Sobranie of London Reserve Blend Scottish No.3

Dark brown to black with a heavy topping tin aroma, although a lot of the excess moisture had dried into the paper cover, turning it very dark. Ribbon cut with a few minor clumps. I had smoked a tin of this somewhere around 1990 or so and was apparently not impressed enough to buy more. Found this on Ebay and was surprised at the lack of aggressive bidding, but I guess others were just as disinterested.

This struck me as a nicely matured Virginia that had unfortunately been covered up with too much flavoring. Couldn't place the flavor, and I'd have to classify it as mild, but it was intrusive to the point that it ruined the smoke. So I let it dry some more and the flavoring dissipated but was still noticeable. It was a sweet, fruity taste but not specifically cherry or peach or whatever. The Virginia underneath was quite tasty and someone who can more easily overlook obvious casings would likely have a better time with this than I did. I recall it not being terribly popular, even in its "heyday". Smoking it, I can see why. It certainly doesn't measure up to its two bigger brothers, the White and 759, nor is it as well resolved as Virginia #10. This may have been made for English smokers that liked a sweeter alternative. If you can find a tin on the cheap and you're curious, by all means go for it. But it's not nearly as good even with 30 years of age on it as many, many other current blends are fresh off the rack.

Upon opening the 20 years+ old tin I am assaulted by a sickly sweet smell and right away I thought I made a mistake. I immediately transferred the tobacco into a jar and after a month, that disagreeable smell is almost gone. The tobacco is a fine cut with some coarse strips.

At first light I was expecting an aromatic but to my surprise, a matured Virginia flavor showed up with a mild topping once in a while. It is a pleasant smoke, smooth and delicately sweet with a fermented taste. It's always a pleasure to smoke an historical blend.

Virginia lover

My Sobranie #3 came from one of the larger, barrel style two ounce tins from the early 1980s. I can see why this one was reserved for the hot shots at the House of Sobranie. The depth of the Virginia leaf employed was rich, naturally sweet and very satisfying. I am sure the age of the leaf by the time I got to it enhanced its flavor and the fact that no matter how hard I puffed, all I got was the flavor and lots of smoke but absolutely no bite. As fine - no, make that the finest - Virginia I have ever smoked.