Balkan Blends: What's in a name?

Pipes on the ships of old were nothing new. Tobacco and rum made their appearance in short order with tobacco inherited from American Indians and rum from the Caribbean. Smoking aboard ship was allowed by limited to a safe area and at safe times, ergo the "smoking lamp". Where? Usually near the Galley, as it is here. A huge thanks to the amazing da'rum - a man of high ideals and many talents. This is just one of them.
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Capn Jimbo
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Balkan Blends: What's in a name?

Post by Capn Jimbo »

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...




*******
http://www.tobaccoreviews.com/blend/409 ... rus-cruise
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Dai
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Post by Dai »

http://rumproject.com/rumforum//viewtopic.php?t=1682

Most of the tobaccos in the picture are Orientals. From what I've heard the Bosphorus Cruise is good but, never tried it.
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Post by da'rum »

let us know your thoughts. I think the naming of blends like English, navy, Balkan is often pretty loose weave.
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