McLelland Orientals?

[Golden Child]

In a recent purchase I threw some Oriental mixtures #1 and #14 in my cart on a whim.

What do you guys feel about them? I have not even opened the tin yet, just curious.

Specifically, I'm wondering if these are pretty indicative of Oriental mixtures, in a general sense, as I've never tried anything specifically labelled as "Oriental" blend.

If they are, cool. If not, how might they differ from the 'norm'? I'm curious because If I enjoy them, I may want to try some other orientals and wanted to know how these fit in a sort of baseline comparison.

Thanks.

 

[Blade Boy]

Orientals can ranged from sweet to spicy to sour and more, it depends on the type of oriental leaf used and the processing method for the blend, #14 for example is on the fuller darker end of the spectrum, I have not had #1 so I can't say there, a great one with a sour side is Rattray's Red Rapperee, a sweet and mild one would be Smyrna No.1, A very sweet Balkan would be #2030 No.1 Grade Balkan, Black Sea Sokhoum is a dark oriental with a sweet side.

 

[syngent]

Where does grand oriental samsun rate? I've been keeping my eye on it in my cart for a while now

 

[Golden Child]

Thanks, Blade Boy. I hadn't realized there was that big a range within the Oriental category.

Looking forward to exploring the oriental blends!

 

[Headcharge]

I enjoy #14 but have not tried any other of there orientals.

 

[Blade Boy]

Where does grand oriental samsun rate? I've been keeping my eye on it in my cart for a while now

I haven't tried that one but have heard a lot of people praising it, I will be trying it down the road.

 

[Vlad]

I've got a couple of them, but haven't popped the top. I will report in soon.

 

[puros_bran]

'Oriental' is a catch all for a very wide variety of leaf. All kinds of flavors from the light ismar up to latakia fall into the category.
MaC's. Numbered oriental and even the Grand line have always seemed Virginia forward to me. Which is ok considering orientals are technically condiment leaf and its hard to beat McC Virginia.

 

[Uncle Jackie]

Personally, I think they are great. Hard to decide which is my favourite of them all.