McClelland Oriental Mixture No. 8

I am mainly a Latakia smoker (and Mclelland's Christmas Cheer every year), focusing heavily on English and Scottish, but a good Balkan really turns my head lately. BUT... with the latakia flavor I look for (Syrian) being replaced with a rather pungent rotten tasting Cyprian Latakia (IMHO) I am finding I need to branch out (or quit). As my first Oriental Blend, I found this fantastic. theres a rich dark fruit character (like plums) and a mild pleasing character that is unusual to me, like a smoke I can Hike the woods with. I will be trying more Oriental blends from here on in. The can I just received (Dec 2017) from P&C is dated Aug 2015 so (BONUS) it is already aged slightly, so it might be the aging its received that it is so pleasing.

McClelland's green label blends are basically variations and the same blending components in a more processed and refined style that is uniquely their own. One doesn't find many analogues in the scottish/english style when it comes to #8. The dominance of this blend is the higher proportions of oriental leaf with the black stoved ready- rubbed virgina base providing a well rounded sweeter than average flavor for an english. Latakia is way in the background providing just enough of faint richness to round out the blend. I love this style. Especially recommended for oriental forward connoisseurs and those seeking a more sweeter english blend that is characteristic of the whole McClelland green label line.