GQ Tobaccos Classic Balkan (Izmir)

Classic Balkan is a Balkan blend that, as the parenthetical in its name states, centers Turkish tobacco of Izmir origin. Izmir stands out alongside Virginia leaf; Latakia and Kentucky are present but sit in the background as framing components. The result is a smoke where the Virginias' creamy sweetness and the Oriental's woody, sourish tang keep trading places beneath a veil of smoke. Since the Latakia ratio is kept low, the blend offers an Oriental-forward reading rather than a heavy, smoky Balkan. In smoking behavior it is dry and even: it gives plenty of smoke, causes no moisture problems, and needs little relighting. It carries no topping and runs on leaf taste alone.