McClelland 2016 Holiday Spirit

I opened this tin because I'm exploring aromatic blends and because it is flavored with pecan; most unusual. I liked the blend well enough but felt that it was a little on the weak side in overall strength. My review can be summed up neatly by reviewing that of reviewer Stefanos 2017-01-29. I too noted the strangely stiff and brittle black broken flake in the blend and had the same experience breaking it up with difficulty. However, it didn't seem to stop either one of us from enjoying the blend. I too noted the unique flavoring in the smoke that was, I agree, not overdone. We are also in agreement that the weakness of this blend is it's lack of overall strength. I will, from time to time, smoke it straight out of the tin. I found that it's real lasting quality was as a blending tobacco. Holiday Spirit 2016 uplifted every mixture I put it in and made each one a more satisfying smoke. I recommend this blend at three stars and feel that it should be a component in everyone's arsenal. The only problem is that it is out of production and, being scarce on the market anyway, will be hard to find.