The Story Behind the Blends
Every year my extended family goes fishing at Caddo Lake in Texas (the only naturally formed lake in Texas) where we enjoy getting our lures caught in every tree root the lake has to offer in search of that big bass.
We have been doing this since I was 10. We camp, we enjoy company by a campfire, the adults smoke and drink (not in excess).
Before I took up pipe smoking as a hobby, this was one of two times a year I enjoyed tobacco (mostly Cigars).
Recently I got into processing my own whole Leaf Tobacco.
Several months ago I had the urge to create a tribute balkan blend that encapsulates the rustic wild lake with fond memories. I had the idea that it would be a smooth, earthy, smoky, subtle but complex smoke with a hint of wood, must, and nuttiness on the back end that also had a good nic hit for relaxation during the long hours of fishing while not catching that sometimes occur.
I didn't think I would take on this venture yet... However, I often just take some if my whole Leaf stuff and throw them together with some other stuff to try. I accidentally made a blend that hit this idea right on the nose.
At first, I couldn't remember exactly how I blended this - as it was by site and not by weight, so I had to go through 8 trials before I confirmed the one that worked.
I added some Rustica as a tribute to the Caddo people who the lake was named after. I got to learn details about these people when I took my son to Mission Tejas SP on our way to Caddo Lake. The rustica made it even more enjoyable, herbal, earthy, and complex.
In the process, I uncovered two more complimentary blends that I enjoyed and add to the overall experience of Caddo Lake.
TL;DR
Base Blend
2 parts flue cured virginia
1 part fire cured virginia
1 part Samsun oriental
1 part Rustica
*The first two blends below can be blended in 34-gram increments (34, 68, etc.).
**The last blend below can be blended in 32-gram increments (32, 64, etc.).
Caddo Lake Breakfast Blend
Reminds me of a warm campsite kitchen with fresh breakfast.
| Parts |
Base Blend | 8.5 |
Burley | 2.5 |
Smyrna Oriental | 3.5 |
Latakia | 1.5 |
Caddo Lake Fishing Blend
A good warm up to the final blend. Sweet earthy herbal notes, woody toasty undertones, balanced orientals lend a slight chocolate-y back end. Does not ruin the final blend but adds to it. An all-day, flavorful smoke that pairs well with the sensations of being on the rustic Caddo Lake.
| Parts |
Base Blend | 8.5 |
Burley | 2.5 |
Smyrna Oriental | 3 |
Latakia | 2 |
Caddo Lake Campfire Blend
This one represents THE blend I was looking for. The base blend takes a back step while the orientals take a bit more center stage. This lends the blend to flavors of toasted almond, roasted marshmallow, rustic woodiness. Will leave a great aftertaste for the night.
| Parts |
Base Blend | 8 |
Burley | 2.5 |
Smyrna Oriental | 3.5 |
Latakia | 2 |
If I had the funds or business acumen, certificates, etc... I would try and sell this blend to shops in and around Caddo Lake.