McClelland GKCPC Nocturne

Mostly black sorta ribbons but more of a clumpy cut. Came wet in the tin and was in serious need of drying, but dried out fairly quickly with just some air time. A bit difficult to load because of the clumps but not too big of a problem. Tin nose was of smoke and a bit of McClellands matured Virginia tang.

Taste wise, this was on the mild side of "mild-to-medium" and rewards the patient smoker. The dark stoved Virginias were in the background to start, with the latakia and orientals taking center stage. Around midbowl, the Virginias took over with the condiments accenting. A nice crisp spiciness was present throughout and played well with the deep tanginess of the stoved VA and this had a noticeable complexity that wasn't overreaching. Smooth and well balanced are good descriptors and it took some attention to get a handle on all the flavors which ranged from a creamed coffee to dark fruit (figs perhaps) with some mild smokiness. I enjoyed this but I prefer blends that are either more flavorful or just richer and fuller of body. This was a bit light for my tastebuds. Not many McClellands latakia blends in my rotation and this doesn't come close to replacing my favored Syrian Full and Super but it's a worthy blend that absolutely won't bite and delivers a nice relaxed but tasty smoke.

Another of my tobacco blends I managed to hold a while before opening. Age definitely allowed this to mellow compared to a tin I smoked when first purchased. The latakia definitely mellowed out as did the Orientals. Even after all this time the tobacco was difficult to keep lit without some drying time. Not a lot but did benefit from some. I assume due to age I found this a little smoother and mellower than some of the English blends I have smoked. I must admit I like Margate a little better than this. Not a lot, but if I could only have one it would be Margate. Guess that is a p!us seeing how this is no longer in production.

Smells and tastes like leather. That's a good thing.