McClelland 2017 Holiday Spirit
(3.75)
McClelland's Holiday Spirit is a mild, easy blend of burley, black cavendish, and Virginia topped with the flavors of dark rum, pecan, and cocoa for a pleasing smoke and room note.
Details
| Brand | McClelland |
| Blended By | McClelland Tobacco Company |
| Manufactured By | McClelland Tobacco Company |
| Blend Type | Aromatic |
| Contents | Black Cavendish, Burley, Virginia |
| Flavoring | Cocoa / Chocolate, Pecan, Rum |
| Cut | Ribbon |
| Packaging | 50 grams tin |
| Country | United States |
| Production | No longer in production |
Profile
Strength
Mild
Extremely Mild -> Overwhelming
Flavoring
Medium
None Detected -> Extra Strong
Room Note
Very Pleasant
Unnoticeable -> Overwhelming
Taste
Medium
Extremely Mild (Flat) -> Overwhelming
Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 Reviews
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 10, 2017 | Mild | Medium | Mild | Very Pleasant |
This blend is all that's promised. The flavorings are so well done and balanced that none of them dominate. During the smoke, different nuances of the advertised flavorings emerge, being able to taste and experience them all throughout the bowl. I even suspect McClelland has added a pinch of nutmeg to this blend. I seem to detect it in the tin note and slightly during the smoke. Having not tried the other siblings from previous years, I can't compare. But likely, that doesn't matter. I like this one and it's yet another high quality tobacco with the perfect aromatic touch. No bite, stays lit, great flavor and room note. Another winner from McClelland.
Now here's an afterthought challenge for McC. Could this combination of flavorings or some variation of it be used on the Christmas Cheer type of straight VA? Now that is something I would be excited to try..... !!! Just a suggestion from a satisfied customer.. 🙂
4 Stars
Cheers,,,,,
Glorfindel
Now here's an afterthought challenge for McC. Could this combination of flavorings or some variation of it be used on the Christmas Cheer type of straight VA? Now that is something I would be excited to try..... !!! Just a suggestion from a satisfied customer.. 🙂
4 Stars
Cheers,,,,,
Glorfindel
Pipe Used:
Peterson
PurchasedFrom:
pipesandcigars.com
Age When Smoked:
New Tin
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 23, 2017 | Mild | Mild to Medium | Medium | Very Pleasant |
This is truly a pleasure. From the moment the seal is cracked on the tin it fills the air with the scent of coco, pecan and caramelised dark rum undertones. The taste is milder than other previous holiday spirit blends, but i feel this results in a much more rounded flavour profile.
The flavours call to cold winters in front of a warm fire with those who care; You really can trust the label on this tobacco, it is specifically made for the holidays.... but that doesnt mean you cant enjoy it all year round!
The flavours call to cold winters in front of a warm fire with those who care; You really can trust the label on this tobacco, it is specifically made for the holidays.... but that doesnt mean you cant enjoy it all year round!
Pipe Used:
Aged briar
PurchasedFrom:
Tobaccoblends.com
Age When Smoked:
New
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 16, 2018 | Mild to Medium | Medium | Medium | Very Pleasant |
Really enjoyed this one. Has a bit more on offer for tobacco taste than your average aromatic. The topping comes through though, the previous mentioned hint of nutmeg is spot on. Burns clean, no bite, amazing room note. A winner, most smokers would find something to enjoy here.
Pipe Used:
Meerschaums, briars, cobs.
PurchasedFrom:
Smokingpipes.com
Age When Smoked:
Fresh
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 07, 2017 | Mild | Medium | Medium | Very Pleasant |
Cocoa based rum cake, not the kind that used a light brown rum either, the one made with dark rich rum with top quality spices. Really good stuff if you like quality tobacco that has been perfectly blended. This one puts you in the Holiday spirit for sure! Rings of Grandma’s Christmas baking. Just a good blend. Packs and takes fire well and delivers a thick rich smoke. No goop and burns to a fine grey white ash with little to no dottle. Will procure more for the cellar. 4 stars for this Holiday Spirit!
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 01, 2017 | Mild | Medium | Medium | Very Pleasant |
I have had a few tins of this over the years. Primarily being a straight Virginia smoker, it's a nice change up during the holiday season. It is just a well put together aero that didn't skip on the quality of tobacco. It is an easy smoking bowl of fun without the heavy overpowering goop of typical aeromatics. Pick up a tin... may be the last time it's offered thanks to the nanny state government.
Pipe Used:
Mastro gigante
PurchasedFrom:
McCrannies
Age When Smoked:
Fresh from tin
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 15, 2020 | Mild | Mild to Medium | Mild to Medium | Pleasant |
My early Christmas present to my self was to pop a tin of 2016 Holiday Spirit.
The tin note was cocoa/pecan. The moisture is a little damp, so I let it sit out for 30 minutes before loading. It took a couple of lights to get going, but burned well after that. Little bit of moisture during the smoke, but nothing that a pipe cleaner can't fix.
The first part of the smoke is rich cocoa. The nuttiness is barely there. The sweetness is in the lead through the bowl as I never get much of the tobaccos behind it until maybe the last 1/3 of a bowl. The rum is not overpowering at all but comes through behind the cocoa in my opinion. Smoked slowly.. it doesn't get over hot and makes for a pleasant evening smoke and goes great with a cup of cocoa or come coffee.
I jarred the tin after a few bowls and will dole this one out during the holidays to make the pleasure last as long as possible.
The tin note was cocoa/pecan. The moisture is a little damp, so I let it sit out for 30 minutes before loading. It took a couple of lights to get going, but burned well after that. Little bit of moisture during the smoke, but nothing that a pipe cleaner can't fix.
The first part of the smoke is rich cocoa. The nuttiness is barely there. The sweetness is in the lead through the bowl as I never get much of the tobaccos behind it until maybe the last 1/3 of a bowl. The rum is not overpowering at all but comes through behind the cocoa in my opinion. Smoked slowly.. it doesn't get over hot and makes for a pleasant evening smoke and goes great with a cup of cocoa or come coffee.
I jarred the tin after a few bowls and will dole this one out during the holidays to make the pleasure last as long as possible.
Pipe Used:
Radiator Pipes, Cobs
PurchasedFrom:
Smokingpipes.com
Age When Smoked:
3 years
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