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Post by bonanzadriver on Aug 17, 2017 23:05:29 GMT -5
I've always enjoyed a good balkan but tended to smoke more english blends overall.
That all changed when I popped the tin open an older tin of McClellands Syrian Full Balkan. Wow, this stuff is great.
Today I received my most recent shipment from P&C. One of the blends I picked up was McClelland No. 2030 No.1 Grade Balkan (one of their bulk blends).
All I can say is WOW! This stuff is a fantastic smoke. I know folks have mentioned the vinegary notes on this, but I'm not picking that up at all. Love the rich latakia & oriental smokeyness of it.
Very smooth flavorful smoke.
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Post by Darin on Aug 18, 2017 9:34:41 GMT -5
Balkans are a nice change of pace from my usual smokes but are preferred in the cooler months.
Here's a few that I keep around:
McC's Blue Mountain / Balkan Blue
PS Balkan Supreme (especially with a few years age)
Bill Bailey's Balkan Blend
HH Vintage Syrian
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Post by Deleted on Aug 18, 2017 9:50:02 GMT -5
I love Balkans and currently McClelland's Balkan Beauty is my favorite. (Note: For all I know, it could just be the tin version of the McC bulk that you mentioned. That's a possibility I guess.)
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Post by peteguy on Aug 18, 2017 11:30:13 GMT -5
Isn't there some rumor that the Syrian Lat McClelland had stored is no more?
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Post by Deleted on Aug 18, 2017 12:17:08 GMT -5
Isn't there some rumor that the Syrian Lat McClelland had stored is no more? Sadly, I think that's fact. Not sure it's a Balkan blend technically, but McConnell Oriental is sublime. Come to think of it, what would distinguish a "Balkan" from a blend like the McConnell's which is essentially an Oriental-forward English? Is that pretty much the definition? |
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Post by bonanzadriver on Aug 18, 2017 19:55:59 GMT -5
Isn't there some rumor that the Syrian Lat McClelland had stored is no more? That was precisely the reason I purchased it. Gotta tell ya, it is a FANTASTIC smoke.  |
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Post by Deleted on Aug 19, 2017 15:18:25 GMT -5
I thoroughly enjoy good Balkans. Pipeworks & Wilke #10 has become my favorite. A well rounded and balanced Balkan. So good. Blackhouse and 3 Oaks are also top notch. Superb.
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Post by Wolfman on Sept 5, 2017 8:15:28 GMT -5
Isn't there some rumor that the Syrian Lat McClelland had stored is no more? Sadly, I think that's fact. Not sure it's a Balkan blend technically, but McConnell Oriental is sublime. Come to think of it, what would distinguish a "Balkan" from a blend like the McConnell's which is essentially an Oriental-forward English? Is that pretty much the definition? You might want to read this article : glpease.com/BriarAndLeaf/?p=90 |
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Post by papipeguy on Sept 5, 2017 9:36:55 GMT -5
Great article, Sam.
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Post by peteguy on Sept 5, 2017 11:48:02 GMT -5
Interesting read. I can't say I agree or disagree since I know so little about blends with Latakia. I know a little more now!
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Post by trailboss on Sept 5, 2017 20:27:18 GMT -5
After that article, I have to question the use of the saying "Easy Peasey"!
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Post by Deleted on Sept 6, 2017 0:09:53 GMT -5
Sadly, I think that's fact. Not sure it's a Balkan blend technically, but McConnell Oriental is sublime. Come to think of it, what would distinguish a "Balkan" from a blend like the McConnell's which is essentially an Oriental-forward English? Is that pretty much the definition? You might want to read this article : glpease.com/BriarAndLeaf/?p=90Finally got my Quiet Nights in, which is the first GLPease toby to cross the threshold. If it's good enough for a guy named Sam who looks like Moe and is called Wolfman, what more do you need? |
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Post by simnettpratt on Sept 6, 2017 11:49:54 GMT -5
HH Vintage Syrian is one of the finest smokes I've ever had.
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Post by PhantomWolf on Sept 6, 2017 14:05:53 GMT -5
Can't wait to finish the mountain of open tins/pouches, so I can crack open my first can of Balkan Blue.
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Post by trailboss on Sept 6, 2017 14:25:18 GMT -5
HH Vintage Syrian is one of the finest smokes I've ever had. I ordered up a couple pounds when I heard that the hourglass was running dry on Syrian leaf....that is strill available at SP by the pound, probably not for long though. |
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Post by Deleted on Sept 6, 2017 21:01:18 GMT -5
What's not to like eh! Well I do like Balkans, only problem is most don't like me.
For some strange reason they trigger my cough mechanism, a throat tickle shall we say that makes me cough.
Really a PITA when you're trying to enjoy the flavors and relax.
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