McClelland Orient 996

Tin dated simply "2008"; opened 3/2/2009. I bought 2lbs. of this blend without tasting it, solely on the basis of my love for the constituent tobaccos.

After seven bowls, though, I am convinced that this is the most poorly mixed blend I've ever smoked. Given McClelland's reputation for excellence, I can only assume that there were serious manufacturing or quality-control problems with my tin.

The first five bowls were Virginia-dominant smokes that only occasionally allowed waves of the Yenidje to come through. There were literally only three puffs in which the Syrian was detectable. The latakia was present in such minute quantities, it was as if it had been added with tweezers and a microscope.

However, bowl six was significantly different, with a stronger latakia presence. Bowl seven was even more different: 2/3 of the bowl smoked as if it were straight Yenidje, like a large knot of Yenidje was present in entirely unmixed form. In the bottom 1/3, the Yenidje disappeared entirely and the Syrian and Virginia were the sole flavors.

Despite every variation I tried in loading the pipes, every one of the seven bowls required a *minimum* of five matches.

Because of the extreme variations I experienced in bowl after bowl, I cannot highly recommend this. I can only hope that subsequent tins will be much more consistent; clearly, others here haven't noted similar problems. (I'll update this in the future, if other tins end up faring better.)

I bought this on recommendation of a fellow pipe smoker, and I'm glad I tried it. Sweet, but not over powering, spiced, but not to the point of burning. It smokes well in anything from a small prince to the largest Dublin. If there's a downside, it's that I can't order a pound, only 50 gr tin!

I bought a tin of this late in 2009 and kept it for aging till a few weeks back. It was worth the wait. I really enjoyed it, it reminded me a bit of McClelland's Smyrna blend, but with some more virginia; but many of the other "oriental" flavors felt the same as the Smyrna. I will be buying some more to keep around, its a very good smoke paired with an Armognac/Cognac. Highly enjoyable!

Due to the sugary Va. tobacco in the blend, it will age beautifully and this would enhance the qualit Syrian Latakia that lies somewhat dormant in a newl opened tin. This would be a good transition blend for someone who normally smokes Virginians but wants a more exotic kick of Orientals with a touch of Latakia. I like it. Sweet but not overwhelming. I will buy a tin or two and store for awhile to see the result.

first off i would like to say this is a great blend, but it needs preparation, namely opening the tin , leave the metal plate on the tobacco and let it sit for 6 months. after doing this the tobaccos come to life and the true taste and potential of this blend starts to shine through. when first opened it will taste virginia heavy and the syrian will barely be tasted. I have found all the recent McClelland blends (PCCA or not) benefit from what some may say is extreme air time. just found a tin that was opened last october and that i shoved to the back of the cellar thinking this blend was a dud. what a difference time and air makes. even now it is not a powerhouse blend, but there are subtleties worth exploring. The orientals are making themselves known over the virginias and this is becoming very good.try it, air it, stock up for a blend with turkish.

Wow I Love it and the nicotine kick is very nice. Well put together best i have ever smoke! Frist class ALL THE WAY

This review is after coming back to this blend after several years. I do not recall thinking much of this blend when I first tried it. I bought 2 tins and at the time I was trying to get a feel for the flavors of particularly leaves, Oriental,Turkish, Latakia, Perique, etc. I was new to the pipe and I think like burley, Orientals forward blends my not be for the neophyte. I really enjoy Oriental blends first thing in the morning with coffee. McC’s Bombay Court and Peretti’s Tashkent are morning staples for me. Like those this is best enjoyed early although this is a bit different and I can enjoy it later in the day as well. I am a bit perplexed by this blend, as I enjoy both Yenidje Highlander and Supreme but I do not find this blend at all similar. That is not to say I don’t like it but with the same Oriental leaf as the star I can’t figure out why they taste nothing alike. One of the things I like most about Orientals is that buttery, woody flavor. It seems the Yenidje doesn’t have as much of that or the Syrian Latakia does something to mute that flavor in this blend. I do get some of the woody buttery qualities, especially in the finish, there is a taste that lasts for quite a while after smoking this and it is really quite good. The primary flavor is Oriental, it is dry and has a seltzer like quality to it, think mineral seltzer water. The Virginia’s are sweet and earthy with some light grassy notes and the Syrian Latakia is barely noticeable other than a hint of smoke and a light sour note. No longer available but if it were I’d recommend it. Very unique and enjoyable smoke.

A fine Oriental blend, not quite as sweet as Syrian Star, but sweeter than Syrian Three Oaks. I’m inclined to think that those who smoke this very slowly will find it sweeter than those who puff faster (which is par for the course for a Virginia forward blend). Despite a strong Virginia base, it is the Orientals that shine in this blend. A pleasing smoke, light nic hit, and a nice change of pace from my typical straight Virginias.

enjoyed with much pleasure. A beautiful blend of fine tobaccos married together to create a very refined smoke. I've had a dozen tins in the cellar now for a couple of years and can't wait to crack another one open in a couple more years.