McClelland Black Shag

If you want a very mild smoke that makes you think, you're here!

Unique in cut and texture. Lacks complexity, but makes up for it in the way GH and SG do. I would not smoke this everyday but it is a classic in the old world sense of the term It is simply a 18th-19th century poor mans blend; and that is where it shines. You will not find another pipe tobacco like this one. Best to let it air out overnight. It tastes better, a least to me, dry.

This is a long, fine ribbon the aroma of which is typical McClelland funk with a touch of spice.

Though not particularly black, Black Shag is yet another take on a McC red and dark stoved VA blend. Of course, the VAs are of unimpeachable quality. The gentle touch of exceptionally smooth and aromatic Turkish leaf adds variance and an exotic elegance. The string-cut makes this both accessible to use and easy to abuse with harried puffing quickly conjuring a harsh bitterness.

Perhaps a McC homage to Presbyterian Mixture, Black Shag is a thoughtfully constructed blend exhibiting both élan and depth.

Chamber Gauge: Narrow to Medium

Upon opening the can, I wasn't sure about this blend. As I kept with it I developed a taste for it and have grown to really like it. I thought is filled the pallet and had a "round" flavor. Give it a chance, it might grow on you.

I originally purchased this blend nearly 5 years ago to the the day. my mason jar is labelled 02-14-04. Though at the time I though that this tobacco was very similar to 2035, though the volitized esters were constricted, at the time, due to the cut and presentation. With nearly a decade of age, this is sublime. If anyone else out there has a similar specimen let his opinion be heard because I want to know. This has the taste of prunes, black pepper, and citrus. I recently opened an 8oz jar of 2035 from the same vintage and it is very similar, yet because of the cut it smokes very different. If you can get this one aged it is different than anything you've had. For you you sherlockians(I ain't one, I'm a southern boy with a fetish for fine tobacco. not someone smoking a certain pipe shape living out a fantasy) this one wont find its home in the toe of a slipper. It will enjoy itself burning to a nice ash in the belly of a peterson.

This is a nice offering from McClelland. Cool in the bowl, no bite as reported by others. I opened a tin from 2000. The condition was ready to smoke.

Lighting was a bit of a chore. Frequent relights kept me a bit busy. I was a bit lazy and didn't tamp this down more than once. Eventually we were set.

The sugary taste of Virginia hit the tip of my tongue about 1/4 into the bowl. I like this. The sweet nutty flavor satisfying enough to not have to puff hard to achieve. Mellow enough to roll through the nose and enjoy the aroma of the smoke. I was wary about opening a ton of this after reading the poor reviews, but had the opportunity when asked to trade some. VA smokers would enjoy this blend.

Strong shag cut VA. Stoved. Not a wife pleaser. The wife didn't complain when I smoked Peterson's Irish Flake but complained on this one, go figure! Even Penzance only got a funny look, but this got a verbal opinion! EEWW! I like it. It's better than Honeydew, I like heavier smokes. This isn't too sweet,but isn't too strong either. I imagine drying out a bit would increase it's stregnth, but it would also make it a bit harsh too. I can't down this tobacco but it won't be in my rotation no more either. I imagine this would be overwhelming to a newbie, but after smoking Irish Flake, 1792, and Penzance, this is like BCA to me.

This blend is a little underrated. It is a great Virginia tobacco with which to start the day. I have smoked pounds of this over my morning coffee and never experienced tongue-bite or a hot bowl. My only criticism is that I wish Black Shag was a little bit more of a proper English blend - but I guess that is why McClelland gave us Arcadia. A great AM tobacco!

If you are a fan of Dunhills' Royal Yacht mixture or would like something like R.Y. without the flavoring give this a try. This is a good change of pace tobac. I wouldn't recommend smoking this after smoking anything strongly flavored or following a mixture that includes Latakia. As a first smoke of the day or after one of the lighter Virginias it is tasty and satisfying.