Sutliff Tobacco Company Matured Red Virginia 515 RC-1
(3.08)
Regular red Virginias have a flavor that can best be described as toasty sweet. Processing and maturing red Virginia can bring some surprising results. People used to buy McClelland 5100 Red Cake by the pound because of its zesty flavor. For those who miss that terrific flavor, you should try Sutliff Matured Red Virginia 515 RC-1. This isn't an exact match for 5100, but it has a depth of flavor and a tang that you wouldn't normally find in a regular red Virginia, and it's priced very nice.
Details
| Brand | Sutliff Tobacco Company |
| Blended By | Carl McAllister |
| Manufactured By | Sutliff Tobacco Company |
| Blend Type | Straight Virginia |
| Contents | Virginia |
| Flavoring | |
| Cut | Ribbon |
| Packaging | Bulk |
| Country | United States |
| Production | Currently available |
Profile
Strength
Mild to Medium
Extremely Mild -> Overwhelming
Flavoring
None Detected
None Detected -> Extra Strong
Room Note
Pleasant to Tolerable
Unnoticeable -> Overwhelming
Taste
Mild to Medium
Extremely Mild (Flat) -> Overwhelming
Average Rating
|
3.08 / 4
|
Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 11 Reviews
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Oct 01, 2018 | Mild | Very Mild | Mild | Pleasant |
A Tale of Two Red Virginias, Part II. Golden ribbons with a bag note of hay. I get none of the McClellands-style sileage aroma from this, which was expected since it's not a McClellands blend. Came very moist and the proper moisture content was hard to dial in but it required some drying to get the PG to evaporate but not so much as to make the tobacco too dry. I left this one with a bit of moisture - not crispy. Review based on one ounce.
My first few bowls were what I would expect from a Sutliff match blend of #5100 Red Cake... very little depth, a definite subduing of the Red Cake tang and sweetness, and a fake "sweet-ish" taste from the PG (the flavoring I listed). I understand this is a bulk blend and requires some form of preservative, but I wish Sutliff could find something else, as the PG definitely contributes negatively to the taste and moves this further from a "match" blend (it isn't so named but Sutliff states that it's a substitute). But the good news is that there is almost no Sutliff signature chemical taste, once the blend dries out a bit. At any rate, as this blend dried on its own, it began to smoke more like a typical Red. Still nowhere near the depth of 5100, but at least moving in that direction. And once again, a single ounce of tobacco usually does not tell the entire story, even in a blend as simple as this one. I think this has potential - probably not to classic status like the McClellands but I would never expect that from a Sutliff blend, anyway. As a substitute for Red Cake, this one has a lot to aspire to, but again, I think it has the potential that, with some age on it, it might approach a fresh batch of Red Cake (which we will sadly no longer find). I'm going to pick up a half-pound and give it another spin in a year or so. 2 stars for my personal taste, 3 stars for its potential.
Update: I've smoked a few more bowls of this (ordered a pound to age but plucked out an ounce for current sampling) and I actually like it pretty well. I dry it out a bit and that PG-ish taste goes away. Pretty simple red VA with almost no complexity, but it tastes pretty good. Not as tangy and sweet as Red Cake but it's in the ballpark. It earns the 3 star rating I gave it and I think it's going to improve as time goes on.
My first few bowls were what I would expect from a Sutliff match blend of #5100 Red Cake... very little depth, a definite subduing of the Red Cake tang and sweetness, and a fake "sweet-ish" taste from the PG (the flavoring I listed). I understand this is a bulk blend and requires some form of preservative, but I wish Sutliff could find something else, as the PG definitely contributes negatively to the taste and moves this further from a "match" blend (it isn't so named but Sutliff states that it's a substitute). But the good news is that there is almost no Sutliff signature chemical taste, once the blend dries out a bit. At any rate, as this blend dried on its own, it began to smoke more like a typical Red. Still nowhere near the depth of 5100, but at least moving in that direction. And once again, a single ounce of tobacco usually does not tell the entire story, even in a blend as simple as this one. I think this has potential - probably not to classic status like the McClellands but I would never expect that from a Sutliff blend, anyway. As a substitute for Red Cake, this one has a lot to aspire to, but again, I think it has the potential that, with some age on it, it might approach a fresh batch of Red Cake (which we will sadly no longer find). I'm going to pick up a half-pound and give it another spin in a year or so. 2 stars for my personal taste, 3 stars for its potential.
