McClelland No. 2045 Oriental Mixture

(2.97)
This is a soft and sweet, rich in light Orientals and Carolina tobaccos with less latakia than No.2040.

Details

Brand McClelland
Blended By McClelland Tobacco Company
Manufactured By McClelland Tobacco Company
Blend Type Oriental
Contents Latakia, Oriental/Turkish, Virginia
Flavoring
Cut Broken Flake
Packaging Bulk
Country United States
Production No longer in production

Profile

Strength
Mild
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Extremely Mild -> Overwhelming
Flavoring
Mild
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
None Detected -> Extra Strong
Room Note
Pleasant
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Unnoticeable -> Overwhelming
Taste
Mild to Medium
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Extremely Mild (Flat) -> Overwhelming

Average Rating

2.97 / 4
9

15

8

1

Reviews

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Displaying 1 - 10 of 33 Reviews
Reviewed By Date Rating Strength Flavoring Taste Room Note
Dec 27, 2013 Mild Mild Very Mild Pleasant
Like many McClelland blends, this is a fine tobacco. I almost always smoke flakes or broken flake these days, but at the time I bought and cellared this, I had been searching, some years back, for an all day blend in rough or ribbon cut. This tobacco fits the bill perfectly.

I would consider this tobacco a "semi-aromatic". There are varied perspectives on what is an aromatic and what is not an aromatic and perhaps this review might be a good time to clarify. All tobacco has some type of flavor additive to it at some point during the process. If it did not, it would be tough to enjoy. Even the purest VA flakes have some initial form of casing applied to the leaves of the tobacco before it is pressed/heated. That said, there are often additional flavorings/aromatic ingredients of a wide variety added after the initial creation, and it is those types of additives to which most people refer to as "flavoring". There is another component that I would mention for a tobacco to fit into what I would consider a "full fledged" aromatic category. That being, a tobacco blend that consists mostly of inexpensive burley, the end product of such being formed mostly by added flavorings. More precisely, I would consider a "heavy" or "full fledged" aromatic to get most of it's noted attributes incidentally from the additives as opposed to the actual virtues within the leaf; such attributes would be fostered primarily via the innate qualities of the plant, along with the practice and method of the harvesting, drying/curing, and aging of the leaf. Sometimes quality VA's are added to an full aromatic burley tobacco, and naturally some VA's are cased in the way of a full aromatic, though I would suggest that VA's are not often cased as heavily as low quality Burley.

Regarding this tobacco, McClelland states that this is a VA, Oriental, Latakia blend. It makes no mention of Burley and prior to a phone call to confirm this, we shall assume there is no burley (though it would not surprise me if there were tobacco of the aforementioned burley in small amounts, cased beyond recognition). However, clearly this has both the components of an aromatic, combined with the qualities of a mild english blend and it makes for a very easy and enjoyable smoke. Latakia fans who desire a dominant "Lat" element should try the 2040.

1st year: Looking back on my little notes of nearly 5 years ago, I see the Initial smoking upon receiving the tobacco that the tobacco was a bit too moist for my tastes. Bulk tobacco tends to be comparatively dry if one is used to a tin, but there are times when, if purchased soon after the blending, it can be nearly as moist as a tin. I noted the Latakia a bit more significantly during the first year of smoking this blend. I had not tried any for the last 3 years, and now the Latakia is barely noticeable, but adds a component that is somewhat married to the orientals which is very pleasant.

aged 5 years: The blend upon initial light burned much easier, with only 2 or 3 relights. Used the upside down/Palm twist method for filling as opposed to the 3 step, and it works very well. The word for this tobacco blend is subtle. Just as it was 5 years ago when I started smoking it regularly for a year, there was no one aspect that overpowered the others. Though slightly less Latakia now aged, it has not disappeared so much as merged into the Va and oriental to create it's own aspect. This is a very cool and dry smoking tobacco, especially with the new way I filled the pipe (which seems to work perfect for this blend, though not so much for others). A delicate smokiness after the char light, which readily gave way for a leathery and woody layer, like a freshly cut hardwood tree. After several puffs, the VA sweetness came through combined with sandalwood and oriental spice. The aromatic component stayed present throughout the smoke, but was unobtrusive; a characteristic not found in most aromatic elements, until the last 1/8th of the bowl where the aro components seem to congeal to some extent, though not to the extent of a full aromatic (said aspect is the largest downside of most aromatics IMHO).

