Robert McConnell Original Oriental

Robert McConnell
Original Oriental

Blend notes: “The Oriental Mixture has been part of Robert McConnell's range since the beginning of the 19th century, making it one of the company's oldest products. It consists mostly of Cypriot, Turkish and Eastern Mediterranean bright tobaccos, which are blended together with bright leaf from Carolina and Red Old Belt from Virginia over a whole week. Carolina Black Cavendish is then added, resulting in a balanced, medium strength blend that will delight friends of expressive pipe tobacco in particular.”

This delightful blend lights easily and immediately impresses with a slightly charred yet sweet Latakia entrance. Here there is, in addition to the Latakia, Black Cavendish, Oriental/Turkish, and Virginia leaf.

The Oriental/Turkish provides mild spice and that wonderful floral note; the Oriental element is very clearly in charge here, but its not sour. The Virginia takes a back seat and adds a grassy, balancing counterpoint. The Cavendish fills in the gaps.

I always have a soft spot for Oriental-forward blends, and this one is a serious winner. The overall flavor profile is mild — in this case, that is good. The Latakia is present with that sweet char but does not overwhelm. The Virginia is present with the grass and a bit of hay but does not yell for attention. The Cavendish is … there someplace. Not prominent. Thus, an integrated Oriental-forward blend that works well.

McConnell’s Oriental is of the same strength level as Father Dempsey, Magnum Opus, KIng’s Fool, Westminster, HH Latakia Flake, Thomas’ Blend, Presbyterian Mixture, Black House or Plum Pudding Special Reserve.

4 out of 4 stars.

A great tobacco for me to start the day. Certainly better in my opinion, them EMP, that I also like. Its easy to fill and light, requires little attention and the herbal, sour orientals just shine. Like smoking a herbal tea. The Latakia is there in the background, but it gives a solid body and a little muscle. I noticed a change in the taste after smoking the first half of the bowl. It becomes sweeter. I think it is due to de black cavendish. It comes out of its cave to give more toastiness and unflavored sweetness.
Superb blend. Can only recommend. 4 stars!

A complex tobacco, full of nuances. No pipe is identical to another. Almost total prevalence of soft, silky, and spicy Orientals. Delicious. They are the best Orientals I've smoked alongside SG's Skiff. Accompanied by a Virginia that slightly reinforces the nicotine and balances the tobacco well. Latakia remains in a third plane, noticeable at the start, rounding out the exotic flavor, although it ends up hidden by the high proportion of Oriental tobacco. My container claims it also contains some Perique. I believe so. At times, I noticed a slightly more vinegary and spicy note on the nose. I'm unsure if it's Perique or some fuller-bodied Oriental notes. If it contains Perique, it's very subtle, barely perceptible. It's accompanied by a sweet black Cavendish without flavoring. This blend makes the tobacco enjoyable, rich, and smooth for an all-day smoke. I prefer it much more than Dunhill's Early Morning. It's one of my favorite tobaccos, truly delightful. The last third is incredible, intensifying the spiciness, and the retro-nasal experience is highly pleasurable. An explosion of a thousand spices that will make you feel like you're traveling straight to Shambhala. A wonder of wonders. A tobacco masterpiece!

Comes across as almost identical to Peterson's 965, although it apparently predates it by another century according to the tin description, which is fairly impressive. It's so similar that I would even say that if you have one you don't need the other. 965 seems to have a tiny amount more latakia and slightly less oriental, but the difference is minuscule at best.

The tin note was surprisingly fruity with the Latakia clearly noticeable. However the orientals don't come through half as much as I expected given the blend's name and tin note. It is by far a Latakia blend with Oriental support and the Cavendish sweetness. I assume the "Oriental" in the name doesn't mean to insinuate a blend strong on the specific Oriental leaf but generally leaves from the Orient (which includes Latakia).

I had the pleasure of trying this excellent Orient/Balkan pipe tobacco blend, and I must say, it's an absolute delight! This blend is a true masterpiece for tobacco enthusiasts. Probably my favorite Robert McConnell so far.

The aroma is simply heavenly, with rich, smoky notes that instantly transport you to a cozy fireside setting.
The ribbon cut of the tobacco is perfect, making it easy to pack and light, ensuring a smooth and even burn. The flavor profile is incredibly complex, with a harmonious blend of Oriental and Balkan tobaccos with Latakia that dance on your palate.
It offers a mild yet satisfying smoke, making it perfect for both beginners and seasoned pipe smokers. Blend is impeccably balanced, with just the right amount of sweetness, spice, and smokiness.
The room note is pleasant and inviting, leaving a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
It's a tobacco blend that can be enjoyed any time of day, making it a versatile choice.
The tobacco arrives perfectly moisture-controlled, eliminating the need for extensive drying or rehydration, maybe after first opening, dry for 20-30 minutes the first two or three bowls.... it never dries out because it does not last long in my rotation!
The blend's consistency from tin to tin is impressive, ensuring a reliable and enjoyable experience every time.

Above all, this blend is a testament to the craftsmanship and dedication of the tobacco artisans who created it, making it a true gem in the world of pipe tobacco.

In conclusion, if you're searching for a pipe tobacco blend that exudes elegance, flavor, and quality, you will found it with this blend. It's a tobacco that will undoubtedly become a cherished staple in your collection, and I wholeheartedly recommend it to fellow pipe enthusiasts. Enjoy the rich tapestry of flavors and aromas that this blend offers – you won't be disappointed!

A smooth, rich blend, with latakia seasoning lightly applied, allowing for the dominance of the orientals, giving it a spicy, lightly incense, classic Presbyterian touch. Perfect for those who like latakia but not as a predominant ingredient but as a condiment. Here the Orientals are the ones who set the tone, making themselves felt with each puff. It reminds me of mixtures like the aforementioned Presbyterian or even Stratfordshire, although it is possible that Robert McConell's has more of the oriental ingredient than those already mentioned, as its name indicates. It is slightly humid, so a long stay could make a can of 100 gr. it may dry out.

my go to everyday blend. not overwhelming in any waybut not boring at all. since it always comes a little bit dry in the tin and it already has a good price anyway - it is everyday blend in afordable sense as well (at least in europe). i prefer to smoke it a little bit dryer than most other blends and would recomend trying to smoke it as it comes in the tin or even dryer. i can see why it has stood the test of time for so long.

Virginia is the baseline, additional comes oriental, which calls the tune. They complement one another and appear well balanced. Latakia is far in the background, appears with very discreet smoky notes. Perique ist not to dedect, at least for me. Overall i do like this tobacco, it appears not to strong with some very interessting taste variations, but there are some better tobaccos in the market, so i give it a three. For sure this wasn't the last smoke of this attractiv blend.

I enjoyed the oriental aspects -- a hint of sweet burning leaves of Autumn -- as you'd expect of a blend of this name -- but not the rest. It wasn't bad (packed well, needed little drying) but I'm spoiled by Balkans and Orientals I like a lot more (Peretti 40, McClelland Balkan Beauty).

I also admit to a bias against "Cavendish" which is almost totally undefined (a steamed processed leaf, but the type of leaf varies). I also generally avoid Perique. Maybe smokers without those biases like this better.