McClelland Christmas Cheer 2008

This is my first Christmas Cheer, and it is some good stuff. A most excellant Virginia smoke with a nice fulfilling taste and note. My only issue is that I can't seem to keep the darn thing lit for more than 2 minutes, but the smoke is so good its worth the cost in matches and lighters. Good stuff get some.

Edit: I was much more gracious in my youth. This was like burning lawn clippings. It held so little of my affection that I sold it 7 years later for a pittance. I don't think Virginias are for me.

This one is interesting. (This was my first time trying Christmas Cheer) With a name like Christmas Cheer, I was expecting something that smelled more like spices stereotypical of holiday time. When I opened the can, the smell was almost like tomato paste or ketchup. It wasn't a bad smell, it just wasn't what I expected. After smoking a few bowls, I began to enjoy it. I think I just had to adjust my frame of reference and expectations on this one. I recommend it and will probably order 2009's edition.

Chardonnay, caramel, pecans, oak, ginger, macadamias, a little leather.

If you're familiar with the Christmas Cheer series, you know what to expect.

If you're a Virginia lover and haven't tried Christmas Cheer, this is a great year to become addicted.

Get it before it's gone!

Ketchup in a can! Nice flavor, but the tin odor is stomach turning.

I concur with BriarChef, this is some nasty stuff. Save your money and your time and purchase anything but this.

Truth be told, I enjoyed every aspect of this blend. From the moment I popped the top on the tin, I knew this was going to be a great smoke, not to mention all of the positive reviews. I sat down in my smoking chair and enjoyed every puff. Highly recommend. This tobacco get me in the mood for jingle bells, ho ho ho and all that good stuff.

Mmmm... I reall prefer the 2002/2003 vintages: this one doesn't seem as sweet and rich, although it certainly is a nice Virginia and it's more or less what one would expect after so many years of Christmas Cheer.

It has some sourness and a certain background musty/woody taste: not bad, but on the long run it is quite astringent.

If packed well (I like to rub it out a bit), it burns fine and clean, though it may require some relightings towards the bottom of the bowl.

Once again I will say that this is fine tobacco, typically McClelland, but that #27 and Blackwoods Flake have more personality IMHO.

Virginia flakes are my hands down fav smoke. This is a fine vintage (2000)broken flake and although I have already opened 2 tins and smoked through most of them this tobacco should really be saved for a few years and then smoked very very sparingly and slowly. I love the presentation! The broken flake is a perfect moisture in the tin. I rub this out and then let it dry a bit before smoking. Very high quality flake. Stock up while you can! I know that I did.

A little moist right out of the tin,the broken flake was very attractive. Leaving it out overnight seemed to help. It lit easily and needed minimal re-lighting. A good, solid virginia tobacco with no flavoring. I will be ordering more.

This is the best CC from McClelland I've smoked till now! Great taste! The tobacco is not to moist, I fully rub it out, don' let it dry, put it in my pipe and enjoy!