Update: I've smoked a few more bowls of this (ordered a pound to age but plucked out an ounce for current sampling) and I actually like it pretty well. I dry it out a bit and that PG-ish taste goes away. Pretty simple red VA with almost no complexity, but it tastes pretty good. Not as tangy and sweet as Red Cake but it's in the ballpark. It earns the 3 star rating I gave it and I think it's going to improve as time goes on.
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 04, 2019 | Mild to Medium | Extremely Mild | Medium | Pleasant to Tolerable |
When I heard recently that Sutliff 515 RC-1 red Virginia blend was similar to McClelland's 5100 Red Cake (RIP), I had to try some.There were many McClelland blends I liked, but 5100, along with the Frog Mortons, were my favorites. I ordered 2 ounces of the 515. This is usually enough for me to get to know a blend. By the way, the name here seems an obvious nod to 5100 Red Cake. I mean, 515 - 1 as a reference to 51 hundred, and RC as a reference to Red Cake? Anyway, even after a few bowls of 515, I could see the similarity to 5100 Red Cake. The tobacco was at the right moisture level. The “bag note” was… well, a little grassy, maybe, but there really wasn't all that much of a scent to my nose. 515 is a mature red Virginia with a nice, gentle sweet taste. Some reviewers have noted a lemony, sour taste they didn't like. Well, I've not been getting any of that, although there is a slight tartness to it. I can also taste a little earthiness and breadiness in it. I also like the mouth feel and body of this blend. It produces a fair amount of thick smoke for a Virginia. This blend is very well-behaved. It burns well with minimal relights, and provides a pretty long smoke when packed firmly. In comparison to 5100, 515 RC-1 is perhaps a bit milder in strength and taste, but not by much. Maybe 5100 was a bit more tart. Although not an exact match (and should we really expect that anyway?), Sutliff 515 RC-1 is remarkably similar to 5100, and for me is a very acceptable substitute. Sutliff has hit a home run with this blend, I think. Recommended.
Pipe Used:
Large Canadian, medium meerschaum.
PurchasedFrom:
SmokingPipes
Age When Smoked:
Fresh
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 15, 2019 | Mild | Mild | Medium | Unnoticeable |
I put it straight from the bag into the pipe. No drying time. It lit quite easily.
For the first third of the bowl, the tobacco tasted how it smelled out of the ziplock bag. I thought that was great because it's something you rarely get with pipe tobaccos. It's very savoury, but also sweet and zesty.
That zest disappeared for the last two thirds of the bowl leaving me with a flavour that's more tamed as though the pipe and the leaf decided to settle on an agreement of the sorts for the remainder of the smoke.
I'm looking forward to aging this stuff and see how it evolves.
Is it like 5100 red cake? I smoked the famous Mcclelland blend last spring, 9 months ago and I can see why people compare it. But the 5100 was way more mellow and understood itself for what it was. The sutliff seems like it's still becoming into its own if that makes any sense. Again, I think time will really see that this blend shines.
Happy smokes everyone. Hope this helps.
For the first third of the bowl, the tobacco tasted how it smelled out of the ziplock bag. I thought that was great because it's something you rarely get with pipe tobaccos. It's very savoury, but also sweet and zesty.
That zest disappeared for the last two thirds of the bowl leaving me with a flavour that's more tamed as though the pipe and the leaf decided to settle on an agreement of the sorts for the remainder of the smoke.
I'm looking forward to aging this stuff and see how it evolves.
Is it like 5100 red cake? I smoked the famous Mcclelland blend last spring, 9 months ago and I can see why people compare it. But the 5100 was way more mellow and understood itself for what it was. The sutliff seems like it's still becoming into its own if that makes any sense. Again, I think time will really see that this blend shines.
Happy smokes everyone. Hope this helps.
Pipe Used:
Brigham three dot 624 bent billiard
PurchasedFrom:
Smoking pipes
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 15, 2020 | Mild to Medium | None Detected | Mild to Medium | Tolerable |
This is based on 515 from 2018 and smoked in the summer of 2020.
I purchased a pound of 515 from Smokingpipes.com in 2018 in a sealed bag and managed to misplace it until the summer of 2020.
I decided it was time to jar it up for the cellar and kept out some to smoke.
Out of the bag, the moisture is just right. The bag note was slightly sweet. I don't get the same vinegar from the bag that I do when I open a precious can of McClelland these days.
The ribbon cut is easy to pack and light. It burns well. No tongue bite even if pushed. The flavor is pretty monotone but good. A nice sweet smoke but not quite up to the level of the old McC's or even the C&D Carolina Red Flake that I was smoking before this one. The nic level is medium to my taste and it can be an all day smoke.
