McClelland Legends

This stuff is basically "Odyssey" Light .... Seriously, other than the unmistakeable tang of McClelland's virginias, the flavor of Legends is almost identical to the aforementioned GL Pease classic. But this is a much milder smoke, with fewer high notes and less of the sensation that you've just licked a piece of charcoal. To some smokers, this is probably a blessing. To me, however, it just doesn't satisfy. It is, however, very good stuff, and it's grown on me to the point that I plan on keeping a few tins around for those days when I don't want to be overwhelmed with flavor.

Not one of my favorites, but nonetheless an excellent product. I think this one may turn out to be quite popular and one day might even live up to its name.

Tin note is classic McClelland Virginias: sweet, tangy and kechup like. Orientals come through as toast and a bit tart like lemongrass. the Cyprian Latakia is strong but not overpowering This is a very complex blend and a masterfully blended tobacco. Top quality Cyprian latakia, smoky and sweet. McClelland stoved Virginias provide a subtle sweetness with a hint of dark fruit, apricot. The combination of orientals in this are the centerpiece of the taste experience. I have read other reviewers use the term unflavored soda, if that is the "fizz" like tinge you get on the retrohale this blend has a very nice gentle addition I attribute to the Turkish tobacco.There is a woody, dryness that is present and pairs beautifully with the sweet Virginias and Latakia. I have smoked a tin and a half of this blend and have found that to really get the most out of this you should be sipping your favorite beverage (I have found Earl Gray tea to be the best drink to go with it) and really concentrate on teasing out the flavors. That said I have smoked most of this while working on the computer and it is just phenomenal as it takes few if any relights and requires little attention. I always dry this out for 5 to 10 minutes even when in a mason jar for a period of time. My experience with McClelland Virginias is they hold moisture well keeping the tobacco fresh but burn better if allowed some drying time. Fred Hanna is a truly great blender, I wish he would lend his talent to a few more blends for us to enjoy

This blend is superb in its balance and quality of ingredients. What makes it unique is its lightness. I'm not an all day smoker, at most I'll enjoy one bowl a day. This blend is not the type to sit quietly and think with, rather it makes for a great smoke on a long commute or at a party where you are not focused on the tobacco. I feel this way because while the flavor is outstanding, it is too light to command your full attention. Complexity is there, with a delicious interplay of the various tobaccos, however the bowl becomes exceedingly sweet. If by "flavoring" we mean topping, then no, this is not that. But there is a heavy casing or preparation of the Virginias presumably that is very sugary. This softens the whole experience greatly, adding to my preference for reserving it as a more casual smoke than a contemplative one. For anyone wondering about aromatic/English crossovers, or someone new to the hobby looking to move into the world of English blends this would be my top recommendation as its flavor and quality are very fine, albeit muted.

I am one of those that had Wilderness first, i was expecting Legends to be similar but it's a blend of it's own it's sweeter, mileder, and not as oriental. An enjoyable smoke overall I did find some issues with it staying lit .

Legends is a very solid blend but one which to me lacks real excitement. If you like Virginia, especially Red Virginia as your foundation, you'll likely be pleased. The reviewer who compared this to some of the Pease blends is right, which to me are even more overbearing in the Virginia department. (ie. Lagonda, Piccadilly, Sextant and Chelsea Morning.) I personally lean more toward orientals, so take that into account for my three star rating. I do find Legends to be somewhat monochromatic but not without some unique flavors weaving in and out. I prefer Legends over Wilderness but in the McClelland line, I still prefer 3 Oaks Syrian and even their bulk 5110 English Dark Full to Legends. Room note is far inferior to that of Russ Ouellette's Black House. I've smoked two tins of Legends, but won't be reordering.

This is a high quality English mixture, with rich Virginias mixed with tasty Orientals and a very generous portion of Latakia. Everything is fine about this, as it is with many other English mixtures in the market today. For me, it just doesn't stand out. I'd smoke this tobacco every day, but I doubt I'd pick it among ten of its kind. Hence the 3 stars.