McClelland TGL - Toasted Cavendish Latakia

McClelland's "Toasted and Smoked," a non-aromatic bulk blend, features a dark, musty Cavendish with a vaguely tart, leathery, and somewhat bitter flavor that I enjoy with a cup of black coffee. The smoky Latakia, though prominent, serves as a foil for the Cavendish. As the tin description states, it is a cool-smoking, full-bodied, slow-burning tobacco. I didn't find it to be especially sweet. The Burley and Virginia components don't stand out, but I suppose that's as it should be: everything working together toward a unified taste.

Latakia fans will probably think the Cavendish dominates; and Cavendish fans will think the opposite. For me, the Latakia becomes a bit tiring, but it does work with the Cavendish nicely. As described, this is a slow-burning tobacco -- a good choice for drivers on long trips. Besides, the taste is full and pleasant -- just right for preoccupied smokers: uncomplicated, straightforward if somewhat smoky, and not distracting in any respect. This is a quality smoke, but it is fairly unremarkable among existing Cavendish blends. I get the impression it was developed to fill a niche in the McClelland universe.

In sum: non-aromatic; no issues with packing, burning, or bite; smokes cool and dry; good smoke volume; fair nicotine hit; long burning; finish is dark, musty, smoky, slightly saline and it persists long after the smoke has ended.