3 Oaks Original

Three Oaks Original is a Latakia mixture first created by Tad Gage in 1989 and, roughly two decades later, again under his direction, reproduced by McClelland. The blend was withdrawn from the market when the maker ceased operations in 2018. Its structure holds a generous amount of Cyprian Latakia, balanced by quality Oriental leaves and matured Virginia; no flavoring is used.

The taste is built on Latakia's smoky, leathery body; the Orientals add a dry, spicy, faintly tangy top layer, while the Virginia supplies sweetness underneath. None of the components is set to overwhelm the others. Nicotine load is medium. A reference record from the McClelland era for smokers who follow classic English and Balkan mixtures and are used to smoky blends.