Absolutely divine. A blend I must have more of. 4 Stars.

That said, this is a fully serviceable smoke. It is quite tasty and more than just reasonably satisfying. The cut ensures an easy load into the pipe and negates the need for relights. If you like the taste of perique, this blend won't steer you wrong. If it weren't for the existence of VaPer flakes, I could live quite comfortably with this one. Compared to those, this just barely misses the mark. It just doesn't possess the complexity of a flake, in my humble opinion. But those who don't want to mess with flakes will be very pleased with this. It's a nice flavorful smoke.

When smoked, the tin was 1-2 years old. For interesting info. on dating tinned tobacco, link to:

pipes.org---locate the Forums box--Topics--Tobacco Questions-- scroll down , to bottom of page, to Archive Oct. 03, 2006 and Archive Oct. 24, 2005.

Lighting: Oddly enough, it was not easy to keep lit, even though it was dry to the touch, when originally put in the pipe, producing some gurgle and moisture out of the stem. During one of the relights, half way down, it gave a sizzling sound.

Taste & Aroma: More flavor developed around mid-bowl. The Perique ketchup odor was distinct from start to finish; no tongue bite; not sweet.

The Perique quality developed late in the bowl, a peppery feel.

Smoked similar to Royal Cajun Special, in having a toasty VA character.

Laid down a tar and moisture in the pipe.

Nicotine: When the bowl was about done, a only a slight buzz was produced.

Room Note: Nice toasty strong VA. The ash had a vague cacao aroma.

Overall: BBAR is a mild VA billed as having strong and heady Perique. It seems to be designed for those wishing to smoke a blend with Perique, but still having a pleasing room note. The bowl smoke sure gives the nose a zing.

The thought of smoking something with a raisin ketchup signature not distinguishable from Perique, from tin to ash, is not a pleasant thought; could not rightly discern the McClelland from the Perique aroma. 2.2 stars.

The base leaf is toasted gold VA to which a good dosage of perique is added. The rich flavor is nutty, sweet, and caramel-like.

This is a very companionable blend with just enough depth to add an extra level of satisfaction and which seemed best in a narrow gauge chamber.

For me this is a change up smoke, though I could see it as an all-dayer for some. McClelland keeps putting out really good products. Now I'm going to have to try me some Grand Orientals.

Characteristics are: Sweet Smooth Dry But not very complex.

Not bad, if normal vapers have bite for you, then try this. I find this med. to strong in nicotine strength. I am a daily Dunhill smoker. Use that as a guage for strength.

My tin has about a year and a half on it.

I don't consider it strong -- in fact, I hesitated at terming it Mild to Medium. One of the other reviewers mentioned Frog Morton in comparison, I believe, but I don't see it. I use Frog Morton to smooth out Holiday, and consider it a blending tobacco. But this is a bit more assertive, which I like in Virginias, but without bite, and without falling into harshness. I couldn't bring myself to rev things up, because it was so pleasant to puff along. Perhaps it could be pushed into being bullyish, but I haven't found it so.

This is going to become part of my regular rotation, and I'll be cellaring some, too, to see what a few years does for it.

Highly recommended.

The nicotine and Perique presence both get stronger on down the bowl, and the new "toasting" method used sure eliminated any bite. I did catch the typical "McClelland's ketchup smell in the tin, but it was quite subdued. I normally do not care for blends with Perique. But, this stuff was an exception. The Virginia base was sweet and not at all grassy. BTW, from what I understand, McClelland's may be the only pipe tobacco company with a large remaining stash of St. James Parish Perique. I have heard there is a cigarette company that pays high dollar for the stuff to put in their particular brand of weed. St. James Parish, Louisiana (the only place in the world where true Perique is grown) was not affected by Hurricane Katrina and future crops have not been compromised.

Finally, it says on the tin, "...rich ribbon blend, smoothed by the Blakeney exclusive toasting process." So, what is the Blakeney exclusive toasting process? Inquiring minds want to know.

Initial Flavor: Burned Plastic

Mid-Bowl: Burned Plastic with Perique tartness

Bottom of Bowl: More burned plastic, more Perique tartness.

Overall: As you might have guessed, I did not like this blend. It appears to be a high quality offerring, but did not agree with my palate at all...now where's my aged Blackwoods flake?

VA. ribbons composed of stoved, red, and even some brights. That combo is what makes the taste here a little lighter in effect that any of the Frog Mortons. Not a weak blend by any means.

Throw in some perique and the flavor develops mid-way down the bowl to a small spicy kick. Not terribly complex or dark tasting or strong, but complex and spicy enough to suit a medium smokers taste.

I think a stoved virginia connoisseur may appreciate the added light leaf and perique influence. Recommended to that breed.

Obviously the Perique carries the blend and, in my opinion at least, takes the Virginias to a much higher level. It is just that synergy that makes Perique magic.

I find myself reaching for the tin of this stuff and craving it. It is not the best of McClelland by a long shot, but I can honestly say that I like this and will be buying more to cellar. There is no doubt it will age well.

The tobacco packed easily and was a one match light. However, it is a mediocre, one dimensional smoke at best. There is nothing in this blend to make me want another bowl much less buy a tin.

If it's a virginia/perique blend you desire, do yourself a favor and invest in a better tobacco such as Escudo or Just For Him Golden Cashemere. This tobacco was a dismal effort.