McClelland Syrian Full Balkan

There's some fine tobacco's in this blend, but in it's current mixture, it's just plain boring. A sweet VA taste dominates the blend, and the Syrian is nice, but it's missing something. I almost wish there was some burley mixed into the blend.

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.

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.

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.

My review for SFB will not deviate too far from previous entries; it is quality leaf and a smart blend, but, for my personal taste, either the quality of the latakia makes it somewhat weak in flavor or the quantity of latakia is too low, or possibly both.

In other words, the radio is on the right station, but the volume is too low to be able to dance to it.

Other than that, what is here is a nice blend that provides a unique VA/Lat flavor. The leaf is quality, the components are well-married, and though I won't smoke it too often, I will purchase more of this blend to keep on hand.

This has quickly become one of my go-to blends for flavor and enjoyment. I don't have to stay attentive for subtle nuances anymore than I would have to strain to become engrossed in low down jazz in a gin joint on New Year's eve. The multicolored flecks of tobac glisten in a display of tan, orange, yellow and muted dark leaf while the tangy bouquet makes promises of shameless indulgence. Sometimes, it gets my pipe talking with a soft gurgle and I like it. This is passion evoked from it's primal slumber with no pretense for proper conventions. Nothing is held back. Yes, I've been with others whose charms held me captive but not quite so willingly. From start to finish, a real memory maker. If you miss this... pity. In the symphony of tobacco blends, this is the horn section gone native.

Meerschaum Man Smoking a CAO Dunhill Man Pasha Meer

Akin to Rose of Latakia. This one has a nice subtle complexity that got me through a whole tin. Of the three advertised "Syrian" blends, this one afforded the most flavor and smokiness.

More Syrian than Rose of Latakia, which in this case is not a good thing. It came too moist and burned hot even after letting it dry out. Not good stuff.

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.