Captain Black's Black Sea is a distinctive marriage of mellow Burleys, sweet Virginias, softly-sweet toasted black Cavendish, and a judicious amount of Latakia. The result is a cool blend, which is easy on the tongue, has a hint of smokiness that never overwhelms, and a mellow undercurrent of sweetness.
Very nice on occasion, but not something I'd smoke every day.
Apr 25, 2018
I generally smoke aromatic and non-aromatic blends of Burley, Virginia, and/or Cavendish. I'm typically not a huge Latakia fan. To be clear, I'm not saying I hate Latakia blends either; It's just not usually my first choice. That being said, on rare occasion I find myself in the mood for a blend with a bit of Latakia, and Black Sea is perfect for scratching that itch! It's got just the right amount of Latakia -- you'll definitely notice it and get that distinct flavor and aroma, but it's not to the point where it's overpowering like some of the really Lat-heavy blends. I've also tried one of Captain Black's other Premium Blends, the Midnight Gold (which was excellent), and the Black Sea seemed to be a bit dryer out of the tin than the Midnight Gold, but it packed and burned well. Overall, I find this one very nice for an occasional smoke and I'll probably buy it again when I run out, but it wouldn't be my everyday puff.
5 out of 5
Smooth & Tastey
Mar 05, 2018
Captain Black delivered a fine blend with this one. Unlike most of his cavendish blends this one has the perfect mixture of Latakia. Making it smooth and tastey without the super sweetness of the other blends.
5 out of 5
Captain Black alternative
Mar 02, 2018
I enjoy switching from my favorite Captain Black tobacco to Black Sea. It has just enough difference to make it most enjoyable when I would like a switch in flavor and taste.
3 out of 5
Black sea
Oct 11, 2017
Mild but was cut too thick for me.I am used to captain black gold that is cut much finer on stripp
5 out of 5
Nice Blend
Oct 05, 2017
Suckered into trying a tin and found it to be a nice, light smoke. More of a blend including Latakia, than a Latakia blend, something cool-burning, and easy on the palate. Probably will keep a tin in the car, to change up from time to time. For a newish pipe aficion wanting to eeeeease into Balkans, this might be the stuff.
5 out of 5
Black Sea for a sailor
Sep 22, 2017
I picked up a Tin of Black Sea to try when P & C put their Captain Black products on sale. I'm glad I did. I was a different smokeand one I enjoyed. A different blend than the original that I think I like better. It may be a tad stronger but not to strong. Smokes fairly cool and no bite. Not as aromatic as the original. When the tin is gone I will certainly pick up another.
5 out of 5
Amazing smoke
Sep 09, 2017
This is one that I'll always have in my cabinet
4 out of 5
Very clean, cool, and satisfying.
Jun 04, 2017
I've been smoking pipes since the 70s but have rarely tried Latakia blends, so I took my time smoking this tin. It's a beautifully cool smoke, burns evenly, and is very enjoyable outdoors. It's light & crisp on flavor, unlike rich Cavendishes, but doesn't fry your tastebuds or run stale on you. It's certainly not kid stuff, but it is very satisfying. The low cost makes this a great choice for packing along on the trail or fieldwork.
5 out of 5
Satisfying First Time
Apr 27, 2017
I recently got back into pipe smoking after on and off enjoying the hobby on a very casual basis with friends. This was my first experience with a tobacco that wasn't some cheap, over the counter flavor-sprayed blend. I tried this on advice that a stronger tasting tobacco is better for the beginner, and was very pleased with the experience. Even to a novice tongue, I immediately picked up just the right amount (to me) of spiciness in the smoke from the Latakia, but it was well rounded, smooth smoking and easy to have a large bowl of. I purchased some other tobaccos and tried them in succession over the next few days, but found myself coming back to this tin despite it being the least expensive out of the lot. 1.75 oz sounds like a lot less than it really is once you get the can open (tough one, I suggest using the blade of a tamping tool to pop the vacuum), so I don't know when I'll need to restock, but it will be on my short list when I do feel the necessity.
5 out of 5
Black Sea, smooth latakia
Jan 30, 2017
I smoke Captain Black Black Sea when I want a smooth mild smoke with a little Latakia. It's great.
5 out of 5
What a pipe tabaco
Jan 26, 2017
Good room note, no bite, outstanding product.
4 out of 5
Pretty darn good!
Sep 16, 2016
I don't typically smoke blends with Latakia in them, so this was an experiment, of sorts. But I have to admit, I dig it. This definitely seems to be a cut way above the pouched tobacco in Captain Black's drugstore line (although, I have to admit...for drugstore tobacco, they have a few pouch blends that aren't bad at all. But that's another review for another time...). It's got a good aroma out of tin, it packs well, and it smokes nicely. Anyhow, I've only been smoking a pipe for about a year and a half, so I'm not a connoisseur by any stretch of the imagination. But I liked this blend; I'd definitely buy it again.
5 out of 5
Will Def. Order Again
Sep 01, 2016
Great prices, fast shipping. I am very satisfied with my purchase.
4 out of 5
2nd time's the charm
Aug 23, 2016
First try with a Latakia blend and when I smelled it in the tin I was skeptical. I packed a bowl and was thoroughly unimpressed. I kept the tin and just tonight decided that I would give it another shot with Sir Walter on standby to rush in and help me enjoy the night. It was like day and night! I enjoyed every puff to the very bottom of the bowl. I think that it helped that I was having a glass of scotch along with it as it really brought out the sweet notes of the Cavendish in this blend. I am by no means an expert on smokes, but I know what I like. The wife didn't even complain about the room note. Not that she normally does other than with CB gold... Not good stuff. Anyway., give this a shot and try it with a glass of your favorite whiskey and enjoy!
