McClelland Christmas Cheer 2011

(3.32)
Handblended, premium pressed Virginia flake tobaccos. A fine vintage, naturally sweet, in limited quantity. We are proud to offer our 2011 Christmas Cheer pipe tobacco, an exceptionally fine vintage tobacco, hand blended and aged in pressed cakes to develop natural mellowness. This 2011 blend is made with a special selection of ripe, orange-red, flue-cured Virginia from the 2007 crop grown near Wilson, North Carolina. It is rich in oils and sugars, deep in color intensity, a beautiful leaf that should age with distinction.
Notes: Each buying season, we look for tobaccos of exceptional quality and distinctive character. In various combinations, their flavors, aromas, textures contribute to the overall excellence of our products. The leaves of different crops and regions are combined to maintain consistency from year to year. With Christmas Cheer pipe tobacco, we treat our discriminating customers to the singular pleasure of a tasting of the very finest in tobaccos of a particular vintage, not worrying about maintaining the flavor and appearance of this product into future years but actually striving instead to present the unique character of a single crop and area. That's what Christmas Cheer pipe tobacco is all about. Happy sampling!

Details

Brand McClelland
Blended By McClelland Tobacco Company
Manufactured By McClelland Tobacco Company
Blend Type Straight Virginia
Contents Virginia
Flavoring
Cut Broken Flake
Packaging 100 grams tin
Country United States
Production No longer in production

Profile

Strength
Mild
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Extremely Mild -> Overwhelming
Flavoring
None Detected
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
None Detected -> Extra Strong
Room Note
Pleasant
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Unnoticeable -> Overwhelming
Taste
Mild to Medium
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Extremely Mild (Flat) -> Overwhelming

Average Rating

3.32 / 4
14

7

2

2

Reviews

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Displaying 1 - 10 of 25 Reviews
Reviewed By Date Rating Strength Flavoring Taste Room Note
Nov 10, 2012 Mild to Medium Extremely Mild Medium Pleasant
A friend of mine spoke to a member of the family back in 2011, and they happened to mention that this crop, and subsequent aged product was one of the better years. In short, McClelland's knew they had something special in this year's CC.

There is no accounting for taste I suppose, but I have to say that I think many are missing how special this year's CC really is. Perhaps it is because the expectations did not align with the special elements of this very fine tobacco. If you were expecting a heavy taste, I can tell you that it is definitely lighter than previous year CC's. But to say that it has fewer dimensions seems a bit like saying a single malt is not as complex as a blended scotch. The flavor is not heavy, but the multiple facets are there, and frankly IMO this is one of the better CC years. There is a quality to the smoke, a subtle flavor that teases the palette. Like the best wines, there is no heavy taste to this, but the elements that are there are not jumping up for all to immediately see. They need coaxed and for the sensitive taster, the reward is worth the attentive exploration.

This tobacco has subtle flavors of fig, citrus, and apricot, all originating from the tobacco, not the result of any topping. I imagine each year's crop may recieve a different amount of casing depending on the type of yield, and if that is true, McClelland certainly recognized that this crop likely required less than the previous years. Perhaps that is why some have complained about a lack of flavor. But if one seeks to uncover the aroma and flavor of tobacco, in place of casing (all tobacco recieves casing of some amount), then 2011 CC should delight. Hints of vanilla, touches of cranberry, with very subtle hints of black cherry and pine nuts are there for your discovery ... if you have the time .... they've got the tobacco (to coin an old phrase).

Update 12/31/2013 This tobacco, like the best of wines, ages very well. As good as this was in 2012, it is a even better after another year. I suspect this will only continue to get better. I ended up buying as much of these tins as I could lay my hands on, and only now wish I'd have gotten more last year.

Update 11/26/2015 We are almost upon the year 2016 and I have cracked a tin just to note the continuing changes from the aging. Delighted, but not surprised, I find this tobacco to be aging extremely well. There is a definite accentuation to the natural sweetness that, in tandem with the fruit/citrus and grass, continue to bring this tobacco to very notable peak levels of "pipe bliss". I expect maybe moderate improvement over the next year, which will likely be the pinnacle after which we should see slower changes for the following 5+ years.
Pipe Used: Dunhill, Charatan, Ardor, Askwith, Stanwell
PurchasedFrom: smokingpipes.com
Age When Smoked: 2+ years
7 people found this review helpful.
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Reviewed By Date Rating Strength Flavoring Taste Room Note
Jan 20, 2012 Mild to Medium Very Mild Medium Tolerable
To me, this smells like HP steak sauce in the can and tastes of it in the pipe, along with a good, lightish Virginia flavour. I found gentle background flavours of hay and citrus along with oats and soft spices (cinnamon, nutmeg etc.).

