Scandinavian Tobacco Group (STG) Clan Aromatic (Original)

The Clan Original (or aromatic), the famous Clan, a tobacco hated by many but loved by its fans. A tobacco in which the history merges with myth. A tobacco considered difficult to smoke, painted as the nightmare of the beginners. For me, today, this isn't the real situation. The blend is complex there are many varieties of different tobaccos from all over the world. The cut is intersting becouse is a shag cut, very short and easy to pack. The umidity is right for load it just after the opening. Clan offers a smooth and fresh smoke, if we consider that is a flavoured tobacco, imprinted on the sweetness. The added flavours are difficult to analyze, there is an alcholic note and something like red fruit, but recognizing them all is a challenge. So I can say that Clan is an easy tobacco, doesn't warm up and bite the tongue also if stressed. In conclusion it isn't so impossible for beginners. I don't like flavoured tobacco, but I want to be objective: Clan is an average enjoyable tobacco and not a loved/hated tobacco.

Hmm, this is interesting. I didn't expect Clan to cause such a division within pipe smokers as personally I don't think it's really *that* spectacular either way. Clan will, however, always have a special place in my thoughts and in my pipe, as it's either the second or possibly even first pipe tobacco that I smoked, and the only one of the widely available ones I remember from my younger days to be still around.

The pouch note is very satisfying, with an undertone of dark fudge laced with whisky, old leather and dark wood; unfortunately, as this is an aromatic, it doesn't really transform into taste in equal measure, which always remains just a tad bit artificial. Consistency is that of very fine shag, almost like rolling tobacco, and one needs to smoke this a bit carefully as it burns very easy and fast - in fact, "violently" is a word that springs to mind - leaving clean white-grey ashes. For these reasons, if there was ever cause to recommend a pipe tobacco for cigarette rolling for lack of proper rolling tobacco, I would say Clan. The tongue bite is also considerable in this. That said, the taste is not at all disagreeable if smoked carefully, and the dominating fudge-like character (which I think might be the cause for the "Scottish" connection) and room note conjure up an image of taking a comfortable seat in front of a fireplace on a cold winter's evening, with a large mug of steaming cocoa and a good pipe filled with Clan.

As said, I will totally unashamedly enjoy Clan occasionally still, like a pouch a year or so, and it would actually be my second favourite supermarket brand, if Amphora Red is not available.

A 3-star that would probably be a 2 if I smoked Clan for the first time today.

Oh dear, i'm suprised to see Clan being reviewed so badly. It's not one of my absolute favourite blends, but i do like to sit down with a bowl of it every now and then.

Like many have said, this tobacco comes in a very fine loose cut. Fine enough that some consider it a shag cut (Like cigarette rolling tobacco). Because of this, Clan burns quite quickly, and potentially quite hot. This means that on the one hand, you have to be somewhat wary of tongue bite and flavour loss, but on the other hand, it does make Clan a good blend to pick when you want more of a quick, light smoke. Even taking it slow, a decently sized bowl of this stuff won't last as long as...... well, any other loose cut i know, let alone as long as flakes, rope cuts etc.

I never had much of a problem regarding the moisture in the tin, but to be fair, i tend to prefer my leaf a little on the dry side.

As for the flavour, i could never pin it down with this blend. Other reviewers have done a better job than i could on this one, but in short, i find the flavour to be quite pleasant and mellow, tobacco-y but with a pleasant sweetness from the topping rounding it off. I do not get any soapyness, which i've seen some people complain of.

Strength in flavour is fairly mild, and the nicotine hit is barely present at all. It's quite a light, mild smoke overall.

It does lose a bit of flavour towards the last third of the bowl, and to get the most out of the first two thirds, you'll want to ease up on the cadence.

Unsuprisingly with the cut, it takes a light very, very easily, will need few relights and burns to the finest of ashes. It CAN leave some shreds of leaf stuck to the side of your bowl though, so do be sure to clean your pipe well after a bowl of Clan.

Overall, Clan isn't the very best tobacco out there, but i do think it's a bit underrated.

I tried this before reading the reviews and I was thinking to myself, I bet this is a beloved old European OTC blend. I found it had an unusual but pleasant taste and was quite satisfying.

Then I read the reviews! Boy to folks have this stuff. I must be in the minority. I am used to that as I am smarter and better looking than most people. Ha ha. I think it's a 2.5 start blend but am giving it three just to bump up its total score. Such haters.

I am a fan of St. Bruno, but not of Condor. If you recognise either of these, you may find familiar flavours in this brand.

It does smoke rather hot, which is cured with frequent sipping.

Nicotine is noticable, typical of such 'over-the-counter blends here in the UK.

In light of the extreme number of tobaccos used to produce this blend, on top of the added flavourings, this tobacco produces subtle, complex flavours.

You will not taste ALL, or even most of the tobaccos listed, but you will not be dissapointed nonetheless, particularly if you smoke aromatics.

