John Patton Latakia Junction

I just finished a sample of this given to me quite a while ago. I did not mind this one. That is to say that it wasn't too bad and wasn't too good, but was smokable. I wished that I had more to taste as my sample was about five to six bowls worth. Of course, I just fulfilled that wish by ordering more today.

I have read the reviews and am surprised at the reviewers who bemoan the overuse of Latakia. I typically don't go for the Latakia heavy hitters and didn't find this to be one. Perhaps it is the other ingredients mellowing it out. The lat is no doubt there, but I don't have that heavy campfire mouth after finishing a bowl of this as I do with other lat heavy blends. The orientals are subdued in this blend as is the cigar; however, the latter is definitely noticeable.

I feel that this blend is not very memorable and perhaps my next go around will change that. I plan on revisiting this review, but these are my thoughts at this point in time.

If you like Latakia, this is for you. The Latakia in this blend is top notch and along with the VA and orientals, it offers a very sweet full taste. However, I felt the Latakia was a little over the top on this one. Too much of a good thing. In the pouch, it is a mix of brown and black flake and has the leathery, smokey aroma of Latakia. It comes somewhat dry but not too dry and it did light very easy. Right off the bat it produced the dark smokey flavor one would expect by the name but sweet and rich. It smoked down all the way to the bottom to a dark grey ash. The room note was very strong and distinct and would chase off all but English lovers. But at the halfway point, it was so heavy in Lat that I could taste nothing else and it grew fairly harsh. I think this would have been a great blend if the VA content had been upped a little bit and the Lat content reduced somewhat. I did enjoy the smoke enough that I have to recommend it to Latakia lovers, but as I think it could be improved upon, I don't give it the highly recommend rating.

I like Latakia (as known) and Rich from 4noggins suggested to try this mixture, containing 50% Latakia, 30% Virginia and several other Oriental tobaccos, plus a taste of cigar, that adds a peculiar and sweet taste that I like. It is coarse cut, exactly as I like it, and it burns slowly. Its moisture is perfect, to light it up right away and enjoy it till the end. Its nicotine level is very good, as I don't burst from it and I can smoke it all the time. However, my opinion is that it does not contain as much Latakia as promised by the mixtures blender, John Patton. I will surely re-order it, and soon, as the 2oz sent to me for tasting are swiftly ending.

After reading some reviews on the website, I ordered some of this tobacco. I really have enjoyed it. I believe it could be an all day smoke. I've smoked it on the way to work in the morning along with a big mug of coffee. When I get to work I'm ready to go. I've smoked 8 or 10 bowls of this so far and just ordered another 8 oz. for the future. Really enjoyed smoking it over the 4th of July while fishing in a country farm pond. Didn't catch many fish, but sure enjoyed the smokey campfire flavor of this tobacco. I'm just a novice smoker, but I'm really enjoying this Latakia blend. Pick up some soon and give it a try.