Cyprian Latakia is very fine, but due to the different woods and leaf used, the flavor is very different than Syrian Latakia, as any veteran smoker can tell you. Most Cyprian Latakia is made from Smyrna seed grown in Cyprus, called Yellow Cyprus, smoked over mountain shrubs, pine trees or myrtle. This is an exciting development indeed. Syrian Latakia is made from a diffrent leaf called Shekk el bint, and is smoked over oak and herbs. Syrian Latakia is 'woodier' than Cyprian, both because of the smoking methods as well as the leaf type, which is more heavily stemmed.
Some smokers also find it sweeter and slightly higher in nicotine content.
Simply put, it means that as a limited production, high-end blender, LPI can find these rare and interesting varieties and incorporate them into special blends. We have some incredible new blends planned through 1995. I hope pipe smokers are as excited about this prospect as I am. Levin's choice for refined balance in flavor, aroma and burning qualities. Aromatic and sweet.