McClelland Beacon
(3.56)
Bright high sugar content Virginia cake made with lemon yellow and orange Virginia leaf along with a healthy dose of seven year old Louisiana perique. A blend to calm a weary sailor outrunning an approaching storm.
Notes: Repurposed in 2009 from a PCCA Blend.
Details
| Brand | McClelland |
| Series | Collector Series |
| Blended By | McClelland Tobacco Company |
| Manufactured By | McClelland Tobacco Company |
| Blend Type | Virginia/Perique |
| Contents | Perique, Virginia |
| Flavoring | |
| Cut | Flake |
| Packaging | 50 grams tin |
| Country | United States |
| Production | No longer in production |
Profile
Strength
Medium
Extremely Mild -> Overwhelming
Flavoring
None Detected
None Detected -> Extra Strong
Room Note
Pleasant
Unnoticeable -> Overwhelming
Taste
Medium
Extremely Mild (Flat) -> Overwhelming
Average Rating
|
3.56 / 4
|
Reviews
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Displaying 11 - 20 of 26 Reviews
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Jul 01, 2009 | Medium | None Detected | Medium | Pleasant to Tolerable |
Upon opening the tin you are greeted with the typical McClelland smell, some refer to it as a ketchup smell, or a strong tang smell; Either way I find it pleasurable. The tobacco is in the broken flake style, and seems to be fairly consistent in size. Each flake consists of dark and orange colored virginias, with highlights of lemon virginia and streaks of perique. The moisture content is average, not overly wet, but most people would probably want to dry it out for about 30 min or so, depending on your preference.
The tobacco flakes rub out easily into fine ribbon strips. I chose to gravity fill the pipe, but I am sure this tobacco would work great for the air pocket method as well. Packing was easy and the blend lit well after an initial char lighting.
My first few puffs of this blend were very sweet. Sugar and perique with a hint of Virginia were dominate for the first 10 puffs. After the initial puff the sugar sweetness subsided to a nice matured virginia sweetness and a solid virginia taste came through. The balance of Virginia and Perique is very nice. The perique never seems to dominate the matured virginias. About 1/4 of the way through the bowl the lemon virginias start to play on your tongue. A nice lemongrass flavor is apparent but like the perique, it never overtakes this blend. !/2 way through the bowl the flavors seem to meld into a sturdy, cool, and slightly sweet virginia. The Perique kicks back in towards the end, with the occasional note of lemon virginias.
This blend burns down to a fine ash. I never had much of a problem with moisture. I ran a cleaner through the stem of my pipe once, and more for good measure then out of necessity. I did not notice an extraordinarily strong nicotine content in this blend, and feel it is on par with most Vaper blends.
In my opinion this is a surprisingly good Vaper blend. honestly I didn't have real high hopes for this blend, but I ended up being very satisfied with it. If I had to compare it to another Vaper I would say it is reminiscent to Solani 633, but subdued on the lemongrass virginia and a higher sugar content. I would heavily emphasize the word reminiscent though! My experience with this blend was in a medium to large billiard shape Stanwell pipe. I feel this is a great offering from McClelland and would not hesitate to recommend it or purchase more. *DGT Update* I went ahead and set 1/2 a bowl aside for DGT. The flavors seem to have melded. Medium in virginia flavor with a spicier note of perique in the foreground. Once in a while the smallest whiff of lemon will appear. Personally I cared more for it before the DGT, but just one mans opinion.
The tobacco flakes rub out easily into fine ribbon strips. I chose to gravity fill the pipe, but I am sure this tobacco would work great for the air pocket method as well. Packing was easy and the blend lit well after an initial char lighting.
My first few puffs of this blend were very sweet. Sugar and perique with a hint of Virginia were dominate for the first 10 puffs. After the initial puff the sugar sweetness subsided to a nice matured virginia sweetness and a solid virginia taste came through. The balance of Virginia and Perique is very nice. The perique never seems to dominate the matured virginias. About 1/4 of the way through the bowl the lemon virginias start to play on your tongue. A nice lemongrass flavor is apparent but like the perique, it never overtakes this blend. !/2 way through the bowl the flavors seem to meld into a sturdy, cool, and slightly sweet virginia. The Perique kicks back in towards the end, with the occasional note of lemon virginias.
