Well, my first ah-ha moment with latakia was Frog Morton. But, that's not terribly latakia to me (or really to many). An odd perfume which I adore, but not terribly indicative of latakia. Now when I want the darkside I reach for Ten Russians.
My first true, classic, English per se was probably GLP's Westminster. I'd say that is a pretty good start point, if you like it but need more kick, move towards 10 Russians. If less, then I guess towards Frog Morton.
A bunch of the guys are far more experienced than I am however, and I defer to their superior suggestions.