A bit lighter in color than one might expect, given that Latakia is said to play such a prominent part.

Burns slowly and cleanly, and easily.

Not very strong in nicotine it still retains qualities and merits that makes it worthy.

The leaf comes out as rather dry but the significant amount of Syrian Latakia makes this a very slow burning blend.

This is an english blend that tastes like an English, but also like MacBaren's Scottish Mixture.

That's what makes it unique.

I really enjoy this blend from time to time. I use it to shake things up and keep from getting bored with my choices, or as a special treat. Its an excellent smoke in its own right- rich, powerful, strong- but its too strong for me to be my main smoke too often. Word to the wise!

I find the aroma in the tin really enjoyable and inviting- hints of campfire mixed with pipe tobacco. The flavor really coats your palate, and it lasts forever, so if you're planning on eating something delicate, don't smoke this, or IMHO you won't taste anything else for hours. That said, I really enjoy this smoke, and it even pairs well enough (IMO) with a nice single malt Scotch.

(I usually smoke 3 different bowls in a row: I start out with something mild, then step up to medium (a Virginia or a Vanilla-flavored?), then end with something stronger (usually MB Mixture), once my palate is more involved. This is sometimes the last thing I smoke.)

HH Vintage Syrian is a great example of a strong blend. Excellent quality that burns pretty well. And if you're curious about Latakia, as I was, then I recommend this as a good place to learn. It'll certainly help you learn your tolerance level for stronger tobacco. (May even help you gauge reactions to the "Wife test" too!) Try it!

Highly recommended for English mixtures fans.

When opening it, my first thought was: This is like fish food smells. After it's lit, a really pleasant smoky (but mild) taste surprises you.

It's like the best of two worlds - the pleasant taste of smoking a pipe, and the instant nicotine kick you get from smoking a cigar.

You can smoke the stuff right from the morning, and it won't give you any tongue bite.

Even if you don't think latakia is for you, I would highly suggest you try it out - I feel confident you won't be sorry.

The deeper earthiness of Cyprian would have gone beautifully with this blend; conversely had MacBaren ditched the topping and gone with some blend of lighter virginias then the Syrian could have had a chance to stand up on its feet and showcase its sublime character.

Not a bad blend though, in its own way.

Medium-strong; a good steady burn but only if kept on the dry side; more tongue-bite than some Syrian tobaccos, but easy on the throat. A very satisfying smoke. I find the Room Note pleasant, but those around you will NOT like it if they are not fond of the typical Balkan aroma.

To reduce the bite, I blend it myself with a very mild plain Syrian (bulk from a local tobacconist, brand/manufacturer not known); the oriental top-note still comes through, but there is less bite and it burns more evenly.

If you can find the special offer one-pound canister, it is an excellent buy just for the container. The tall canister is an attractive black & gold, similar to the tin pictured above, and has a _very_ tight seal. I have had it for more than six months, and have only had to add a damp sponge to freshen it once or twice.

To my palate, this is essentially a latakia/VA mixture, with the faintest hint of burley. Although the ingredient list also includes "Turkish Oriental," I can't say I've ever found it in the smoke. What *is* found -- especially at the first light -- is a healthy, delicious dose of that unique incense that can only come from Syrian latakia.

I'm especially fond of those much-treasured Syrian blends from G.L. Pease. This is not quite like that. This Syrian lacks the delicacy and depth of those skillfully made blends. But that doesn't mean it isn't worth smoking; while it can hint at those now-discontinued blends, it is something else altogether and cannot replace them.

What it can do, however, is provide a rewarding smoke. After that initial burst of Syrian spice fades, the blend slips into a more straightforward latakia/VA blend. However, unlike, say, a McClelland blend, the Virginias here taste darker and rounder; I'm guessing that the bulk of them are of African origin, such as you'd typically find in a Gawith blend.

I haven't historically been a MacBaren fan. Every other blend I've ever tried from MacBaren has been thin tasting and prone to heat and tongue bite. This was a very pleasant surprise: No problems whatsoever down the bowl. And because of the "darker" Virginias and the healthy dose of Syrian latakia, this offers a smoke that really stands alone among English blends.

The latakia strength is gentle and meanwhile considerable. Also it is elegant as expected from a Syrian. Orientals, and I think epecially the Turkish are a great addition of spices. Overall the whole taste is sweetened with som good quality virginia.

Packs and lights well, offers a long lasting smoke, and leaves a wonderful taste on the palate.