McClelland Orient 996, Vintage 2007

Orient 996 is a McClelland mixture that puts Oriental leaf at the blend's center. The first batch was prepared in a limited run for the Pipe Club of America in 2007, with a second batch released in 2009 under the maker's Collectors Series banner. The Oriental tobaccos' dry, spicy, faintly tangy character is joined by Virginia sweetness, while Syrian Latakia stays like a shadow without pushing the sooty side forward. The mixture isn't heavy, offering a light smoke with a strong flavor dimension. According to sources, airing the tobacco sharpens its character; after a few hours of airing, the Oriental leaf's fine balance reads more clearly. Since McClelland halted production entirely in early 2018, the blend survives only in old tins.