McClelland 3 Oaks Original

Very nice blend here one of my favorites.

I prefer the Syrian version but i make sure to have both on hand

Yes, it is what the tin description says.

But...

First of all, this is my first McClelland blend so far. I read somewhere that the ketchup/vinegar kind of sour tin aroma is they're signature thing, something about preservatives they are using on the tobacco. Might be, but it's not very pleasant. Yes it's cool-smoking from the tin. But, it still gives me some tongue bite. Drying doesn't help. So, I guess it's the virginias they use. I can't say that I like this stuff too much. However, it's never a boring smoke. You get a different dominating component with each puff. And every time I smoke it seems to be a different experience.

2.7 stars

Tin note of smoky, sharp tangy fruit and sour vegetation. Tobacco is a ribbon cut of black, dark brown and a little light brown. Moisture content is great. Burns slow with a few relights. The strength is mild to medium, and nic is mild. No flavoring detected. Taste is medium and mostly consistent, with notes of herbal floral, smoky, wood, leather, sour musty vegetation, spices, orange peel, toasted bread, earth, sweet tangy citrus, moderately savory, mildly spicy, mild tart dark fruit, a incense and lemon grass background note, and a peppery retro. Latakia is leading with Oriental/Turkish and Virginia supporting. Room note is tolerable, and aftertaste is great.

My notes are from a 2017 which I popped after 5 years in the tin.

I'd been having a hankering for a Latakia forward blend for those times when I'm desiring it.

Even though this has McClellan Virginia the tin notes was smoky not mcketchup. Freshly popped it took a couple of lights to get going but with a little drying it's an easy blend to smoke. The Latakia leads the way with guest appearances by the other condiments. I find each bowl a little different depending on the ribbon mix on it.

I'm not a huge English smoker but this one nicely fits that niche in my rotation and I wish I'd picked up a few more tins before it became unavailable.