Imagine embarking on a journey of the senses, one where tradition meets craftsmanship, and unique flavor profiles are discovered. This journey introduces you to the distinctive world of Simply Latakia tobacco. With a rich aroma and a flavor that leaves a lasting impression, it’s more than just a tobacco blend. It’s a true experience for those who appreciate the depth and complexity of fine tobacco.
The world of tobacco is vast and diverse, with one of its unique jewels being Latakia tobacco. It’s a product with a rich history, distinctive character, and a fascinating production process.
Latakia tobacco, originating from Syria and named after the port city of Latakia, is known for its unique sun-dried and smoke-cured process. This tobacco product has a complex aroma and characteristic wood smoke scent with floral sweet undertones when burned. Its production has largely shifted to Cyprus due to sociopolitical issues in Syria. Its discovery possibly came about by accident, when surplus tobacco stored in the rafters of farmers’ homes got smoke-cured over time due to the open wood fires used for light and heat.
Two varieties of tobacco plants, Nicotiana rustica and Nicotiana tabacum, are used in the production of Latakia tobacco. The former being smaller and more prolific in leaf production, the latter more common in the Western world. Both Syrian and Cyprian Latakia uses these varieties.
The sun-curing process for Latakia differs from normal Oriental production as the leaves are not stitched together. They are kept on the stalk of the plant, including the flowers, and are either hung between trees or simply laid on the ground to dry over a period of three or more weeks. The smoke-curing process, sometimes referred to as fumigation, is carried out in simple barns made of brick or block with earthen floors and no ventilation. The tobacco is fumigated using fire pits dug into the ground. Once fumigation is completed, the rough Latakia is re-hydrated, bulk packaged, and sent to the port of Latakia.
In the hands of processors like the Imperial Tobacco Company, the tobacco undergoes fermentation, a common practice among tobacco processors. This process reduces water content, eliminates many harsh chemicals, and produces new and more complex flavor compounds. After fermentation, the tobacco is placed in frames to be exported.
The Origin of Latakia Tobacco
Latakia tobacco hails originally from Syria and is named after the city of Latakia, a major port city in the country. The discovery of Latakia tobacco could be attributed to an accidental surplus of tobacco. The excess tobacco was stored in the rafters of homes, where smoke from open wood fires used for heat and light would gradually dry and cure the tobacco over time. This inadvertent process of smoke curing led to the unique aroma of Latakia tobacco that we know today.
Characteristics of Latakia Tobacco
When Latakia is burned, it gives off a characteristic wood smoke aroma accompanied by floral sweet undertones. It’s traditionally found within pipe tobacco blends, although some innovative cigar and cigarette producers use it as well. In most pipe blends, Latakia acts as a condiment, a tobacco that doesn’t represent the majority of the blend but is instead used to add complexity and control its burn rate.
The Flavor Profile
The flavor profile of Latakia is one of the most distinctive among tobaccos, with a potent, smoky, and robust taste that makes it stand out in any blend. This flavor is the result of the specific curing process, a combination of sun-drying and smoke-curing, which it undergoes during production.
Use in Pipe Blends
In the world of pipe tobaccos, Latakia is often used as a “condiment” tobacco, meaning it’s used to enhance the complexity and richness of the blend. It’s not typically the dominant tobacco in the blend, but its unique flavor and aroma can significantly impact the overall character of the tobacco mixture.
The Cultivation of Latakia Tobacco
The cultivation of Latakia tobacco starts with a type of tobacco known as Oriental tobacco. This variety of tobacco is native to the arid desert climate of the Middle East and the Mediterranean. Oriental tobacco plants consist of Nicotiana rustica and Nicotiana tabacum, with the latter being commonly used in modern Latakia production.
Oriental Tobacco: The Foundation
Oriental tobacco, the foundation for Latakia, is a small plant compared to its Western counterpart, Nicotiana tabacum. It has smaller, palm-sized to hand-sized leaves and grows to a height of 2–3 feet.
Varieties Used in Latakia Production
There’s a lot of debate surrounding the specific type of tobacco seed or variety used to produce Latakia. While it’s difficult to say for certain which seed is valued more than another, there’s a common consensus that Latakia was first produced using a variety of Nicotiana Tabacum called shekk-el-bint or the Turkish Yayladag variant.
The Production Process of Latakia Tobacco
The production process of Latakia tobacco is distinct and contributes significantly to its unique qualities. The process begins with sun-curing, where the tobacco leaves are left to dry under the sun for a period of three or more weeks.
Sun-Curing: The Initial Step
In the sun-curing process, the leaves remain on the stalk of the plant and are kept whole, including the flowers. They are then either hung between trees or simply laid on the ground to dry over a period of three or more weeks.
Fumigation: The Smoke-Curing Process
After sun-curing, the tobacco is taken to smoke houses for the smoke-curing process, also known as fumigation. The tobacco is hung inside on rafters and fumigated using fire pits dug into the ground. This process enhances the aroma and flavor of the tobacco.
The Debate on Fumigation Materials
There’s a debate on which species of woods and brushes are used for the fumigation process. Commonly found materials near the barns include Carob, Scrub oak, Aleppo Pine, Turkey Oak, Valonia Oak, and Lebanon Cedar. However, it’s thought that some processors use a variety of material found growing near the barns and do not adhere to a particular recipe or blend.
Latakia Tobacco in the Modern Day
Although Latakia tobacco originated from Syria, large production has permanently shifted to Cyprus due to sociopolitical issues within Syrian borders.
The Shift to Cyprus
With the shift to Cyprus, the production of Latakia tobacco has seen some changes but still retains its distinctive character. The sun-curing and smoke-curing process remains a vital part of the production, ensuring the unique smoky and robust flavor of Latakia tobacco.
The Role of Processors
Processors play a crucial role in the final stages of Latakia tobacco production. Once the tobacco arrives at processing facilities, it’s de-stalked, bulked together, and placed into large vaults for fermentation. This process eliminates harsh chemicals like nicotine and produces new, complex flavor compounds. After fermentation, the tobacco is framed and prepared for export?.
Conclusion: The Legacy of Latakia Tobacco
Latakia tobacco holds a unique place in the world of tobacco. From its historical origins in Syria to its current production in Cyprus, it’s a product that has stood the test of time. The captivating process of sun-curing and smoke-curing, coupled with its unique aroma and flavor, continues to make Latakia tobacco a treasured component in the world of pipe blends and beyond. It’s more than just a tobacco; it’s a testament to tradition, skill, and the art of tobacco production.