PCCA Full Balkan Reserve

This is a ribbon-cut blend manufactured by McClelland for PCCA. Despite its name, I'd really hesitate to classify it as a Balkan since it's really too sweet -- I tend to think of Balkans as mostly oriental and latakia. The proportions are about right for this to be a Balkan (I think it's only about 30% Virginia), but the Virginia leaf is in the usual PCCA fashion an extremely high-grade leaf (I seem to remember Hamlin claiming a 20% sugar content).



The resulting blend is truly amazing indeed -- it's the best latakia blend I have ever encountered, bar none. My tins are dated '94, so by now the leaf is completely black. The tin aroma is dark and musty, sweet and smoky, and smells like there's a spice rack in there somewhere.



It packs as easily as a cube cut, but does need a light pack for best results. It lights up fairly easily, and rarely needs a relight. Due to the high latakia (Cyprian) content it burns cool, even in my thinnest pipes the walls never get more than slightly warm.



My Ashtons have been smoking it for many years now, so it hits its stride immediately. The flavor is a combination of fig jam, spice, and a dark caramelly smokiness that is almost filling it is strong, and an aftertaste that lingers for nearly half a minute. The spiciness from the orientals is intense, deeply layered, and highly integrated with the smoky leatheriness of the Latakia. The sweetness of the virginias keeps the tobacco from drying out my throat, and provides a firm foundation for the interplay of flavors.



When this tobacco was younger, the figgy flavor was more of a plum with a slight virginia tang, and instead of caramel there was a more nutty flavor. As the flavors have matured and darkened, though, the tobacco has traded it's brightness for a rich creaminess and brooding intensity that demands, and recieves, your full attention.



The room aroma has been described by the wife as "leathery". Sort of what leather would smell like if you're sniffing it while riding in a spice caravan.