PCCA Quantum

The tangy dark fruity, mildly citrusy and grassy, woody, mildly sugary, fairly earthy fermented Virginias also sport a small spice note. The familiar ”vinegar" you expect from McClelland doesn’t detract or sublimate the varietals much and declines a little as you go along. The blend does lose a little sweetness near the finish. The strength is in the center of mild to medium, and the taste level is just past that. The nic-hit is mild. Won't bite or get harsh. May need a light dry time. Burns cool and clean at a slightly slow pace with a mostly consistent flavor. Leaves a little moisture in the bowl, and requires some relights. Lacks depth and punch. Two and a half stars.

-JimInks

Quantum is a beautiful short ribbon cut Virginia that performs nicely when slowly sipped. It can get away from you if you get excited while smoking it, so, watch the comedy channel while smoking. To me, McClelland's has a readily identifiable Virginia - always quality and always lots of depth. Quantum is no different.

Pipestud

This is my third taste-testing of old PCCA straight virginia blends that have come back into production. This one is in the middle, somewhere between the complex spiciness of Rich Virginia Ribbon and the vapid flatness of Aurora.

Upon opening the tin, I'm greeted with the smell of Grandma's spice rack. I'm not familiar enough with the specifics of those spices but the aroma is very spicy to the point where I was convinced this contained oriental tobaccos. I was reminded of the Grand Oriental series, specifically Yenice Agonya and Katerini. However, I read where this is a straight virginia of the stoved variety. Interesting.

The flavor carried on that light spiciness. This one was not nearly as complex as Rich Virginia Ribbon and was comparatively subdued in flavor. It was a fairly consistent smoke that didn't change much down the bowl. I think the point of this one was flavor and it was moderately rich tasting, just not nearly the equal of RVR. But compared to Aurora, this was a flavor beast! I'm going to pick up a few more tins for aging, as I trust this one will improve. It was a very decent smoke but not something I'd buy again except as an aging experiment. If you try this and find it good but lacking a bit of flavor and complexity, give RVR a try.

After a seven year break from the pipe hobby I started back a few weeks ago. I found this unopened tin in my tobacco stash, I purchased it in 2012. Upon opening I found it to still be moist and ready to smoke. The smell was a little muted with a mild spice aroma. The smoke was smooth and mild but it did not have the sweetness I remember from the Virginia tobacco I smoked in the past. But it also had none of the tongue burn that can happen with some tobacco. Since I was outside the room note can't be judged with accuracy but the smell was not noticeable to any extent. One follow up. After finishing this up, I realized I had noted a sweet tea flavor numerous times when smoking this tobacco. Everyone can taste different things, but this was very prominent to me.

An incredible virginia ribbon cut blend. raspberry, orange, lemon lime, bottom notes of sweet pastry. delicious. the PCCA virginia ribbon blends were all fantastic, but Quantum was one of my favs. sometimes the sweetness would subside then all of a sudden would come rushing back with an intensity like eating fresh cherries. smoking this would remind me of my swedish grandmothers fresh baked pastries at christmas. yum. i shared a bowl with a friend and he said it tasted exactly like Entenmann's raspberry coffee cake. i agreed.