Just finished a bowl of 50% John Bull and 50% Lane BCA. In deference to our friend and mentor Motie2, who has been adding a "pinch" of Latakia to Aromatic blends to his liking and reported success, I thought "why not". He is always rather spot on, so as I know he has not lead my astray yet, I am going to try that. My reference point was a bit higher than he as I stated with a Latakia Blend (albeit a "light" Latakia with Burley and some Cavedish) as the main ingredient and worked down. So my approach was John Bull as the base, with the BCA as the modifier. My initial mix was still very John Bull "forward" with hints of the Lane BCA characteristics, This was not bad, but I wanted a sweeter and lighter taste and aroma. So my mix today was about 50/ 50, which was better than my first attempt. I do believe Motie is closer to the target (at least for mme anyway). I will next try a blend of 67% Lane BCA to 33% John Bull. Recognizing the John Bull as a mixture and not pure Latakia, this might end up to be closer to what he mixed and ended up with. Bottom line is this is a very interesting experiment, and Motie I think you are a genius.
When I added small amounts of Latakia to my aromatics I did it using pinches of English blends, mostly Lagonda and FoxHound. But I never used the high percentages you report.
As I tried to explain, I started high and will reduce the Latakia each succesive attempt.....my theory for starting high is wih the knowledge that the John Bull is a "light" Latakia blend with other tobaccos.
Man, that's a beautiful Prince, @Londy3 . Great stuff.
Smoking Sam Gawith's Kendal Cream Flake in my Patriot cob while wrapping up the first draft of my next pipe blog entry. Hoping to have it done before I head off to Ireland (and Petersons).
Taking a break from yard work this AM by starting some CB Royal in a 50+ year old half bent reworked and refurbed Jost Regent bulldog. .. Very nice blend in a great smoking pipe...
Last evening (close enough to now) I smoked Scottys' Butternut Burley mixed 50/50 with Nording Hunter Labrador......very nice smoke (both GREAT blends by themselves).
Comments
As I tried to explain, I started high and will reduce the Latakia each succesive attempt.....my theory for starting high is wih the knowledge that the John Bull is a "light" Latakia blend with other tobaccos.
Keep us posted.
I'm slowly sipping my way through a bowl of Prince Albert in my no name basket pipe.
You can almost feel fall approaching with the cool evening. It's good to take the time and slow down and really taste the tobacco for a change.
Monticristo
T-shirt caption
" I drink bourbon and I know things"
I'm breaking in my new Dr Grabow Grand Duke billiard with some Prince Albert and my new Harpers Ferry mug with some Folgers instant.