Rub out or fold and pack, it is a cool and slow-burning tobacco.

Nicotine content is moderate.

Strong, unchanging, somewhat monotonous Virginia flavors. I don't think it is cased with ketchup, but the ketchup taste is evident in every puff to the bottom of the bowl.

A month or more after opening, and 10-12 hours with the lid off to dry, and the flavor is more of a pure and sweet Virginia. Stronger, more full, than Full Virginia Flake. The spicy aroma described on the tin is similar to Perique. Not for the mild or aromatic lovers.

For McClelland, it's pretty good stuff, and very sweet. I think it is better than Full Virginia Flake (itself an overrated weed).

Update, 7 July 2010: I have received compliments from the ladies on how great this stuff smells: very pleasant if a little strong, and my wife has declared it a favorite for the room note. So I guess I will be buying more... Three stars mostly for the pleasant room note and appreciative comments from the ladies. Otherwise, it might not be in my rotation.

Blackwoods is a classic and deserves the praise it gets. It is certainly included in my top 10 favorite blends.

Personal rating: 9 out of 10

Tobacco reviews rating: 4 out of 4

The tinge of McClelland sauce is evident in the tin and the first several puffs, but dissipates quickly. It's a bitch to keep lit early on, as FVF is, but your patience will be rewarded once it gets going. I typically don't like straight Virginia blends, yet this and FVF to me are the epitome of pipe tobacco, regardless of genre, and provide plenty of depth and interest. The blender's notes for BF are true: It's smooth, balanced and refined. I think it's best suited for the experienced smoker who can compare and contrast what it offers compared to other flakes and blends.

When I first opened the tin I was like "Oh..." but then one of my co-workers told me I could smoke it with it's flake form or rub the flakes out. He showed me how to rub the flakes out without detroying the tobacco and we let it dry for about 30-minutes and bingo, perfection; thanks Jesse.

I find two different flavors with this tobacco...

Often times I will simply smoke the flakes as they are in my pipe. When you smoke it in it's flake form you get a very full bodied, strong smoke that is not undesirable but may be too spicy and peppery for some. I smoked full bodied cigars for 10-years so I don't have a problem with strong spicy tobaccos. The flakes pack well, light well and stay lit without any bite.

Sometimes I will rub out the flakes and enjoy it that way. When you smoke it in it's fully rubbed form you get a smoother, naturally sweeter full bodied smoke that has a very nice, classically spicy aroma. The red and black virginias have a very refined mixture that allows you to have a very relaxing smoke that is full bodied and creamy with sweet spices. The fully rubbed tobacco packs well, lights well, stays lit and again does not bite.

Some complain about the "Casing" being to bland or light for them to enjoy this tobacco...well "Duh!" it's not an aeromatic! The label mentions no hint of a casing what so ever! With that said I higly recommend this tobacco for new and seasoned smokers looking for a Natural, UNCASED tobacco of pure refinement...this will not disappoint.

Although a bit wet at first, a few weeks of drying in the tin leaves you with a unique flavor that you will not find in many Virginia flakes. Dark and rich, yet not overpowering, this remains my favorite Virginia blend.

UPDATE: I suppose I should temper the irritation of this review by stating the real reason I'm so annoyed: Blackwoods flake is so good that I don't want to wait. McClelland blends already take a lot of work to get them ready to smoke: I have to wait a month or two for a freshly opened tin to breathe, they don't rub out easily, they smoke hot if they're too dry or if I rub them out too much, etc. On a good day, BWF and Dark Star especially are well worth the effort--there are no finer stoved virginia blends on the market. But if I get a green tin, or a really wet tin, it tips the scales too far in the direction of "pain in the neck."

I'm upgrading this to four stars because it's a superb blend and I've been in love with it for years. However, preparing it and smoking it is less like a romance and more like a marriage--a battle in the midst of a war.

I tried Blackwoods Flake after perusing though the 4 star tobaccos. I really enjoy Blackwoods Flake, It smells excellent when burning both full and flavorful. I haven't found the ketchup / BBQ smell, but again I just started with the pipe, It just smell a grassy sweetness.

I would recommend Blackwoods Flake to anyone just starting with pipe smoking.

Having now stored the contents of the tin for just over a year of aging, all I find is that some things never change.

If you are looking for a mild inoffensive smoke with a hint of sweetnes, this coul be it.

Perhaps I was spoiled by the comparative powerhouse of 5100 Red Cake.

Sure, straight from the tin it's a bit wet, therefore can be difficult to keep lit, but nothing that rubbing out and some drying time before loading won't fix.

Plenty of Blackwoods Flake in my cellar, a definate staple in my rotation!