Whats the difference between English, Balkan, and Scottish?
A Scottish blend is similar to an English, with less Latakia, a more dominant Virginia character and, perhaps, little or no oriental leaf. GL Pease, 2002-09-07 (from his FAQ) I use the term “English Mixture” to refer to a tobacco that’s dominated by Latakia and Virginia, but spiced with orientals. This differentiates it from a “Balkan,” in which the oriental component is more pronounced. This doesn’t mean that there is more oriental leaf than Virginia, but that it’s character is dominant in the smoke. (Some oriental tobaccos are quite assertive, and a little goes a long way.) GL Pease, 2005-08-10 For me, if the oriental component is more dominant in the smoke, it’s a Balkan, while if the Virginias play the supporting role behind the Latakia’s performance, it’s an English – providing the orientals do their cameos well.
