These are air cured tobaccos that come in two varieties. White burleys are softer in flavour; cocoa, coffee and nuttiness are key flavour characteristics, with little sugar. Dark burleys are air cured and fermented, imparting a sweetness and a definite spice: think raisins, clove, and cinnamon.

Much like Perique and Latakia, Cavendish is not a tobacco varietal but rather the result of a specific process. It is a popular tobacco and is used heavily in aromatic blends. Almost all tobacco varietals can be used for the production of cavendish, however Burley and Virginia tobaccos are most common. 

The term ‘English’ or ‘English Blend’ refers to any blend containing oriental tobaccos, most notably Latakia. Whilst flavour characteristics of these blends will vary depending on the specifics of the blend, the presence of the above-mentioned tobaccos will add a peaty, smoky. 

Latakia is one of the most unique tobacco varietals, with an instantly recognisable aroma and a unique, nutty, almost sour character. The tobacco used to produce Latakia is grown in the region around Turkey, including the Syrian Arabic Republic. The tobacco is processed in Cyprus by a single manufacturer, the Bee Trading Company. It is air cured, then exposed to fires fuelled by aromatic woods, saps, and fragrant herbs. The result is an intense, dark, and peaty tobacco with subtle spice, and a characteristic ‘campfire’ aroma.

Like the notion of terroir, oriental tobaccos are identified by their growing regions, and understood to be products of the characteristics which these regions impart. Common growing regions include Turkey, Bulgaria, and Greece, whilst the names attributed to the tobaccos from each region date back to the nomenclature employed during the Ottoman Empire of the 15th and 16th centuries, such as Samsun, Izmir, and Xanthi.

Perique is a condimental tobacco incorporated into blends to amplify their more nuanced, subtle characteristics. Traditionally it was used sparingly, with anything between 2-5% considered ample; however, interest in the tobacco has grown immensely, with contemporary blends having been seen to include more than 25% perique. It has pronounced spicy characteristics, with strong intonations of dried fruit and pepper.

Virginias are flue-cured using indirect heat to preserve sugar and sweetness. High heat over short periods of time results in bright coloured Virginias with citrusy, robust flavours. Lower temperatures over longer periods result in darker red Virginias, presenting higher levels of caramelisation and dark, toasty, sweeter expressions.