McCranie's Highland Mixture

McClelland's produces the private McCranie line of tobaccos. I think they used the bottom of their 2030 barrel to scrape together this one. Lot's of really junky looking leaf and stems.

It is powerful in the nicotine department, which is unusual for a Balkan style. I think the Carolina leaf is what gives the strength to this blend. The Orientals are dealt with lightly and the Latakia certainly is a presence.

It lights and stays lit well, presenting nothing but ash and crispy stems once the leaft has been consumed.

Not bad...... But, not a brilliantly put together gem either.

The Virginias have the typical McClelland characteristics of tangy “vinegar” notes, and though I pick up a little citrus and some grassiness, they aren’t doing that much for the product. The Orientals are smoky and woody with a sour note and some spice, and at times, is the star. The Cyprian latakia is smokey, woodsy sweet, and can lead at times. I notice some inconsistency of taste at times, and the Orientals seem to show up more in the latter half of the smoke. Has a mild nic-hit and won't bite. Burns at a reasonable pace and fairly cool, but the sourness seems more obvious near the finish. Leaves a little moisture in the bowl, and needs a few relights. Can be an all day smoke. Btw, this is McClelland #2030.

-JimInks

Not bad not great. If there isn’t a licorice/anise topping I am an insane person. A little sweet, a little sour, a little smoky. There are a lot of other English blends on the market that do what this blend is doing only better such as Bengal Slices. All in all not a bad blend but definitely not amazing. It is almost a root beer flavor which is not altogether unpleasant.

Of the three McCranie Highland mixture was what I liked the most. Very oriental forward English. But the latakia was strong in the background. I believe there is some Virginia in it as well. Most of my English latakia and oriental blends come from LJ Peretti. Nice to see what others have to offer.

This is a very nice tobacco. Medium-bodied, with medium taste, no bite and finishes well on the palate. Whenever I enjoy this around other people I get compliments about how "good" it smells. It does have the typical McClelland "ketchup" pre-light aroma, but it's quite different post-light. It's been compared to Frog Morton Cellar and I would give it a nod in that direction with the exception of not having the whiskey flavor, but it does have an unidentified flavor (possible casing) or naturally from the tobaccos. I also find it to get better with each bowl I enjoy over time.

This is McClelland #2030 as pmonroeb stated. Haven't smoked this in some time, but I remember it as being adequate as a classic style medium grade Balkan, just nothing very exceptional. It is a rich blend and was rather tasty, but I don't see it as being "a must for the seasoned smoker." Good bulk pricing for the cost-concious, but there are other blends in this vein one may like better @ comparable pricing. This one just doesn't work for me.

This could well be McClelland's #2030. This is an adequate medium Balkan, but if you are looking for a Balkan, there are better choices. Like 5030, there were quite a few stems and pieces in my sample.

Not bad, but not the top of the heap.