McClelland Syrian Full Balkan
(2.73)
Syrian Latakia is prized for its unique, exotic fragrance. It adds a magnificent, rich aromatic character to this mild, cool smoking, elegant Balkan blend.
Notes: For those not familiar with Syrian latakia, Syrian Full Balkan may seem to be misnamed, but the more delicate flavor of the Syrian variety is definitely noticeable, here. This form of latakia (the original kind) is smoked with oak and herbs, utilizing a varietal called Shek-al-Bint. Wonderful Orientals add an exotic quality, while excellent Virginias lend some sweetness, but the spicy smokiness of the Syrian latakia is what makes this blend special.
Details
| Brand | McClelland |
| Blended By | McClelland Tobacco Company |
| Manufactured By | McClelland Tobacco Company |
| Blend Type | Balkan |
| Contents | Latakia, Oriental/Turkish, Virginia |
| Flavoring | |
| Cut | Ribbon |
| Packaging | 50 grams tin |
| Country | United States |
| Production | No longer in production |
Profile
Strength
Mild
Extremely Mild -> Overwhelming
Flavoring
None Detected
None Detected -> Extra Strong
Room Note
Pleasant to Tolerable
Unnoticeable -> Overwhelming
Taste
Mild
Extremely Mild (Flat) -> Overwhelming
Average Rating
|
2.73 / 4
|
Reviews
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Displaying 11 - 14 of 14 Reviews
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Feb 18, 2007 | Mild | None Detected | Mild | Pleasant to Tolerable |
As a balkan fan, I must say I was a little disappointed in this one. It was okay. There is no need to buy this when there are several other great balkans out there.
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 29, 2006 | Mild | Very Mild | Mild | Pleasant |
My second try into the McClelland Syrian blends has been a lower success than the first (Rose of Latakia). This one is a less classic English Mixture, with a definite sour taste that could suggest the presence of Perique, though not declared by the brand. As other testers already said, the leaf is top quality, it's just a pity it is so light: the "Full Balkan" label suggested a stronger experience.
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| May 06, 2006 | Mild to Medium | Medium | Mild to Medium | Pleasant to Tolerable |
Another blend that I wanted to like because of it's Syrian tobacco. However, after nearly finishing a 50g tin of this I could no longer deal with the bizarre sweet/sour additives. The last few bowls went into the trash. It's a shame because the syrian tobacco is very nice and incense like. The cut and quality of the tobacco is good. I smoke mostly blends by LJ Peretti's, Hearth and Home, Rattray's, and do because they are natural and clean tasting. The difference between those blends and this one is remarkable. I taste that McClelland's sourness the next morning and it is awful.
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 11, 2005 | Medium | None Detected | Medium | Tolerable to Strong |
01-11-2005 An OK Syrian Blend.
Appearance and Tin Aroma: Medium Dark to Black ribbon some lighter leaf, but not much. This one was a surprise to me in that it did not smell as rich as the other syrian blends by the same belding house.
Packing and Lighting: Very easy with moisture perfect out of the tin (uncommon for MCC) 2-3 lights max.
Initial Flavor: Too light, the Syrian is to muted IMO
Mid-Bowl: Not much increase in flavor or complexity. Is my pipe lit?
Bottom of Bowl: Yes, my pipe was lit, but the flavor was not enough for this piper.
Overall: This blend may be a good intro to a classic style light Balkan, but that is about it. My favorite from MCC in the Syrian series is still Frog Morton across the pond. That blend IMO captures the sublime Syrian Latakia best. This blend just was too bland for my palate.
Rating: 3 out of 5 points.
Appearance and Tin Aroma: Medium Dark to Black ribbon some lighter leaf, but not much. This one was a surprise to me in that it did not smell as rich as the other syrian blends by the same belding house.
Packing and Lighting: Very easy with moisture perfect out of the tin (uncommon for MCC) 2-3 lights max.
Initial Flavor: Too light, the Syrian is to muted IMO
Mid-Bowl: Not much increase in flavor or complexity. Is my pipe lit?
Bottom of Bowl: Yes, my pipe was lit, but the flavor was not enough for this piper.
Overall: This blend may be a good intro to a classic style light Balkan, but that is about it. My favorite from MCC in the Syrian series is still Frog Morton across the pond. That blend IMO captures the sublime Syrian Latakia best. This blend just was too bland for my palate.
Rating: 3 out of 5 points.
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