McClelland Rose of Latakia
(2.67)
Only the most precious, most flavorful Syrian leaves are called Rose of Latakia. This fine blend is complex, fragrant, incredible.
Notes: Rose of Latakia refers to the leaves harvested higher on the plant which are then fire cured. If you're looking for a blend in which Syrian latakia is in the forefront, this isn't for you, but if you want to see what the Syrian leaf can do as a condiment, Rose of Latakia is terrific. If you approach it the way you might if you're smoking a Virginia blend, you'll get the best results. There's sweetness from the Virginias, a mellow spice from the Orientals, and the delicate, winey, smoky flavor supporting the rest of the blend.
Details
| Brand | McClelland |
| Series | Syrian Latakia |
| Blended By | McClelland Tobacco Company |
| Manufactured By | McClelland Tobacco Company |
| Blend Type | English |
| Contents | Latakia, Oriental/Turkish, Virginia |
| Flavoring | |
| Cut | Ribbon |
| Packaging | 50 grams tin |
| Country | United States |
| Production | No longer in production |
Profile
Strength
Medium
Extremely Mild -> Overwhelming
Flavoring
None Detected
None Detected -> Extra Strong
Room Note
Tolerable
Unnoticeable -> Overwhelming
Taste
Medium
Extremely Mild (Flat) -> Overwhelming
Average Rating
|
2.67 / 4
|
Reviews
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Displaying 21 - 30 of 39 Reviews
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 23, 2010 | Medium | None Detected | Medium | Pleasant to Tolerable |
This blend claims to have a rare variety known as 'The Rose of Latakia.' In my opinion the latakia is hardly detectable at all. This blend reminds me of the Oriental Series line McClelland produces. The VAs in this blend began a bit harsh, even for a five year old tin. The settled down giving way to the orientals but no where along the way was I treated to the special latakia promised by the manufacturer. I will not smoke any more of this blend. There's just too many good tobaccos out there that appeal to my taste buds more than this one. I cannot recommend this blend to anyone seeking a rare latakia experience. Perhaps someone looking for an oriental blend would like this, but with the Oriental series, it would seem pointless.
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Dec 20, 2007 | Medium | None Detected | Medium to Full | Tolerable to Strong |
The tin aroma of this medium-cut, medium ribbon is dominated by the ferment of the matured virginias and the tang of the orientals, with the syrian leaf bringing up the rear.
Rose of Latakia is a light to medium weight blend that centers around the interplay between the sweet matured VA's and the mellow turkish types, with just enough syrian latakia to lend some backbone to the mixture.
Undeniably tasty, this offers a unique and multifaced exposition of fine syrian leaf. This went well in a chamber of any gauge.
Rose of Latakia is a light to medium weight blend that centers around the interplay between the sweet matured VA's and the mellow turkish types, with just enough syrian latakia to lend some backbone to the mixture.
Undeniably tasty, this offers a unique and multifaced exposition of fine syrian leaf. This went well in a chamber of any gauge.
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Aug 22, 2006 | Very Mild | None Detected | Mild | Tolerable |
I agree with many other reviewers: Rose of Latakia is a big disappointment. You think you're going to get something really interesting -- a rare variety of Latakia, different from anything you've had before. Well, it is rare and it is different, but it isn't good either. A bland smoke without much Latakia or anything else to recommend it.
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 17, 2006 | Mild | Mild | Mild | Tolerable |
Dont let the name fool you, theres not much latakia in here.
Kinda sweet more like a oriental. Which is ok, but I was looking for a special latakia bomb and was too disapointed by the lack of.
False advertising
Kinda sweet more like a oriental. Which is ok, but I was looking for a special latakia bomb and was too disapointed by the lack of.
False advertising
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Dec 22, 2005 | Medium | None Detected | Medium | Pleasant to Tolerable |
I got a sweeter smoke than what I expected by the name and initial smokey scent from the tin. I'm fond of McClelland's syrian latakia blends and this,the milder of the trilogy, is no exception. The treatment of the virginia leaf is distinguished and artfully intertwoven with the syrian. Complex and engaging, I experienced it to be not found wanting in character and statement, without the darker essences of most balkans. The lack of bite makes me wonder if there is not a small amount of turkish leaf for moderation. Certainly worth the time and coin, it is easily recommendable to those with preference for balkans. Meerschaum Man smoking an old CAO Bacchus
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Nov 13, 2005 | Medium | None Detected | Mild | Pleasant to Tolerable |
A nice medium english blend, with a softened latakia flavour. As I am unable to characterize the Cyprian vs. Syrian Latakia as some others can, I cannot comment if this is epitomizes good Syrian latakia-- though it certainly is mellow and fragrant. All in all, an unobtrusive and somewhat restrained smoke (perhaps even vapid to some?). Thus, it could be smoked through a weekend consecutively , as it will not flatten your tastebuds nor will it weep condensate in the bowl.
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 24, 2005 | Mild to Medium | None Detected | Mild to Medium | Pleasant |
Slightly sweet, with a gentle wisping of latakia throughout the run of the bowl. I found this blend a little bit on the reserved side as far as overall contentment. It did need several false-lights to get off and running, (this changed when it was allowed to air-out for awhile before packing a bowl). Smooth, nice burning to a gray-white ash. This is just not a blend I would turn to for a "smoking experience." Might be a good intro for those curious about blends with latakia that do not want to overdose on say, a balkan blend. Overall a nice smoke, just nothing great to write home about here.
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 19, 2005 | Medium | None Detected | Medium | Pleasant to Tolerable |
Really a fine tobacco. Sorely nowadays the chance of smoking a true Syrian latakia blend are so low you just have to try this one. When you open the tin the Virginia leaf seem to rule, but the latakia plays its role in an evident way, mostly because the Syrian is so spicy that just a little is enough to give character to the blend. It's not that strong as far as nicotine content, but it's enough to leave you satisfied. A really nice surprise.
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Jul 19, 2005 | Medium | None Detected | Mild to Medium | Tolerable |
Bland, thin and very little flavor best sums up this blend.
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| May 22, 2005 | Very Mild | None Detected | Very Mild | Pleasant to Tolerable |
I am in agreeance with many of the reviewers here who feel this mixture is on the light/bland side. I've only found syrian latakia to be pleasant in G.L. Pease mixtures and McLintock's syrian latakia blend specifically. Rose of latakia seems to be trying to duplicate Butera's latakia #2 substituting cyprian with syrian: it just doesn't work for me. It's unfortunate as this is one of those blends I really wanted to like from the tin description. Too bad.
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