Named after a Syrian port city, the Latakia came primarily from Syria. The production method and the cultivation of the leaves look back on a long Syrian tradition. Due to various accidents and the unstable region, tobacco currently only comes from Cyprus.

Latakia is only used for pipe tobacco. Therefore, the production capacity is very small and vulnerable to political, ecological and economic disturbances. We are lucky to be able to experience such a specialty. The production of Latakia is comparatively complex.

The basic tobacco is a small-leaved oriental tobacco whose leaves are first sun-dried for several days. Harvesting and laying out for drying is carried out entirely by hand in order to protect the foliage. Then comes the processing step that makes the Latakia so characteristic.

The sun-dried leaves are smoked over smoldering embers. The main components of the embers are pine and oak. But also different herbs. The smoking process takes place in closed barns and lasts 5-6 months. You read that right - Latakia is smoked for around half a year!

The fires must be monitored at all times so that there is no barn fire or heat damage to the tobacco. The long period of time naturally causes changes in the tobacco. The leaf becomes dark, partly caramelized. Smoke particles combine with the leaf and the aroma of the herbs is absorbed by the tobacco.

Latakia is known as a good-natured tobacco. The long heat treatment has made it resilient and most of the sugar has disappeared. The taste is mild and does not bite the tongue. It smokes comfortably cool. The aroma is leathery and smoky.

Many Latakia lovers note a meditative relaxation. The reason is the various smoky herbs that develop a pleasant scent. The nicotine content is very low - the taste is still strong. Along with Black Cavendish, Latakia has the lowest nicotine content among pipe tobaccos. The Latakia shows its true strengths as an addition to other tobaccos. It can add power and expression to a blend, add ripe flavors and create a creamy smoke. Latakia is appreciated all over the world - but very few smoke it pure.

For those who have never smoked Latakia, we can recommend the following tobaccos for testing: Kopp Cremon, Rattray's 7 Reserve, ELDURIS Utgard