Appearance: The label on the pouch gives the contents as Latakia, Virginias and Cavendish. The tobacco is composed of medium-cut leaves including blacks, browns, tans, golds and even some greenish/dun colored leaves here. This is good quality tobacco, with no stems or sticks in evidence. My sample seems to be just the right moisture for smoking right out of the pouch.

Initial flavor: When the flame from my match ignites the leaf, the full and rich flavor of Latakia blooms. The relight brings back the dusky Latakia flavor, and now the Cavendish seems to be making itself known. Throughout the first third of the bowl, Latakia remains the brunette queen of this Royal Court. The Virginias give an occasional tangy interjection and the Cavendish becomes a steady-if-unexciting lady in waiting.

Mid bowl: The tobacco hasn?t developed much complexity. Queen Latakia holds forth imperiously but with benevolence while the Virginias continue to counsel her with tangy notes. The Cavendish provides structure but is a good courtier, giving the queen space to hold forth.

Finish: The tobacco burns down with no dottle, leaving a dove gray ash. It never develops a great deal of complexity, but is nevertheless very satisfying.

Summary: This tobacco is, just as advertised, a good choice for the Latakia lover. The Virginia?s contribution to the smoke comes in the form of tangy top notes with no sweetness evident. The Cavendish is very well understated. The tobacco burns slowly. The nicotine content seems mild.

Recommendation: This is a good all-day tobacco for the Latakia smoker. It doesn?t require a lot of concentration, but provides a goodly amount of flavor and satisfaction.