(Retail Launch Date: May 18, 2022)
Cornell & Diehl recently completed their latest exciting addition to the Small Batch line: Palmetto Balkan. A tribute to Oriental-forward blends of the past, this singular Balkan mixture showcases a proprietary processing method that mellows modern Latakia’s often dominating campfire note and offers a uniquely Carolina-inspired rendition to the blend family.
“While this is a blend in the Balkan style, it’s a unique riff. We’re the only pipe tobacco manufacturer in the Palmetto state, and Palmetto Balkan seemed like an elegant way to be self-referential without presumption.”
— Jeremy Reeves, Head Blender at Cornell & Diehl
The Palmetto is the state tree of South Carolina, and Palmetto Balkan showcases the lowcountry blending house’s prowess in all its refined greatness. Premium Oriental leaf in the form of 2018 Basma and 2019 Izmir varietals lay the foundation for this exquisite mixture, contributing a mellow, tart, and tangy medley of flavors. Mature Carolina Red Virginias deepen the blend and enhance the sun-cured leaf’s natural sweetness while counterbalancing its more sour notes. Lastly, solidifying its tribute to beloved Balkan blends of yesteryear, this Small Batch revelation delicately mutes Cypriot Latakia’s prominent campfire overtones through a special, proprietary process, producing an elegantly balanced flavor profile rich with notes of stone fruits, subtle woodsmoke, and a slightly dry finish reminiscent of the long-lost Syrian leaf that so many remember fondly.
Limited to just 3,000 tins, Palmetto Balkan is the first 8oz pipe tobacco package in the Small Batch portfolio: a stunning and inviting mixture, unique and complex enough for connoisseurs of the Balkan family and approachable enough for enthusiasts new to the genre.
“It isn’t so heavy that it wouldn’t be suited to a morning or before-lunch smoke, but its flavor and complexity are certainly enough for a satisfying evening smoke.”
— Jeremy Reeves, Head Blender at Cornell & Diehl
Weight: 8oz.
Cut: Ribbon
Family: English
Strength: ★ ★ ★
Room Note: ★ ★ ★
Taste: ★ ★ ★ ★
MSRP: $43.75 + ($7.88 MDOTP for Maryland-based transactions)