For the price point, this is a no brainer. It makes a great VaPer when say 10% or 20% perique is added to it also. I've also had some with a little bit of Dark Fired added which is also pleasurable.
I'll keep this in the rotation through the summer and make sure that I pick more up when the bulks go on sale.
I purchased a pound of 515 from Smokingpipes.com in 2018 in a sealed bag and managed to misplace it until the summer of 2020.
I decided it was time to jar it up for the cellar and kept out some to smoke.
Out of the bag, the moisture is just right. The bag note was slightly sweet. I don't get the same vinegar from the bag that I do when I open a precious can of McClelland these days.
The ribbon cut is easy to pack and light. It burns well. No tongue bite even if pushed. The flavor is pretty monotone but good. A nice sweet smoke but not quite up to the level of the old McC's or even the C&D Carolina Red Flake that I was smoking before this one. The nic level is medium to my taste and it can be an all day smoke.
For the price point, this is a no brainer. It makes a great VaPer when say 10% or 20% perique is added to it also. I've also had some with a little bit of Dark Fired added which is also pleasurable.
I'll keep this in the rotation through the summer and make sure that I pick more up when the bulks go on sale.
Pipe Used:
Radiator Pipes, Cobs
PurchasedFrom:
Smokingpipes.com
Age When Smoked:
2 years
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 13, 2021 | Mild | None Detected | Mild to Medium | Pleasant to Tolerable |
Sour and tangy dark fruit & vinegar notes on a lovely base of Chocolate & bread. Very simple, delicious, and easy smoke. Has a bit of the "sutliff sauce" on it, but I didn't find it to be too obtrusive or need any drying.
Definitely needs 6+ months of age to reach it's potential, but definitely worth a try, especially at the price.
Definitely needs 6+ months of age to reach it's potential, but definitely worth a try, especially at the price.
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 21, 2021 | Mild to Medium | Extremely Mild | Medium | Pleasant to Tolerable |
I’ve been hearing about the legendary Red Cake throughout my entire 17 years of pipe smoking, but I’ve unfortunately never had the ability to try it.
I have no idea how this compares to Red Cake, but it is a unique and interesting smoke, once you get it dried out enough. Being a bulk tobacco, I expected it to come bone dry - aka ready to smoke, but it actually came fairly moist. The initial odor I get right off the pouch/bag is a fairly strong acidic/vinegar smell, with a natural nutty sweet VA somewhere in the background.
I’m still working on getting the moisture level right, but it will be a gem once it’s dry. Smoking it without getting it adequately dry yields an exceptionally smooth and sweet and toasty and nutty VA with a pungent vinegar moistness that has a tendency to make its way into my mouth. It definitely needs to be dry.
I have tried mixing this 50/50 with Sutliff’s Red Virginia Ribbon, which I think will be an addictive powerhouse, IMO, once it’s had a chance to dry and meld a bit.
So far I’m really digging it. If I have change my mind, or change my tastes I’ll amend this review.
I have no idea how this compares to Red Cake, but it is a unique and interesting smoke, once you get it dried out enough. Being a bulk tobacco, I expected it to come bone dry - aka ready to smoke, but it actually came fairly moist. The initial odor I get right off the pouch/bag is a fairly strong acidic/vinegar smell, with a natural nutty sweet VA somewhere in the background.
I’m still working on getting the moisture level right, but it will be a gem once it’s dry. Smoking it without getting it adequately dry yields an exceptionally smooth and sweet and toasty and nutty VA with a pungent vinegar moistness that has a tendency to make its way into my mouth. It definitely needs to be dry.
I have tried mixing this 50/50 with Sutliff’s Red Virginia Ribbon, which I think will be an addictive powerhouse, IMO, once it’s had a chance to dry and meld a bit.
So far I’m really digging it. If I have change my mind, or change my tastes I’ll amend this review.
Pipe Used:
9mm bent briar, MM hardwood, Savinelli Unfinished
PurchasedFrom:
Pipes and Cigars
Age When Smoked:
New
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Nov 25, 2020 | Mild to Medium | None Detected | Mild to Medium | Pleasant |
Everybody compares this to the sadly exctinct McClelland 5100 'Red Cake', which I liked quite a bit, but only had a few ounces now and then when it was available. As much as this comparison is obvious, it is just as unnecessary, for this is a fine tobacco in its own right. Not much going on in terms of flavor changes throughout the bowl, but in a good way. Definitely has all-day qualities, if one is an all-day smoker. Plus, the price is ridiculously low. This is as good as it gets if you like slightly tart and tangy red Virginia. Which I do.
