McClelland Black Shag
(2.55)
Sherlock Holmes kept it in the toe of a Persian slipper nailed to the mantelpiece. It was dry and strong. Kept at what we today have deduced to be proper smoking moisture and smoked gently, this excellent stoved shag will provide hours of smoking pleasure. Examine the ash carefully. A shag cut black Virginia tobacco, making it very easy to pack a pipe and burn evenly.
Notes: The first in the 221b Series is Black Shag, introduced at the 1997 Sherlock Holmes meeting of the Richmond Conclave of Pipe Smokers.
Details
| Brand | McClelland |
| Series | 221b Series |
| Blended By | McClelland Tobacco Company |
| Manufactured By | McClelland Tobacco Company |
| Blend Type | Straight Virginia |
| Contents | Virginia |
| Flavoring | |
| Cut | Shag |
| Packaging | 50 grams tin |
| Country | United States |
| Production | No longer in production |
Profile
Strength
Mild to Medium
Extremely Mild -> Overwhelming
Flavoring
None Detected
None Detected -> Extra Strong
Room Note
Pleasant to Tolerable
Unnoticeable -> Overwhelming
Taste
Medium
Extremely Mild (Flat) -> Overwhelming
Average Rating
|
2.55 / 4
|
Reviews
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Displaying 11 - 16 of 16 Reviews
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 21, 2012 | Mild to Medium | Mild | Medium to Full | Pleasant |
I purchased this tin on the fly from my local tobacconist simply because I liked the artwork on the tin (what can I say, I'm a sucker for good labels). Long story short, it has quickly grown to become one of my favorites. It packs very easily and stays well lit through the whole bowl. It has a wonderfully tangy sweetness that is perfect for outdoors on a warmer day when you just want to have some nice R&R.
For best results, after opening the tin I'd let it sit with the lid on for a few days before smoking. It really helps bring out the wonderful tang of this blend.
If your looking for a heavy Vitamin N hit you'll be let down but it does has just enough to make it a really enjoyable smoke. Try it and find out for yourself!
For best results, after opening the tin I'd let it sit with the lid on for a few days before smoking. It really helps bring out the wonderful tang of this blend.
If your looking for a heavy Vitamin N hit you'll be let down but it does has just enough to make it a really enjoyable smoke. Try it and find out for yourself!
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Oct 24, 2011 | Medium to Strong | Medium | Medium to Full | Tolerable to Strong |
As far as a shag cut goes, McClelland has set the bar very high, indeed.
I always keep a tin of this in my collection.I only ever keep this and the Sherlock Holmes tin from Peterson's as my aromatics selection.As a general rule, I am an English-blend-only smoker.
There is the smell of American BBQ , mesquite I believe it is called, although don't quote me on the spelling. The taste is full and somewhat strong, however as it is a shag cut, it is to be expected.
Shag, as many know, is not a type of tobacco, rather it is just the way the tobacco is cut. So, therefore, it is easy to pack and easy to light. It doesn't burn out and has a nice taste. There is the downside of a somewhat strong room oder. Not a wife-pleaser.
I, as a member of the Sherlock Holmes Society, had an immediate attraction to the blend by its name and known to be one of Holmes' favourite tobaccos. I was not let down and have always kept a tin in my collection. I even went as so far as to tack a real persian slipper on my wall and kept a bit in and to my shock, it enhanced the flavour! Perhaps there is something behind what Doyle had written upon.
I always keep a tin of this in my collection.I only ever keep this and the Sherlock Holmes tin from Peterson's as my aromatics selection.As a general rule, I am an English-blend-only smoker.
There is the smell of American BBQ , mesquite I believe it is called, although don't quote me on the spelling. The taste is full and somewhat strong, however as it is a shag cut, it is to be expected.
Shag, as many know, is not a type of tobacco, rather it is just the way the tobacco is cut. So, therefore, it is easy to pack and easy to light. It doesn't burn out and has a nice taste. There is the downside of a somewhat strong room oder. Not a wife-pleaser.
