Cornell & Diehl Byzantium

I agree with some others that this seems to be missing something (Virginias?). It might have been ok with a stronger dose of Orientals, but as it is it just doesn't cut it. It has potential though so I'm going to fiddle around with it and see what I can come up with.

Takes a match well, on the dry side from the bulk package I received. I get notes of leather and unsweetened cocoa, with a nice but faint smokiness. I don't detect much Perique other than in the in bag nose. The Latakia is mild and along with the Perique really just augments the Orientals.

This is a very pleasant and dry smoke that pairs well with a strong black tea as this blend brings to mind the same tannic notes.

Overall, a nice smoke. Smoked down to a fine ash, with a couple relights and an occasional tamping. While I don't have much experience with what would be classed as a Balkan, this just doesn't feel like a great example of balance in a blend. It's all a mild smokiness with some spice and I could imagine it as much better were it bolder on some front, more Latakia or more Perique...more something. It comes off as too mild to get the point across, it left me a bit flat by the end of the bowl as the flavors didn't really build upon one another as I had hoped.

I mostly liked this one. Very solid on the Orientals and the Latakia is pretty well balanced. Has a very pleasant smoky and earthly flavour. Just a touch of raisin without being peppery. I did not experience any tongue bite at all, and I smoked three bowls on the first sitting. I was pleasantly surprised. It burned well. Did not have to relight. Not excessively moist. I did not really experience a nicotine hit even through a lot of people complain about it.

This is a good outdoor by the fire kind of summer smoke. I really enjoyed it. It's strong but not overbearing. Nothing kitchy or aromatic but a solid Oriental blend.

While I don't think this is by far a bad blend, there just seems to be something missing. It lights and stays lit well. It does produce a decent amount of smoke and seems to be a slow burning mixture. But just doesn't seem to have that oomph to put it to 3 or 4 stars. I give this a pleasant rating on room note because the wife didn't go screaming inside when I had this lit and was puffing away. I would recommend this for those wanting to give an English a try.

It’s a smoky English with a tiny hint of perique spice and tang. Very rich. Buttery and soft, balanced with a sour note. The complete lack of sweetness leaves me wanting, and it leaves a dry aftertaste in my mouth. I liked this one when I first tried it because it is quite unique, but I quickly grew bored of it and passed it over for more interesting blends. I can see the appeal and I always enjoy the first few sips, but it loses my interest halfway through the bowl.

I don't think this is bad blend but the combination here is not entirely pleasurable to my taste. It gives me a flavor or mouth-feel as would incense. My guess is that the Latakia is overdone in combination with just the Turkish and Perique tobaccos. Don't misunderstand, I love my Latakia and English blends, but something is just off the mark with this one.

Apparently some of you like your Latakia no matter the amalgamation, so I will give it a "somewhat recommend". While I would smoke Byzantium if nothing else was available, I won't order any more of it.

Preface: I have been smoking Dunhill Standard Mixture Medium for near-on 30 years, believing that it has no equal anywhere on earth. But it is gone now, and so I begin a quest for my Holy Grail: A substitute to replace the standard on which all English tobaccos are based.

Byzantium is not the one. If you enjoy Nightcap, you'll enjoy Byzantium though. Lots of rich/creamy/smoky Latakia, but lacks strength and complexity, just as Nightcap did. Mild and a bit boring for my tastes.

General Comment for All C&D Blends. So far, all my samples have burned clean and dry. They contain quality ingredients. If purchased fresh from C&D, I find that I must adjust the moisture content, and let them rest for 3-6 months before sampling. They change flavor dramatically in just a few months.

In appearance, this is a primarily dark looking blend that gives the appearance of a strong and full smoke ahead. On the other hand, the pouch aroma does not confirm this as it is not that strong. If you are familiar with delicate but full flavored English Latakia-Oriental blends, here is the meat and potatoes version. This has plenty of flavors, a decent nicotine content, and a good Latakia dose. I find it a bit rough. I prefer that even the strong full Latakia blends have some creamy and smooth balance. It is possible that this needs even more age. I have many similar blends from C&D and others that I prefer to Byzantium including C&D Engine 99. If you like full flavored Latakia blends, and if prefer them to be untamed, here's your blend. It has quality ingredients, does not bite, and burns clean and dry to charcoal gray ash.