John Cotton John Cotton's Latakia (re-release)

(3.29)
Made of Virginia, Orientals and latakia.
Notes: John Cotton's Latakia is aptly named, because this is a distinctly latakia forward blend with just enough Oriental and Virginia influence to keep it from becoming monochromatic. Remarkably cool and robustly deep in flavor, this is a treat for the real latakiaphile.

Details

Brand John Cotton
Blended By Russ Ouellette
Manufactured By Lane, Ltd.
Blend Type English
Contents Latakia, Oriental/Turkish, Virginia
Flavoring
Cut Ribbon
Packaging 1.75 ounce tin
Country United States
Production Currently available

Profile

Strength
Medium
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Extremely Mild -> Overwhelming
Flavoring
None Detected
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
None Detected -> Extra Strong
Room Note
Pleasant
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Unnoticeable -> Overwhelming
Taste
Very Full
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Extremely Mild (Flat) -> Overwhelming

Average Rating

3.29 / 4
3

3

1

0

Reviews

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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 Reviews
Reviewed By Date Rating Strength Flavoring Taste Room Note
Dec 01, 2017 Medium to Strong None Detected Full Strong
Once in a while I find myself craving a good stout Latakia blend. Something without the distraction of Perique or a little unsweetened Cavendish. This blend really sings for me because the Virginias and Oriental components support the wonderful rich, smoky Latakia just perfectly. There are other Lat forward blends out there-- think Ironsides, Lane BS-005 that have a similar makeup, but for me, this one ticks all the boxes-- just wonderfully rich and smooth, without the added sweetness or fruitiness of the above mentioned tobaccos and makes no apologies for it. It might not have the Oriental forward elegance of JC Smyrna, but this is a great full smoke for the Latakiaphile!
Pipe Used: Large Castello, Dunhills
PurchasedFrom: Smokingpipes
Age When Smoked: 6 months
7 people found this review helpful.
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Reviewed By Date Rating Strength Flavoring Taste Room Note
Mar 26, 2017 Very Strong None Detected Very Full Pleasant
If you are feint of heart, don't open these tins. If you are made of stronger stuff, have at it. When you open a tin of John Cotton's Latakia, you are assailed by a very strong aroma of Latakia that approaches, but does not reach, overwhelming status. Although variegated in color range, this blend is darker than any of the other current John Cotton's blends and it is heavier in it's smoking qualities; so, be ready. You are now smoking a full English blend - congratulations. Here's how my initial smoke went: first third of bowl - wild and somewhat chaotic and hard to get settled down, but, we did manage to get there; second third of bowl - now, this was another matter entirely as the blend nestled down into an absolutely beautiful and rich smoke; last third of bowl - well, all good things have to come to an end and the blend settled down too far and ended in, what struck me as, a Virginia and Oriental blend with only a hint of Latakia. I would rate these third scores as: three stars, four stars and two stars and I recommend this blend with a three star rating.
Pipe Used: Michael Parks and Ashton Billiards
PurchasedFrom: pipes and cigars
Age When Smoked: current production
5 people found this review helpful.
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Reviewed By Date Rating Strength Flavoring Taste Room Note
Apr 16, 2019 Strong None Detected Full Pleasant
Standard Tobacco' - John Cotton's Latakia.

The moment this is opened up the Latakia's in the lead. In the appearance the dark pieces supersede the quantity of lighter ones and the aroma's indicative of a healthy amount of the smoky leaf! My moisture couldn't be any better.

Again, in the flavour, the Latakia's at the forefront. But, I still wouldn't call it an ascetic 'Lat-Bomb'. The Orientals add a redolence, and keep the smoky Lat' in check. Being fair, the Virginia sits miles behind, this could easily be missed; JCL is more concerned with the smoky and exotic, than it is the sprightly Virginia! JCL creates, typically for a Lat-heavy blend, a cool smoke. I've been smoking this all morning and have yet to get bitten.

Nicotine: strong. Room-note: pungent but nice!

John Cotton's Latakia? A steadfast four star blend:

Highly recommended.
Pipe Used: Savinelli Siena #320
PurchasedFrom: TobaccoPipes.com
Age When Smoked: 1 year
4 people found this review helpful.
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Reviewed By Date Rating Strength Flavoring Taste Room Note
Mar 09, 2019 Strong None Detected Very Full Very Pleasant
Suburb Latakia blend. Latakia, Oriental/Turkish and Virginia. Very nice ribbon cut, lots of smoky smooth taste, Lat forward with well balanced Orientals and Virginias in the background.

Not really a Lat bomb like Pirate Kate or Vintage Syrian but very Lat forward. Latakia is smoother than some of the abovementioned Lat bombs. I am a huge fan of Latakia and like this blend a lot.

Full strength and full flavor, moderate nic hit.

Nording brandy shape
Pipe Used: Erik Nording brandy shape
4 people found this review helpful.
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Reviewed By Date Rating Strength Flavoring Taste Room Note
May 26, 2022 Medium None Detected Medium to Full Pleasant to Tolerable
This tobacco caused me to finally create an account here.

Light up: a heavy smoke with an almost perfume like taste. Takes 3-4 lights to get going. Moisture perfect straight from the tin.

First third: perfumey flavor continues, but not in an unpleasant way, over the top of a traditional full English blend. The end of the first third I got a hint of a savory type flavor. A pleasant surprise.

Second third: mellow perfume still continues but it’s grown on me. Now moving towards a more traditional flavor. Have decided to continue this as my evening relaxation blend. So far no gurgles or moisture issues.

Final third: a floral and hardwood smoked meat combined with a small hint of leather. Fine white ash all the way to the bottom of the bowl.

Final verdict: a surprising tobacco that had some unexpected flavors. Overall I would highly recommend to anyone who enjoys an English blend but wants something slightly outside the norm. Makes me imagine that this is what a Victorian gentleman might smoke after dinner on a mild summer night. Goes great with a beer but would also work with a hot tea or a scotch without issue.
Pipe Used: Savinelli 642
PurchasedFrom: B&M
Age When Smoked: 1 year
2 people found this review helpful.
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Reviewed By Date Rating Strength Flavoring Taste Room Note
Oct 23, 2023 Medium None Detected Very Mild Tolerable
I don’t have a lot of experience with Latakia so maybe it’s the Latakia that’s not my preference and not this blend, but I was unimpressed.

Very little flavor on the palate and a dense smoky smoke.

2 out of 4 for me.

1= wont finish the tin
2= I’ll finish the tin but won’t buy again
3= enjoyed and buy from time to time.
4= will keep in stocked.
0 people found this review helpful.
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Reviewed By Date Rating Strength Flavoring Taste Room Note
Jan 20, 2023 Medium None Detected Medium Tolerable
Tin note of smokey and mild spices. Tobacco is mostly black with a bit of brown and small amount of tan. The ribbon cut has a moisture content that's fairly dry and soft. No drying/prep needed. Burns slow with a few relights. The strength is medium to strong and nic is mild. No flavoring detected. Taste is full and consistent/inconsistent, with notes of smoky, dry wood, burn toast, buttery, mildly sweet tartness, savory, earth, sour, herbal spice, leather, mild musty vegetation, bready, floral, a tangy incense like background note, and a peppery retro. Latakia is leading with Virginia supporting. Oriental/Turkish are supporting from the rear. Room note is tolerable, and aftertaste is great.
Pipe Used: English Captain Black Sandblasted X188
Age When Smoked: 4 years
0 people found this review helpful.
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