Buchanan's Tobacco Shop Stirlingshire

The matured Virginias offer fermented tangy ripe and dried dark fruit along with a stewed fruitiness that reminds me of prunes, figs, dates, and a touch of raisins. Has some sugar, earth, a touch of spice and wood, and a slight rough edge. The McClelland “vinegar” dissipates to some extent as you go along. Has a mild nic-hit. Won’t bite, and you’d have to work to get a harsh note. Moist out of the tin, it burns slow and mostly cool with a fairly consistent, not very complex flavor. Doesn’t leave much moisture in the bowl. Needs some relights. Has a pleasant, tangy sweet after taste and room note. Can be an all day smoke.

-JimInks

Sweet, delicious smoke. Very smooth, burns well doesn't bite if you know how to smoke a pipe. Cup o' Joe's caries it for $45 a tin. If you like Virginia tobacco this should be a very pleasant smoke. I highly recommend it.

Stirlingshire was (maybe still is), a super matured Virginia that reminds one of the McClelland's #27 Virginia blend. McClelland's made both, so, I guess that is not surprising. Not only do you get the McClelland's processing, you get the very well received matured Virginia taste associated with their ripe dark leaf. Smooth and satisfying. Not a lot of tang, this one has a more laid back sweet taste that has hints of a spiciness to me. Not a very strong Virginia and I can see where this one can be pecked at all day long.

Typical McClelland Virginia flavors, but bites badly when puffed too fast. Must be smoked very slowly. This tin was 12 years old, and I expected any harsh edges to have mellowed. The tobacco is probably fine, but the recipe must be a bit off. This is the worst McClelland blend I have ever sampled, but it might work for those who don't end up with a case of tongue bite from trying to pull more flavor out of this blend.