McClelland Celebrated Sovereign

After smoking a very old tin of the original, I was excited to test out the new McClellands version to compare them. Now certainly such comparisons typically lean heavily towards the pointless side of things but my goal was to see how the Syrian latakia changed the blend, as it's flavor was missing from the aged version - it had softened to the point where I couldn't be sure I was tasting it. As a result, the orientals took over full bore, and the blend was incredible as a result.

Things are good here but not great. The Syrian latakia lends a kind of tannic sourness to the proceedings that detracted from it's aged flavor. This, of course, is most likely how it was intended to taste, as I don't hear much about any cellaring or hoarding of tobacco back in 1990. I'm sure it was done, but not to the extent it's done today, and this blend was most likely intended for immediate consumption. It's a good blend, but not great, and I seem to recall smoking a tin of the original way back when and being a bit underwhelmed. As I am with this one. It does have an interesting spicy character but the Syrian detracts from it (not a huge Syrian fan). But do try it if this appeals to you. I doubt I'll be patient enough to age new tins for 25 years, even if I thought I'd survive that long! And a fresher tin just doesn't quite work for me, but perhaps it will for you.

I picked up the pipe again after a 35 year hiatus. So, this review is more for newbies. Being used to aromatics I was a little put off by the tin odor. It had a pungent, earthy almost woodsy smell. However, tin scent seldom transfers to smoke. When I lit up my initial reaction was YEOOOW! I was bowled over by a barrage of spices, predominately cloves. After about 3/4 through I put it down thinking maybe I could use it as a blender. I didn't like it. However, this is very much like a good single malt scotch. The next day it lured me back with the "try me again" siren song. So I loaded up a corn cob and it was the totally opposite experience. Much like the scotch, it slowly evolved as I smoked it. Still spicy but much more tolerable and down right pleasant. This will definitely be in my starting rotation. Since this is my first review I'll give it 3 stars but it could easily evolve to four. I'd recommend it for those aromatic fans who want to try something else.

This is good stuff! Dan341

I very much looked forward to smoking this blend, highly recommended to me by a local B&M, as I very much enjoy McClelland's Ashton Revival Old Dog. I figured that with Syrian Latakia and my favorite Oriental, Dubeck, I had to have an outstanding experience ahead. My results were mixed. Unlike Old Dog which did not have the sometimes overwhelming McClelland signature tin aroma, this blend reeked of it. While this is not a problem for many smokers, it is for me. Thankfully, as the tin slowly gave up its tinned moisture, this effect lessened to a tolerable amount. It has the classic, almost Scottish, flavor profile and possesses some long legs from the black cavendish. A solid smoke when savored slowly in a large billiard or pot. It would not be fair to complain that it did not contain as much Dubeck as I would have liked. After all, its formulation is what it is. Still, I would have liked more Dubeck for my personal tastes. Curiously it did not hit a higher rating than Old Dog with me. I expected it to do so. Perhaps that initial tin aroma (which does come through to the smoke for me, if not others) is my problem.

A blend well worth rebuying and smoking again.

Can't really say anything bad about this blend. It does start weak then builds in flavor,but not in "N", but it becomes muttled during the second half of the bowl. Not an "in your face Latakia blend" more balanced. From some of the other reviews, I would love to revisit "Three Oaks Syrian" to see if this is similar, I don't think this is as flavorful or as high "N". It does smoke very smooth and without hot spice or bite. This could be an all day smoke. I like, "Old Dog", from the Ashton series better, as I find it more interesting, a touch sweeter and at about the same strength. I rate this at 3 stars, but it could be 4 if you have to have "Syrian".

Updated 1/14/13- I've opened this tin 3 weeks ago and it has had a chance to dry and breath, What a difference. Smooth, tasty, Orientals shine with a slight fruity sourness from the Cavendish. Old Dog or this ,flip a coin, both great but for me it's Old Dog due to it's sweetness.

This is the blend that got me started on english blends. Everything else the guys at the pipe shop were smoking were strong english and the latakia smelled to me, as a newbie, like burning tires. The Ashton version of the blend was more delicate and smooth. No one else liked it, so I was given a free sampling tin. There is a reason that the Ashton version was not a top seller - too mild for most. But it was a good first english blend and had that certain Syrian component that sealed the deal for me.

I agree with Don1688, that the reincarnation from McClellands has a strong similarity to Three Oaks Syrian, primarily, because of the similar level of Syrian. I've cellared Three Oaks significantly. The cavendish component is very light, and hardly noticed until the second third of the bowl. The Syrian latakia is certainly the same used by Mr. Pease in his Renaissance.

It is not the old version, but I doubt I'd still like the old version. Three stars, only because I prefer Three Oaks Syrian.

Thank you McClellands for bringing these blends back to us.

I very much like this blend. If 3 Oaks Syrian was sold out for a period this one would fit the bill. I'm not saying they are identicle, but the Syrian leaf seems to be at/near the same proportions.

Very spicy flavor, if I needed to descibe in one word, I'd say "spicy". Easy to smoke and no tongue bite. I don't get much sweetness from the blend, but the Virginias are evident in the tin note. The Cavendish is also not really that noticable so don't let that make you believe this is a cased aromatic by any means.

I have since bought more for the cellar and will judge against 3 Oaks Syrian upon next tin opening.

3 and 1/2 stars and very much recommended!