Smyrna No.1 (Grand Orientals)

Smyrna No.1 is one of the entries in which McClelland's Grand Orientals series spotlights a single region's Oriental tobacco. As the name suggests, the blend's backbone is İzmir-region tobacco, with Virginia in a supporting role. The cut is ribbon; on opening the tin, the brand's usual tangy aroma is noticeable, and a whole leaf is laid over the blend as presentation.

Since the tin's moisture content is high, airing it for a while settles the flavor. It lights very easily; the first tastes are Virginia sweetness, followed by the familiar Turkish-tobacco character. Smoked quickly it can run hot and turn bitter, so it calls for a slow smoke. A light-to-medium-strength, unflavored blend for those curious about Oriental tobacco taste. The maker closed in 2018, so the product is no longer produced.