Trying some of McClellands bulk No. 710, Columbian Mocha right now. It's different. Not one of my favorite aromatics I have tried. Some serious tongue bite already and I am not a heavy puffer. May ditch this one half way through if it doesn't improve and move to my stand by of the moment...Frog Morton OTT, or I may open up my new tin of McClelland 221b Arcadia and see what that has to offer.
Edit: Ok, so the Columbian Mocha was a bust. I smoked it for about 5 minutes before dumping the bowl. There was already a puddle forming in the bottom of my briar after that short period of time! I may have to scrap this blend or mix it with something else that smokes drier. I'm not sure if I will put in the effort though. Maybe I'll try to dry it over night and see what happens.
So on I went. I pulled out the tin of Arcadia. I examined it for a few minutes thinking I should cellar it for longer, but then said screw it and popped open the seal. The aroma was very earthy, much like Frog Morton OTT, but with a little bit of a vinegar aroma. It is considered an oriental and is very light. The cut is shag which was fluffy and soft, but not overly moist. I probably could have smoked it straight from the tin but I let it air out for about 5 minutes before my patience ran thin. I packed my meerschaum and initiated the first light. This tobacco has verrrry similar characteristics to Frog Morton OTT, but I have to say it is slightly less spicy (some say this has Latakia in it, others say it does not, I detected none but my palate is not that experienced). In the absence of that spice it has a sweetness that is very pleasant and leaves a slight sugary coating on your lips. The room note is much less of an incense smell like latakias but is not bad at all. Think of that sweet burned marshmellow smell. The bowl I packed burned all the way to the bottom from my first light with only a few small crumbly bits that remained charred but not burned. I was surprised that this did not burn out, as I didn't let it dry out for very long. The ash was so light and fluffy it just fell out when I emptied the bowl after I finished. The smoke was very cool and never bit. I really enjoyed this blend. This tin date was from 2005 and it was the only one at my local B&M so I'm not sure when I'll get any more.
If you see Arcadia anywhere local, pick it up. I wouldn't go out of my way to order it online, it is just a tad too light. I'd prefer FMOTT to this, but it is a nice change of pace so that I don't become loathsome of the Frog too quickly. :laugh: