McClelland Blackwoods Flake

I don't know what I can add that hasn't already been said, but chalk another one up to the "loves this stuff" column. The typical McClelland ketchupy smell is there in full force when you open the tin, but it isn't detectable when smoking the tobacco. The smell of the burning tobacco has been described as BBQ-like. The taste changes as it is smoked, from a light sweetness to a much less sweet smokyness as it burns down in the bowl. It's a pretty good smoke, but you do have to watch out for the tongue bite if you try to smoke it too quickly. If you take your time, it's quite tasty. All in all, I find this stuff hard to resist, and it's a good change of pace from my usual latakia blends.

Update: I think I've pinned down what the taste of this reminds me of. Sauer's Barbecue Sauce on pork. Slightly sweet, slightly tangy, and with enough smoked meaty substance to back it up. The tin aroma subsides from ketchupy to a slightly vinegary scent as well after a little drying... which also reminds me of Sauer's BBQ sauce, now that I think about it. No wonder I like it so much!

At first I was completely put off by the strong ketchup smell upon opening the tin, but I left it open for a week to let it dry out and the odor faded and became more of a hint. It was a little hard to light, perhaps because I could have rubbed it out a little more. Once lit, the ketchup transforms into a dark, naturally sweet, smoky flavor, reminiscent of my favorite hickory smoked barbecue pit. Room aroma was even better-- I wanted to bite the air, or at least call said barbecue joint and have them deliver a rack of ribs. Solid nicotine bite, though not as strong as some, and very little tongue bite even though I was chugging on it like a freight train. Nice also when blended with a little burley, but a gutsy Virginia flavor all on its own. Glad I tried it!

I have only recently discovered the "Reserve" tobaks of McC and this is one of their best. Upon opening this can, you'll note the standard smell and pungency associated with McC, though there are undertones that let you in on the secret that this will be one of the finest VA's to which you'll lay fire. Spicy and full, but without heat (provided the ample amount of aging/drying has taken place) are the major attractions to this doubly aged blend, for me. This is simply a high quality flake, that burns slower than most VA's, though will require that you take care to rub it out a good bit and pace yourself through the bowl, lest it's spiciness turn into a fire breathing dragon shooting flames through the tenon!

Also, after reading about St.JW and the two Bombays, I feel obliged to give them a whirl as well. Reviews to come.

Enjoy.

Typical to the McClelland line, this comes with a certain ketchup-y smell. Let air a bit, though, and the smell fades, leaving delicious smelling broken flakes.

I like to fold the flakes into a large-bowled pipe, sprinkling a little bit of rubbed-out flake on top to aid in the lighting. Even with this precaution, BWF can be a pain to light, but usually (for me at least) stays lit afterwards.

This is a typically good McClelland's virginia, with one amazing quality--a room aroma that smells spot-on like a barbeque, perhaps with some eastern spices. This was the first room aroma that the roommate liked. He mentioned that somebody was cooking something in the building that smelled amazing, and was taken aback when I told him what it really was. Afterwards, he couldn't very well claim that the smell was offputting, and it would have looked very suspicious if he then started coughing...

On the downside, this is one tobacco that can certainly bite if you're not careful--slow and steady puffing is the way to go. If you take this one outside, smoke it in flake form, not rubbed out!

I'm becoming more of a McClelland tobacco enthusiast mainly for the reason I have the time to sit and enjoy the tobacco.

Kats-up for a lack of a better word, aroma upon opening the tin. This is a tobacco that cannot be smoked fast and recommend a small to medium bowl. I did not detect any tongue bite, but if one were to smoke this fast and hot I could imagune the rawness of the tongue along with a very hot bowl.

I did find with the stretch of the imagination the sweetness coming through towards the bottom of the bowl. I found no gurgling, wheezing or very much tamping as this tobacco smoked very easily.

IMHO this tobacco is a very relaxing and enjoyable while reading a good book or on the computer.

I like it and that is what really matters

Smoke it slow, enjoy it longer

Blackwoods - A prime VA , richly fruity & homely tin aroma, similar taste . McC's integrates the deep BBQ-Zest of Dark star with all that is good about red VA's . not much bite, smooth, rich . Probably the most wholesome tasting Virginia I've tasted.

Not much more needs to be said about this blend..but..what the hell..I'll say more anyway!

Amazing..just flat out amazing. I'm really not too good with flakes so I have a bit of trouble keeping it lit..but it's not as bad as some other flakes for me. The tin smell is fantastic. Not as much of the MC aroma we all know and love..more..well..it kinda reminds me of pancakes in the morning. Not exactly..but more the feeling that the smell of pancakes is the same feeling I get from smelling unlit Blackwoods Flake. Very warm, comforting, and familiar.

Once lit it's a blast. This blend doesn't seem to attack my tongue. All I get is rich tasty goodness and none of the evil anti-tastebud armies that are usually associated with virginia flakes. I'm not really a fan of the DGT (I mean, come on..I'm 19..you're asking me to wait?!?!?!) but this tobacco responds really well to DGT. Really well. Seriously..just buy a tin or seven. You won't be disappointed. And if you are..shoot me an email and I'll unload those for you.

Strong ketchup scent on opening the tin, but that fades if it is kept open for a few days to dry a bit; then the red virginia scent comes forward. Mixed dark and light tobaccos cut into thin 1/2 to 3/4 inch strips. Rubbed out or cut into squares, I pack a taller thinner bowl tightly, with some dried "dust" to get it lit. It can be a bit harsh on lighting. I like to light it and then let it sit for an hour or more (I've relit a bowl the next morning, and the flavor becomes deeper and fuller) before going back to it. After the initial light it settles into a great red virginia flavor with a hint of sweetness that remains constant through the bowl. Smoke this tobacco carefully, for it can bite, but if smoked slowly the flavors of the red virginia can really be appreciated. 8.5 of 10. - Kelly

Superior quality and superior smoke. The dark Virginia component reminescences me of the SG Full Virginia Flake a little bit. Vibrant and vivid flavours of dark cherry that come from the Red Virginia. Sweet, deep, flavourful tobacco of the highest regard.