Sutliff 512 Balkan II Pipe Tobacco

My first order of this blend was excellent and I thought, "This is my new favorite." My current order was a little short of expectations. Although still an enjoyable smoke, the Latakia content was not as high as my memory serves, (maybe my memory is the problem). Not giving up on this blend, hoping the next batch will be closer to high expectations..

I really really enjoyed this one. I would put it in the medium to lightweight class. The cased flavors are just excellent and subtle. Picked up 2 ounces to try, and when it went on sale, I purchased a whole pound.

Good quality.

It's a nice, light, cool smoke and, at 25% off, a very good value. Not sure I'd call it a Balkan myself. Here's what the Sutliff site says: "A richer smoking mixture than our Balkan #1. Same choice tobaccos, only higher in percentage of Turkish grades and Latakia." The referenced Balkan #1 was not found on their website, so not sure what the initial mix was. This Balkan II seems pretty light on the Latakia, at least compared to what I had been smoking. But, I do like it. Hard to beat getting 5# of nice tobacco for only $114, tax incl.

A very nice Balkan style pipe tobacco at a very reasonable price, manufactured in the old Sutliff plant in Richmond, VA, and owned by MacBaren. Smooth, mild, cool and tasty, burns slowly and doesn't bite. I intend to put it in my rotation.

The jury is still out on this one. Is it an English or a Balkan? Still, it is fine quality tobacco. Customer service is first rate.