McClelland Syrian Full Balkan

Fragrant smooth Latakia , very "McC like" in the way the Latakia is used, not harsh or overpowering. Notes of coffee and chocolate make for an interesting background to the smoke. The Syrian Latakia is well balanced with the Virginias and makes for a sweet and sour fruitiness rather than a charcoal campfire flavor that I find more in a style of a C&D Cyprian Latakia offerings ( ex. Pirate kake). As compared to a C&D Latakia , I wouldn't really call this as FULL, which is typical of McC's offerings. Depending on my mood, I like both of these styles of Latakia use, but I feel this is easier to take as an all day smoke.

The above notes indicate the use of other Orientals in this blend, but these hide in the background and do not produce a spice. I find this feature makes for a blend that is nice for mornings as well as late night when my tongue has had enough of other blends. I don't want to come across as if this blend is bland, it still produces plenty of flavor and interest , even during relights. It doesn't have that "one" dominant feature, but rather is a blend that after your done with the bowl you say , " gee , I think I'll have another before moving on" ( wish this came in bulk)

Agree with reviewer "DK" review,. I don't understand all the 1& 2 star reviews, I think the "FULL" in the name is misleading.

For the original Latakia, this is an increasingly rare treat and interestingly enough for the newest generation of pipe smokers this Latakia is not what most people would consider the "real" Latakia. For the record I make the reference to real in the literal sense, Syrian Latakia is the original Latakia. I realize that Cyprian is the current norm and understand the reasons that has become the norm, I only mention it in the nostalgic and historical sense. The tin note is very appealing and not what you would expect, especially after visual inspection, this is a ribbon cut with loads of black ribbons of Latakia. The sweet spicy Latakia is evident and the typical McClelland Virginia is NOT as pronounced, in fact it is barely noticeable (the ketchup smell). Sweet lemony Virginia's and woody Orientals are evident in the tin note. The smoke is quite amazing. This is a very subtle, mellow smoke. Not a Lat bomb in the current vernacular. This is sweet and spicy (spicy like loaded with spices, not hot and peppery). The Syrian Latakia is among the best I ever had. I love HH Vintage Syrian and the quality of this leaf seems superior. This is slightly smokey and sweet and the sweetness is like that of molasses and honey. The Virginia's provide additional sweetness and some breadth and lemony notes while the Orientals provide wood (Cedar and Hickory). Their is a slight sourness from the Orientals as well. The magic is in the blend, this is masterfully blended, the select leaf from each category work to support one another in a way that they seem to blend together completely to form singular and unique favor. There is a malt flavor that hits you from the charring light and stays with you throughout the smoke. There is also a seltzer/soda like flavor on the retrohale. As stupid as this may sound this is what I picture the original Balkan Sobranie Smoking Mixture was like. This is a world class pipe tobacco and it pains me to know that the the tins are likely all sold and gone and what I have is it for me. If you can find it, buy it.

Having enjoyed Wilderness, I decided to try several other blends using Syrian Latakia. When opening the tin of Full Balkan, I found it quite pleasant and mild. After lighting some, I found the taste and feel of it matched the tin aroma. I'll admit, it almost seemed too mild or subtle in flavor at first, but I trusted that with time and some mindfulness of what could be expected, that it would yield more. It did. Full Balkan needs for you to relax and submit to its gentle flavors and mouth feel. It strikes the palate like a mildly-briny single malt like Inchgower does. It truly has a smoky-wine taste, and the feel is very much like Dark Star or other mild tobaccos (Yenidje, or any good red Virginias). I've smoked about half of the tin in the past month, and I've finally arrived at a positive appreciation of this blend. It helps to be in the mood for a mild, subtle tobacco when you decide to smoke this, rather than for something richer like a Va-Per or something with Kentucky leaf. I've enjoyed the Full Balkan so much that I'll continue my enjoyment of Syrian Latakia blends with a tin of Three Oaks Syrian I've just received.

Maybe not so full, but very flavorful, nonetheless. Very easy to separate out the individual contributors. It is very cool burning, and doesn't leave any significant aftertaste - both positive attributes in my book. Burns easy and clean on one light directly from the tin - no charring light needed. Develops a bit more strength as you work your way through the bowl. 4-*.

The tin aroma medium-cut, medium ribbon is dominated by the tang of syrian latakia and the spice of orientals. The unique McC VA tang is barely noticable.

This is loaded with mild and subdued orientals, fragrant and sophisticated, along with copious amounts of fine syrian leaf. The matured VAs, red and dark stoved, quietly provide backup.

This is a very agreeable and satisfying balkan, albeit a bit gentle on that scale. This went well in a chamber of any gauge.

When Frog Morton Across the Pond came out, it joined British Woods as my favorite McClelland blend. Now there is a new member at the top of the hierarchy. Syrian Full Balkan is a very nice, smooth, blend; unusually complex for a McClelland mixture. In some ways it seems to combine my two previous favorites. One could describe it as British Woods made with the Syrian latakia of the new Frog, or as Frog Across the Pond made with the orientals of British Woods and sans the black cav sweetness. Either way, it is a nice concoction. Not too moist, and the Worcestershire smell is minimal. A wonderful blend that can be smoked any time of day.

A wonderful blend. Rich but not overwhelming to my taste. Not the strongest Latakia blend that I smoke, but just right to satisfy my need for Latakia. A great blend if you can find it.

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