McClelland British Woods

This one seems to have a lot of reviewing activity recently. Must be the season (autumn).

This is for those that like a little bit of oriental with their latakia. This is a heavily pungent full English mixture that smells sweet in the tin and tastes both sweet and smoky in the bowl. A mostly all black tobacco with a few strands of chocolate brown matured virginia, said virginia doesn't seem to play a role I can discern in this one unless it's simply to tone it down a hair. The taste of BW is robust, yet sweet and mellow. Latakia predominates, with the various orientals peeking through the haze from time to time - a refined and occasionally elegant flavor. Somehow this doesn't beat the smoker about the head with latakia, however, and I'm not sure how they did that (perhaps the inclusion of matured red VA).

If you love latakia but prefer not to be overwhelmed by it, give this one a try.

A Latakia forward English supported by some sweet Virginias and the barest presence of fragrant, sour Orientals. There is enough Lat here for it to be into Lat bomb territory, but this far from monochramatic, having a great depth of flavour and a full cross palate flavour.

It is smoky, earthy, with pepper notes and an ever present sweet champagne like sparkle.

This is a classic. Too rich I think for everyday, but for those special moments.

I am, at present, a big fan of all things Latakia. On one hand, that might skew my opinions unfairly in favor of Latakia-forward blends; on the other, it might also give me a fair basis for comparison when I break them down. Maybe it's entirely irrelevant, but at least it's out there.

That said, I find this to be a fantastic blend. The tin aroma is leathery and smoky as one would expect from a Latakia/Oriental, with just a hint of the familiar ketchup/barbeque twang that we typically get from the fine folks at McClelland. The cut is a chunky, uneven ribbon that is a combination of quite black and rather dark brown leaf, and the moisture fresh from the tin seems maybe just a bit high.

With the moisture in mind, I was skeptical as to lighting the bowl and keeping it lit. I think the uneven consistency of the cut and the moisture may have contributed to a bit of difficulty getting it fired up, but after only a few extra matches it was off an running. Bowl after bowl has been the same, although once the puffing gets started I haven't noticed that BW has required any more (or fewer) relights or maintenance than any other ribbon cut blend.

As to the smoke - absolutely fantastic. The smoke is heavy in the mouth, but in a silky, creamy sort of way. Plenty of body, but very, very smooth. The tin description of "slow-burning and cool-smoking" is an absolute bullseye. Bowl after bowl I've managed to puff away without having to consciously concern myself with pace or the temperature of the smoke. It routinely takes me considerably more time to smoke a bowlful of BM that it does other ribbon-cut Latakia blends (in the same pipe), which is generally a good thing.

The taste itself is excellent, though not surprising. This is a Latakia-forward blend at first puff, and that never really changes. Some blends are enjoyable because of the ways they change throughout the bowl as different aspects move forward then step back. Others are enjoyable because they deliver the same, consistently delicious taste throughout the smoke and from bowl to bowl. BM, in my opinion, is among the latter. It is, simply put, exactly what I would expect a Latakia blend to be. Smoky, leathery, with a certain amount of creamy sweetness. Any additional Orientals are somewhat recognizable, but are certainly dominated by the Latakia, and if they are intended to lend any nuance to the overall experience, they fall short. Personally, I can't pick up any VA in the taste, so I'm assuming it's included to help with the base and body of the blend (not a bad thing).

I think that those who are looking for pronounced Latakia, a cool smoke, and a great overall smoke are going to be inclined to love this blend. On the other hand, anyone reading looking at the Oriental and VA on the label hoping that this would be a blend that complex and evolves throughout the bowl will likely be left wanting.

This is a very good straightforward English Blend with great mellowness and nice flavor. I found that, from charring light to finish, it was cool, smooth and easy to smoke with absolutely No Bite even when pushed. Upon opening the tin it seemed a bit moist so I let the tin stand open for about 4 hours before I gave it a try.

British Woods would be a really good all-day smoke or one to turn to when you need to focus on other things and still enjoy a nice balanced English Blend. Personally, I tend to like the more complex blends that have variations coming and going as I work my way through the bowl. That being said I must give this blend 3 out of 4. If smoothness and coolness is what you are looking for … you will find it here and you will call it a 4.

Happy Smoke Trails! FP Stew

This Christmas I gave myself the present of purchasing tobaccos that I have had my eye on for some time: Country Doctor, Rennaissance, and British Woods (which is the blend I am reviewing here).

There are absolutely no tobacconists within 200 miles from me so the internet, and this website in particular, have been a tremendous aid to my learning experience. Alas there is still no good substitute for a knowledgable tobacconist. Therefore, being new to the gentle art of pipe smoking, please forgive my extremely inexperienced descriptors and haphazard approach to reviewing.

My first attempt with British Woods was not very satisfactory, and I attribute it to poor packing and power puffing. This really made for a hot and wet smoke. No fun.

My second attempt was 100% better. I took a helping of tobacco out of the tin to let it dry out some. It is -15 F outside and the air in the house is dryer than a bone. It took no time at all to reduce the moisture content in the tobacco. This greatly aided in an easier time packing and lighting. Because the tobacco held the fire better, I could also relax and not puff like a hyperventilating dragon, and all stayed dry to the bottom of the bowl.

