Rattray 7 Reserve

Appearance is a mix of light and medium brown ribbons. Tin smells of dried fruits with a light tartness. Tastes of dates, cedar, incense.

While I can not see this as a lighter Red Raparree, it is an excellent blend on its own. Lovely light sweetness and a frankincense and myrrh note. While I would rather have RR in my pipe, 7 Reserve is very nice indeed and I recommend it.

50g tin. As advertised, an all day mild Latakia mixture. The Orientals drive this blend with Virginia and Black Cavendish in the background. Also perfect for smokers who want to try a Latakia mixture for the first time, or for a change of pace. Too mild for me as I prefer fuller mixtures.

Virginia lover

The quality of the leaf raised my expectations, perhaps, a bit too high. I found this to be exceedingly hot and in no time was suffering from a bad case of tongue bite. Although I did not detect any sort of casing or flavoring I find it hard to believe that an all-natural blend would burn this hot. Given that this is such an old and respected blend I was tempted not to review it as I did not want to offend. That said, it is, after all, only my opinion.

okay, i must rewrite my review almost completely. i wrote the first one about two years ago when i had just started smoking englishes etc., and i had no idea how spicy and interesting they can (and, imo, should) really be. i found the oriental leaf in 7 reserve quite interesting, and that's what they'll probably be to most va or vaper smokers. alas, now that i've tried a lot more of what's available, i find it rather lacking in character and strength.

i'm sure it's a fine introduction to the realm of oriental tobaccos. it worked for me.

I must say up front that I do not have an "all day" tobacco. I can handle one tobacco for my first three bowls, which gets me through to lunch, and then feel the need for something different. That being said, 7 Reserve lives up to its tin description of being Red Rapparee's little brother.

If there is Latakia lurking hereabouts, it does a great job of hiding. A bit here and there, but not a dominant seasoning.

An Oriental-forward smoke, with a very solid Virginia base. Somewhat bitey at first, but only a brief nip. The Virginias are more light and toasty than rich and creamy, and play well with the Turks.

I like it, but it gets boring after three bowls and leaves me craving Latakia. And nicotine.

This stuff isn't too bad, Its a bit nippy on the tongue, Cannot detect much if any Latakia. Low octane Nicotine, moisture content seemed perfect for me, 2 lights , nice burn, tin aroma is fairly mild, not unpleasant, Room note is Ok, won't chase away your freinds, Price was right, won't break the bank, This would be great on a fishing trip or perhaps camping, Should go well with a nice Pilsner or Pale Ale. Probably won't buy it again, but a smoker can do alot worse

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

If you like VA/oriental blends you will like this one! But if you want a solid Virginia look nothing but HAL O THE WYND or of course FULL VIRGINIA FLAKE from S. Gawith. Good stuff but not good for me..

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