McClelland Anniversary 1977-2010

Generally, I do not like tobaccos with even the slightest amount of latakia. Yet, this tobacco is appealing and tends to grow on me each time I smoke it. It's got just the right amount of smokiness to it to offset the wonderful flavors of the Virginias to make it a memorable smoke.

As a new pipe smoker my knowledge is somewhat limited yet I felt I had to try this once it came in from JR Cigars due to a shipping error on their part instead of what I was supposed to be shipped. However as this was $4 more expensive than what I ordered I thought not to look a gift horse in the mouth so to speak. Upon opening the 3.5 ounce tin there were heavily severe notes of ketchup and vinegar but not so bad as to make one rethink trying it. I pulled some out to break it up a little as I do with all my tobaccos and noticed it feels very dry compared to everything I have smoked so far. It packs into a pipe just like any other tobacco and lighting takes about average around other tobaccos of this price. The only downside is after about 2 1/2 short puffs from this it went out and had to be relit. Now as Ive said I am new but this is quite odd considering I can usually manage at least 5 long puffs at least on every tobacco. This was in added oddness to the fact that as Ive said it feels very dry out of the tin. I am unsure about this but considering its flavors it is worth trying. I have actually successfully gotten it to burn longer by mixing it with some 777 amaretto and it even broadens the flavor gamut. I will air this out more but it is definitely one of those tobaccos you will have to give a try. If you like it then you will surely be keeping it around even if it has problems with short burn time for whatever reason.

Additional notes: I have noticed but to me it seems odd that the top 3/4 of the bowl burns so fast and what im left with in the bottom of the bowl while maintaining the flavor seems to last much much longer than say a full bowl of other tobaccos.

In addition as far as JR Cigar goes im glad they screwed up my order this time. This was a great smoke but as I checked with them by phone and through their website they have no more Anniversary 2005. Im not sure why it is still listed as such but a sure way to tell what you have is by the end date on the tin and the wrapping. On the wrapping for instance mine said 1977-2010 indicating it was made in 2010 however one stating 1977-2002 would be from 2002. Also look on the bottom of the actual tin itself as mine was stamped 09 2010 which I can only guess is the month and year of either its packaging or of the tobacco's month and year in age.

This is a wonderful blend of VA/Latks. My tin needed a good week before the moisture level was down enough for a good pack. It burns clean with the sprinkle of latakia. I didn't have to rub much out except for the occasional little brick. Take time to savor this one because the flavors towards the end are quite tasty. I got some fruit flavors...lemon, orange, cherry, grape but these were really just highlights to the overall robust brown sugar body of the smoke. A delicious tin.

This is a tobacco I allow to become bone dry before smoking. It offers a pleasant Virginia smoke with a modest dose of latakia. I think there is a flavoring additive underneath the smokiness of the latakia, just enough to give this blend a unique flavor, but not so much as to distract. I smoke this on rare occasions and a 100g tin will last me a long time. About half way down the bowl it becomes a smooth Virginia experience wrapped in that latakia smokiness. Not bad. Not great. A pretty good change of pace. Recommended. Paddy.

Let me start this review by making a recomendation: If you like lots of latakia and you come to this, you'll taste VA, and if you like lots of VA, you'll taste the latakia. I fall in between, but was told (before smoking) that this has lots of sweet VA, I tasted that, but noticed the latakia more. Later, after smoking latakia lader blends, if I reach for this, I rend to taste the VA prominently. I agree with some of the other reviewers in saying that this blend has a "salty" component -- I can't put my finger on what it is exactly?!?! Another winner for McC. I was able to grab about 10 cans of each of the two packagings for the "cellar"...I'll update this in 2007 or so...

Very nice and unique a soft and balanced blend with high quality all over it. A limited blend and a treat if you can find some. I do like itbut it is a special occation kind of thing.

upon opening the tin, I discover to my nose a smell of sweet virginia with a undertone of smokey smell from the latakia. Packed into a peterson Sherlock holmes pipe, A very old one not from the current series, the initial taste reveals the same. Latakia in the background with a nice viginia sweetness upfront. Burned a little hot for me but that may be me more than the tobacco. Fresh opened can too. I have 3 cans in the storage area. Taste was consistant to the end and the burn was quite nice reducing to the tell tale white ash dottle. looking forward to this blend in the future