Hello folks,
I have been reading many of great tobacco reviews but get confused when folks make direct references to certain tobaccos, i.e., "This blend was heavy on Latakia". Part of the problem is that I'm not sure in my current tobaccos what is Latakia vs. Virginia.

What tobaccos would you suggest to be good examples of each type of tobacco such as Burley, Virginia, Perique, etc. I need some reccomendations to help me get my bearings on what each taste like without just loading a pipe of pure Latakia etc as I'm on a budget and really have no desire or knowledge to blend myself.

Any reccomendations for tins that give good representation to a certain tobacco type for a noobs palate?
Kevin

Welcome BD,

I'm partial to the blends of GL Pease, on Greg's website he has a list describing all his available blends and in which category they belong. Here's a link to that list GL Pease Hope this helps...

Hey bikedocotor, there are several traits to each tobacco which make them distinct, I am not familair with all of them but will offer what knowledge I have; Virginias are normally an earthy brown colour, unless they are red or heat treated, (which I think will bring their colour closer to black), they normally expend a sweet, creamy flavour. Perique will give you a sensation of pepper being on your tongue, a bit like eating a very mild chilli infused dish. Latakia has a very sharp smell to it, someting you can really taste on the back of your pallet even without smoking, its a sharp, smoked, smell, that is particular.
I don't want to go any further because what I'd write on other varieities such as Cavendish and Burley would be based on conjecture, however, I'm sure the link above will serve as a suitable resource!

here's a good site listing tobacco's by category. listing the classic examples of each.

http://www.nocturne.org/jason/aging/touchstones.php

My personal picks

straight Virginias
S.g Full Virginia Flake
GPL Union Square

VaPers
McConnells Scottish Cake
Rattray's Marlin Flake

the second team: Beacon. 2015 & St. James Woods

Mild to medium English
Glp Westminster
Penzance

Stronger stuff
C&D Star of the East
Captain Earles { ten Russians, Private Stock} also from C&D

Virginia:
Full VA Flake
Also grab a tin of Orlik Golden Sliced, you're welcome in advance; this is VA with a slight hint of citrus (for lack of a better word)

Va/Per
Escudo!

English latakia
My personal favorite is Pirate Kake from C&D
Also Stokkebye's Proper English is worth a try.

Very good info all of you. Thanks.

With the purchase of my next few tins next week I think I will better understand the tobacco reviews in the next issue of P&T.

Jimmy, I really appreciate the descriptions.

No worries mate, enjoy smoking!