McClelland Latakia Flake
(2.80)
A distinctive full English mixture in the grand tradition, rich with smoky Cyprian latakia, fragrant with exotic Xanthi Yaka. Toasted for smoothness, then pressed in cakes to age and marry the flavors. Result: Exceptionally smooth, cool-smoking, full flavored little Levantine flakes ready to rub out--the best Oriental mixture.
Notes: McClelland introduced their Blakeney's Best line at the 21st CORPS (Conclave of Richmond Pipe Smokers) Pipe Show in Richmond, Virginia. The 50g tin was released to the public in late 2005.
Details
| Brand | McClelland |
| Series | Blakeney's Best |
| Blended By | McClelland Tobacco Company |
| Manufactured By | McClelland Tobacco Company |
| Blend Type | English |
| Contents | Latakia, Oriental/Turkish, Virginia |
| Flavoring | |
| Cut | Flake |
| 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
|
2.80 / 4
|
Reviews
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Displaying 21 - 25 of 25 Reviews
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Apr 01, 2006 | Mild to Medium | None Detected | Mild to Medium | Pleasant to Tolerable |
Gorgeous, dense and blocky little flakes with a sweet and smokey scent. Looks and smells promising. When smoked, however, there's little depth. In fact, for such a hearty flake, the smoked flavor is thin and disappointing no matter what kind of pipe is used.
Perhaps my taste buds have gotten too old to discern the subtle flavors here; this should be a fantastic flake, but for me the smoking experience was very much as if someone forgot to put an engine in a shiny brand new mercedes coupe. Maybe younger or more adept pipers will find what I've somehow missed, but my own senses lead me to believe that this emperor has no (or very little) clothes.
Perhaps my taste buds have gotten too old to discern the subtle flavors here; this should be a fantastic flake, but for me the smoking experience was very much as if someone forgot to put an engine in a shiny brand new mercedes coupe. Maybe younger or more adept pipers will find what I've somehow missed, but my own senses lead me to believe that this emperor has no (or very little) clothes.
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Nov 05, 2005 | Medium to Strong | None Detected | Medium to Full | Tolerable |
Considering my general dislike of German-made pipe tobacco and my wide appreciation of McClelland tobaccos, Blakeney's Best Latakia Flake surprises me. This Latakia flake has tastier undertones, but harsher overtones than C.A.O.'s Old Ironsides (see my review of that as well). While I will continue to smoke Old Ironsides on occasion, I will not be purchasing more of Blakeney's Best Latakia Flake. If you are looking for a better Latakia flake, go with the DE version and leave Blakeney's Best on the tobacconist's shelf.
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Aug 22, 2005 | Medium to Strong | None Detected | Medium to Full | Tolerable |
American Penzance! A wonderful full latakia flake without the McC. Ketchup! Tin aroma is slightly McC.,but the flavor is dominiant latakia with the McC Virginia flavor shining through! Replace the Germain Virginia/Oriental with the McClelland version and you have this wonderful Latakia flake. Slow burning,no bite,and a wonderful spice feast! 4 of 4 stars!
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 25, 2006 | Mild | None Detected | Very Mild | Tolerable |
Mmmmmm... I detect a trend here: there hasn't been a single Latakia flake that I have loved so far, with the exception of the tasty and juicy Old Ironsides. Even the famous Penzance leaves me sort of flat...
SG Balkan Flake, Germain's Special Latakia Flake and similar offerings, all taste dull and flat to me. Perhaps too subtle for my taste, perhaps simply and objectively too little flavour.
This flake by McClelland is no exception (and add on that that I am not a fan of most of McC's Latakia mistures, which are often very mild): smells nice in the tin (smoky, sweet, toasted, with very little of their trademark vinegary notes), but smokes completely flat and boring. It's smooth, no bite at all, but also completely unremarkable. No oriental fragrance, very subdued latakia, and also the virginias aren't very fruity or sweet.
To me this flake is not unsmokeable or bad, simply a big YAWN.
SG Balkan Flake, Germain's Special Latakia Flake and similar offerings, all taste dull and flat to me. Perhaps too subtle for my taste, perhaps simply and objectively too little flavour.
This flake by McClelland is no exception (and add on that that I am not a fan of most of McC's Latakia mistures, which are often very mild): smells nice in the tin (smoky, sweet, toasted, with very little of their trademark vinegary notes), but smokes completely flat and boring. It's smooth, no bite at all, but also completely unremarkable. No oriental fragrance, very subdued latakia, and also the virginias aren't very fruity or sweet.
To me this flake is not unsmokeable or bad, simply a big YAWN.
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Apr 11, 2006 | Mild | None Detected | Mild to Medium | Pleasant to Tolerable |
I decided to change my review, after smoking this for a couple months. Originally I found this to be a solid blend, right in line with McClelland's Frogs. But after smoking this for two months, I find I was horribly wrong, this is a FANTASTIC BLEND! This screams complexity. I noticed that it has the oriental depth of Pease's creations, only turned up in volume. The latakia plays a supporting role and there are some great McClelland virginias here. I love the flakes and the toasted process makes this very smooth. If you compare every blend to Nightcap or 965, this isn't for you. If you enjoy good, complex and unique tobacco blends this is worth a try. Give it an honest try and I think you'll understand why I like it so much.
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