Dan Tobacco Bill Bailey's Balkan Blend

Syrian Latakia is by far the best component tobacco I've tasted in my four years of smoking a pipe. The bad news for all of us who appreciate this fine leaf is that it's out of production. It will not be back anytime soon and in reality, probably never again in our lifetimes. The good news is that a lot of it was stockpiled by a handful of blenders so there's still some excellent blends out there that showcase it. I've been on a mission to try as many blends that contain it, and stockpile my favorites for the future.

Bill Bailey Balkan Blends (BBBB) is remarkably similar to Mac Baren HH Vintage Syrian, right down to the Dark FIred Kentucky the both contain. I would say what sets this blend apart is the Perique that HHVS lacks. Perique heavy blends don't normally sit well with me, and that was the trepidation I had when I pondered trying BBBB. Luckily, this blend contains the perfect amount for me. It gives it a unique spiciness and piquancy I don't get with HHVS.

The other difference I noticed is that this blend is less sweet than HHVS. I don't know if Mac Baren chose sweeter Virginias or if they contain a topping but in general, I detect very little sweetness in BBBB.

The Syrian Latakia tastes very similar to the Syrian I've smoked in HHVS and the McClelland Syrian blends. BBBB is very fragrant and tasty, and has a good deal of body. It's medium-light on the nicotine scale. In the tin I've smoked, I have not experienced any tongue bite.

This is very good tobacco and I plan on buying a one pound bag of it now that I've enjoyed a 50 gm tin.

I can't recommend this tobacco highly enough. Truly excellent. I had smoked Balkan Sobranie from 1964 until it was discontinued (remember that little opener in the lid), and this is my replacement. There are notes in it that are the same as Sobranie that I haven't found in any other Balkan blend. They include a resin note from the lat and a toasted pecan hint. I've been told that the 2 oz. can is better than the 4 oz. If so perhaps there is it something in the processing as well as the blend. Some of the other reviews puzzle me but as they say, concerning tastes it cannot be argued.

Excellent English/Balkan I guess the Kentucky takes it over the top. Wasn't expecting this to be such a delicious smoke have to rate it in my top 4 or 5. Amazing stuff smokes smooth and tasty I very much recommend.

It's funny how people taste things differently. As a matter of fact, depending on my mood and what I've had to eat or drink, things taste differently to me on occasion. With that said, this is one of my favorite tobaccos. It's an everyday smoke for me. It is not overpowering, not too strong at all, to tell the truth. It is not a "Lat Bomb" to me, and quite complex. I love the room note, unlike most people. It smokes slow, cool, and dry for me. I would highly recommend this to Balkan and English fans. I let it age a few weeks before smoking, but it can be smoked fresh (to me it's a little strong straight from the jar so I let it air out for 10-15 minutes).

A definite winner. After 22 years in the celler everything is present in a good balken blend but very mellowed. The mustiness is earthy and mushroom like but very smooth. The overall mouth feel is almost silky. The sourness is more sweet/sour. The wood, smokiness and spice are present but refined . More melded than singularly forward. I'm enjoying this! PS. The Latakia is superb in this blend! I disagree that Latakia looses it's zest after years of ageing. Mellows , yes. Dissipates, no.

A wonderful blend that combines strength in intensity and in flavor. Very crispy satisfying aroma. I quite rapidly consumed 100 g of it and I will buy it again.

An interesting blend and one that smokes with satisfaction, although less “Balkan” than I expected before trying it. Fundamentally it is Latakia that is ahead, accompanied by some nuances of spices and hot, provided by perique and Kentucky, as well as a certain sweetness, sometimes provided by Virginia. As the smoke progresses, the latakia gives way to the other ingredients allowing them to express themselves. Three stars for this one, although I have had a few smokes of four.

This is my favourite pipe tobacco, no doubt. Smoky, creamy, exciting, spicy. I read in a review that BBBB is no longer in production. I panicked and bought every tin my tobacco shop had. The next step was I contacted DTM and they have calmed me down saying they still produce BBBB. I felt relief. I'm fond of Latakia and this mixture contains 40%! Dark Fired Kentucky (10%) gives a character to the mixture and the Orientals give a scent like frankincense in the church which results an oriental, divine and sacred atmosphere. I cannot detect much Perique in this blend but who cares? It is perfect as it is. The mixture is quite forgiving, if you smoke it slowly it tastes good, if you smoke it quickly or forget it and need to relight it tastes good (though different). I love its complexity. My wife doesn't like it, not my neighbours either.

When I am in Germany I always pick up a large order of this tobacco. I love that right out of the tin it is ready it smoke. Nice cut let's it ever so easy fall into my pipe. I smoke this three to four times a week. It is not harsh or external strong at all. Lights very well and stays lit with little effort. In all at $6.00 a tin you can not go wrong.