PCCA Virginian

I have to agree with the only other review completed for this blend and say I am very surprised more reviews haven’t been posted. I’ve been smoking for many years however this is my first time trying this tobacco. It was tinned in 92’ and until it was opened it was my understanding this was a flake, wrong. This is shag cut for sure, no flakes to it whatsoever. Upon opening the tin you get that ketchupy smell McClelland is known for. The tobacco is a very dark mahogany/red in color. At first site it definitely reminds me of 5100 and/or McCranies. After 28 years it did not appear to have any signs of aging, it felt somewhat moist to the touch and almost cased with something. I let a bowl sit out for 20 minutes. It packed very well and burned clean all the way through with no moisture in the bowl. Very lite tasting blend, almost refreshing. It left a very pleasant and sweet taste in the mouth, not what I was expecting from a straight Virginia. Notes of dried fruit and nuts makeup the majority of the flavor profile. It has a great room note, very pleasing even for none smokers. I personally prefer a flake, however I can see myself reaching for this when I need a lighter blend that still has a solid taste. Nicotine on this one is on the mild side.

A blend tinned in 1992 and i'm the first to review it!? I do believe these tins were made in small numbers. This was part of a 3 blend USA set (I think) including Port of Dumfries and New World Flake.

I recently bought the tin from an online vendor who described it as "...McClellands took its finest ripe Red Virginia from decades ago and produced a tartly sweet and smooth deeply rich leaf..." And I would say that is pretty accurate. I am already kicking myself for not buying more than one. This appears to have a red virginia base not unlike 5100, ribbon cut, but similar to a McCranies blend. It has mellowed to an excellent point and you cant help but wonder if its the top shelf leaf, or a tiny bit of casing that is adding the sweetness too this one, I for one doubt its a casing knowing how McClelland reds were picked and processed. As with any blend tinned for this long, the red appearance is gone and the leaf has darkened a bit to a deep richness with some mahogany and lighter ribbons. I might also detect some stoved red in here as well.

This a very flavorful tobacco with a depth of complexity you will usually find in tobaccos of this class that lights easily, burns well and has a fine finish. I get notes of citrus and leather, fresh sawn wood, candied fruit, and lemon zest – deep and mellow.