Overall, while it is not true to its name, it is still a decent tobacco but not a favorite by any means.

Tin aroma: McClelland

Is it a full Balkan? No way; it's far too light.

Is it even a Balkan? That depends on how far you want to stretch the definition.

Did I like it? Once I got past the conclusion that it is not a typical Balkan, I found myself enjoying a pleasant, rounded, intriguing flavor. Like the label says, it's a rich, mild, cool tobacco.

Would I recommend it? Absolutely. Just don't approach it expecting a Balkan experience or you will be disappointed, as many of the other reviewers were.

Would I buy it again? I think so. For sure, there are plenty of other good Balkans, and many blends with stronger taste, but this is a blend that I can enjoy year-round. It will warm you pleasantly on a cold winter night, but it is not too overbearing to smoke on a hot summer day. I agree with Scorpio2billion; for the best results choose a large bowl; pack it carefully and closely, but not too tight. Keep an open mind, savor it for what it is, and you just might agree that it's a nice occasional change of pace.

i am thinking a little more highly of this blend now--taking it for what it is, a very mild balkan, it isn't all that bad--i can now find the latakia--it's a blend i now enjoy as a last pipe before retiring--raise the rating from 2 to 2 1/2 stars--

8-8-11 UPDATE SFB grows on me as i continue smoking several tins--going to upgrade to 3 stars ______________________________ i always hesitate to rate something 'not recommended' -- this one comes close--for me there was no flavor and it smoked a bit warm, although no bite has been noted---what flavor i did get was faintly reminiscent of burning electrical circuitry--

the weed burner was my dependable old bent briar which is dedicated to all latakia blends--(i could detect no latakia in this blend)- - said pipe is a large capacity bent billiard which delivers a pretty honest survey of all latakia tobaccos--

it must be noted that i am basically a burley smoker, so one must keep that in mind while considering this review-- having said that, i keep an English/Balkan "leavings" jar (or dump jar depending upon your choice of phrase) that produces a much more enjoyable smoke--

This is loaded with mild and subdued orientals, fragrant and sophisticated, along with copious amounts of fine syrian leaf. The matured VAs, red and dark stoved, quietly provide backup.

This is a very agreeable and satisfying balkan, albeit a bit gentle on that scale. This went well in a chamber of any gauge.

The Syrian Latakia is first-rate, but it will require a better nose than mine to sniff it when the tin is opened. That vile ketchup odor that is McClelland's dubious charm is all I can detect. My only advice is to ignore the smell as best you can, load a pipe, and fire it up.

For those unaccustomed to Syrian Latakia, do not expect the smoky, dry burst of its Cyprian cousin. Take your time to enjoy Syrian's subtle, wine-like taste, its delicate, ever-deepening flavor and aroma. Smoke this slowly, and you will get a hint of Syrian Latakia's now-gone magic. Though very old Balkan recepies call for far-less Latakia than we are used to today (because of Syrian's high nicotine content) the application here is too light to be called a Balkan in any sense of the word. This is more like Christmas Cheer (pick a year) with a smidge of Syrian thrown in, along with a dollop of McClelland's blending Turkish wafted over it.

If one is so fortunate to find a can of GL Pease's Bohemian Scandal...GRAB IT! You will have a far pleasanter experience. If you have to make the choice between McClelland's Syrian Full Balkan and their Super Balkan...Full Balkan is the one to pick.

Recommended simply because it is just about the only TRUE Syrian Latakia blend still reasonably available.

My tin of broad cut leaf was more dry than moist, and it is a mellow and rather cool burning smoke. It is not unique though and tastes similar to numerous other blends of this ilk.

If there is a McClelland's Syrian Light Balkan, I'll take a pass.

In other words, the radio is on the right station, but the volume is too low to be able to dance to it.

Other than that, what is here is a nice blend that provides a unique VA/Lat flavor. The leaf is quality, the components are well-married, and though I won't smoke it too often, I will purchase more of this blend to keep on hand.

Meerschaum Man Smoking a CAO Dunhill Man Pasha Meer

Either Syrian Latakia entirely lacks the basic smokey essence of its Cyprian cousin, or McClelland just doesn't use much of it here. The characteristics that I traditionally associate with Latakia are entirely absent, to the point of near frustration. I even failed to get that nicotine hit I hear is so common to the Syrian leaf. So take note--this is an *extremely* mild blend with an almost flat flavor.

The tin exhibited the classic McClelland smell of ketchup or vinegar, depending on your opinion, but was a bit subdued from one of their typical Virginias. There was also a pronounced bite, though nothing overwhelming to the point of dissatisfaction. Apart from that, my tin was surprisingly dry, with very little moisture.

Nothing remarkable here. I hope it was the blend and not the Syrian stuff that caught my dislike.

I'll stick to Nightcap, thanks.