Drucquer & Sons Levant Mixture

Doubtful that anything in this world will replace this as my favorite Balkan blend... & so far, my favorite, "reach for" go to blend. I'm overwhelmed! Taste is mild but this mixture is strong... room note is pleasant. The Cyprian Latakia in Levant is more pronounced initially but doesn't steal the show & this "mixture" is perfectly balanced & provides plenty of Vitamin N... plus a great flavor with a natural sweetness that increases as the bowl progresses & morphs into an indescribably delicious Balkan flavor... almost like a fine aromatic but this mixture is all natural.

Levant is probably the finest Balkan Mixture on our planet. For me, it was like smoking the Gallaher's BSOM for the first time many years ago... & this, from a fresh tin that already seemed aged. Nearing mid-bowl where the interplay of tobaccos meld, more flavor develops, improves & stays sweet & tasty to the end. My advice... spend a few extra $$ for a trip back in time & try this mixture & see for yourself. It's worth it. There is something magical & special in this Levant Mixture like you might experience with the BSOM. "Magical" meaning the whole is equal to more than the sum of its parts... an incredible blending achievement.

Levant becomes a little stronger toward the end but doesn't bite or get harsh. This stuff can sneak up on you due to its mild smoking nature. It really does seem to possess characteristics from days gone by that will take you back in time. This is not an English blend... strictly & totally Balkan & I think it might possibly be the finest Balkan blend available in this time period. I predict Levant will rise to number one & will become legendary... hence the reason I purchased plenty for the cellar. I think it's wise to have extras in your tobacco "portfolio."

Okay, I'm not too good at this but will try to give my impression of this tobacco. First, let me say that I just got back into smoking my pipes again after about a three year hiatus. I noted going through my old mason jars that I had smoked quite a few different blends including those put out by Dunhill and McClelland which I guess are defunct tobacco manufacturers at this time. I wanted to move away from my aromatics (Black Gold by Hiland Cigars) and really try the Balkan and English blends again. This go around I would sip the tobacco and really try hard to find out what the blendmixture was like. I'm sorry that I do not have a palate like a lot the guys doing reviews but wanted to give my impressions on what I would call a fine tobacco. Levant has an exquisite taste that is in my mind reminiscent of something sweet. I also got a hay note that was not overpowering but was just there reminding me of a time of long ago at my Grandfather's farm. The pipe lit well and I am sure I could have smoked the whole bowl to the end without a relight but as stated I sipped the tobacco and even with that only had less than 5 relights which burned to a fine white ash with no dottle. Levant is extremely smooth IMHO and for certain doesn't bite. It left a pleasant aftertaste which I really enjoyed. It has a pleasant room note that I was surprised at. It had what I would call a mild to medium Vitamin N hit that surprised me based on some of the other reviews. All in all my impression of this pipe tobacco is that it is something you need to try and not pass up. The only negative is that this is not cheap tobacco; however, since beginning to smoke again I have limited myself to one bowl a day and I think I will get a lot of enjoyment smoking in this fashion. Oh, the tobacco was right on the money based on moisture content. It was just right. I am kind of proud of myself for getting this blend having thought that maybe this would be over my head. I bought two 100 gram tins and am glad I did.

My thoughts... whoever doesn't like this old timey Balkan flavor, it's a pity. This is one of the finest mixtures I've had the pleasure to sample and bought extra for the cellar, It has plenty of strength & a little sweetness. Excellent!

Having enjoyed the original Balkan Sobranie in the 60’s but finding it too strong in the nic hit, I’ve undertaken revisiting Balkan blends. Levant Mixture hits just the right middle zone. Even burning, no residue, few relights, the Latakia stands out for great flavor. A winner! Added note: after three weeks, I'm 3/4 through the 100 gram tin with no appreciable decline in moisture. Finding it smokes best in a pipe with a mid-size bowl, e.g Peterson Kildare, Killarney bent (268) or Sasieni two dot bent (88).