Perique & Latakia Question

[smokeyscotch]

I have noticed that blends containing Perique or Latakia, either together are not, only result in a perfumy flavor to me. It is almost like walking into a headshop or something and tasting the burning incense. Not that I frequent headshops, just the only thing I can think to use as an illustration. After smoking a little, the blends just end up being a one dimensional sour taste. Are there any sweeter VaPers, etc. out there that aren't so heavy on the sour/perfumy note? I have read a ton of reviews on pipetobaccoreviews, and am only more confused.

Thanks for any guidance.

[carbonbased_al]

I don't really find latakia or perique to be like incense at all. Latakia has a smokey flavor I find, and perique also strikes me as peppery. What blends have you tried so far?

Might want to try a VaPer with less perique than some, like the Solani 633. A whole lot of stuff uses latakia, it's hard to know what to reccomend without knowing what you've smoked.

[Mad Hatter]

I agree with Smitty. I'd also say that it might take your taste a while to evolve if you haven't been smoking long. Smoke what you like and as your tongue gets accustomed to those things you will try different blends and see them in a different light. I started on Balkan blends and Cavendish blends and was pretty slow about moving on to other types of tabak. Also what you are smoking today whether cigars, cigarettes or other pipe tobaccos can greatly affect your perception of other smokes. Hold on to things you don't like to try in the future or smoke several bowls of a new type consecutively over a period of time. I had to try Escudo about seven times before I began to appreciate it. Don't worry, your tastes will change dramatically and in the end all that really matters is that you enjoy what you smoke.

[Big T]

That incense taste that you're getting is definitely coming from the Latakia, not the Perique. If it's a sweeter Vaper that you're looking to try, give Escudo a shot. It's got a nice sweet taste without too much spice/pepper.

[smokeyscotch]

Originally Posted by carbonbased_al

I don't really find latakia or perique to be like incense at all. Latakia has a smokey flavor I find, and perique also strikes me as peppery. What blends have you tried so far?

Might want to try a VaPer with less perique than some, like the Solani 633. A whole lot of stuff uses latakia, it's hard to know what to reccomend without knowing what you've smoked.

Thanks, Smitty! I have tried C&D Mississippi Mud, McClelland Scottish Mixture, Telegraph Hill, Virignia Woods (my favorite so far). Also Escudo. I will get another couple tins of it. The only other I can think of is Lakeland Scented, Guilford Couthouse, MacB Vanilla Flake, and Balkan Blend. I know there are a few others, just have to dig through them. You guys are amazing how you remember all the blends. Thanks for the help.

Originally Posted by Mad Hatter

I agree with Smitty. I'd also say that it might take your taste a while to evolve if you haven't been smoking long. Smoke what you like and as your tongue gets accustomed to those things you will try different blends and see them in a different light. I started on Balkan blends and Cavendish blends and was pretty slow about moving on to other types of tabak. Also what you are smoking today whether cigars, cigarettes or other pipe tobaccos can greatly affect your perception of other smokes. Hold on to things you don't like to try in the future or smoke several bowls of a new type consecutively over a period of time. I had to try Escudo about seven times before I began to appreciate it. Don't worry, your tastes will change dramatically and in the end all that really matters is that you enjoy what you smoke.

Thanks for the advice. I think I have gone at Pipe Smoking like a kid at the candystore. There are so many things to try, I want 'em now. I will take your advise, slow down and smoke some of the same more. I know Escudo has got to have more to offer. I can just tell I'm missing something. I really want to enjoy this blend. I have smoked quite a few cigars lately. I know they can have an impact on the pipe bakky flavor.
Thanks for your help.

Originally Posted by Big T

That incense taste that you're getting is definitely coming from the Latakia, not the Perique. If it's a sweeter Vaper that you're looking to try, give Escudo a shot. It's got a nice sweet taste without too much spice/pepper.

Thanks for the help, Big T. I will definitely get some more Escudo. Some for now, some to age. I may make up a list of some things I am going to order. Maybe you guys wouldn't mind giving me your input.

Thanks, Everyone!

[The Pirate]

My first experiences with perique were much the same as yours. My first smokes tasted hot and peppery...nothing else. I think there is something to be learned with each tobacco we smoke. Sometimes is it just a matter of learning how to smoke it. I set aside my perique blends for a short time. When I came back to them, it was a completely different experience. I don't know if it was smoking cadance. tobacco burn rate, or ? But it sure tasted better when I got back to them.
I am sorry I don't have a way of describing this in more definite terms, but I hope you stick with it and have an experiece similar to mine.
Ken

[Joan]

Such good advice from everyone! And my two cents is: try smoking slower.

It's awfully easy for me to charge off into huffing and puffing when I find something I really like or sense maddeningly elusive flavor tendrils.

[dogsplayinpoker]

To throw a little more info at ya', you could try Full Virginia Flake. It has a nice sweet finish to it that I enjoy very much. Won't give you any spiciness but it is full of flavor nonetheless.

[OilMan]

I like the Latakia

[foxtrot7]

If you are looking for a sweet VA then give MacBarren MM mature VA a try. I have loved every bowl I have smoked. The advice I have read about that one is to smoke it a little slower but I found no dificulty or tongue bite to it.