Paul's Pipe Shop Darwin Asa

The grassy, citrusy Virginias also have a touch of earth and darker fruit, and are a team player while being the base of the blend. The very spicy, woody, dry and mildly buttery sweet, earthy, floral Orientals are the star components. The spice content is such that it is hard to gage how much comes from the Orientals, and how much comes from the perique, which adds a little plum and raisins in the background. The smoky, woody, earthy wine-like Syrian latakia is mostly a condiment. The earthy, woody, nutty, mildly molasses sweet and fairly savory aged burley is also a condiment, though its presence is often disguised by the Orientals, peeking through here and there during the experience. The strength and taste levels are medium, while the nic-hit is a step or so behind them. The spice content is high enough that it can nip at the tongue if puffed beyond the moderate threshold. Has no harshness. Burns clean at a reasonable rate with a mildly inconsistent flavor that has a little depth. Leaves little dampness in the bowl, and requires an average number of relights. Has a pleasantly spicy sweet after taste. Not an all day smoke due to the spice.

Update 11-26-2018: Having smoked the Cyprian latakia version, the only difference I note is the aspects of what Syrian (smoky, woody, earthy wine-like) and Cyprian (smoky, woody, earthy, mildly musty sweet) offer to the smoker's palate. The proportions of varietals seem the same to me with the same effects.

-JimInks