5 out of 5
Mysterious
May 24, 2016
This isn't your daddy's Captain Black--it is something mysteriously different. I wasn't sure I'd like it, the first bowl I smoked, but it becomes something really special once you give it a chance. It's right out of a Herman Melville sea adventure. Harrrrrrr! I'll be ordering it again.
5 out of 5
Perfection in a Latakia blend
May 19, 2016
Just enough Latakia to let you know it's there, without being overwhelming---The perfect Latakia level for my taste---Also mild tobacco flavor with a "subtle" richness, without any tongue bite. This is the only Latakia blend I smoke now---Have tried a lot of others with "funky" tasting Latakia, and some way too strong, blended with poor tasting tobaccos. To my taste, all Lane tobaccos have NO tongue bite----That is their "trademark". This is worth the little extra cost.--------Rik S.
1 out of 5
No happy at all.
May 18, 2016
AWFUL....Horrible tongue bite and not what Captain Black has been to me for years. It smelled and tasted just like the dried leaves one would rake in their lawn. Seriously ...This stuff is horrible.
5 out of 5
Great!
Apr 19, 2016
I've smoke Captain Black (mostly regular, but Gold and Royal quite a bit too) for over 30 years. I had never tried Latakia before this year and, frankly, at first my reaction was, "Yuck!" But it grew on me and now I like it.
I've also found Latakia blends are the lemon sherbet of tobac, clearing the palate, as it were. If I smoke an aromatic afterward, I taste the flavors more.
Black Sea, for me, is a blending of my old and new. I will be buying more.
5 out of 5
Black Sea is AMAZING
Mar 05, 2016
Amazing!! My new favorite!
5 out of 5
GREAT
Feb 10, 2016
GREAT
5 out of 5
I Really Like This Tobacco
Feb 07, 2016
I enjoy a bowl of a STRONG, LATAKIA FORWARD bowl every morning. Captain Black allows me to enjoy 1 - 2 more bowls of a not-quite-so-in-your-face bowl of a Latakia tobacco every day. I have already purchased twice and will continue to do so. Room note is surprisingly very pleasant!
5 out of 5
Black Sea
Feb 05, 2016
Have used Capt Black White for as long as I can remember. But Black Sea is now my favorite. Will never be tired of it.
5 out of 5
TRY ME!!!
Jan 25, 2016
This blend is just Killer!! Great flavor and easy to enjoy...Buy some, you won't be sorry!!
5 out of 5
Perfect blend of Cavendish and Latakia!
Dec 29, 2015
I have always preferred the black Cavendish blends, mainly for the taste and aroma, so the basic Captain Black has always been a favorite of mine. But I also enjoy the blends that include that smoky aroma that only Latakia can provide. The Captain Black BLACK SEA is a perfect blend of both and I would heartily recommend this to any other pipe smoker with the same tastes in flavorful and aromatic tobaccos.
4 out of 5
Black Sea
Oct 01, 2015
Once I got the can open with a pipe wrench, the tobacco was smooth, no bite, stronger than Capt. Black reg.
5 out of 5
My favorite
Sep 30, 2015
This is my favorite tobacco. It tastes and smells very much like a campfire.
5 out of 5
Very good tobacco, first time
Sep 07, 2015
Very good tobacco, first time I'v tried it.
3 out of 5
First timer
Sep 02, 2015
just picked up the pipe and tried Black Sea and dunhill emp and the Black Sea was way better in my opinion but I can't give it a full review due to lack of experience but I will defiantly purchase some for for my goto while I tried out many more tobaccos
Customer Testimonials
Sorry, i just cant get around the latakia in this blend so I'll leave it you english blend guys that might enjoy this more than I. But i did give it a try. I think im just more into sweet aromatics than anything.
SR of Manchester, MI
I've really enjoyed this blend. The look is appealing, well-blended, and the smell in the tin is very delicious.
The latakia is noticeable, but not overwhelming. The light background sweetness of the toasted black cavendish keeps the taste interesting: think of light-vanilla, brown sugar, or licorice. Nice twist on the Virginia and Burley.
The room note is pleasant, however, the taste can be a bit thin or very mild. Overall, the blend is well done, especially for Captain Black. Stays lit and burns into a nice grey ash. No goo.
I won't make this a permanent part of my collection, but might come back to it from time to time.
IF of Chapel Hill, NC
This is a outstanding evening tobacco. Of the three Captain Black tinned, Premium Edition" tobaccos, Midnight Gold is the most robust. It is dark, rich; but very smooth. Puts a nice "woodsy" note in the air, and is just all around hearty and satisfying. As with all Captain Black tobaccos, it's flavor is mild and it WILL NOT bite - very easy on the tongue. I have been a fan of the Captain Black White tobacco for a long time, and I must say I was very surprised and impressed by the Captain's tinned line - all very nice.
MB of Delray Beach, FL
While I have smoked regular Captain Black in the past, I would definitely say it is not one of my favorites. But I like latakia, and when I saw this new premium blend with latakia I had to try it. I tried 3 bowls at the St. Louis Pipe Show in February before it was available for purchase. I found it to have a light latakia taste without being overpowering. It is definitely NOT a lat bomb. And the rest of the blend seemed to compliment the light amount of latakia. I thoroughly enjoyed it. And as I smoked those bowls while perusing the many tables at the pipe show, I had several people ask what I was smoking. They said it had one of the best English room notes they had smelled in a long time.
JR of Mexico, MO
First off, I'm not a Capt Black lover BUT this blend is downright strange. I was intrigued with the aromatic/Latakia thing but, like I said, this is just strange. I bought the three tin sampler and really enjoy Red Sky....will probably order some more of that but will pass on the Black Sea. All I can think of is Capt black with some Latakia laced in andit just doesn't do anything for me.
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