McClelland Acadian Ribbon

I have a theory that VaPer blends work best and taste best when they are in flake or broken flake form, rather than ribbon cut. This theory has no basis in actual fact so far as I know, but this blend lends credence to the theory. It's most likely comparison in the flavor department is McClellands Bayou Slices, another of Blakeney's Best. Both blends work well and taste good but the Bayou goes beyond that into a realm of depth of flavor that this one can't quite match. As usual, I find that ribbon VaPers cannot touch blends like Escudo, McClellands St James or #2015 and several others I prefer.

That said, this is a fully serviceable smoke. It is quite tasty and more than just reasonably satisfying. The cut ensures an easy load into the pipe and negates the need for relights. If you like the taste of perique, this blend won't steer you wrong. If it weren't for the existence of VaPer flakes, I could live quite comfortably with this one. Compared to those, this just barely misses the mark. It just doesn't possess the complexity of a flake, in my humble opinion. But those who don't want to mess with flakes will be very pleased with this. It's a nice flavorful smoke.

The very tangy dark fruit, sugar and earth from the matured Virginias sport a light fermentation, vinegar and stewed fruit as the lead components. In an important support role is the mildly spicy, raisiny, plumy, perique, which also has a stewed fruit quality to it. The nic-hit is just past the mild threshold. No chance of bite or harshness, and has no dull moments. Burns cool, clean, and a tad slow with a deep, consistent flavor. Has a little more smoothness than your usual VaPer. Leaves little moisture in the bowl, and requires a few relights. Has a very pleasant, lightly lingering after taste, and stronger room note. Can be an all day smoke.

-JimInks

Very nice va/per.. It is a bit of a rough rider, however, so if you prefer a less refined more in your face perique blast - this is for you. I like it. the mccleland signature ketchup thing is there in full force, but the character of the tobacco pulls through in a way that 2015 didnt for me.. Plenty of flavor, very satisfying, decent nicotine.. its a winner.. It does kind of dry out your mouth a little, but well worth it

This blend was shared at the tobacco bar of my most recent pipe club meeting and I liked it so much that the fellow who brought it gifted me the tin and there were actually several bowls left after everyone had plowed through it.

The nicotine and Perique presence both get stronger on down the bowl, and the new "toasting" method used sure eliminated any bite. I did catch the typical "McClelland's ketchup smell in the tin, but it was quite subdued. I normally do not care for blends with Perique. But, this stuff was an exception. The Virginia base was sweet and not at all grassy. BTW, from what I understand, McClelland's may be the only pipe tobacco company with a large remaining stash of St. James Parish Perique. I have heard there is a cigarette company that pays high dollar for the stuff to put in their particular brand of weed. St. James Parish, Louisiana (the only place in the world where true Perique is grown) was not affected by Hurricane Katrina and future crops have not been compromised.

Finally, it says on the tin, "...rich ribbon blend, smoothed by the Blakeney exclusive toasting process." So, what is the Blakeney exclusive toasting process? Inquiring minds want to know.

Update: Hmmm, I really enjoyed this, but other VAPER ribbon mixtures are stocked in my cellar, but not this blend.

August 2005: This is a Perique blend. If you do not like Perique, do not want to notice its presence, or have a physiological reaction to it (as does RCUSElder with his allergy), do not bother with this blend.

On the other hand, if you like a stout measure of Perique without the overwhelming whammy delivered by Mississippi Mud, Escudo or Haddo's Delight, try this blend.

It seems that it cannot bite the tongue. It burns cleanly and completely, with little moisture in the tin or at the end of a bowl. You might catch yourself capturing the side stream smoke because it is delicious to a pipe smoker (the Perique might chase away all but your most faithful companions).

There is something to the toasting process that is reminiscent of cocoa, but I do not think this blend is flavored- it simply married well. There is natural sweetness present that all Virginia blends have, but within the genre, it is not very sweet.

I smoked this the month it was tinned and can only expect that putting six months and more age in unopened, cellared tins will deliver a smoother smoke without some of the "catches" noted. Still, BBAR is a winner.

Try thoroughly cleaning a pipe or two and dedicating briar to this blend. Small to medium sized bowls worked best for me, and a large bowl increased the impact of the hearty Virginias and generous Perique.

It was not at all difficult packing the bowl. My observation is that the newer the tin, the lighter the pack- but Acadian Ribbon can be loaded absentmindedly into a pipe. The ribbons are quite short, not a shag, but nothing approaching a Germain's idea of ribbon (angel hair?).

I suppose the best way to sum BB Acadian Ribbon up, would be the word satisfying. There are Va/Per.’s with more peppery tang and some with more deep dark fruit flavor. There are also Va/Per.’s out there with more nicotine, but BB Acadian Ribbon seems to hit everything at about a grade B level. Escudo and Dunhill DNR give me a stronger Va/Per. experience, but I wouldn’t want to smoke those all day long, BB Acadian Ribbon is similar to Elizabethan in this regard, as I can smoke multiple bowls in a day without palate fatigue. If this were still readily available, I would cellar it, but alas it’s ship has sailed and this tin will likely be my last.

I was lucky and got this in a free tin. I do not care for the fist smell of this in the tin. Catsup is a very good way to put it.. but I can look over that, Packing was a breeze I did the three pinch. The charring light went well, The burning light went well. and then it hits you.. This is a great smoke strong in the perique wow spice.. Loved it only had to relight two maybe three times. just a touch on the ashy side in the end but all in all I did like this a lot. (relights may be my fault)

I'm with Stan on this one. This gets interesting to downright tasty about half way through the bowl. As un-impressed as I was with the other Blakeney's offering (Waaayyyyyyy too mild, bordering on tasteless), I think this is a winner.

Obviously the Perique carries the blend and, in my opinion at least, takes the Virginias to a much higher level. It is just that synergy that makes Perique magic.

I find myself reaching for the tin of this stuff and craving it. It is not the best of McClelland by a long shot, but I can honestly say that I like this and will be buying more to cellar. There is no doubt it will age well.

This was my first tin of BB Acadian Ribbon. I enjoy Perique in my blends, but this was my first Virginia/Perique blend. Snapping the lid, I thought the aroma was quite nice. After ignition, the Perique made itself know and remain evident through the entire bowl. Interestingly enough, the citrusy notes I relate to Golden Virginias started to peak out about mid bowl. It was at this point, I also began to experience a pleasant spiciness. The second half of this smoke was clearly more complex as it appeared that all essences started to rise, but always mixing with that great touch of Perique. I did not find the Perique to be overpowering at all. Instead, it worked nicely with the Virginias. If you like Perique in your mix, with some subtle sweetness offered by the Virginias, then give this blend a try. For me, my fondness for Perique and Virginia tobaccos makes this a "must have" in my tobacco lineup.