McClelland Oriental Mixture No. 1

Tin note: Definitely a McClelland Virginia smell, not as strong as some of their blends but definitely that vinegary ketchup smell upon popping the tin. I catch a vague whiff of the Orientals but kind of a nondescript scent. I don't smell any Latakia, it's listed everywhere as an ingredient, but it's left off of every description. Moisture is perfect. First half: Lights ok, took 2 good chars and a fairly heavy handed true light. First taste is mild, not much there. Through the first few breaths though the flavors start to build a little. There's a mild sweet and sour tanginess happening, and some light green tea flavors. I taste no Latakia, if it's there it's the only the smallest bit, like less than Presbyterian even. Second half: The flavors from the first half build to an apex around halfway and then kind of plateau. Definitely a sweet and sour blend, somewhat vinegar-tangy with just a touch of fragrant green tea. Burns quite well, even and cool. Retrohale is medium sharp, doesn't bring out any hidden flavors but does somewhat enhance what's there. Overall it's good, not great. The flavor, strength, body are all fairly mild, but I think that's a thing with Orientals, subtlety. A little more Virginia heavy than I'm looking for in an Oriental blend personally, and if there is in fact any Latakia here I don't taste it. *Update: as the tin has been open for about a week the breathing time has done it some good. The Virginias have aired out enough to let the Orientals be a little more noticeable and I can pick up the faintest bit of Latakia, albeit very VERY faint.

McClelland's Oriental #1 has been my #1 pipe tobacco for over 10 years. It's rich Virginias with a dash of the Oriental. No Latakia bite. It's mild and tasty. The next step up in the Oriental kingdom would be Dunhill Early Morning. For an occasional change of taste, I'll go to McClelland 2010 (I age it a few months), McClelland Fragrant Virginia (slightly sweet) or Dunhill Early Morning (slightly bitter).