G. Smith & Sons Special Latakia Flake

Special Latakia Flake, like the other long gone G. Smith & Sons offerings, was of exceptional quality. The special deep pressing skills of this blender comes to the forefront here. If you've ever had the pleasure of tasting the old Sobranie Latakia Flake, then be advised that this one is very similar, but much stronger in taste as there is less Virginia here. What made this one so exceptional was the smoothness of the Latakia, and boy, is it ever smoky and leathery (in a good way), in taste. My tin was very old, so, the Latakia was more subdued and mellow. I can only imagine how strong the flavor presentation when the tobacco was fresh 30 years ago.

I MADE A MISTAKE.I thought this was J.F. Germain's Special Latakia Flake. so please disregard this review. A rich tasting Latakia and I would guess it's Cyprian but if their is Syrian in this blend it's pretty much in the background. It comes in a cool little tin and the cut is a rougher or more rustic flake that I've seen. A flake cut is my favorite by far, but the smoker has to rub or adjust it to their liking. After opening the tin it gave off a delicious leather aroma that I love. The tobacco was very moist, actually to moist to smoke without lighting multiple times to get it going and thusly smoking harshly and incompletely. This blend must be rubbed and left to dry on your tray for 30 minutes to almost an hour. Drying changes this blend from mediocre at best into a smooth,creamy,sweet,non-biting ,drool down your chin Latakia experience that is unrivaled. A medium meerschaum or large Briar bowl enhances the cool sweetness even more. This goes to the head of the line over Penzance,Old Ironsides,Odyssey and my other Cyprian based Latakia. It took me a month to learn to get the most out of this blend. I know that I'm raving and so I won't write anymore lest the wrong people read this an make it illegal. This gets my top 4 star rating.