Not sure why this is marketed as "Christmas Cheer", as there was nothing about it which seemed particularly Christmassy to me except, perhaps, the light hint of sweet spice. I think that this would be better suited to summer smoking, which is probably when I will finish the tin I have.

As good a straight VA as you will find. I prefer Dunhill flake, in this genre, as it has slightly more backbone but there is nothing at all wrong with this. In fact, it exudes quality with evey puff.

On a side note, I really like these American style cans. They seem to keep the opened tobacco fresher for longer than the European style tins. If, like me, you do not reside in the land of the free, you may want to check out 4noggins.com for low prices and hassle free international shipping.

***UPDATE***

It's 6 months since I first smoked this tobacco and it has developed really well in this time. The Steak Sauce taste has mellowed and integrated into the main flavour. It now seems a somehow more robust experience with a full, tangy, sweet & velvety smoke.

Still not sure why this is marketed as a Christmas tobacco, it really shines in the warmer weather.
6 people found this review helpful.
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Reviewed By Date Rating Strength Flavoring Taste Room Note
Oct 24, 2011 Mild None Detected Mild to Medium Very Pleasant
It is always a pleasure to sample each year's McClelland's Christmas Cheer offerings. One always gets a quality, tangy yet smooth Virginia flavor. I was somewhat surprised at the mildness of the '11 edition. I can't recall another vintage that was this light in flavor and strength. That's not a bad thing, just different. 'll is not lacking, but what it does have is just not enough for me to give this one the max.
6 people found this review helpful.
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Reviewed By Date Rating Strength Flavoring Taste Room Note
Aug 10, 2011 Very Mild None Detected Medium to Full Very Pleasant
McClelland's 2011 Christmas Cheer is the finest Virginia flake I have ever put in a pipe! And, yes, I have a few years of pipe smoking behind me. Here is my first piece of advice: run, don't walk, to the closest computer. Get on the Internet and order as much of this as you and your pocketbook can handle. It is a superb. In fact, I would say, like single malt Scotch, this is a rare volume, a vintage that is ethereal. This hand-blended limited edition is aged in press cakes, according to McClelland's tin information. It is “a special selection of ripe, orange-red, flue-cured Virginia from the 2007 crop grown near Wilson, N.C..” 2007 was a very, very good year. These beautifully dark chopped flakes with light specks is rich, sugary and provides a plume of creamy smoke. Oddly, there is little to none of the “McClelland” ketchupy hint upon opening the tin. But there is the rich, deep earthy smell of a great Virginia. I smoked this in an ancient briar and a meer, both about size 4s. It was excellent in both, if not just a touch better in the meer. The meer allowed the real Virginia flavor to run right to the forefront. My palate detected nothing but the sweet these extraordinary Virginias. McClelland says it should age with distinction. I believe it will be a legend after a year or two on the shelf. This leaves an affectionate adieu on the tongue. There is absolutely no harshness, no bite, no bitterness. How could there be with this quality of Virginia? This is one amazing Virginia. I highly recommend it, and hope to buy more tins before they disappear. For me, this is the best Christmas Cheer McClelland has produced in several years. Outstanding!
5 people found this review helpful.
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Reviewed By Date Rating Strength Flavoring Taste Room Note
Mar 19, 2015 Mild None Detected Mild to Medium Very Pleasant
The vinegar/ketchup smell does appear in the taste of the tobacco, though it's much lesser than it smells. The Virginias offer very ripe and tangy dried dark fruit, and a little citrus with some earth and a hint of grass and wood. I get some raisin, sugar and fig notes and a little nutmeg as well. The tobacco taste is sublimated by the fermented sweetness, and this crop seems milder than other years. Burns a little slow with some moisture, unless you dry it some first. If you do, don't totally dry it out. Not a dull or harsh spot to be found. Won't bite. Has a mild nic-hit. The strength is mild, and the taste is just past the center of mild to medium. Requires some relights, and will leaves a little moisture in your pipe. Has a smooth and very consistent flavor with a nice after taste that pleasantly lingers. An all day smoke.

-JimInks
4 people found this review helpful.
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Reviewed By Date Rating Strength Flavoring Taste Room Note
Jun 02, 2015 Medium None Detected Medium to Full Pleasant to Tolerable
McClelland Does Virginia's right! I don't know of any other brand that seems to hit the nail on the head with VAs.