This blend burns down to a fine ash. I never had much of a problem with moisture. I ran a cleaner through the stem of my pipe once, and more for good measure then out of necessity. I did not notice an extraordinarily strong nicotine content in this blend, and feel it is on par with most Vaper blends.
In my opinion this is a surprisingly good Vaper blend. honestly I didn't have real high hopes for this blend, but I ended up being very satisfied with it. If I had to compare it to another Vaper I would say it is reminiscent to Solani 633, but subdued on the lemongrass virginia and a higher sugar content. I would heavily emphasize the word reminiscent though! My experience with this blend was in a medium to large billiard shape Stanwell pipe. I feel this is a great offering from McClelland and would not hesitate to recommend it or purchase more. *DGT Update* I went ahead and set 1/2 a bowl aside for DGT. The flavors seem to have melded. Medium in virginia flavor with a spicier note of perique in the foreground. Once in a while the smallest whiff of lemon will appear. Personally I cared more for it before the DGT, but just one mans opinion.
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 19, 2017 | Medium | None Detected | Medium to Full | Pleasant |
This is a very rich VaPer built on a solid foundation of tasty matured Virginias. I smoked a tin of this alternating with a tin of McC 40th Anniversary, and the Virginias here are every bit as wonderful as each other. To my limited tasting abilities they are of the same stock.
The Perique is first evident on the nose straight out of the tin. That ineffable fruit and pepper quality that Perique has. The first few bowls I struggled to find Perique in the smoke itself. I knew it was there, and I was sure I would notice if it were gone, but it took me a while to dial into the flavour. But when it hits you it never leaves. Great stuff, perfectly balanced.
This is not much like Dunhill DNR, or its kissing cousin, Escudo. This is more like Cabbie's Mixture. The Virginias in Beacon and Cabbies' are much riper and richer. That doesn't mean better, nor does it mean worse. They are all 4 star blends in my book, but it is a lesson in how the same core ingredients can produce quite different outcomes.
This is an easy, bite free, medium strength blend that suits any occasion and can easily work as an all day smoke.
The Perique is first evident on the nose straight out of the tin. That ineffable fruit and pepper quality that Perique has. The first few bowls I struggled to find Perique in the smoke itself. I knew it was there, and I was sure I would notice if it were gone, but it took me a while to dial into the flavour. But when it hits you it never leaves. Great stuff, perfectly balanced.
This is not much like Dunhill DNR, or its kissing cousin, Escudo. This is more like Cabbie's Mixture. The Virginias in Beacon and Cabbies' are much riper and richer. That doesn't mean better, nor does it mean worse. They are all 4 star blends in my book, but it is a lesson in how the same core ingredients can produce quite different outcomes.
This is an easy, bite free, medium strength blend that suits any occasion and can easily work as an all day smoke.
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Jan 14, 2014 | Medium | None Detected | Medium | Pleasant |
No long review here. I've been smoking this (heavily) since it was re-launched, just didn't get around to a review. Simply put it's one of the finest VaPer's on the market. It is perfectly balanced in my opinion and delivers a flavorful and gratifying smoke with no nicotine assault. I consistently reach for it and it never lets me down. A top five tobacco for me.
Pipe Used:
varies
Age When Smoked:
varies
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 12, 2017 | Medium | None Detected | Medium to Full | Very Pleasant |
McClelland - Beacon (Collector Series).
The flakes themselves are thick and robust, but because the moisture was great when I opened it they weren't too difficult to prepare. It's actually a broken flake, not to the point of being virtually a ribbon, but it's slightly broken.
This is a fantastic smoke. Sure, the Virginias may have been added more heavily, but the inimitable flavour of the Perique still comes across; the Perique gives some 'zing', while the Virginias sweeten the smoke. They work together great. The Perique cools the smoke, and a bowl burns perfectly steady. I don't get an ounce of tongue bite, no matter how hard a chug on my pipe.
I find the dose of nicotine about medium, and the room-note's good.
Highly recommended, easily.
