Rattray 7 Reserve

I just sampled a bowl of this blend that I've had sitting around in a mason jar for quite some time... Its an interesting taste... The aroma and taste is similar to that of McClellend 5100 Red Cake... I couldn't determine if this was an aromatic blend or not... I don't think it is... Over all I thought it was pretty good...

This tobacco is much nicer than Red Rapparee, though it misses the strength. But it has the flavour of Oriental and a touch of Perique, both of which I like very much. You do not get the Latakia blast as you do from 965, Paul Olsen's Blue Queen, and similar mixtures, but the Latakia is there. The Virginias may seem a little bit too sweet, but still pleasant. A good tobacco for the next steps of the beginner in the Mixutre Fields. Bumbum.

Tin Aroma: Very light, almost non-existant. Almost a metallic sort of tinge to it. This is, as advertised, a medium strength English blend. Nothing outstanding about it, but nothing conspicuously missing either. There is a hint of spiciness here, just to keep it interesting. Not out in front spiciness, just a little bit of tickle the nose spicy. Definately a blend that one could smoke all day without a problem. I have been searching for a few blends such as this recently, and am glad to have found something from Rattray's that fits the bill, as I quite enjoy most of their offerings. This is perhaps the least 'interesting' of their blends, and that itself is what is interesting about it. whereas other of their blends have one standout quality overall, 7 Reserve is so well-balanced that it becomes hard to pick out any one thing about to focus your attention (or review) on. No overtone flavors of chocolate or dates or raisins, no spicy perique madness, just an english tobacco, like a mellow friend that you can just share space with, conversation not necessary.

I have never seen Rattray's tobacco before my trip to Roma. when I saw the tobacco; I bought three tins of Rattray's: 1. Black Mallory, 2. Highland Targe and 3. 7 Reserve. 7 Reserve is well balanced English mixture so Latakia is not too much. I enjoy this blend after morning coffee 'till the evening liquor.

recomended for english mixture lovers.

This tobacco is wonderful as a mixer! If you've an English blend that you're looking to add an Oriental zip to, look no further. Several reviewers have said that this is a mild/medium Oriental "forward" blend and that's just what it is. Orientals make this blend savory. While on it's own I find 7 Reserve too mild, as a blending tobacco it's excellent.

Found it in my storage, almost forgotten after years. Typical English blend smell after pop the 100-gram tin, easy to pack & light. I used to light with a small flame at bowl center instead of a full burning, after a while of pleasant a Va starter, Latakia rich smoke joined in, made it stronger & hotter. It's in general dry & flat, not complex as Dunhill mixtures, easy all day puffing for Mild English fans.

As mentioned by other reviewers, this blend is not a Latakia powerhouse. Instead, it is a fine mixture with its principle emphasis on Virginia and the Lat used as seasoning. I find this works best in a larger bowl.

Govern yourself accordingly!

SmokeKing David

I think that this tobacco has a perfect balance between orientals and virginias,very easy to smoke and it can be smoked all day long. from my point of wiew it's one of the best rattrays tobaccos. Smoke is cool and tasty

This is a classic English tobacco, full and smoky, yet smooth, with no harsh acidic aftertastes. If straight, unflavoured tobaccos are your thing, this could indeed be an all day smoke for you.