McClelland Aurora

I've been working my way through Mcclelland Virginias for a while now. While I enjoy and appreciate their many Virginia blends, I find that most of the ribbon cut varieties are improved by adding a pinch of 5105 (stoved virginia). Aurora however doesn't need it. The stoved virginia in this blend is very tangy and adds depth of smell and flavor that's much appreciated. Upon my first smoke I had to re-read the ingredient description on the tin because I thought I detected a hint of Oriental tang, but I've surmised it's just the stoved virginia here. To me it is a different stoved than what's used in other blends.

Often, Virgina blends are (for better or for worse) labeled as having little complexity, usually by English smokers. If you want to smoke a "complex blend of Virginia tobaccos", look no further than Mcclelland Aurora.

Exactly what it says on the tin. What one would expect of a mix of bright Va and stoved Va, with the notable presence of Red Va adding some spice and mouth feel.

Packs easy, burns a treat and I have no doubt that as others have already noted, this will age beautifully. Full marks.

After much experimentation, I've learned McC's tobacco just isn't for me. But if you like McC, you can do no wrong with Aurora. It has all their hallmarks, but maybe a little sweeter, with a really pleasant room note.

OMG where do I start. Let me begin by saying I've only been smoking pipes for about a year. My tin lists the name of the tobacco as "Aurora" is manufactured by McClelland but there is no reference to "PCCA". The tin does not have the aurora effect on the labeling as some photos I have seen. Upon opening the tin you immediately pickup on the ketchup/vinegar smell; different but not disgusting. I find it to resemble a ribbon cut and it feels VERY moist in the tin. After the first bowl I was ready to throw it away. Tried drying it out a bit and still have to relight very, very often. Its described a a "Virginia lovers dream", for me a nightmare thus far. I will continue to ride this one out in hopes of having the dream others proclaim. Somewhat recommended due to my limited palate. I read all of the reviews here and really wonder if I'm smoking the same tobacco as them.

Another hit from McClelland, and one of their Virginias with less ketchup/vinegar smell. This is a complex blend suitable for the contemplative smoker, providing subtle flavors. Sometimes sweet, sometimes earthy, sometimes grassy. Very enjoyable overall.

This blend is cut as fine ribbon and, in the tin, the aroma is of the typical McClelland fruity ferment.

A blend of bright, red, and stoved black, this is a full spectrum virginia blend, indeed. If you know McC, then you know what to expect.

Though expectedly delicious, Aurora is basically a retread. Albeit presented in a finer cut, this is essentially equivalent to Butera's Royal Vintage Matured Ribbon.

Chamber Gauge: Medium

This blend is ok. I was disappointed but it didn't seems to be as good to me as the reviews here indicated. The baccy behaved well but the taste was a bit bland. I would rate it higher but I expect a premium priced blend to have a bit more flavor.

This is my first Virginia as well as my first review. I found this a very enjoyable blend. I wasn't sure what all the reviews I read about McClelland tins having a Ketchup order was about; the only other tin I have opened was Syrian Ringlow Reserve and it smelled like spice. But this one sure had a ketchup aroma. This tobacco improved in taste about a week after opening.

This isn't a thorough review, as I've only smoked a third of a tin. That said, I decided to put the open tin back in the cellar. It's just too...vapid right now. I believe it needs more air time and/or age on it. This tin has been opened now for 3-4 weeks, and so the last couple small bowls I had of it showed some promise. With a bit more time, I have little doubt my plan will work. (I hope, I bought a handful of these puppies). Unfortunately, I find 5100 'Red Cake' to be more satisfying. Nothing wrong with Red Cake, mind you, but the premium a tin goes for, and the addition of stoved VA should make Aurora a hands down winner. As it stands, it tastes like a less monochromatic, but weaker Red Cake wannabe. My tins are all stamped 2009, so maybe a few years of age are in order? Time will tell. I'll post an update down the road.