How about Rattray's Blends?

[Chasing Embers]

Now that I do though it sort of fills me with a sense of anxiety that they could be taken from us.

The HH Blends for sure. Most of the rest will be grandfathered in.

I'll confess that it took me awhile to come around to loving Mac Baren (because of the bite issue not because I thought it was low quality).

I've always said that I would hold MacB and Stokkebye up to any of the big names.? Expensive doesn't always equal quality and inexpensive doesn't always mean cheap. I've learned the hard way on both counts there. If you haven't already, give Newminster's Superior Navy Flake and Superior Round Slices a try.

 

[hoosierpipeguy]

What's really amusing is how only a couple of years ago prior to the reduced shipments, Rattrays got very little fanfare if any at all. Now with small product drops and panic shopping, it's perceived as amazing. Reminds me of the general opinion of McClelland before and after they closed their doors.

I can't agree with this. Several Rattray blends, Hal O' the Wynd, Old Gowrie and Martin Flake had a loyal following 20 years ago. 20 years ago, most everything was available on the shelves of local B&Ms. There was less demand around the world and few people were cellaring. I suspect a lot of the production now goes to China. There were stacks of Penzance and Stonehaven tins and bags. I find the red Virginia in HOtW and OG to be the closest to McClelland I've smoked.

I suspect that fan base had been grabbing up the Rattrays quickly when it hits the internet retailers now.

 

[Chasing Embers]

20 years ago

Twenty years ago, long before I knew anything about online sales and forums, local B&M sales thrived on Murray's Dunhill Blends, Mac Baren, House Blends and Cigars. There were Rattray's Virginias, English blends, and fans of Bagpiper's Dream, and everyone enjoyed them. Online up until four or five years ago, if you wanted a Rattray's blend they were in stock and you would see threads pop up about them occasionally. Then around the tome Exotic Orange came about, which for a time would sit at internet retailers for weeks before selling out, something happened. Smaller shipments arrived, and much like other blends before and since that have dropped in quantity, panic set in and now they are highly sought after. They are good, but lack of availability has increased their perceived desirability.

 

[grumpyoltroll]

Oh-Oh... I just went out on a limb and ordered a couple tins of Black Mallory. Must admit that the sizzle of the reviews and thought of a rather strong Scottish style blend was just too much for me to resist.
Was thinking I got another one that is just OK until stbruno chimed in - thanks brother!

Black Mallory is my favourite from Rattray's. For me, about three or four pipes into the can I realized I started craving it more and more. I second letting us know what you think of it when you get it.

Marlin Flake and Old Gowrie are the other two Rattray's that I gravitate toward.

 

[raybrown55]

I would add Buckingham, a wonderful aromatic, in my opinion...

 

[krizzose]

I agree that something changed with Rattray’s availability when McClelland closed their doors. I imagine a lot of people had the same thought I did: “blends I really like can disappear, better cellar a few lbs.” Marlin Flake was one I wasn’t willing to go without, so I started buying as much as I could afford. Up until that time, I hadn’t tried any other Rattray’s, so I tried a couple more and discovered how great HOTW is. Of course, that led to more bulk purchases. I can’t have been the only one.

In other words, post McClelland wasn’t for me so much about finding the new hotness as it was making sure I had a good supply of the stuff I really liked in case it went bye bye. That was the event that really caused to me cellar deep on a few blends (which I really hadn’t done previously)

 

[DedHed Piper]

Being an English smoker primarily I have my HOTW and OG tucked away, but when revisiting Hal ’o just recently and realizing how exceptional that smoke is I really need to get me some Red Raparee and Black Mallory and compare them to my other fav englishes, like Squadron Leader, Artisans Blend, Nightcap, 965, Maltese Falcon, Quiet Nights, Westminst... oh, there are a few... do I need more?

 

[danimalia]

If you like Squadron Leader and 965, I suspect you will enjoy Red Rap quite a bit

 

[jmill208]

Old Gowrie. I buy it when I see it. It’s always a solid go-to blend.