McClelland British Woods

Every time my dear friend comes over and says try this I always end up pilfering a few bowls for later consumption. This is in my opinion McC's 2nd best blend. The best being the discontinued "OLD DOG". This is truly a wonderful and rich crossover English blend( I consider all McC blends to be crossover when they contain Latakia).It is Zesty and sweet all at once. If FMOT is a high school diploma,tis is your Phd. Read Embee's review for all my sentiments.

Another terrific smoke ! Highly Recommended if one likes English - Balkan blends. It is refined, complex and very delicious. Others have described the nature of this blend quite well. I find it to be very similar, in fact, near identical to Odessey. The Latakia is perfect and hums cooly in the background and the Orientals and Stoved Virginia balance is so complex one could lose themselves in the enjoyment.

Cheers, VC

I find myself becoming more and more of a McClelland fan. And British Woods only reinforces this.

This is a full, rich mixture that's well-balanced and utterly satisfying. The Macedonian leaf adds a great dimension.

BW smokes easy, and cool. A wonderful evening relaxation smoke.

This is a good one! British Woods has the customary McClelland tin aroma of vinegar and spices, likened to ketchup, Heinz 57 sauce or salad dressing by some; I don't find it unpleasant, though it has little relationship to the flavor or aroma of the tobacco when smoked. A pipeful of British Woods is silky smooth from start to finish, rich and creamy with a unique flavor and aroma. Its fragrance has been said to resemble incense, which is not inaccurate; it puts me in mind somewhat of autumn leaves and distant fireplace smoke too. The smoke is luxuriously dense, almost chewable. It stays lit quite well, and doesn't bite. British Woods is an ideal, relaxing late-evening smoke, one to be slowly savored, perfect for the day's last pipe.

McClelland's British Woods (odd analogy though it may seem) is like the London Eye (or any American Ferris wheel). It looks like a grand time from the walk, but once you are on the thing it is just a giant wheel going slowly 'round and 'round. There is a moment, though, just before the ride is over, when you say to yourself: "This isn't so bad mate, it is relaxing, and crickey--look at the view!" Of the three tobaccos that I keep regularly and smoke, two are McClelland-made. You can understand my disappointment that this stuff was not more like, well, a rollercoaster. Usually I can tell if I like a tobacco from the first bowl. British Woods took me until the fourth bowl to conclude that it is not so bad. It smells good in the tin and it looks great too (bold and black with dashes of sunlight), but the taste falls flat and any nuance in the taste was found in the last quarter of the bowl only. I may try this again over the summer, but right now it leaves me chillier than a Devon moor in winter.

This blend was a true discovery. I am acquainted with the other McClelland blends and I must say this one is one of the best. The leaves are a bit hard to pack but that makes for a loghter smoke than your Frog morton for instance. The oriental leaves, especially latakia, are the predominant flavors you will enjoy throughout. The Virginia is hardly noticeble but that is hardly a flaw. This tobacco smokes mildly throughout and there is no risk of a burned tongue. The blue smoke has a full and earthy aroma; definitively one of the best tobaccos to make smoke rings in a peaceful afternoon of smoking. Surprisingly, even at mid-bowl this tobacco does not smoke wet and preserves its light but full characteristic. A more specific description of the composition of the blend on the tin would have been helpful. I'd love to know if there is any perique or Basma in here. It is however definitively a good candidate for a full all-day smoke, although perhaps a bit too flavorful for beginners.

Ahhhh British Woods! My go to blend! It should be called "Old Reliable" It's A very tasty smoke that I find extremely well rounded. This is one I take with me no matter where I go. I always keep at least 6 tins aging in the cellar. You can't be disappointed with this fantastic blend!!

McC's British Woods and Bufflehead's "Barrow's Goldeneye" remind me of each other even though they are different tastes. Both are tasty, both need to be smoked with some care to avoid bite and burning problems, both are Fun smokes for the times when the "something else" one wants needs to be well-bodied and tasty. British Woods isn't as well-behaved as B's Goldeneye but it's still a nice "occassional" tobacco that any English/Oriental fan ought to try. I agree with those that dispute the labels "dark" or "heavy" for British Woods. "Fuller", yes, "richer", yes, but not "dark or "heavy". A single tin lasts me a long time but I never seem to be without one because once in a while, British Woods simply hits the spot with style. Can easily give it three stars.

Tiger

This is a well made, high quality, tasty, boring English.

Good, but not a bell-ringer. A very cool and sweet smoke.

I'm glad I tried it, but I'd rather have something else.