McClelland Blue Mountain/Balkan Blue

I found this to be a medium balkin that is slightly oriental forward. It may be a bit much as an all day smoke but smokeable at any time of day.

Just popped open a tin from 2012. Immediately reminded me of Frog on a Log, in both taste and appearance. Did not remind me much of Balkan Sobranie 759 (Black House did, however). As I've observed before McClelland does well with these relatively mild english blends, indeed they excel at them—the Frog Morton's, the Oaks, and many other blends seemingly share the same tree. I really like them. Now, if you require more nicotine (which I do not) then these blends may not satisfy (stick with a Dunhill blend or something similar). Thus far, I enjoy all the McClelland english blends. So, I heartily recommend this one..

Keep on Pipin'!

Definitely a delicious and complex Balkan blend. It includes all the aspects of what Balkan blends should deliver and melts them beautifully. It is smoother and sweeter than Black House but also a lot milder, which is not I prefer. I come to a conclusion that McClelland's English/Balkan blends somehow too mild in strength but manage in producing rich flavors.

Tin Note- Smokey! Dark cuts. Good moisture content. Packs nicely. Needed a few relights. Nice heavy puffs of blue grey smoke. Latakia sweetness. Medium smoke with no harshness. No bad after taste. Woodsy with slight spice taste. Campfire room notes. Really enjoyed this. Nice to save this one for end of day. I smoke this one 3-4 times a month. True winner.

So I aged the tins of BM a year- dated July 2012 30 months of mellowing has occurred. I must state upfront that I've never had 759, but I've never met a tobacco genre I didnt like, and so for me Legends would be my desert island Balkan (aged 4 years minimum -and yes, it would make a difference). So for me, that would be my 759...

Here the tin note is very ....Froggy, McCatsup included, appropriate in moisture and very well-behaved once lit. It's Legend-lite to me though, by that I mean it starts out tasting 'thin' but by bowls end is thick and rich enough-but still while lacking weight.

In comparison, Legends is heavy in voluminous smoke and thick creamy Balkan presence to the point that your always aware of it. Where with BM I have to look to see if smoke is heavy off my tongue, it billows outta me with Legends with only the slightest sip.

Speaking only for myself in this regard the density and concentration of the actual smoke itself adds as much to my enjoyment as the taste profile Smoke long enough and you too will find certain blends laborious to smoke through, deterring from the overall purpose of the entire venture.

It just seems like BM would be better served to be in the Craftsbury line, and I've smoked 4 of the good toads offerings so I have those as more appropriate comparisons.

Not denying it's value, just think Legends screams Balkan that once echoed becomes Blue Mountain. Try both for yourselves (aged) and you might agree....or not

A friend gave me almost a full tin. I have perhaps a bowl and half left from it. This was a latakia forward blend with a heavy, sweet Virginia foundation. You can easily identify the orientals in the flavor profile.

I have had #759, but but has been a really long time. My recollection was a slightly sharper taste, and I suspect this is due to the Virginia used. The blend had a somewhat creamy rich feel in the mouth, and that was a characteristic of #759 too. I think the original may have had a little more oriental in the signature, but my memory could be failing.

This blend was enjoyable and worth an occasional tin, but I am unlikely to keep any of this in the cellar.

Smooth operator! Latakia forward, but burns cool and smooth. Virginias and Orientals in more of a supporting role. They come out more on exhale and retrohale. Lit well, burned easy. Let it intentionally go out, mid-way. Re-light brought out the spiciness, which soon thereafter faded to the background. 3 stars.

This previous review is weak, from myself: "Decent blend. Didn't blow my socks off, and it wasn't horrible. Good English." I'm going to get another tin and give it a whirl again and post more detailed information.

Being a masterfuly balanced classic English mixture, I enjoyed this tobacco very much. The problem comes with the name. Those lucky enough to have tried the Blue Mountain Latakia leaf will find that the one in McClelland's homonym comes very short. Still, a great English mixture with Latakia in the lead.