McClelland Christmas Cheer 2001

Aye, this is the blend of finest tobacco weed to be found! My tin purchased 12/02 just opened 12/06 has aged well with sugar crystals abound within this fine pressed Virgina. Not many finer than this with a California Merlot and watching a favorite movie from the 50's or 60's. A bit of bite if smoked more than one bowl at a sitting, but very pleasureable with very little nicotine hit. Lovely, sweet tang with citrius and spice, if you can find this, stock up. I fully rub this blend out and pack with a slight spring and with 3/4 of a tin to go I'm having a merry new year indeed!

Bought and smoked December 17 2005, Consistant, in a supurb way. Rally rather good. I let it dry for about 5 hours before I lit it up. But man what a treat. I can't wait to try its brothers. Really very very nice.

A limited tobacco and different every year...this year is quite good and tends to the richer veriginias. A worth while treat and since it is limited you may not be ble to find this year however do give it a try and you will be pleasently rewarded. Smooth and slow with unique sweetness. The tobacco used is of great quality and produces unique taste. Mery Christmas!

I got this as part of a pass and couldnt pass up on the chance to try some, the tin aroma was wonderful, rich musty-sweet virginia with less than normal McClellend Ketchup smell. the tobacco was mostly dark brown broken flakes which were a tad too moist and had to be dried out a bit, I packed it somewhat loosely into my new dark ringblast billiard, without braking up the flake any further.

It took to flame rather nicely and tamped down evenly and took only 2 relights too keep it going. The initial flavor is what remained throughout, rich sweet deep virginia, the consistancy didnt change much throughout the smoke, which may bore some, but which i found somewhat comeforting. I think this would make a lovely fall/wintertime smoke hence the name. I look forward to when i can grab a cople more tins of this one to smoke and one to age, and also to Christmas cheer 2002.

Overall i would rate this a 4.5 out of 5.

Highly reccomended.

Just cracked open a tin of this fine Virginia with 17 years of aging on it. With several bowls under my belt, it was time to add my two cents. A deep fruity aroma wafted up to me after that satisfying whoosh from a well fermented Virginia. The mostly broken flakes were light to medium reddish, with scattered sugar crystals. The frequently present ketchup odor was there, but dissipated rapidly. This blend smokes sweet and smooth, but really needs to be smoked slowly.

I’ve come to the conclusion that many of the varied reviews on Virginias (including this blend) reflect how the tobacco is smoked, as much as anything. Even I will find that if I absentmindedly puff too hard or rapidly, the tobacco loses a lot of flavor, and consequently, is not very enjoyable.

Smoked slowly, as this must, it’s a fine Virginia blend. Consistently mild and sweet, with a pleasing room note. Medium nic hit. Burns to a fine white ash, with little moisture.

I love Virginias, and this was my first experience with the Christmas series. I do recommend this tobacco for lovers of Virginias.

This is definitely a blend for the holidays - warm and spicy notes, without overpowering the natural sweetness and flavour of the Virginia. A great smoke in cold weather, but a little stifling in the summer. Like many Virginias, this one ages very well too. If you can get some, cellar it for a while.