Lane Limited Medal of Valor

I received this yesterday from P&C and I am presently smoking my third bowl of this very fine tobacco blend. This tobacco packed and lit easily straight from the fresh tin requiring no relights after the initial burn. The flavor upon lighting I found to be a very pleasant surprise. The smoke contains a smokey fruity sweetness with a subtle spicy accent. It didn't bite and left a pleasant taste on the palette upon completion. I like some Latakia every once and awhile and while this blend is lighter in this component than some others I have tasted this blend has enough to satisfy my taste for it. I highly recommend this blend as an anytime or all day smoke.

This is one of the finest English blends I've smoked (and I've smoked a lot) which was a huge surprise since I've never really thought much of Lane Limited tobaccos. I've not tried Medal of Honor but this one just tickles my fancy. It's a very well balanced blend with a subtle, sweetness and some sour (incense) notes. The Oriental tobaccos in it are some of the best I've tasted, which is a huge surprise, I actually prefer this to true English Latakia blends and given that this contains Burley, most people would not classify this as a "true" "English" blend, regardless of what genre this falls under, it's simply amazing. I've only had this one in bulk but it comes with a perfect moisture level and is ready to smoke from the get go. I can't really explain what makes this blend stand out from the sea of English/Balkan blends out there but there is something different about this one. My only complaint is I wish it had a little more nicotine but I'm a freak and I require a ridiculous amount the stuff but this one will suit most people's nicotine needs. This is one to buy by the pound! Absolutely essential!

Edit* 12-16-21 Unfortunately I believe this is no longer available in bulk or tin. Another great blend has gone away. RIP Medal of Valor.

After the enormous letdown of Crown Achievement, here is MOV with much the same makeup and heavy latakia presence. But somehow the combination works much better with this one. The orientals make more of an impact with their characteristic smooth, spiced sweetness. I can just barely pick out the perique, bringing dark, sweet bass notes, and it seems to ebb and flow throughout the smoke. Latakia is heavy and always up front. But I find I don't mind that so much because it works in great harmony with the other constituents. Now how is it Lane can bomb so hard with CA and turn around and make an enjoyable Lat-bomb from virtually the same components out of MOV?

It's well done, so I'm giving it 3 stars. It's just not enough of a mind-blower for me personally, but I think the quality and enjoyment are above a 2 on the rating scale. In truth, I'd probably never give a Lat-bomb a 4 star rating, because, for me, latakia will always remain a seasoning ingredient rather than a base tobacco. I recommend MOV. It's an interestingly heavier incarnation of an American english. And Lane proves they are still capable of creating a memorable oriental blend. After CA I had strong doubts! UPDATE: I have to raise this one a star. A little time has really worked on the blend, smoothing the rough edges and melding the component flavors together. I now plan to stock up on some of this. Well done Lane!

One of the best all day Latakia blends I've come across. It's a medium strength blend with just enough of all the components to work very well together. Lights easily and burns cool, with not even a hint of bite.