Overall a very excellent all day smoke for those who really don't like aromatics. It has, as mentioned, an aromatic component but it is kept to a minimum. If I were asked to improve upon the blend, I would ask for and even lower aromatic component to the blend, though at that point it would be nearly non-existent (which would suit me fine).

Compared to other McClelland blends, e.g. 5100, or 2020, this blend would be a 2 star in relation to my preference due to the aromatic component. But in an unbiased review, I give this tobacco 3 starts because it clearly stands high among the blends that are not quite aromatic, but have such a component. Additionally, it is so very perfectly balanced in it's other facets that I believe it earns the 3 stars. If not for that final 1/8th of the bowl, it would be a perfect balance, but there is not much one can do about that.

Pipe Used: Cavicchi 3/4 bent billiard.
PurchasedFrom: smokingpipes.com
Age When Smoked: 5 yrs
9 people found this review helpful.
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Reviewed By Date Rating Strength Flavoring Taste Room Note
Nov 11, 2005 Medium Very Mild Medium Pleasant
A sample of #2045 was included with a tobacco order a year or so ago and in retrospect, I let it sit on the shelf far too long. I assumed it would be another typical tasting blend for this genre, but I was wrong.

#2045 is mysterious. It certainly has a "typical" Oriental taste, but there is an added top coating of some sort that I rather enjoyed. It burns off quickly though and settles into a somewhat soft yet sturdy smoke over the lower half of the bowl.

Because my sample was so dry, it burned quickly. Others here indicate it is quite moist right out of the tin. The Latakia presence is very subdued, allowing the taste of the Orientals and Virginia leaf to drive this bus. It has a sweet taste (in a natural sort of way) that I found to be quite good.
8 people found this review helpful.
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Reviewed By Date Rating Strength Flavoring Taste Room Note
Apr 11, 2012 Mild to Medium Mild Mild to Medium Tolerable
Okay, so I really like this tobacco. I ordered it because I was interested in it, mainly from other reviews and from a couple of people's suggestions. I have been interested in orientals for a while and thought this would make sense as a purchase. I am certainly glad that I did get this.

I was expecting something similar to an older English tobacco, like Presbyterian, Dunhill Standard Mixture, Squadron Leader. You know, an English with the orientals pushed a bit forward. And, let's clear a little bit up; some of the reviewers here on Tobacco Reviews think that an English is always a latakia powerhouse. This isn't the case, especially with some of the older blends, like the aforementioned. The older Englishes definitely contained latakia, but were not latakia dominant. At any rate, this tobacco actually surprised me. A reviewer stated earlier that there was a scent of cloves and sandalwood in this and I actually agree. 2045 also has a bit of a sweet topping, which I think may be either rum or vanilla (or both), that I enjoy. It isn't overpowering and doesn't last for the entire smoke.

I'm not often surprised by a tobacco, but this was a pleasant one. It could definitely be an all-day smoke, but I actually save it for occaisions that I know I'd really enjoy it. I can taste the Latakia, but it's more in an overtone fashion. The Virginias are there and the orientals definitely make their presence known(Does anyone know what kind of orientals they are? I'd be interested to find out), but there's a lot of intermingling and different flavors fading in and out. In truth, some would dislike this tobacco because isn't exactly the same every time. But that's okay with me. If you like something that's a little different, then this is the one!

EDIT (4/22/2016) - This tobacco, while good, has lost some favor with me. The topping gets to be annoying at times and I don't plan on re-ordering soon. I'm sure I'll revisit this, but it's not in my wheelhouse at the moment.
6 people found this review helpful.
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Reviewed By Date Rating Strength Flavoring Taste Room Note
Mar 22, 2012 Medium None Detected Medium to Full Pleasant to Tolerable
Shortly after reviewing the godawful Davidoff Mild mixture, I left the Navy and began a long hiatus from the pipe, while continuing to smoke cigarettes. Almost six years later, cigarettes and I have irreconcilable differences. McClelland's 2045 Oriental is the first pipe tobacco to help me get through the divorce from my cigarette habit.