I noticed I hadn't reviewed this tobacco though I've smoked this blend several times over the years. I just, literally, opened one of my tins up again and smoked a bowl. With age, it's superb! When opening the tin you can smell the sweetness with a hint of earthy tones and a bit of vinegar. This tobacco does have a bit of difficulty staying lit sometimes, but behaves well. It can bite if you don't learn to sip. If you do sip this tobacco the nuances of flavor become even more pronounced. Sweet, tangy virginia flavor mixed with earthy tones with just a hint of spice. I often wonder what this blend would be like with a bit of perique, but it is wonderful all on it's own. It can have a little bit of a kick, but hasn't ever been overpowering. Love this blend and hope to try some other years of the same blend....just for comparison and enjoyment.
Pipe Used: Bent Billard, Dublin, Egg, Acorn, Corn Cob
PurchasedFrom: Pipesandcigars.com
Age When Smoked: New from store - 1-5 years
3 people found this review helpful.
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Reviewed By Date Rating Strength Flavoring Taste Room Note
Oct 24, 2011 Mild None Detected Mild Pleasant to Tolerable
Was gifted a tin of this by a friend who tends to smoke light Virginia as all day fair. He and I are not in agreement on most tobaccos as we are at opposite ends of the spectrum. I tend to like full and strong blends. When I smoke, I want to be occupied by it. I'm not a person who does alot of other things when he smokes.

With that being said, I have on occasion liked a lighter style very much. I tend to smoke them in the morning with tea. This is one that I would really have liked had it had more flavor and a hair more strength. There are pleasant flavors here. Some of the best actually that I have tasted in a Virginia. The problem is that I feel like a deaf person at a whispering contest. The volume is just not there. You must attain an almost singularly meditative state to ride the flavor. The waves are so shallow.

I will jar the remaining ounce and set it in the back of the cellar. Hopefully in 5 years or so, I will come back to it and enjoy it with age. If not, it will be a gift to someone else. Regifting is a glorious thing!

I give it 2 Stars for my own tastes. I give it 3 Stars for those that really get into this light style of tobacco.

As a personal sidenote, I have to disclose that McClelland is not one of my favorite houses because of this very experience. If they could just up the strength and flavor of some of their offerings I would follow them with enthusiasm.

Cheers!
3 people found this review helpful.
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Reviewed By Date Rating Strength Flavoring Taste Room Note
Jun 12, 2022 Mild to Medium Extremely Mild Mild to Medium Unnoticeable
McClelland Christmas Cheer 2011- McClelland got a hold of a glorious crop of Orange-Red Virginias in 2007 IMO . Tangy sweet Virginias that break apart with ease for loading in the pipe . Moisture is perfect after 11 years in the tin . Loaded with flavor of sweet sugar and spice . Cinnamon and nutmeg with citrus and cranberries. A little bit of raison bread . The perfect smoke on a hot spring day . 4
Pipe Used: Dublins and billiards
Age When Smoked: 11 years
2 people found this review helpful.
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Reviewed By Date Rating Strength Flavoring Taste Room Note
Sep 15, 2011 Mild to Medium None Detected Medium Pleasant
I usually get several tins of CC each year, as this style is one I can enjoy almost year round, barring the worst of our southern New Mexico summer heat. By comparison to other years...this one's well flavored but smooth and easy to smoke right now. I'd argue against clove; to me, that's a darker, heavier flavor. Or, at least, straight clove. I get the orange, but something closer to Chinese 5 Spice. Just ordered the last 2 cans from smokingpipes, along with a few other things that I hope can serve as fill-ins until FVF becomes available again...the fact they were down to 2, tho, suggests fast action may be necessary. It's usually easy to get more CC through the following summer, but that may not be the case this year.
2 people found this review helpful.
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Reviewed By Date Rating Strength Flavoring Taste Room Note
Sep 08, 2011 Mild Extremely Mild Medium to Full Pleasant
I opened a tin of this now as I couldn't stand cellaring all the tins I purchased for a future time. You know what? This is amazingly smokeable now. I load it by stuffing the bite-sized flake bits into my dedicated flake pipe and it lights easy, giving off a wonderfully pure white cloud of smoke even without drying time.

I'm one of the group of people who actually enjoys the "ketchup" flavor present in a lot of McClelland blends. This tobacco, however, does not have any of that flavor. If it does, it's too subtle for me to pick up. Instead, you get a wonderfully pure Virginia flavor: grassy, a bit earthy, and a slight suggestion of citrus when "snorking" the smoke. The flavor is fairly consistent throughout the bowl and is very satisfying.

CC 2011 may not be overly complex in its composition, but it is well worth purchasing as much as you can afford. It's great now, so I can only imagine how good it will be in years to come as it ages.
2 people found this review helpful.
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