McClelland Frog Morton on the Town

This is the first tinned tobacco I've tried in a long time -- relying instead on my talented tobacconists in the Tampa Florida area, both at Edward's and at Smoke 'n' Snuff. But I find myself benighted amid yokels in the Jackson area now, and have always had this tobacco on my list of "must try" so, when I saw it in the corner of a little shop here, I thought I'd give it a whirl. The experience of plucking it out of the tin, smelling the aroma as the vacuum packing pops a bit when you open it, is really delightful. I liked that as much as anything. The picture on the tin is cute, too -- reminds me of that Warner Brothers singing frog, "Hello m' baby, hello m' honey, hello ... brrrraaappp ...".

Anyway, I like this blend well enough. It's strong in Orientals, but there's a kind of hidden "dung" flavor to it that stymies me -- extra perique? But I thought perique was the hallmark of Frog Morton on the Bayou, not Town. I love a good heavily Balkan English blend, but this goes a bit further. And, contrary to some reviewers, I find the "room note" to be really difficult for many of my friends. (I of course revel in it! heehee) It has a type of "rancid" secret odor underneath it.

Actually, I hesitate to say "dungy" or "rancid" since those seem pejorative. I don't mean to be so negative -- I'm ranking this as a top, or close-to-top, preference. Maybe "gamey" or "pongy" would be a better word?

Anyway, I like it a lot, and will feel confident buying it when I find myself out of earshot of a responsible or experienced blender in person.

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Additional notes: I find the room note getting stronger each time I smoke this stuff, to the point of utter intolerability (except of course by me). So I'm increasing from "strong" to "very strong" on that vote.

This is a pretty decent mild english blend, better at least than the original FM. Its got a pleasant, slightly more than subtle sweet note to it. We know there's a topping as in all FM blends. Anyhow, the sweetness works very well in tandem with the smokey latakia. I don't really detect the orientals, but I don't have the most refined palate. It burns pretty well right out of the tin, but you'll have less heat and gurgle if you dry it a bit. I like it best in a cob or meerschaum. This would be a great starter blend for pipe newbies wanting to get into the world of English blends without experiencing most of the harsher aspects of said blends. I'll probably keep a tin of this in rotation, but it's not one I plan to stock the cellar with.

A lovely oriental forward balkin blend in an American rough cut. In addition to the excellent orientals used in this blend, it also contains a fair amount of smokey latakia. This gives the blend a wonderful balance. A strong tobacco for the experienced smoker. Cheers.

Mild tobacco, mild flavor of citrus and light smokiness. I did enjoy it however it was very light nicotine. I would definitely recommend this to someone new to pipe smoking as it is mild good start

I agree with DaddyWarbucks assessment: FMOTT is practically an aromatic, with a sweet, caramel-y taste. Very nice room note.

Where DaddyWarbucks and I differ, however, is our rating of this blend: This is not one of my favorite tobaccos. Too mild and aromatic for me, but I can see why so many smokers like it. No bite, stays lit, stays moist. If you like Britt's Balkan, you'll love FMOTT.

Basically, "beeftip"s review (02/20/2010) says it all. The Frog and me won't be friends. Way too sweet for a blend containing Latakia and Orientals, though the Basma is a nice addition. Greasy, goopy (it's an aged tin, yet the mixture is too damp) and OTC-ish. No comparison to *real* Englanders, not even Westmorland. Won't buy again, sorry McC. 2 of 5. Update: after a few months with some drying it is still sticky, but much much better. 3 of 5 stars, it really needs time (and the smoker, too).

This is the last of the Frogs I have had the pleasure to smoke. This one like all the others in the series lights and stays lit well, burns down to a fine ash at the bottom of the bowl. All the components come together nicely in this blend. Hurry and buy all four blends. Highly recommended.

Sweet and a bit dull at the start, but once the bowl progresses it gets pretty good. Theres a whole sweet,smoky thing going on here, but I keep comparing it to the original frog, and in my opinion it doesn't shape up. It's like the recipe is close, but a little off. The Basama seems to add a sortof orientalish taste, it's quite pleasant and not overdone.

A bit light on the nicotine and for some reason I can only get it to smoke consistently well in one pipe (meer lined). I did enjoy this tin, and recommend it to anyone who is considering it, however I won't be buying more, I like original frog too much.

A really nice smoke, have a few 100g tins...really love all the Frogs, if you haven't tried them you are missing out...GET SOME!