The flakes themselves are thick and robust, but because the moisture was great when I opened it they weren't too difficult to prepare. It's actually a broken flake, not to the point of being virtually a ribbon, but it's slightly broken.
This is a fantastic smoke. Sure, the Virginias may have been added more heavily, but the inimitable flavour of the Perique still comes across; the Perique gives some 'zing', while the Virginias sweeten the smoke. They work together great. The Perique cools the smoke, and a bowl burns perfectly steady. I don't get an ounce of tongue bite, no matter how hard a chug on my pipe.
I find the dose of nicotine about medium, and the room-note's good.
Highly recommended, easily.
Pipe Used:
Altinok Meer'
PurchasedFrom:
Smokingpipes.com
Age When Smoked:
Two months
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Oct 05, 2016 | Medium | None Detected | Medium | Unnoticeable |
A fantastic blend where light sugary yellow Virginias are paired with darker heavier -yet still sweet - Carolina leaf with a delicate and yet pungent perique, the likes of which this Cajun hasn't tasted outside of St James Parish in any blend that I can recall. Cut is nothing special, correct in every way as one would expect from McClelland, doesn't burn out of the norm, but somehow the pairing of this VaPer is near perfection in that it delivers a nice nicotine-laden experience without being overbearing or harsh... no bite whatsoever.
I have had half a dozen VaPers of which University Flake and La Flake are favorites, but this blend surpasses them in that the flavors are layered. Think tiramisu vs pudding in that sense. Both have sugar and are pudding-like, but the former has such depth compared to the latter. So goes Beacon. Have a tin of Beacon Extra I am about to sample... VaPer and Virginia lovers should consider this outstanding blend.
I have had half a dozen VaPers of which University Flake and La Flake are favorites, but this blend surpasses them in that the flavors are layered. Think tiramisu vs pudding in that sense. Both have sugar and are pudding-like, but the former has such depth compared to the latter. So goes Beacon. Have a tin of Beacon Extra I am about to sample... VaPer and Virginia lovers should consider this outstanding blend.
Pipe Used:
Meers
PurchasedFrom:
Pipes and Cigars
Age When Smoked:
2012
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 27, 2018 | Mild to Medium | None Detected | Medium | Tolerable |
I only had a tin of this in the cellar and finally got to popping it after it aged nearly three years. It is a great VaPer and finds its way between three and four stars for me.
Anyway, to the leaf itself. This is another great use of Virginia from one of the masters of that leaf. It is a shame McClelland is no more as of this time as there processing of Virginia was so unique and fantastic that any of their Virginia blends are immediately identifiable from the tin note and from the first puff. And they pretty much all rock.
While a great deal of attention for McCleelland goes to their use of the red leaf, Beacon shows they can also do justice to both orange and lemon Virginia. This is citrusy and I loved it. Having tried Beacon Extra, I did expect to love it, but I thought it would be a little weak for my tastes.
All the talk of the Virginia should not distract one from the fact that there is perique in the blend. It is not a large amount, and anyone who has smoked Extra should expect that, since the latter has more perique and, IMO, is not very heavy on the condiment. In fact, I found Beacon Extra to be about the perfect amount of Perique so I anticipated this to be too light for my tastes, but I was pleasantly surprised that it was a good amount of perique. It didn't add as much spice to my tastes as it did body. It brought greater depth to the wonderful Virginias and I never felt cheated by a smoke that was too weak.
As I started by saying it is between three and four stars and my preference of Beacon Extra would normally doom this to 3 stars, but where the perique lightens up in Beacon, it does allow more of that fantastic Virginia base to shine through, so I am rounding it up to four stars.
Anyway, to the leaf itself. This is another great use of Virginia from one of the masters of that leaf. It is a shame McClelland is no more as of this time as there processing of Virginia was so unique and fantastic that any of their Virginia blends are immediately identifiable from the tin note and from the first puff. And they pretty much all rock.
While a great deal of attention for McCleelland goes to their use of the red leaf, Beacon shows they can also do justice to both orange and lemon Virginia. This is citrusy and I loved it. Having tried Beacon Extra, I did expect to love it, but I thought it would be a little weak for my tastes.
