Kendal Gold Latakia Shag Smoking Tobacco

• Loose Packaged to Order
• Easy Going
• Course Cut
• Slow Burning
• Made in the UK

There’s something really satisfying about a tobacco that lives up to its name. Gawith Hoggarth’s Kendal Gold Latakia Shag is just that - a straightforward, no-nonsense smoke, built on the classic Kendal Gold foundation and given a deep, smoky kick by the careful addition of Latakia.

At its heart is bright Virginia, naturally high in sugars and cut into that classic shag form that Kendal pipemen have loved since the days when top hats still lined the promenade. Left unflavored, this base has grassy, hay-like notes and a subtle honeyed sharpness. But where the standard Gold might be too gentle for some, this variation adds Latakia - not a huge dose, but enough to change the mood. Just a sniff of the pouch, and you’ll know: woodsmoke, leather, and the cool, ashen depth of Cyprus’s blackened leaf.

The cut makes for a quick and even burn, perfect for a short bowl when you’re short on time. I’ve started keeping a pouch by the back door for just such moments - a few minutes of quiet reflection before the shop opens or the kettle whistles. It’s not for those who prefer the slow, deliberate ritual of flakes or plugs, but for those who value clarity, speed, and flavour, this is a reliable friend.

In short: bright, lively, and with just enough smoke to raise an eyebrow. A quiet Kendal classic with a darker twist.