McCranie's Moorsgate

For some reason I completely missed the "aromatic" part in the description of this blend when ordering a sample. But I'll review objectively with this in mind. As described - a very light Balkan style blend. The Virginia takes a prominent place to start, accompanying the casing. Unfortunately the incense like odor and flavor dominates quite a bit for the first third of the bowl. To the degree I feel it actually detriments the tobacco. Underneath, and up front towards the half way point of the bowl, a light but musky oriental plays off slightly against darker latakia notes. My first smoke was in a meerschaum dedicated to oriental blends. That went over very poorly and I didn't even finish the bowl. My next attempt was in a clay tavern pipe that I occasionally use for aromatics. This brought out more of the tobacco flavor and harmonized the aromatic component. Like most flavored tobaccos it does well with some drying time. Once at a decent humidity, it is a big step up from drugstore blends yet "safe" for mixed company and a flavored smoke. Not bad for a cased aromatic. I'll finish the sample - but not engrossing enough that I'll likely go back to it soon.