On a personal note, I will not smoke this often, but have a (cheap) pipe dedicated to it.

I usually smoke Virginia flakes, St. Bruno, Irish XX(Black Bogey), Coniston Cut Plug, and various Balkan/English blends.

My first pipe tobacco. After many years of smoking a variety of cigarettes. And some cigars and cigarillos. I find it quite pleasant, has a nice caramel-ish sweetish aroma, with hints of vanilla, perhaps sherry or some other type of alcohol and more.

I like it very much and have had little to no problem smoking it though, I'm only starting out as a pipesmoker after having quit cigarettes and wishing a hand-to-mouth movement as well as enjoyment, relaxation and a healthier alternative I am not addicted to.

I smoke with a variety of pipes and a variety of filters as well as a few unfiltered, I have not tried it in an unfiltered pipe and I can't see it gaining any benefit from it. I has been called a pipe tobacco created by a cigarette smoker and perhaps that's where it holds its appeal for me.

All I know is that it is nothing like cigarettes to me and I enjoy it very much. It does seem to tend to ghost pipes, though I thoroughly do not mind it.

I'd definitely recommend it for any other new pipesmokers. Especially if you're in the same position I am where it is difficult to gain access to a great variety of tobaccos. This was what a tobacconist I trust recommended to me, and I'd recommend it to you. It's nice with a french vanilla coffee and some liqueur.

I don't usually smoke this brand, I usually smoke captain black, however I have run out of this and wanted something quickly, after reading reviews I decided to give this a shot. This is my personal approach to this brand. I would like to start off with, looks,, it looks alot like rolling tobacco, it smells pleasant, feels dryer to touch than captain black, easy to pack and to light, aswell as stay alight. It does burn hot/warm but I didn't get a tongue bite from it. I wouldn't say it's a foul pipe tobacco at all where I would say gold block is, to the point I threw it away after second bowl, this is different, it's stronger than captain black but it's a nice strong, the smell, taste, feel and look wouldn't put me off of buying this again, I would honestly say to anyone give it ago, if you don't like it at least you know, but hey you maybe pleasantly surprised like I was.

I was wishing to try this tobacco for quite a while now.. not an aromatics fan at all, but somehow the whole blend with its "cozy" old-timey design appealed to me.

Opening the pouch I instantly get a somewhat artifical, yet appealing and smooth fruity note, with a somewhat cherry-ish character to it. Underneath there's a mild boozy undertone, with some corn-ish qualities, reminding me of Bourbon Whiskey! As well as a mild floral quality. Intense aroma from the pouch, I wasn't sure what to expect.

Packs, lights and burns without a flaw - definetly a comfortable smoke! Pack it, light it, enjoy it! From the tobaccos the Burleys are most obvious to me, with some very delicious toasty, nutty, molasses and earthy qualities as the main actors in the tobacco department! The Virginias add some freshness and may contribute to the smooth and silky sweetness. I also get a hint of Turkish/Orientals in the mix, with spicy-dry and ethereal-flowery qualities. The rest of the tobaccos goes unnoticed to me.

In the smoke the flavoring is quite different than in the pouch note! The boozy, Boubon-ish quality prevails for me, leaving just a mild note of fruits/fruitcake in the background. The bourbon has a boozy and somewhat corn-ish character to it, which I like a lot, as it reminds me of C&D's John Marr. All in all this could be the OTC-brother of John Marr in a way.. definetly more flavored (and with more artifical flavorings), but I feel they share a similar character. Yet John Marr is superior, no doubt!

What else to say? Somehow I love this blend for what it is! The flavorings work well with the tobaccos and vice versa. Flavoring doesn't subdue to tobaccos (very tasty) qualities too much and it has this cozy, old-timey OTC feeling to it. I'll grant it 3,5 stars - even as the aromatic sceptic that I am! **Update:** This does have a tendecy to bite when puffed just a little fast, so I'll down-grade to 3-stars. Best to be puffed very patiently, then you get a nice flavour out of it.

A little correction, I purchased my pouch by 07.2018 and the name below the shield (Aromatic) has been changed to "Original"

One surprising thing about this blend is producer's claim of "14 different tobaccos from around the world" as a description on the pouch. Well, I take it as those must be the types of the same tobaccos, yet different origins around the world. Such as the varieties of latakia: Cyprus, Macedonia or Syria. Or it might be the kinds of kentucky, fired kentucky etc.

Anyways, apart from this ambiguity, I must note that the blend is unique, hard to detect the components dancing while you are having your experience. All in all, it's earthy, but not harsh, somewhat aromatic, burns evenly, smokes cool. At some point of the smoke, when retrohaling, one may notice fruity aromas, a little green apple touch, maybe.

In general, I would recommend this blend to smokers who like to smoke an ever-changing, lightly aromatized type of tobacco. Everytime I smoke, it gave me an interesting experience.