McCranie's Murdock's Pipe

This is one of my favorite blends. It burns well, tastes good, and never bites. The flavor is excellent, a good rich tobacco taste. It burns cool and does not make for a wet smoke. No acidic flavor. People in my office ask me to smoke it, and say its smells like cookies baking in the oven.

I'll chime in with my high marks for the McCranies as well. They've always treated me well, and na matter where I move, I'll continue to order from them. This is one I'll have t okeep re-ordering. My first experience with Murdock was one where the comparisons to other blends came instantly to mind...25th anniversary, was the main one, but then as the bowl developed, I realized this was a completely different animal. An unusual blend of Orientals/Latakia where the VA's still stand up and are not (or will not) be overwhelmed. Very nice! I'm sure cellaring will only improve this fine blend.

I found McCranies Murdock's Pipe to be one of my favorite Scottish style blends. It is very nicely blended and burns well. It gives an excellent range of flavors down the bowl. I was never a fan of Scottish blends until recently, but Murdock's and Rattrays Red Rapparee are now both in my rotation. About two years ago I tried McConnells Scottish and liked it, so I will have to at some point have a tin of all three open at once to get a good comparison.

The latakia dominates the tin aroma, but not the flavor of this blend. The various leaves are well balanced and provide a mild smoke. Typically, I prefer a heavier Scottish blend such as Rattray's Red Rapparee. This is a pleasant change of pace, which does not dissappoint in terms of providing the rich flavors of the orientals mixed with latakia like some other lighter blends so often do.

I made the mistake of filling a large bowl for my first smoke. The flavors tend to get lost in a large bowl. This is best enjoyed in a small to medium bowled pipe.