I selected this blend after ruling out Virginias (which I've had difficulty with in the past) and aromatics (not what I was looking for). After buying a two-ounce bag at a local brick-and-mortar, I took it home and gave it a better look-over. It's predominantly rough-cut dark tobacco, with some lighter ribbons thrown in, with a slightly sweet smoky smell. My girlfriend opined that it had a clove smell to it. It does have a slight McClelland catsup smell, but not to the point that it's bothersome.

It burns fairly cool, and has a woodsy, slightly peppery taste. It's also relatively safe to inhale (important for me, a recovering cigarette smoker), and capable of delivering a good wallop of Vitamin N. However, it does bite the tongue a little, and it's a bear to keep lit; this is most bothersome after tamping. If these qualities are attributable solely to the tobacco, it's nothing a little drying out won't fix. I have no clue as to the room note, as I smoke outside or in the garage. Strangely enough, the garage took on a sawdust smell after this was briefly smoked in there. And the neighbors don't complain, so it must not be too bad.

This is a nice not-too-heavy English blend that can be smoked all day, and it's pretty enjoyable overall. So, why three stars?

Firstly, a little more Latakia would probably be more to my liking. Secondly, I'm not sure if its bad qualities are due to excess moisture, my diminished smoking technique, or pipe-and-tobacco incompatibility. I'll update the review after a little experimentation and trying the blend in a briar.

28 March 2012 update: though I still haven't tried this blend in a briar, it's dried out quite a bit. I also tried rubbing each bit between thumb and forefinger before putting it in the pipe. What a world of difference it made! It smoked cooler, required only two relights, allowed a slight sweetness (Virginia?) to pop in, and lessened the aftertaste. Though it's not quite four-star-worthy, it is a better smoke, and I'm now thinking I'll next fill my pipe with a Virginia.

31 March 2012 update: still have yet to try this blend in a briar, but I did try a Virginia blend. Much to my surprise, my girlfriend disliked said Virginia blend; she said the 2045 Oriental is much more pleasant. Further, it is now my belief that this tobacco makes a perfect all-day smoke. Upgraded to four stars, and one I'll keep around. I won't further update this review unless the blend changes substantially.
6 people found this review helpful.
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Reviewed By Date Rating Strength Flavoring Taste Room Note
Dec 22, 2011 Mild Mild Mild to Medium Pleasant
Tin: Standard appearance of brown and black ribbon. Rich and pleasant, sweet, buttery incense aroma, a sweet, soft fragrance. The bag(in bulk) had a fine perfumy clove-sandalwood scent. Exceptionally sticky stuff, the resin had to be washed off my fingers.

Taste: Diminuitive, honeynut; exceptionally smooth, arguably the smoothest tobacco I have ever smoked. The strong pouch aroma is not matched by the light taste.

Aroma: Bland, light sandalwood; the bowl was left cool to the touch

Overall: I was anxious to try 2045 because I have been sampling pure blending tobaccos in order to gain an ability to discern the qualities of blended tobaccos. This oriental mixture does not produce the expected profusion of taste or aroma. It produces a rather light, but good, sandalwood aroma.

McConnell's Oriental might be better, having more definitive oriental qualities, and makes a good comparison.

3.9 stars for easy and soft smokability. 3.7 stars for the oriental attributes.

Bulk No. 2045 is definitely an all-day, indoor smoke.
4 people found this review helpful.
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Reviewed By Date Rating Strength Flavoring Taste Room Note
Nov 27, 2006 Medium to Strong None Detected Full Strong
I bought this in bulk after having a small sample pack. One mistake I made with it was to chop it up for an easier loading of the pipe. Big mistake! It ended up much stronger than I like. The tobacco is a little on the damp side as received. Transferring it to a carry around pouch should be all you need to dry it up for a good smoke. A wonderfull "English-Oriental" smoke. P.S....I don't get the McClelland "catsup" reference at all. There may be a hint of a vinegar overtone to these tobaccos when first opened, but nothing very strong. I would definately place this tobacco in my top-ten blends of all, maybe top five.

