Arcadia

Arcadia is the second blend, after Black Shag, in McClelland's 221b series, which it linked to the Sherlock Holmes universe. Its name is based on the legendary mixture mentioned in J. M. Barrie's "My Lady Nicotine"; the maker stated it reconstructed this recipe, known as Dr. Watson's tobacco, drawing on old samples.

Its contents feature Virginia and Oriental tobaccos up front; though the tin label doesn't list Latakia, whether the blend contains a trace amount is a point often debated in reviews. The ribbon cut and balanced moisture make packing and burning easy. The smoke is cool; the Oriental tobaccos' sweet-spiced character stays pronounced through the bowl, with strength in the light-to-medium band. Falls within the territory of those seeking an Oriental-tobacco-centered mixture that isn't Latakia-forward.