McClelland Christmas Cheer 2012

I want to not come across too negative on this blend, as it is real good. That said, I like my Virginias sweeter and less mature. I really liked the 2011 edition, as it had a lot of interest. This one starts out interesting, but quickly fades into more of a "Brown flake"or has some Kentucky . Brown flakes I like to smoke at a smolder and this seems to be hard to keep lit at a smolder. Consequently, I smoke this faster and it seems to lose all sweetness and gets ashy. I would take "my review with a grain of salt " , McC still makes a quality Virginia, just don't expect a 5100 Red Cake type blend.

Good tobacco. I tried out of the tin and it was..ok. Let this sit for almost a year and there was major improvement. Recommended..

This is the first Straight Virginia I ever try. I can say it is pretty sweet and I like it a lot. Over all this is a very good straight virginia flake but the only problem I am facing is wet bowl after every smoke. The tobacco is a but wet out of tin, advice to dry it a little bout half a day under humidity level 60~70%. As what others mentioned, let it age will taste even better...

Very pleasant notes of wood fires, easy to puff, and delicious flavor. Copious white smoke, no bite.

Just cracked a 100g tin and upon opening, the smell of a spicy, rich ketchup came flowing out into my nostrels. Ahhh the smell of a premium aged Virginia. A nice dark broken flake was appealing to the old eye but as for the quantity, well; them bastards cheesed me ! 75g no more, no less. The flake easily rubbed out and went straight into my bowl damp as an 18 year old girl in the spring. A couple charring lights and the baccy was roaring. A rather strong flavour came upon that third light and a decent milky smoke. Now I tried puffen her lightly and hard and found that each had no bite and was really rather pleasent on the palate. Smoked well throughout the bowl with no relights and burned down to a nice white ash. Overall a good relaxing smoke that I will be coming back to with a bit of aging. Rating would be a 4 star out of 5.

I cracked my tin tonight, and was pleasantly surprised. I can be a little sensitive to VAs and their potential to bite. I tend to smoke a little quickly and have noticed no ill effects yet. Great when exhaled through the nose and those wisps that curl back up into the nose while breathing between pulls are delightful. Great aroma to me... the Mrs. says it's not bad. Some citrus notes and quite sweet in my opinion. Great tasting, yet light-bodied tobacco. Needs a bit of time in the open air for my preference. Go slow for more flavor. Push it and it can become flat - as can many tobaccos. Have some aging in a jar and a tin in reserve... may have to make that a few more tins. Delicious.

**Edit** I have noticed that if I pack it as tightly as I would a ribbon, the experience is not as grand. For me, it really shines with a very light pack. If it is too light, you can always adjust through careful tamping.

This stuff really has that famous McClelland ketchup smell in the tin. I think it transfers somewhat into the smoke. I agree with another reviewer, too mild and no wow factor. Mine was 2 years aged when I tried it. Very "just OK".

This was my first try of a McC CC and it was enjoyed. The flakes are broken and easy to pack without any rubout. The tin aroma is typical McC Ketchup but this does not carry thru to the smoke. Initial lighting was improved by drying and minimal relights were then needed. A cool, smooth smoke without bite or condensation. Should have cellared more but I'll try the '13.

Another excellent addition to the series. It is a very good smoke right out of the tin and I am sure would be even better with some age on it. Smokes right down to the bottom of the bowl with little effort. Recommended.