Brebbia Latakia Flake Mixture No. 9
(3.39)
Natural sweet Virginia and a generous amount of Cyprian Latakia that is pressed and aged together.
Notes: Blended originally with Syrian Latakia now replaced by Cyprian.
Details
Profile
Strength
Medium
Extremely Mild -> Overwhelming
Flavoring
None Detected
None Detected -> Extra Strong
Room Note
Tolerable
Unnoticeable -> Overwhelming
Taste
Medium
Extremely Mild (Flat) -> Overwhelming
Average Rating
|
3.39 / 4
|
Reviews
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Displaying 11 - 20 of 28 Reviews
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 15, 2019 | Mild | Very Mild | Medium to Full | Tolerable to Strong |
Before smoking Brebbia Latakia Flake Mixture #9 I mentally tried on the contemporary idea of “Syrian Latakia”. I was thinking, not much from Syria has gotten to the US since 1967, anyway, so I guessed the blenders used a “Syrian formula”, or something like that. Popping the tin, the Latakia is indeed different from the usual (Cyprian) fare, being more “focused”, yet more restrained, as well. It’s also more chocolate brown than black. The other tobaccos comprising the flakes looked and smelled like earthy air cured red and brown VAs. Though no Oriental leaf is claimed for this blend, Syrian Latakia is a smoke cured version of certain Orientals, and there is a certain woody, savory quality to this blend that I credit to Orientals. In the tin there is one short stack of dry flakes that break apart when handled. I've broken some flakes to chamber depth length, spindled them, and loaded the plug fairly loosely into a group 4-5 author I use to first try blends like this one. The flakes take patience to light, even when thoroughly spindled, then the tobacco smolders for some time, making plenty of smoke. The Lat is on top, with the VAs offering solid support, and they also provide the backbone and structure for this blend. The blend is smoky and sour, like Latakia of old, and the VAs are amply cased, which is not very noticeable until the end, and they are bluff rather than sharp. I was annoyed to note some “sandalwood” that, IMO, has no place in Syrian Latakia. Fortunately (for me, anyway), there is very little in the way of incense. To my tastes, enough of the “Oriental” leaf comes through that it lends a mild “Balkan-y” quality to this blend. Strength is mild. Tastes are between medium and full. Room note is just tolerable, and the pipes I used stunk after BLFM9. Aftertaste is the best of the smoke, and it gets better as it drags out and gets sweeter and sweeter.
All in all, BLFM9 is not bad, and the Latakia really is different, as advertised. It did not replace Savinelli’s Giubileo d’Oro in my rotation, nor do I prefer it to Fairmorn’s Lancers Slices, but it is qualitatively different from both these blends, so any “competition” here is not apples to apples, anyway. I recommend BLFM9 as an example of Syrian Latakia and as a decent, Balkan-y smoke.
All in all, BLFM9 is not bad, and the Latakia really is different, as advertised. It did not replace Savinelli’s Giubileo d’Oro in my rotation, nor do I prefer it to Fairmorn’s Lancers Slices, but it is qualitatively different from both these blends, so any “competition” here is not apples to apples, anyway. I recommend BLFM9 as an example of Syrian Latakia and as a decent, Balkan-y smoke.
Pipe Used:
briars reserved for Balkan-y English blends
PurchasedFrom:
4noggins
Age When Smoked:
from the tin
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 06, 2017 | Mild to Medium | None Detected | Medium | Pleasant to Tolerable |
Brebbia flakes are nice thin flakes with a sweet smoky tin note. The flakes are pretty dry, for flakes (which I like). They rub out easy and are ready to smoke right out of the tin. I am going back through my latakia flakes (Brebbia, MacBaren, Kendal and Germain) and I really enjoy the VA Latakia blend. It is a nice easy going not complex smoke. When I am working, I don't have to fuss with or concentrate much on the pipe. It is a great pleasant and tasty smoke. Brebbia #9 is my favorite of the lot.
The Virgina's are sweet and I think I see a combination of stoved and mature Virginia's in with the Latakia. The Syrian Latakia is the centerpiece but is very well balanced with the Virginia's. I read a lot about the superiority of the Syrian vs the Cyprian versions of Latakia, for me it isnt' better or worse, they are different and depending on the mood and the blend they can be equally satisfying. In this blend the Syrian and the Virginias play very well together and it is my opinion that the sweeter Syrian Latakia is what makes this the best Latakia flake around (the only one I have tried with Syrian Latakia anyway). The sweet smokiness along with the VA's give a caramel like flavor. I get a spiciness too from this, one reviewer said it was oriental like, and I agree, but there are no orientals in the description. Not sure where it comes from as my palate and knowledge isn't good enough for forensic tobacco decoding. It is there and it is pleasant. I will leave it to the sophisticates to tell me where it originates. Very nice smoke and it is good in any pipe.
The Virgina's are sweet and I think I see a combination of stoved and mature Virginia's in with the Latakia. The Syrian Latakia is the centerpiece but is very well balanced with the Virginia's. I read a lot about the superiority of the Syrian vs the Cyprian versions of Latakia, for me it isnt' better or worse, they are different and depending on the mood and the blend they can be equally satisfying. In this blend the Syrian and the Virginias play very well together and it is my opinion that the sweeter Syrian Latakia is what makes this the best Latakia flake around (the only one I have tried with Syrian Latakia anyway). The sweet smokiness along with the VA's give a caramel like flavor. I get a spiciness too from this, one reviewer said it was oriental like, and I agree, but there are no orientals in the description. Not sure where it comes from as my palate and knowledge isn't good enough for forensic tobacco decoding. It is there and it is pleasant. I will leave it to the sophisticates to tell me where it originates. Very nice smoke and it is good in any pipe.
