featuring the Oriental component).
It seems that Latakia - like a good Islay whisky - is an acquired preference.
Recently my local tobacconist got a shipment of discounted Sutliff tins, just $6 for 1.5 to 2 oz, a good deal. One of them is called "Bosphorus Cruise" which is promoted as a Balkan blend of Lat, Virginia and Orientals. The TR review (which really tells the story) is quite attractive to me as I'm not a big Lat fan, so this blend's more balanced approach, with less Lat influence seems appealing.
It gets an impressive 3.3, especially for a blend that is extremely economical, yet praised for its quality. Stay tuned, I plan to buy and try...
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http://www.tobaccoreviews.com/blend/409 ... rus-cruise
Balkan Blends: What's in a name?
- Capn Jimbo
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Most of the tobaccos in the picture are Orientals. From what I've heard the Bosphorus Cruise is good but, never tried it.
Most of the tobaccos in the picture are Orientals. From what I've heard the Bosphorus Cruise is good but, never tried it.