PurchasedFrom:
smokingpipes.com
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 07, 2020 | Mild to Medium | None Detected | Mild to Medium | Pleasant to Tolerable |
I was surprised at how much I enjoyed this tobacco, and how similar it was to McClelland's 5100. The flavor profile is tangy red fruit, a bit of earth, baking spice, bready (like an unbuttered croissant), and a light sweetness. It smokes down to the bottom of the bowl with no bite or dottle, to a fine ash. The flavor pleasantly lingers on the palate well after the smoke is gone. There's little to no evolution, but the smoke is as delicious from the first puff to the last. A superb smoke! Easily 4 stars.
*Edit May 6, 2021 Sutliff's 515 continues to be a staple in my rotation, albeit quite infrequent. I reach for this blend when I take the whippersnapper to the park, on hot summer days, or when I need a great all-day-smoke to pack into my baccy wallet. When I've got this blend with me, out and about, I'll load several bowls throughout the day in my cob, for a satisfying smoke on the go. Though I'll say I'm no longer as enthusiastic as I was to compare this blend to McClelland's 5100. This is still a great red VA in its own right, and there are some similarities, but drawing that hardline comparison no longer seems fitting. I've got some jars of this blend aging, so we'll see how it matures.
*Edit May 6, 2021 Sutliff's 515 continues to be a staple in my rotation, albeit quite infrequent. I reach for this blend when I take the whippersnapper to the park, on hot summer days, or when I need a great all-day-smoke to pack into my baccy wallet. When I've got this blend with me, out and about, I'll load several bowls throughout the day in my cob, for a satisfying smoke on the go. Though I'll say I'm no longer as enthusiastic as I was to compare this blend to McClelland's 5100. This is still a great red VA in its own right, and there are some similarities, but drawing that hardline comparison no longer seems fitting. I've got some jars of this blend aging, so we'll see how it matures.
Pipe Used:
Missouri Meerschaum Cobs
PurchasedFrom:
pipesandcigars.com
Age When Smoked:
Fresh
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 24, 2021 | Mild | Extremely Mild | Extremely Mild (Flat) | Unnoticeable |
I decided to buy and try this Virginia. Pretty quick, I have realized that it is tasteless for me. I have been using it adding to my Syrian Latakia blend, experimenting with different proportion for blending. Finally, I have found the blend of two and I have been piping it time to time during the day or in the evening with either coffee or black tea. Mild, lack of strong flavor when it is alone, however with the Latakia it became a nice all-day blend for a mid-size pipe. I advise to experimenting when you feel not comfortable with such blend or other ones. It seems to me a combined blend could be an interesting option versus a standalone pipe tobacco.
Pipe Used:
Savinelli Dolomiti 320 KS 9mm
PurchasedFrom:
a US on line tobacco shop
Age When Smoked:
unknown
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Nov 04, 2019 | Mild to Medium | None Detected | Medium | Pleasant |
515 RC-1 is a very good blend but for me it does not have the depth of tang or the depth of dark fruit notes that McClelland 5100 had. At the same time 5100 is a dinosaur. To be fare the notes say it is not an exact match but they do bring the comparison on themselves. That said it is still worth smoking. The jar note is slightly tangy, bready and earthy with a faint whisper of vinegar. The smoke does have a nice tangy note some dark fruit notes, a little earthy with a bread like note following in the background. As the bowl progresses the tangy moves to a tart slightly sour note at times and a nice clean woody note like a fresh planed oak plank comes in on occasion as well. The flavors do develop and become a little more clear at the bottom of the bowl and at this point the taste profile would be at medium for me. The finish is sweet and lingers on the palate for a good long while. The strength is at the right at the mild to med mark so an all day smoke if you are inclined. It does not get harsh or turn ashy. This one may age as the sweetness in the finish definitely suggests a lot of sugar content but it is very good at 6 months. I will be picking up a pound of it on my next order so this is really a 3.5 star for me right now. I will revisit this one soon as it will make it into a rotation and update as needed.
***Update*** This jar has been setting in my cellar dating 2019/11/20 so a year and a day as of today. I have smoked about 8 oz of this most of it ROTT to about 6 months. I taste no change at the 1 yr mark. A very good red VA.
***Update*** This jar has been setting in my cellar dating 2019/11/20 so a year and a day as of today. I have smoked about 8 oz of this most of it ROTT to about 6 months. I taste no change at the 1 yr mark. A very good red VA.
Age When Smoked:
6 months
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