McClelland Tastemaster

I've smoked other McClelland blends before - Virginias and Orientals and have been satisfied. Tastemaster is the first "flavored aromatic" McClelland that I've ever tried.

The tin aroma has a very prominent rum/chocolate smell. It did not seem overly moist and hence I did not need to dry it out. I smoked it in a CAO Lion's head Meer. There was no trouble getting it burning, however, it needed constant relighting - especially if I put it down for several seconds. The taste was reminiscent of chocolate cream and butterscotch - not too bad in and of itself, but it was too sweet for me which made me faintly nauseous by mid bowl. There was also a chemical taste similar to what one finds in OTC aromatics (Capt. Black, etc.) as well as a slightly burnt taste which reminded me of how briar tastes when you are developing a burn-out through the bowl. No gurgling to speak of, but no tobacco taste either. It was like smoking burning candy and burned hot.

I wouldn't dismiss the blend altogether, but it will only serve me as a "once in a while, on a whim" smoke. Most of all, I liked the coarse cut. Overall, I give it 2 stars.

UPDATE 11-11-09: After letting this one sit for the past 10 months or so, it has improved enough for me to raise my rating to 3 stars. Why? No appreciable chemical taste, number of re-lights reduced, and minimal burn-out taste (I think this taste is due to the Green River Cavendish). The hot burn was now more of a spiciness on the lips and tongue. Still, however, only an occasional smoke for me. Good for when you want something sweet with minimal (if any) tobacco taste. Overall, a better version of Captain Black White that actually tastes like something. Good in place of an after dinner cordial.

Do you like Captain Black (white)? wanna smoke it without the chemical after taste? Try Tastemaster!!, This is the ultimate first class and the true Captain Black, the aroma/flavor is wonderful ! with natural chocolate/caramel/vanilla taste, the smoke is mild, sweet, smooth and tasty.

I just found this jar from 2011 hiding in my cellar. Didn’t remember what I thought, so I gave it a another spin.

No Chemical taste whatsoever. I can taste/smell some chocolate, and vanilla. I have a hard time picking up the burleys. The cut is chunky, and on the moist side.

I realized pretty quickly why this got lost in the back of my cellar, as my tongue began to get sore. Slow sipping wasn’t enough for me to keep this chunky stuff lit. So, it’s bite or relight. Over, and over, and over, again. I’ll give it a star because it does taste pretty good for an Aro, but my chemistry doesn’t like this stuff.

One of the most aromatic blends around, even before smoking it! It has the "nose" of cognac with a strong vanilla presence. I found the smoke was almost too rich and little heavy. I tried mixing it with Captain Cool and was very surprised as to the results...a good smoke and great taste. The length of the smoke was not too shabby either, slight ash and dry so long as it is gently puffed.

Smoked in Ashton pipe.

I am not a big aromatic tobaccos fan, but have smoked many throughout the years. None have had as deep an impact on me as this offering from McClelland. This mixture has about 75% of Black CA and the rest broken up between the Cavendish, BU and VA. The tin aroma is more like mocha than chocolate. And, my God, it is delicious. It smokes clean, it smokes well, has no chemical taste, does not bite. If you expect some tobacco flavor, you will not really get it with Tastemaster. But what you will get is an incredible high quality aromatic. It is the best I have smoked so far and will buy more - on a regular basis, as a matter of fact. If you are a fan of aromatics, you must try this one. Highly recommended.

I found this to be delightful from opening the can each time to every bowl and the way the room became so aromatic. I could live on this blend being my daily steady.

Yes it is, a smooth and creamy smoke. Very pleasant aromatic although I don't feel that it is as chocolaty as described, I don't know what else I would call it though, maybe mild chocolate nouget. It smoked surprisingly clean and dry in my Sherlock Holmes Squire.

Its not the chocolate juggernaut that MacBaren Honey & Chocolate is, but its good

I find myself smoking this more and more. In fact as I type this review I am smoking a bowl in my newest Meerschaum Eagle Claw pipe.

It is a bit on the mild side with little nicotine strength. But I like that most of the time. Only rarely do I like a strong tobacco. I find the flavor to be quite unique. There is a subtle hint of chocolate flavoring mixed with a very sweet aftertaste. Towards the end of the bowl one begins to taste more tobacco and less flavoring. The room note is nice however there are other blends with a much more pleasant room note.

This is an excellent choice for someone new to pipe smoking.

I am primarily an English blend smoker but have had the cravings for the occasional Aromatic. While talking to a local tobacconist who is also an English Blend smoker referred me to Tastemaster.

This is defiantly one of the highest quality aromatics out there. It burns very cool and I was unable to get it to bit.

The tin aroma was very pleasant lacking the notorious McClelland ketchup aroma. It had a chocolateish smell on opening the tin.

This stuff lights very easily and burns clean to the bottom of the bowl.

It has very smooth and cream like smoking characteristics. I do detect a hit of chocolate but I primarily taste an almost Mocha coffee.

This is one of my favorite tobaccos to smoke when having a cup of coffee where the pipe smell might offend those near by.

I get many complements on the room note and it's an Aromatic that I actually enjoy!

-Chris