Tinder Box Balkan

The nutty, earthy, mildly molasses sweet burley forms the base of the blend. The grassy, citrusy Virginia competes with the burley for second leads. The smoky, woody sweet Cyprian latakia tends to dominate most of the time, but doesn't drown out the other components. There's a pepper note whose origin that I can't decide on, and it may be perique, though it's not listed in the description. Has a mild to medium nic-hit. Won't bite or get harsh, but it does sport a very slight rough edge. Burns cool and clean at a reasonable pace with a rich, consistent flavor. Leaves just a little moisture in the bowl, and needs an average number of relights. Has a very pleasant after taste. Not quite an all day smoke.

-JimInks

For a long time smoker of the flavored tobacco Tinderbox Balkan is a good start in the English style blends it smokes slow and cool.At first the peppery Latakia is awesome the sweet Virginia's and woodsy Burley's kick in for a sweet creamy flavorful smoke.The blend is easy to pack not sticky or to dry it burns to a nice clean ash.In my pipes set aside for English blends it burns well with no gurgle and little need for cleaning.Smoke it slow and you will get no bite and the after taste is pleasant. This blend did fail the wife test though.

For the spicy, peppery Latakia lover! A nice spicy english/balkan with an extra jalapeno pepper thrown in for good measure. Smokes cool and burns clean. First hit is almost overwhelming with peppery latakia up front. Mid-way through the woodsy burleys and toasted virginias show up bathed in the spent vegetable fuel and ending with a charred earthy note. Unique and enjoyable, but being very mild in vitamin N, I always add a pinch of strong virginia or something complex. In comparison, Balkan Sasieni would be weaker in taste but stronger in nicotine. I smoke this daily.

A simple Balkan blend that is a great entry into the genre. Like most Tinder Box blends, they are milder and great for novices. This has a nice barbecue flavour, and a medium nic hit. It doesn't bite the tongue unless abused. There are better Balkans out there, but this is good for what it is.

3/4 for a novice smoker, 2/4 for a discerning smoker.

I initially liked this one, but since finding some tobaccos that I hoped/thought this one would be, I have to give it a "missed it by that much" award. It's like it wants to be very tasty, but hits a flavor wall and stays there and doesn't evolve into the complexity I sought. It does smell good and looks very nice but meh...

UPDATE/NOTE: I mixed it (about 50-50) with a dry Burley tobacco, and I like the combo much better!