Drucquer & Sons Levant Mixture

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!

Next up for D&S I've got the Levant Mixture which based on the tin I thought I'd really like. It comes in a great size and opening up the tin there is a course cut ribbon that is very dark in color. There's a few stems here and there. The moisture out of tin is pretty much perfect for me. It smells exactly like a heavy English blend should: deep, rich, smokey, and sweet. It's easy to pack and light.

Once lit the Latakia comes to the front immediately. It's very earthy, creamy and smokey. The Virginias back this up with a rounded sweetness. The Orientals are more herby than incense like in this blend. It makes for a very easy sipper and one I particularly enjoy on those rainy days like today.

Lady N is taking you out for the usual in this blend. I find the nicotine very middle-of-the-road. Taste wise though, this is quite a full smoke. It's not as full as say Pirate Kake, but it's definitely more than My Mixture or Father Dempsey. The smoke does coat your mouth in a pleasant way enhancing the creaminess of the blend. Burns slow and consistent, mostly cool unless you puff like a train. Not exactly my everyday kind of smoke but definitely one to repurchase.

Tin note of smoky and mildly sweet. Tobacco is a black, tan and brown ribbon cut. Moisture content is great. Burns moderately with few relights. The strength is medium to strong and nic is mild to medium. No flavoring detected. Taste is full and consistent, with notes of smoky, floral, wood, dry earth, herbal, lemon grass, leather, spices, citrus peel/zest, peaty, strong incense, fermented vinegary fruit, spicy/acidic, a musty sour vegetation background note, and a peppery retro. Latakia is leading with Oriental/Turkish and Virginia supporting. Room note is tolerable, and aftertaste is great.

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).