I, as a member of the Sherlock Holmes Society, had an immediate attraction to the blend by its name and known to be one of Holmes' favourite tobaccos. I was not let down and have always kept a tin in my collection. I even went as so far as to tack a real persian slipper on my wall and kept a bit in and to my shock, it enhanced the flavour! Perhaps there is something behind what Doyle had written upon.
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Jul 25, 2006 | Mild | Medium | Medium | Pleasant |
This the kind of blend you love or hate. I love it. The lightness on the tongue and the smooth but spicy taste keep this blend interesting from the lighting to the ash. This could be an all-day smoke. I liked it best in a churchwarden.
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Sep 20, 2005 | Medium to Strong | Very Mild | Medium | Pleasant |
For some reason this blend hasn't recieved the respect it deserves. I found it very tasty and very enjoyable. I've never had anything else like it. Not for virginia lovers. I'm not into all Va blends. Will buy Black Shag again.
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Jun 27, 2003 | Medium to Strong | Medium to Strong | Medium | Pleasant |
This tobacco isn't bad. If you have a taste for stronger tobacco and you don't NEED to taste the Virginia in any pipeweed you use then this is a good choice.
It packs well given its composition of slightly harder-than-normal tobacco; it is moist and as soon as you open the tin you can smell Latakia and orientals distnctly. The ratio Virginia to orientals favors unequivocably the latter tobaccos, and frankly that's exactly how I like my smoke to be.
It lights very easily, often without the need of a second light.
It burns evenly and well, but as most McClelland blends it should be smoked slowly to really appreciate every draw. No need to puff nervously, you'll get a tongue burn and overheat your pipe. My advice is: smoke it in a pipe with a longer stem, such as a 3/4 of a bend or a full bend.
The Latakia is evident as soon as you light up; other orientals and some Virginia complete the picture and are more evident farther down the bowl. Some moisture is left at the end, as with every McClelland.
It is a strong tobacco, not necessarily adequate for all day smoke. It is sold in a 50 gr. so if you are an habitual pipesmoker it would difficultly last more than a couple of days as an all day smoke.
The room note is pleasant and not too strong. A good tobacco to keep around for those pensive moments.
It packs well given its composition of slightly harder-than-normal tobacco; it is moist and as soon as you open the tin you can smell Latakia and orientals distnctly. The ratio Virginia to orientals favors unequivocably the latter tobaccos, and frankly that's exactly how I like my smoke to be.
It lights very easily, often without the need of a second light.
It burns evenly and well, but as most McClelland blends it should be smoked slowly to really appreciate every draw. No need to puff nervously, you'll get a tongue burn and overheat your pipe. My advice is: smoke it in a pipe with a longer stem, such as a 3/4 of a bend or a full bend.
The Latakia is evident as soon as you light up; other orientals and some Virginia complete the picture and are more evident farther down the bowl. Some moisture is left at the end, as with every McClelland.
It is a strong tobacco, not necessarily adequate for all day smoke. It is sold in a 50 gr. so if you are an habitual pipesmoker it would difficultly last more than a couple of days as an all day smoke.
The room note is pleasant and not too strong. A good tobacco to keep around for those pensive moments.
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Mar 06, 2003 | Medium | None Detected | Medium to Full | Pleasant to Tolerable |
I went on and gave Black Shag the highest rating because though I don't smoke it daily it is "One of my favorites" and I smoke it as often as possible. The shag cut packs and lights readily enough and I like the sweet, nutty flavor. I find that the sweetness lasts well into the bowl while becoming richer as you smoke down. Mostly VA flavor with a bit of tanginess, the hint of English flavor keeps the smoke interesting and tasty. Smokes cool down to a whiff of dry whitish ash. No bite and no problems w/gurgle when smoking this in a bent Castello Sea Rock dedicated to this blend. I didn't use any cleaners until the pipe was finished. I enjoy smoking this, and I think maybe ol' Holmes might even approve of this. Works for me.
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