- ACF CUSTOM FIELDS:
- Tobacco Name: Robert McConnell Scottish Blend
- Manufacturer: Kohlhase, Kopp & Co. (Germany)
- Blend Type: Scottish (English-style with Black Cavendish)
- Cut Type: Ribbon
- Strength Level: Medium
- Overall Rating: 4.5
- Primary Tobaccos: Red Virginia, Kentucky, Black Cavendish, Oriental, Latakia, Perique (trace)
- Similar Blends: Peterson Scottish Mixture, Davidoff Scottish Mixture, Mac Baren Scottish Blend
- Recommended Pairings: Highland single malt Scotch, Earl Grey tea, dark chocolate
- Recommended For: Smokers seeking a balanced English-style blend with nuance but without heaviness
- Avoid If: You dislike Latakia, prefer heavily flavored aromatics, or seek strong nicotine
- Tin Note/Aroma: 4.5
- Flavor Development: 4.5
- Burn Quality: 5
- Smoothness: 4.5
- Recommend: 5
- Pipe Smoked: Savinelli 320 KS Author
Essential Information
TL;DR
Robert McConnell Scottish Blend is a historic mixture dating back to 1848, produced today by Kohlhase, Kopp & Co. It embodies the Scottish style of English blends: Latakia used as a condiment rather than a driver, softened and unified by Black Cavendish. The Virginias bring sweetness, Kentucky adds earthy nuttiness, Orientals lift with floral spice, and Latakia ties it together with a smoky touch. Occasionally, a hint of Perique appears with peppery zing. The cut is a medium ribbon, easy to pack and light, arriving at perfect moisture. The smoke is cool, creamy, and wonderfully balanced, delivering complexity without aggression. Strength is squarely medium, the room note pleasant to tolerable. Perfect for those new to Latakia mixtures or veterans seeking an all-day blend. With over 175 years of history, it remains a reliable companion and a testament to classic British blending artistry. Highly recommended.
The Experience: A Deep Dive into Robert McConnell Scottish Blend
First Impressions
Tin Note:
Cracking the tin reveals an aroma both rich and subtle: deep earth from the Virginias, a nutty backbone from the Kentucky, a faint cocoa-like sweetness, and the soft, leathery smoke of Latakia. Unlike bolder English mixtures that immediately blast the senses, Scottish Blend greets with restraint. There’s a whisper of creaminess, a faint woody incense, and just enough campfire smoke to stir anticipation. The Orientals announce themselves in a perfumed, exotic fashion—dry, floral, slightly sour—hinting at the complexity within.
Appearance:
The presentation is a medium ribbon cut of varied hues: tawny golds and oranges from Virginia, darker Kentucky browns, inky Latakia strands, and glossy flecks of Black Cavendish. Moisture is nearly ideal—neither bone dry nor sticky—making it smokeable straight from the tin. Between the cut uniformity and pliability, it promises an easy preparation with excellent combustion.
The Smoke: Journey Through the Bowl
Packing and Lighting:
The medium ribbon packs as if designed for effortless ritual. Gravity-fill, a gentle tamp, and the bowl of my Savinelli 320 KS Author is ready without fuss. The charring light ignites quickly; a firm tamp and true light bring it to a steady ember. Relights are rare—Scottish Blend rewards patience with steady combustion and minimal attention.
Initial Flavor:
The first puffs offer a creamy, slightly smoky profile. Virginias lend gentle sweetness with a fruit-like tang. Kentucky grounds the smoke with nutty, earthy depth. Latakia appears as a soft seasoning—more cream than campfire—while Orientals drift across the tongue with incense-like spice. A buttery smoothness from Cavendish ties the edges together, eliminating any sharpness.
Mid-Bowl:
Here the harmony blossoms. The Virginias sweeten further, red tones becoming almost wine-like. Kentucky offers roasted nuts and earth, deepening the foundation. Orientals grow more assertive, adding a dry, floral tang that keeps the smoke lively. Latakia swirls in and out: a smoky echo, never overwhelming. If Perique is present, it emerges subtly—a peppery flicker that prickles the retrohale. The blend achieves its signature balance: no one leaf dominates, all contribute.
Finish:
In the final third, richness settles in. The Virginias caramelize, Kentucky’s earth turns darker, and Orientals add a faint sour edge. Latakia holds the blend steady, smooth rather than sharp. The smoke becomes deeper, more woodsy, yet never bitter. By the end, a dry, powdery ash remains with minimal dottle, proof of excellent construction.
Room Note:
For companions, Scottish Blend is tolerable—slightly sweet, faintly smoky, with none of the aggressive pungency of stronger English mixtures. Non-smokers may find it acceptable, even pleasant, though it clearly announces itself as a natural tobacco.
Strength:
Squarely medium. The nicotine is present but not imposing, unlikely to topple even those of modest tolerance. It’s satisfying without being overwhelming, fitting for multiple bowls in a day.
Final Thoughts: Verdict on Robert McConnell Scottish Blend
Overall Assessment
Overall Impression:
Robert McConnell Scottish Blend is a masterclass in balance. It proves that complexity doesn’t require force and that Latakia can be a brushstroke rather than a flood. Each tobacco plays its role: Virginias sweeten, Kentucky grounds, Orientals spice, Latakia seasons, Cavendish smooths, Perique (if there) adds intrigue. The result is creamy, smoky, earthy, nutty, floral, with a hint of pepper—a tapestry of flavor that never unravels. It’s not about fireworks; it’s about harmony.
Smoking Experience:
On the technical front, it’s impeccable. Easy to pack, lights without drama, burns cool and clean to a fine ash. No bite, no gurgle, minimal relights. It’s the kind of tobacco that earns trust through consistency, a faithful companion for the seasoned smoker and the curious beginner alike.
Recommendations
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ (4.5/5 Stars)
Scottish Blend earns its place as a classic: deeply satisfying yet approachable, nuanced yet not intimidating. Only the absence of dramatic, standout peaks keeps it from a perfect five—but that restraint is also its genius.
Who Should Try It:
- Beginners seeking a gentle introduction to Latakia.
- Veterans wanting a dependable, balanced daily smoke.
- Lovers of subtlety who prefer harmony over dominance.
Who Should Avoid It:
- Fans of powerhouse Latakia bombs.
- Aromatic devotees craving heavy toppings.
- Nicotine chasers hunting for strong blends.
Additional Notes:
This blend’s legacy stretches back to 1848—a lineage few mixtures can claim. Now produced in Germany, it remains faithful to its roots, embodying the British style with remarkable fidelity. Age will likely deepen its Virginia sweetness and knit flavors tighter, though it is already ready to enjoy from the tin. Pair it with a Highland malt or a bergamot-laced tea, and you’ll understand why this blend has endured for over 175 years.
