McClelland Blue Mountain/Balkan Blue

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'!

Fantastic mixture with a solid ground of the glorious McClelland´s virginias,fine Latakia and some misterious orientals.Comparing with Black House,for me,is less bright but deeper.It´s a pleasure smoking both and enjoy the difference.Worth to try.Irregular cut,just a half hour of drying and ready for the pipe.

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.

Dark, medium ribbon cut. Moisture out of tin is ok, rather on the dry side. Smoking conditions are unsatisfying. Unusual choice of Orientals, which occasionally release acrid tastes. Scrumptious smoky/leathery Latakia, and rather faint Virginia supporting the mixture. Each of these three plays its intended role, not any dominates. All more or less harmonious, forming a low strength English Mixture. On the other hand it’s a kind of monochromatic, don’t look for complexity. I would enjoy having it considerably heavier, deeper, ampler, creamier, richer, fuller.

The producer says, it was an attempt to create a copy of the famous “Sobranie 759”. Back in time I smoked a lot of “759” and “Balkan Sobranie” and I don’t think they got close at all. Anyway, BALKAN BLUE remains a somewhat recommendable smoke, not among my favourites, though. I shall not buy any more. But - since it is really mild, you could use it as an all-purpose, all-day pipe filler with tolerable “exhausts”.

Back in the day, I smoked plenty of this & BS. I always liked the white tin better, but would buy 759 if I couldn't find one. Balkan Blue is better than what I remember 759 to be. It is somewhat monochromatic, not changing much, but with a full, smoky, tangy, woodsy aroma that I can't get enough of. It starts off Lat heavy, but sweet and a bit sharp at the same time. Quickly smooths out to a truly great smoke. I guess I just don't like burley or something; I'm giving BH 3 stars. This rates five in my book.

Everything is perfect in this product, even the tin layout / colour of the label choice. It immediately sets my mood to a more relaxed, calmed, prone to contemplation and mind-wandering attitude, just like this beautiful song does : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u--HbnMfpx8

The colour of the ribbon is a mélange of seducing, wonderful dark leaves. The tin-note is truly amazing : full, deep, fragrant, earthy, leathery, oily and a little spicy. A proper anticipation of its great taste. You may want to pack a medium-to-big sized bowl to enjoy it as it deserves…

The blue, violet smoke is gentle, creamy in the mouth. A nice sweetness arises from the Virginias since the first draws, alongside with a proper smokiness, spiciness and some lovely peaty notes typical of the Orientals.

Distinct taste evolution through the bowl, from a pronounced smokiness, earthiness of the first half, to a sweeter, rounder and creamier character of the second half.

I smoked just a tin of this blend, and I have great memories about it. It was a cold winter afternoon, and I was taking a stroll in an old birch forest nearby. Everything was covered in white snow, and the sun was about to set, the dusk creeping near. A clear limpid sky, the freezing cold air, and a pipeful of McClelland Blue Mountain. It was all so silent, all so peaceful…

Cheers Everyone, Brandr ODS

I have not had the original which inspired this (and many other) blends. Despite the efforts to recreate the original 759, I prefer reviewing it as a blend on its own.

I loved the BM. In the bag, I got a healthy earthy smell with a sweet undertone, maybe a roasted or caramelised flavour. The latakia was there but in the background.

Lighting this very dark tobacco was easy. The flavours were really nice; the smokiness from the Latakia was evident and combined well with the other components; giving you a leathery/old smoky taste with the sweetness playing around in your mouth. O, and yes, the oriental spiciness letting you know its there, not overpowering. Also a nice creamy taste as you progress through the bowl.

Just cracked open a three year old tin of this stuff, labeled "Blue Mountain Pipe Tobacco". It has probably been that long since I last tried it. What an excellent smoke. McClellands always uses the highest quality Virginia, with a perfect amount of Latakia in this blend. It has aged superbly but I can not speak as to how it is right out of the can today. I highly recommend cellaring a couple of tins at the very least.

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.