Most pipe smokers are familiar with dark-fired Kentucky, but many tend to associate it only with leaf produced primarily in Kentucky or Tennessee. In reality, dark-fired is produced all over the world; there are varietals produced in Africa, in parts of India, or even Italy. Regardless of its country of origin, however, it's still considered Kentucky, because Kentucky is where the fire curing process was invented.
On this episode of Tobacco Selections, our head blender Jeremy Reeves takes a closer look at one of these varietals, specifically the very special Italian varietal we use in mixtures like Small Batch: Sansepolcro and Savinelli's 140th Anniversary Blend. A staple in Italian cigar production, this dark-fired leaf is grown and double-fermented in the Tuscan Tiber Valley region of Italy - a location recognized for its history and tradition of tobacco cultivation dating back to the 17th century. Unlike dark-fired from Kentucky or Tennessee, it offers a very different flavor profile, with a more clove-like spice, a more discernible sweetness, and more floral highlights.
Any fans of Italian dark-fired out there? Has anyone tried Sansepolcro or Savinelli's 140th Anniversary Blend? What did you think? Feel free to share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!