We are proud to offer two new pipe tobaccos in our Grand Oriental Series which highlights the finest of the increasingly rare individual varietals. They are Drama Reserve and Smyrna No. 1.
Drama Reserve
The famed Drama leaf is sweet and subtle with a natural olive oil-like fragrance. It is grown on the Southern slopes and foothills of the Rhodope Mountains, the Classic Drama Basma District in Greek Eastern Macedonia, and it includes the renowned Mahalla (about 25 per cent). It is refreshing, delicate, intriguing. This blend is designed (without Latakia) to demonstrate just why the classic top-grade Drama leaf is so celebrated.
Smyrna No. 1
Back when Istanbul was Constantinople, Izmir tobacco was Smyrna (the Greek word). “A rose by any other name….” These tiny, No. 1-grade tobacco leaves from mountainous Western Turkey across from the Island of Khios have long been prized as the most aromatic of all Orientals. They grow dense and extremely fragrant in this dry country moistened by Mediterranean Sea breezes. Look for a whole Smyrna leaf on top of the tobacco when you open the tin. Notice the tiny hole where it was strung up by hand to air cure in a time-honored, labor-intensive process. There is no Latakia in this blend. Smyrna is the defining ingredient in this sophisticated Oriental tobacco. Our intention here is to spotlight the character of this extraordinary, delicate leaf.
