Honestly I can’t say. I never had a straight Latakia. And I shudder to think of it!
Funny, when I first was told about Latakia I think it might have been a joke of sorts that it was cured over heaps of smoldering camel dung. Having never really looked into it that deeply, or for that matter historically, I can’t say there’s no truth to it…ever. But a F.A.Q. on the GL Pease webpage expounds a bit…
Q: Is Latakia really cured over smoldering camel dung?
A: The only smoldering dung is that used to fuel the myths about Latakia. I wouldn’t really care if the myth were reality, since I really love the stuff, but, it’s important to understand that a variety of herbs and hardwoods are used in the processing of Latakia, not camel dung. No matter how many times I say this, the myth will probably be promulgated until the Sun stops revolving about the Earth… (That’s a joke, by the way, just in case it isn’t obvious*.) For more information on the wonderful, smoky weed, read my article, “A Tale of Two Latakias.”
Ok, so more pertinent firsthand info. I’ve had some pipe tobaccos which include Latakia that I really, really loved. Invariably though, the Latakia was used sparingly in the blend. That doesn’t mean I’ve never been around a pipe smoker with a Latakia-heavy tobacco in his bowl. The room aroma is fairly acrid…to me reminiscent of burning tires. Well that could be a stretch, but not entirely. But like a good cigar, the experience the smoker enjoys is far different from those around him. You don’t smell a cigar you’re smoking like those near you. Same with Latakia. It’s very enjoyable when you find the right blend.
Here’s a good article that might interest you.
…It’s freaking amazing 
