Yenidje Supreme (Grand Orientals)

Yenidje Supreme is the blend in which McClelland's Grand Orientals series centers Oriental leaf grown in the Yenice district of Western Thrace (formerly İskeçe, today's Xanthi). Per the maker, Oriental tobacco cultivation in the region began in the 1600s, and the classic Basma seed stock arrived roughly three hundred years ago; the fine-leaved, fine-veined, supple Yenice variety comprises the xanthi-yaka-basma and xanthi-cebel-basma types. The cut is ribbon.

Moisture in the tin is low, and the tobacco can be smoked straight from the tin; the brand's characteristic ketchup-like tangy aroma is pronounced and lends the smoke a tart edge. It lights very easily and produces plenty of smoke. The Oriental leaf's spicy-sweet character holds steady without tipping toward heat or bitterness, and the moisture doesn't disturb comfort through the smoke. A light-to-medium-strength, unflavored blend aimed at Oriental-tobacco enthusiasts. Production ended when the company closed in 2018.