2010 Three Oaks Syrian

[captainsousie]

I am not much for giving tobacco reviews but man, this is quite the experience. This tin came in an eBay lot with some other tobaccos dated 2007-2009. I have had a few McC English blends and they were good but not spectacular so my hopes were not high. Upon opening it, there was no McC "standard" note but instead there was a smoky, slightly musty and sweet smell that was about as close to perfect as I could ask. It was ready to go right from the tin so I loaded up my Tinsky morta and gave it a whirl. I honestly don't think I'll be able to get the full effect from just this one tin. I don't have the palate or the poetic bent to fully explain it but the whole woodsy, smoky, leathery thing applies. The lat flavor was subtle but present the whole way through the bowl and the orientals were well balanced but the VAs actually got to play too. There was no bite either. Here's my recommendation. Buy a dozen tins, toss it to the back of the cellar and forget about it for a few years. You will be rewarded.

 

[pitchfork]

the whole woodsy, smoky, leathery thing applies. The lat flavor was subtle but present the whole way through

That pretty much nails it, I think. There's a nice sweetness there, too.
This is one of my favorites. I have several tins put away and I know I should put away some more, because once the Syrian is gone, it's going to be gone for a long time.

 

[peckinpahhombre]

I have not tried the stuff but I have 12 tins in the cellar. I don't recall exactly, but I recollect that my tins were dated two or three years ago. I bought it primarily to let it age and in recognition of the fact that there will come a time when all the Syrian latakia that Mc has is used up and this blend will be no more. Good to see that those who have tried it like it.

 

[papipeguy]

I'll say older is different. In many cases better though not all; but always different.