09/26/2004Update: I no longer smoke this much. I think I overdid the Oriental thing and find this to be a bit pedestrian now. A little too mono-flavored for me now. Still it is a quality Oriental that is avaiable in any quantity. For someone who enjoys this type of tobac, this could be your all-day smoke.

Update 11/27/2006: Good for a change of pace.
4 people found this review helpful.
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Reviewed By Date Rating Strength Flavoring Taste Room Note
Aug 23, 2018 Medium Mild to Medium Mild to Medium Tolerable
Truth be told, I only bought a sample of this because McClelland had gone out of business, and this was the last McClelland tobacco blend that my tobacconist had left. I just wanted a McClelland blend one last time. (RIP McClelland, you will be missed)

Oriental is not really my thing, as I prefer the sweeter aromatics. I figured I would mix this with Honeyrose Herbal, which I often get along with my tobacco because it is about a quarter of the price of actual tobacco in Australia, so it keeps me able to have a pipe more often without going broke. I suppose it mixed OK.

Smoking this on it's own was a pleasant surprise. No, it isn't something I would have gotten on a regular basis, but I still liked smoking it. It wasn't as "smokey BBQ sauce" tasting as a lot of non-aromatics tend to be. While it wasn't "Master Penman", my dearly departed favourite blend, it was a fine smoke.
Pipe Used: Corncob
PurchasedFrom: tobaccoblends.com.au
Age When Smoked: Fresh
2 people found this review helpful.
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Reviewed By Date Rating Strength Flavoring Taste Room Note
Mar 20, 2017 Mild Very Mild Mild Pleasant
Light brown to black with a distinct aroma of cloves in the bag (1 oz sample). Some light oriental aroma in the background. Dissecting this, I believe some of the black tobacco is Cavendish, as there is too much black and too little latakia to back it up. Further, the taste clearly has an aromatic component.

In the pipe, this is an oriental blend with a mellow spiciness, a spot of rich tangy Virginia, a smaller dollop of latakia and that clove-like essence. It's not particularly a sweet blend in the sense of citrus or sugar, but I would not be surprised if there truly is a clove flavoring here, as it's quite noticeable. The constituent tobaccos add some body and the whole concoction has an exotic air to it. There is some complexity but it's tight rather than expansive. The latakia was light but it added some much needed smoke and dryness. This struck me as a tobacco that would wear me out over time and is best smoked as an occasional aperitif. But I prefer McClellands own Frogmorton On The Town for this, as it's more cohesive and less aromatic. This seemed more of an overt crossover. Good but I'd like to try it without the casing.
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Reviewed By Date Rating Strength Flavoring Taste Room Note
Mar 16, 2015 Mild to Medium Mild Mild to Medium Pleasant
Pleasant is the word that stays in my mind while smoking this blend. Nice incense like notes from the Orientals with just a touch of sour. The Carolinas add a nice sweetness which I think is slightly enhanced by the topping, which to me tastes like a mild vanilla. The Latakia has just enough presence to be noticed throughout the bowl. This is a very smooth smoke and I can't help but say pleasant. Very pleasant. Better than 3 stars but not quite 4. Say 3.5.

Mild to medium in body and flavor. Needs drying time then burns well.
Pipe Used: MM Diplomat 5th Ave, MM Patriot
PurchasedFrom: smokingpipes.com
Age When Smoked: fresh bulk
2 people found this review helpful.
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Reviewed By Date Rating Strength Flavoring Taste Room Note
Apr 11, 2014 Mild Mild Mild Pleasant
McClelland’s “2045 Oriental Mixture” has a pouch scent that would reflect its namesake. It also has a bit of a “clove like” smell although that may not be the correct comparison. After a bit of dry time, 2045 presents itself mildly in the pipe. I am not a huge fan of the term like “crossover” used when describing a blend that technically, in a pure sense is an aromatic. But I think “crossover” is a fitting description here. It is mild, lightly sweet, with a nice Oriental flavor. But it wouldn’t be my cup of tea. I think that 2045 is a great smoke for those looking to move on from aromatics toward English or Oriental blends. I also think that 2045 is a decent bulk offering, however when you consider some of the amazing and sometimes rare Orientals that McClelland has in some of their tinned blends, it falls to the lower end of the scale.
2 people found this review helpful.
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