Brebbia Latakia Flake Mixture No. 9

A great Virginia-Latakia (syrian) in a perfect flake cut with a moisture that makes it easy to smoke. There are some similarities with C.A.O. Old Ironsides, but Latakia Flake n.9 is just a little bit less strong. 4,5/5 in my personal rating system.

Of MacBaren's Latakia Flake, Lancer's Slices, and Balkan Flake, this is my favorite flake with Latakia as the star. No. 9 is smoky, rich, sweet, and creamy, as some might say. It's perfectly serviceable as an all day smoke, of moderate strength and never tiring. The flakes, almost black with some brighter leaf, will fall apart as you handle them. I'll admit, I can't tell the Syrian apart from Cyprian but this claims to be composed of the rare leaf. In any event, it is an excellent smoke and a favorite.

A delightful latakia blend. If you like latakia with Virginan, this is a great smoke. Burns better than Odessey. Very leathery taste and can be an all day smoke. Mild for a latakia blend.

Yes: Sasha is right, Dan/CAO should be the producer of this blend, I also realize this because of the shape of the tin and the inner paper disc. The flakes are quite similar to Old Ironside, but in this comparison, LF9 is missing the Kentucky, and therefore much milder. I place LF9 in between of OI and SG's Balkan Flake, in respect of the latter LF9 is bit stronger and has more body. I found it good for all day smoke, sweet and leathery. Very good quality indeed

Among Latakia Flakes Brebbia has become my favorite, though Mac Baren and McConnell also have worthy contributions. Brebbia makes a semi-regular appearance in my rotation during the colder months and I visit it often enough that it has its own dedicated Rhodesian morta. If you like to put some age on your Latakia, as in 5+ years, then I’d say that maybe Mac Baren has the greater staying power. In the meantime I enjoy the complexity and subtle nuances that Brebbia Latakia Flake provides.

Jar note of sweet wood spice like cedar, myrrh and hint of woodruff. Way in the background a suggestion of ground dark-roast coffee. When I first open a fresh tin I do get some grill scrapings, but this recedes into a muted smokiness by the end of the jar. Also when fresh I get nuances of baker’s chocolate and roasted chestnuts, but these fade with age. What remains in the jar after sampling over four months are wood spice, cola notes without the sugar, hints of beef jerky and if I had to pick just one distinctive flavor that sets this apart it would be toasted pumpernickel. What I like about it, especially when fresh, is the balance between upper, middle and foundational flavors. As it ages it settles into a more muted mid-range smoke. Whether fresh or with some age, I don’t get any of the serious negatives which bother me with so many Latakia blends; no soap upon ignition, and no campfire or creosote.

Now, I’ll probably get hate mail for this, but just so you know if our tasting chemistry is similar, I’ve never been a fan of monolithic Lat-bombs like Gaslight, Pirate’s Cake, or Spark Plug. In my cellar the choice is down to Brebbia or Mac Baren. The other Latakia flake I have cellared fairly deeply is Sillem’s Commodore Flake, but that one I enjoy with a good dark ale as an after-dinner sipper, whereas Brebbia pairs better with ruby port (my favorite being Sandeman Founder’s Reserve). Good to have so many tasty options!

I’ll try to update this review in a couple of years when I compare some 5+ years aged tins of Brebbia vs. Mac Baren!

I originally purchased this as, at the time, it was billed as containing Syrian Latakia and the rumors were already circulating that the world's supply was dwindling. There is no doubt that there is Cyprian Latakia in the tin I purchased and just finished, but I do not know whether it contained any Syrian as the Cyprian taste did dominate. I add this as it was also rumored that some blenders at this time had been mixing some Cyprian in with their Syrian to stretch their supplies. I can't say that I tasted anything that resembled Syrian Latakia in my tin which was purchased nearly 8 years ago.

All in all, this is a good smoke. True to its name, the latakia is the star. The blend smokes well. It is creamy, smoky and smooth; all traits a good latakia blend should have IMO. If this blend suffers anything it is the fact that it is very monotone; I enjoyed this mostly in smaller bowls for that very reason.

But I do recommend it as the person most interested in this must really like latakia to purchase a blend with this name and I can't see that customer being let down by this offering.

Brebbia Latakia Flake Mixture no 9 - The blend has a perfect balance between the Latakia and Virginias . Very smooth and creamy . A little sweet and bready with the woody smokiness . A little bit of herbal spice . Very enjoyable. A little boring though as it stays the same the whole way down the bowl . A little Oriental leaf would probably help . Very pleasant nonetheless and recommended. My tin says Syrian Latakia . I am no expert on the matter . 3