All the talk of the Virginia should not distract one from the fact that there is perique in the blend. It is not a large amount, and anyone who has smoked Extra should expect that, since the latter has more perique and, IMO, is not very heavy on the condiment. In fact, I found Beacon Extra to be about the perfect amount of Perique so I anticipated this to be too light for my tastes, but I was pleasantly surprised that it was a good amount of perique. It didn't add as much spice to my tastes as it did body. It brought greater depth to the wonderful Virginias and I never felt cheated by a smoke that was too weak.
As I started by saying it is between three and four stars and my preference of Beacon Extra would normally doom this to 3 stars, but where the perique lightens up in Beacon, it does allow more of that fantastic Virginia base to shine through, so I am rounding it up to four stars.
Age When Smoked:
Just under 3 years.
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Aug 09, 2015 | Medium | None Detected | Medium | Very Pleasant |
This is a lighter VA Per consisting of lemon and orange VAs and a little bit of perique. It's a light bodied and sweeter VA Per. It has the flavors you'd expect from lemon VA but it's substantial and has a rich flavor. It's great on a summer afternoon or evening. Just an excellent smoke. I smoke this in the summer or when I want a smoke that isn't too heavy with perique. I used to smoke a lot of in your face perique blends but I am finding that I look for more subtly now from my perique. More often than not I smoke Saint James Woods but enjoy Beacon for a change of pace.
Pipe Used:
briars, meers
Age When Smoked:
new
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Jun 06, 2012 | Medium | None Detected | Medium | Pleasant |
Wow what a fantastic virginia experience. Very natural and burns great. Plenty of flavor but mild and smooth. Slightly sweet, fruity, and perique-y, but certainly not enough sweetness or perique-ness to turn anyone off. If you enjoy medium strength virginia blends and have not tried this yet, this should be on the tippy-top of your list imo.
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 26, 2019 | Medium | Mild to Medium | Medium | Pleasant to Tolerable |
One of the all time vaper blends, in my opinion.
Beautiful high-sugar bright Virginia’s rounded out with a citrus tang. The perique has that aged, dark and figgy feel. Stout, yet easily approachable. A bit of the McClelland sauce in the background.
I truly give thanks that I was able to pick up a tin of this remarkable tobacco before it was discontinued. It’s a shame that our peaceful hobby has been so vilified that true works of art like this can no longer be appreciated. Smoke it if you can find it.
Beautiful high-sugar bright Virginia’s rounded out with a citrus tang. The perique has that aged, dark and figgy feel. Stout, yet easily approachable. A bit of the McClelland sauce in the background.
I truly give thanks that I was able to pick up a tin of this remarkable tobacco before it was discontinued. It’s a shame that our peaceful hobby has been so vilified that true works of art like this can no longer be appreciated. Smoke it if you can find it.
Pipe Used:
Various
PurchasedFrom:
Smokingpipes.com
Age When Smoked:
3 years
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 13, 2019 | Mild to Medium | None Detected | Mild | Pleasant to Tolerable |
This has the strongest ketchup tin note of all of the McClelland VA's I have tried. I happen to like it, but man is it strong. The flakes are thick and a bit damp. I found the best bowls to be cube cut and dried for 20 minutes or so.
The flavor is quite balanced and smooth. The perique is barely noticeable to my palate but the tingle in the nose on the retrohale is present. I also do pick up a bit of white pepper and slight, very slight raisin notes here and there. The top grade McClelland VA's are the star of the show, as I expected. Slightly sweet, a bit of grass but mostly toasted bread and mildly earthy. Given the types of VA's used I expected more citrus but didn't really get any...but I am not disappointed. Great mild VA with some light spicy notes.
The flavor is quite balanced and smooth. The perique is barely noticeable to my palate but the tingle in the nose on the retrohale is present. I also do pick up a bit of white pepper and slight, very slight raisin notes here and there. The top grade McClelland VA's are the star of the show, as I expected. Slightly sweet, a bit of grass but mostly toasted bread and mildly earthy. Given the types of VA's used I expected more citrus but didn't really get any...but I am not disappointed. Great mild VA with some light spicy notes.
Pipe Used:
Briar's, meerschaum and cobs
Age When Smoked:
4 years
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