Latakia is smoke-processed over wood fires, so it tastes and smells really smoky, like peated whisky or smoked meat. A lot of smokers don't like it, or at least don't like it at first then develop a taste for it. Perique is strain of tobacco from Louisiana. Not sure if there are special curing/fermenting methods but it's a strong, dark tobacco, and has plummy + spicy flavors. A lot cigar smokers like it because of the strength and spiciness. I suggest you give Mac Baren Acadian Perique a try, and lay off Latakia blends for now. Also maybe check out some dark fired blends. Also smoked but not nearly as intense as Latakia, and a totally different flavor. Mac Baren HH Old Dark Fired is a good one.