McClelland Orient 996, vintage 2007

I should note from the beginning that this review is based on a five year old tin that I opened this past week. Extremely easy pack and light; did not need a relight. A pleasant sugary smooth taste the run of the bowl, with a ever so slight sour note as one progresses the run of the bowl. I am a fan of Yenidje (try L.J. Peretti's "Royal Blend") and I detected this fine leaf; although as a background note, in a condimental way. The Latakia is of a balanced proportion - not too much, not too little. This is a 'nice' relaxed blend with a round satisfying taste. It burns to a fine dark grey dottle. This has been a nice change of pace from the 'Lakeland District" blends that I terrorized the family with last week.

Orient No. 996 Vintage 2007 presents as medium and dark brown ribbon, with just a touch of light brown. Tin note is herbal, with a good dose of clove backed by a hint of chocolate - delicious, though subdued relative to many of this same blender's other Oriental offerings. The ribbons are quite dry and ready to smoke right out of the tin.

The charring and true lights bring exactly what the tin note promises: an herbal and somewhat woody smoke framed by clove and a noticeable Virginia tang that provides sweetness yet doesn't interfere with the smokiness of the Latakia. The result is a very smooth and well-balanced smoke with a distinct sweet/sour flavor, medium body - light even, for its class - yet with a rich, full mouthfeel that is both creamy and tangy. The sweet Virginia tang builds as the bowl progresses but is always smooth and never sharp. The mouth will be coated in sweet & sour Virginia tang, but the tongue will be left unmolested.

Billed as an Oriental, the irony is that this might be my favorite McClelland Virginia. There are simply no sharp edges to this blend. 996 smokes incredibly cool, even and dry, with no bite. This could easily be someone's four star blend, but I find the Grand Orientals deeper and more complex. For lovers of sweet and sour, this is your desert island blend.

A mixture of brown, black, chestnut, and tan broken ribbon with a medium spicy aroma, reminding of washed-out cinnamon and cloves, that is ever so slightly sweet. Interestingly enough, in relation to McClelland house style the tin nose also reminds this reviewer of the aromas marking its signature cake aged Red Virginias such as Bulk 5100 or McCraine's Red Ribbon / Flake as well as Oriental concoctions such as Jubilee. Tinned with a moderate level of moisture, it packs and takes to the match without complaint.

In the bowl Orient 996 Vintage 2007 offers a sweet-and-sour smoke which carries notes of blood orange, currants, and mulled wine. The aged Red Virginias are the most notable player in the blend, furnishing a core flavor profile strikingly similar to the aforementioned 5100 or Red Ribbon / Flake. Married to this, however, are at least one more Virginia (yellow) along with a bit of Yenidje, and perhaps other Oriental varietals, adding just enough fragrantly pungent spice to secure the blend its own identity. A certain nuttiness appears throughout the bowl as does a note reminding of molasses. Applied with a very light hand, the Syrian Latakia adds a touch of body and appears, fairy-like, now and again as the bowl nears its end. Playing well in the upper registers, Orient 996 Vintage 2007 provides more than enough crisp tickle to refresh on hot summer days as well as a muted but noticeable undercurrent of dark, rich flavors which should develop much more fully with age. Medium bodied, the mouthfeel is soft and the finish short and slightly tart.

Offering the tell-tale taste of McClelland red Virginias plated with an Oriental garnish, the sample on which this review is based is from the first run of the new McClelland issue (2008). A flavorful concoction with much to delight in, it should do quite well in the cellar.

Just opened this past week a tin marked 2008. The note that it is designed to age is spot on; it's spicier than new and as full of subtleties as I'm able to smell & taste. The Lat is pretty much background to the Orientals, which pass in & out of play hinting at all sorts of aromatics - cumin, cinnamon, port wine, maybe? Smooth & cool with lots of billowy smoke & lovely room note.

Had a very mild flavor not much latika detected a very mild virgina blend no real room note deceted so no one complained about the smell. if looking for just a netural flavor and netural smell this would be one to try. a good choice for beginners looking for something differnt and wanting a serious tobacco.

A very pleasant smoke, not an everyday smoke. Sweet and sirupy, burns well even if on too well. Smoke it in small prince and very slowly. Sweet Virginia and orientals very much forward , Syrian Latakia in the background. I smoke right now a 2007 in 2021 so it can be the cellaring did good, never tried it fresh. This tobacco reminds me of cellared wine with a lot of barique, Very fascinating at first but then you may get tired of it. My favorite at this time is SLeader and this can complement it in a fine way. If you wish a little more kick. Alas an other few bowls and this little dream will become past. Such is life.

The classic scent was, is, and forever will be in all McClelland mixtures. Fortunately, in this one, it fades away immediately or almost immediately once you light it up. Very good moisture, it didn't need any drying. Though, it was a tin I bought on 2009 and I opened it on September 2011. It contains bright and red Virginia, Yenidje and a pinch of Syrian Latakia, which, I insist, gives a particular sweet taste to the tobacco. It is not very heavy and it can be smoked easily any time of the day, as the Latakia is very discreet, even for those who do not care for it as I do. It worth's the effort to store 2-3 tins in order to open them after 3-4 years. Maybe even the Heinz taste will have disappeared. The attendees will not be very enthusiastic about the room note.

Stewed tomato when first opened but passes and turns a light spice aroma. Sweet Virginia and oriental with latakia in the back just the way i think it should be. My tin was dated 2009. I sometimes like to round out a late afternoon with this and a Va/Per in the same pipe. Recommended.

Mild indeed, this would be good if you haven't tried these types of blends.Nicotine is low,the latakia and oriental are in the background while the up front overall taste and sweetness is mild virgina. Update:This hasn't been burning well maybe that's just me. I wouldn't buy this unless you plan on aging. Another update:I mixed this with skiff,better together than either one on its own.