Be that it may - the tobacco I purchased from Rich's was after Steven had shortly left - so I have no idea if he blended it. The tobacco I received was outstanding - with a great pouch aroma - a lovely fermented scent of Virginias. The tobacco itself has no bite. There is latakia in it - but used sparingly - at first smoke I thought it was strictly a VAPer - only to discover an underlying smokiness from a light addition of Latakia in subsequent bowls. What's really nice about this tobacco - is the rubbed out Virginia's in the blend - which lends itself to a long cool smoke. The name "Smoking Wicked" totally Rocks!