British Woods starts off mild, but that's OK. If I wanted an eye opener I would do like my grandmother used to do and knock back a jigger of Jim Beam (purely for medicinal purposes). The first third of the bowl reminds me of incense that is used in church. It is very faint and subtle and definitely present, but never becomes overbearing. It immediatley put me in relaxation mode.

After the first third of the bowl and approaching the halfway mark, there is a noticable taste and aroma of fresh sawdust. This is not a negative. It reminded me of when my Dad used to get fresh lumber for home projects and after all morning of cutting the wood the air was permeated with an earthy and sweet aroma.

During the last half to third of the bowl the taste became increasingly spicey, but not zesty. Think of sweet curry as opposed to hot curry. The crescendo of spice continued all the way to the bottom of the bowl. I wonder if a churchwarden would enhance the taste even more? (I don't know, but if any of you do please let me know.)

Everything about this tobacco was warm and comforting. Very relaxing. While it is not an aromatic, my wife didn't object to it in the house. I can easily see this tobacco enhancing a beautiful autumn day spent outside.

Some smokes stick to your clothes and skin and make you smell like a stale grandpa, but the lingering odor of British Woods on my person is a very pleasant reminder of a good time spent enjoying a simple pleasure.

UPDATE 10/31/04. As I gain experience in this art of pipesmoking, I notice my perceptions are gradually changing. I stopped smoking British Woods at the begining of spring (I ran out plus it seemed it tasted better in colder weather). Now that I have begun smoking it again this fall I notice British Woods is not as full as I remember. It is still very good and of very high quality. It will always have a place in my cabinet, but it seems a bit milder. In some ways this is good (I will smoke more of it!). Medium is a good descriptor.

The nicotine kick is definitely small (markedly less than Old Gowrie). This, for me, can easily make it an all day smoke.

British Woods is a pleasantly cultivated English-Oriental tobacco blend. A truly woodsy, cool weathered, medium mixture companion.

The tin aroma is wonderful, and only improves with age. A slightly choclately sweet, earthy/smoky aroma characterizes this refined blend. British Woods is composed of Virginia, Oriental, Latakia, and Macedonian tobaccos. This mixture of tobaccos yields a dark color of lavender/brown interspersed with small cuts of orange. A very slight topping is added if any.

This blend has a slightly rough ribbon cut and requires no rubbing. Packing of this blend is accomplished without any inconveniences. The initial moisture is on the high end but an hour or two of drying will place this tobacco within the ideal moisture level. Removing the excess moisture of this blend is essential for an optimal smoke.

Lighting occurs fairly easily and the burning is consistent and quite complete. A lovely full white and very much tangible smoke is produced by this blend. Being a more full Latakia blend, the room note of this tobacco is certainly not an aromatic, as one would expect, yet it is by no means offensive.

A very harmonious English taste dominates this tobacco. In no manner does it ever seem harsh. Although being comprised of a great deal of Latakia tobacco, British Woods is never over bearing, but rather has a well-proportioned smoothness. About half way through the smoke, a slightly spicy, medium strength taste announces itself. Hardly any tongue bite occurs during the smoking of this blend.

British Woods? silky smooth balance of sweetness, spice, and smokiness is worth great praise. This tobacco blend is certainly an autumn day?s true counterpart. British Woods would probably benefit greatly from some aging. Recommended highly.

Wow! This tobacco is a wonderful treat! I'm surprised you don't hear about this blend alot. From toasting light to grey/white ash this tobacco gives you a wonderful creamy woodsy tone, little bit spicy on the first quarter mixed with the creamy woodsy tone. Last 3/4 is less spicy. I decided to try this because I'm on a mcclellan kick atm. I'm big into Frog Morton series and I picked up a few other blends that I had never heard of. This is a tobacco that can be enjoyed all day. Weather you are new to engl blends or an English pro. This will definitely be in my rotation often.

This is from my tobacco log that I started in 1985 when I first started pipe smoking and I wanted to keep a history of what I liked and disliked..This if from 2001 when I decided to start expanding my horizons and try things new and not just stay with aromatics and Frog Morton. I have found that feelings on this tobacco have not changed and maybe I have become more fond of this blend.

This was another gift from Dick my tobacconist and I must say it is a keeper! At first I was going to dump out my pipe after I lit it because of that damn ketchup thing I tasted. Fortunately I was driving and couldn't empty my pipe right away and boy am I glad I didn't! The condiment taste soon left and smokey goodness came to the rescue! It was not a harsh smoke but a smokiness one would find on the first cool day and the neighbor just started a fire in the fireplace. This was the first time I knowingly smoked a non aromatic blend with Virginia tobacco and enjoyed it. I have been very put off from smoking a straight VA flake and the what I consider the terrible mouth burn and ketchup taste that I stayed away from any tobacco with VA except for Frog Morton. This is a great tobacco and one I plan on buying once this gifted tin is gone!

Well this stuff didn't waste any time in bumping Westminster off the shelf! By the way Westminster grabbed hold of my GLP Blackpoint on the way down! This is (to my taste) a great mid-day blend and better suited to a larger bowl which in this hovel happens to be my top of the (house-hold)line Poul Winslow Crown 300. Truth be told I'm still not getting this famous "ketchup" out of the tin, and while on the subject; the "tin" part of the equation is this blends weakest part. In all other aspects McLBW is a keeper. PS: My better half (much, much better) walked in mid-pipe and announced that the room smelled like it had it's own fireplace in it! (no small accomplishment for an English blend).