Gawith, Hoggarth & Co. No. 20 Latakia Mixture

I guess the name of the blend is misleading but I like it .

Tin note is slightly smoky beef jerky.

I get 0 floral notes out of this, no soapy taste at all. And frankly im sick of the soap commentary, if your worried about that dont smoke Lakeland.

The smoke itself is pleasant, not overly powerful or smoky but a nice even mixed Virginia latakia blend.

It packs well, stays lit well, it smokes fast, but not hot...well unless you want it to i guess.

Its not knock your socks off, but its good for what it is.

I would consider buying it again.

As my sojourn into the world of non-aromatics continues, so my comprehension of strength has only grown. Occasionally, though, a blend comes along to humble me, as is certainly the case here. No. 20 Latakia mix is full, rich, and rough around the edges, and, to some extent, on the tongue if you don't know what you're doing. Take your time packing, don't puff like a steam engine, and maybe scale back your bowl size so you don't launch yourself into orbit. You'll be handsomly rewarded with a rich, satisfying smoke that is tobacco nirvana. In the pouch/tin, This stuff smells a little like 1792 Flake, but if it showered and brushed its teeth first. Certainly not as pungent, but the depth and character is still there-rich, dark raisin/bourbon -like profile, with burnt coffee, compost, and campfire. Like the first time you turn over the soil in your garden in early Spring, and that earthy, funky, musty scent seemingly blooms when it hits the air and nearly bowls you over. It takes to the match quite nicely-a word of cautionary advice, though, it will bite if you don't deliberately slow your pace when first lighting up, and it's a deep bite with long fangs. There isn't much here to tame it down. No Cavendishes, no Burley (that I could detect anyway) and no toppings to saddle the Virginias, and Orientals. The flavor is full and rich, and it speaks for itself. Leathery, raisiny, musty, slightly floral, and smoky, as any good, strong English ought to be, though I submit that its name could be a bit misleading to even an experienced pipe smoker. The Latakia is strictly condimental, and its prominence is thin and subtle in the presence of the mature, full-tilt Virginias that lend this blend its heft, and brawny character. There's just enough Latakia in it to 'file down the bull's horns' just a bit, so they're less lethal when they hit you in the chest. Note the wording-"Less lethal," NOT "Non lethal." This is your great grandpappy's tobacco, and it's the kind if tobacco that'll put some hair on your chest, and a little grit in your coffee. Not refined, not fancy, and not for beginners, but its old-fashioned, grizzly, bristle will leave you feeling like your smoking the same pipe tobacco as the cowboys and mountain men, back when you could buy 10 pounds of the stuff with a silver dollar, or however many coyote hides could fetch a silver dollar...coincidentally, this would make an excellent cigarette tobacco if that's your preference. Good stuff.