McClelland Ringlow - Syrian Reserve

The Levin Pipes International original was one of the finest English/Oriental blends ever to hit the market (IMO). I had heard that the late Barry Levin had searched the world for the finest Oriental leaf he could purchase, and was able to receive a small batch of exotic leaf to produce a limited production of this blend. Typical top quality Syrian along with Virginia leaf and Orientals will keep most pipe smokers happy.

This is a fine blend by McClelland. I’d put it in a group with Frog Morton tobaccos - smokable, tasty, inoffensive, and ultimately forgettable. As far as Syrian Latakia blends go, I’d rather smoke Three Oaks Syrian, Wilderness, or even Yenidje Highlander - all highlighting the fragrant, winey, sophisticated smoked tobacco in amazing ways.

I was happy to fill my pipe with Ringlow, but it was never a transcendent smile for me. But the thought of the precious Syrian Latakia being thrown into a “working day” blend was mildly depressing - and it always affected my enjoyment.

Ringlow Syrian is a bit of an odd duck. The paltry number of reviews here suggests that it hasn’t struck much of a chord with smokers since its re-release. Maybe others are as baffled as I’ve been with Ringlow. I haven’t really known what to make of Ringlow and I’m actually smoking from a tin first opened 5 years ago. I didn’t love it enough to stick with it when I first tried it, probably because it was purchased alongside a bunch of other re-released McClelland blends that were more immediately appealing.

I don’t think there’s anything wrong with Ringlow, but it hasn’t been marketed particularly well. Sure, there’s some Syrian Latakia in here alongside some other Orientals, but the more I smoke this, the more convinced I am that Ringlow is primarily a matured, stoved Virginia with some compelling seasoning.

In the tin, it’s mostly a ribbon-cut mix of black and brown leaf with some chunks of dark Virginia flake here and there. The star of the show here is the Virginia, which is reminiscent of what we find in something like Dark Star. It’s sweet, and loaded with fruit cake aromas of spiced plum, clove, and raisin. The Orientals serve as light seasoning for these Virginias, and that is the strength of Ringlow.

Sometimes when I smoke this, it seems to be all Virginia—mild, fruity, sweet—and I’m happy enough. Perhaps I’m just a little miffed at the word “Syrian” in the blend name. Other times the incense of the Syrian makes itself known and I’m very happy. It really works and conjures up plum pudding beside a cedar wood fire.

I’ve enjoyed finishing up this tin, but I have to admit that I don’t know if I want more of it. It’s probably a flaw in my own thinking, but Ringlow doesn’t fit very neatly into the categories around which my desires have been shaped. It has too much Latakia to satisfy when I want a straight Virginia and too little for when I want a big Latakia mixture.

I purchased this expecting a serious fix for my Latakia cravings. Instead, this blend is a much more subtle mix, that is primarily Virginia, where the Syrian Latakia acts as a condiment along with several Orientals. At first I was disappointed with Ringlow SR, but the more I smoked it, the more it grew on me. Not recommended for those seeking Latakia nirvana, but if you enjoy tangy Red Virginia and you would like a spicy change of pace once in a while, this could be your blend.