Pipe Used:
Briar, meerschaum and cobs
PurchasedFrom:
Mars Cigars
Age When Smoked:
1 year
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 03, 2017 | Medium to Strong | None Detected | Medium to Full | Tolerable to Strong |
Brebbia - Latakia Flake (Mixture No. 9).
To me this is a brilliant morning smoke.
The tin contains one stack of wide, dark, flakes, that have become slightly stuck together. They're dark, but not 'black' due to a few lighter streaks of Virginia running down them. Although they'd become stuck to each other during transit/storage (5 months) excess moisture hasn't made them unsmokeable.
To light Latakia Flake No. 9 is as simple a task as I'd want, and then the smoke's Lat' Heaven! To be fair, the initial few puffs aren't as good as the subsequent ones, there's a slightly acerbic note which waits until the burn's settled to dissipate. After that it's a cracking smoke though! Lots of vivacious Latakia: spicy, smoky, with a touch of vinegar sharpness. I don't notice much, if any, Virginia, the Lat' dominates the smoke far too much for even a trace of it. I get no extra flavours, this is a pure and unadulterated smoke. As has been afore mentioned it burns slowly, making for me, a perfect blend for Sunday mornings.
I find the nicotine above medium (you might not, I'm quite susceptible to N lately), and the room-note's tolerable at best. But, I couldn't care how it smells!
A brilliant blend easily warranting four stars:
Highly recommended.
To me this is a brilliant morning smoke.
The tin contains one stack of wide, dark, flakes, that have become slightly stuck together. They're dark, but not 'black' due to a few lighter streaks of Virginia running down them. Although they'd become stuck to each other during transit/storage (5 months) excess moisture hasn't made them unsmokeable.
To light Latakia Flake No. 9 is as simple a task as I'd want, and then the smoke's Lat' Heaven! To be fair, the initial few puffs aren't as good as the subsequent ones, there's a slightly acerbic note which waits until the burn's settled to dissipate. After that it's a cracking smoke though! Lots of vivacious Latakia: spicy, smoky, with a touch of vinegar sharpness. I don't notice much, if any, Virginia, the Lat' dominates the smoke far too much for even a trace of it. I get no extra flavours, this is a pure and unadulterated smoke. As has been afore mentioned it burns slowly, making for me, a perfect blend for Sunday mornings.
I find the nicotine above medium (you might not, I'm quite susceptible to N lately), and the room-note's tolerable at best. But, I couldn't care how it smells!
A brilliant blend easily warranting four stars:
Highly recommended.
Pipe Used:
Savinelli Roma Lucite Oom Paul
PurchasedFrom:
Smokingpipes.com
Age When Smoked:
Five months
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Dec 18, 2016 | Mild | None Detected | Mild | Tolerable |
For us latakia lovers, this is a delight. Full of uncompromising latakia flavor, the aging makes it taste like the finest Syrian Latakia to my taste buds. A wonderful treat to a discerning English smoker.
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Jun 09, 2015 | Medium | None Detected | Medium | Tolerable |
A large broken flake, easy to rub out and burns slowly. A flavorful Latakia forward blend without a lot of sweetness from the Virginias but not totally "dry". The latakia is stated to be Syrian, however, it seems like there could be some Cyprian supplemented. Some fruity campfire notes. I actually find the Latakia a little less dominant than what's found in Brebbia "Balkan" blend, however, there is no question we have a Latakia blend . The blend is a little monotone for me as it reminds me of C&D's "Engine 99", "Pirate Kake" or even F&K's " lancer Slices", but this is much smoother. . Not a "McClelland style of Latakia use", this has a much heavier hand. ( I do love the easy to carry small tin) 3 stars
Pipe Used:
cob
Age When Smoked:
2 months open
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Sep 21, 2014 | Medium | None Detected | Medium | Strong |
Nothing more nothing less than a classic English mixture. It is true that oriental tobaccos are absent but the outcome doesn’t change. This flake is for Latakia lovers, but a great english mixture is another thing. Anyway it is one of the best Brebbia tobaccos, with a great amount of Latakia. In my personal rating (from 1 to 10) my score is 7 and two stars. If you are an english mixtures’ smoker you have to try it.
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Nov 07, 2010 | Medium to Strong | None Detected | Medium to Full | Strong |
I like this blend. This may be my favorite at the moment. Very rich and somewhat spicy.
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Aug 25, 2009 | Medium | None Detected | Medium | Strong |
I tried this flake only in a sample given to me by a friend. I normally do not smoke tobacco so rich in Latakia, so my opinion is not very reliable but I can say that for me it was a nice change of pace. BLF probably will never in my rotation but I can safely recommend to you to try it.
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Mar 16, 2008 | Medium | None Detected | Medium | Tolerable |
My tin tastes almost exactly like Penzance, but Penzance seemed a little less one-dimensional. So why does this get one less star? Because I don't taste ANY Syrian in here whatsoever. All the same, if you love Penzance and can't get your hands on a tin, this should substitute pretty well. Bottom line: Recommended as long as you don't expect any high quality Syrian.
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 03, 2019 | Medium to Strong | None Detected | Medium to Full | Pleasant to Tolerable |
Probably the best BALANCE of any Va/Lat I have ever smoked. Flavor quite consistent top to bottom. As such, it could be called monochromatic but WHAT color! The Syrian (maybe ?) really shines, sweet and smooth, just right with high quality Va. For support Top grade
Pipe Used:
Dunny, Petes
PurchasedFrom:
SomkingPipes
Age When Smoked:
?, Dunno. I've had 5 tins for a year now
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