McClelland Blending Turkish

Unlike their fantastic Grand Oriental tobacco series where McClelland with each tin highlights a specific Oriental variety, this seems to be a blend of different Oriental leafs. On the other hand though, this is straight Oriental tobacco whereas the Grand Orientals are blends with Virginia. Moreover, this is pure, unadulterated Oriental whereas McClelland’s “Blending Oriental” in the black tin seems to have a little bit of flavouring added to it. So, “Blended Turkish Ribbon” is a straight and pure blend of Oriental leafs. This is the real thing, not the other offerings. It does not mean that it’s the best tobacco to smoke, after all it’s meant for blending, but it’s the purest straight Oriental leaf McClelland offers.

Tin note is herbal and mildly sweet. The tobacco is cut in broad ribbons, I received them on the dry side ready to smoke. Loading is easy and it lights easily. Burns well and a has a mild to medium strength with medium nicotine levels and a load of flavors!

The sought out characteristic of Oriental leafs is their tanginess and sour notes, but they occasionally also have a nutty sweetness which is greatly pleasing. This tobacco is quite strong on the sweet side without lacking any of the other characteristics. The sour note is not as high pitched as is pure Basma leaf, here it is more subdued, sweeter, nuttier without lacking the earthy/limey-soil characteristic of Turkish/Greek leafs. Towards the middle of the bowl it acquires a nice smoky character as well.

Can be smoked straight or mixed with Virginias or whatever else you might like to very good results. Highly recommended as a top quality straight Oriental leaf.

This is for sure a nice blender tobacco. But it may be very interesting and satisfying for those who enjoy pure Turkish.

It has all the best parts of an oriental tobacco: grassy-sweet, cigarette like taste. Nice kick of nicotine. Slow burning. Enjoyable spicy flavor. However it is one dimensional and may become boring if you smoke it daily.

Jar note of mild ketchup, herbal spices, and vegetation. The tobacco is a mostly a dry medium sized ribbon, its brown, tan, with a little dark brown. Burns moderate with a few relights. The strength is medium and nic is mild. No flavoring detected. Taste is medium and consistent, with notes of floral, buttery, sour herbal, musty grass, dry wood, spicy, mild bitter nuts, sweet tangy orange peel, a spiced citrusy background note, and a peppery retro. Room note is tolerable, and aftertaste is great.

At first light only tasted smoke. It took a few matches to get going. However, very pleasantly surprised as it developed into a full smoke with a good floral bouquet and a buttery non biting taste on the pallet. Clean with no dottle. Turkish lovers will appreciate this. It is a good blending tobacco.