McClelland No. 2000 Fragrant Matured Cake
(2.88)
This is a really distinctive tobacco that will enable you to satisfy and upgrade many aromatic smokers who have been sacrificing cleanness of burning to obtain a sweet aroma.
Details
| Brand | McClelland |
| Blended By | McClelland Tobacco Company |
| Manufactured By | McClelland Tobacco Company |
| Blend Type | Aromatic |
| Contents | Virginia |
| Flavoring | Cream, Nougat, Other / Misc |
| Cut | Broken Flake |
| Packaging | Bulk |
| Country | United States |
| Production | No longer in production |
Profile
Strength
Mild to Medium
Extremely Mild -> Overwhelming
Flavoring
Mild
None Detected -> Extra Strong
Room Note
Pleasant
Unnoticeable -> Overwhelming
Taste
Mild to Medium
Extremely Mild (Flat) -> Overwhelming
Average Rating
|
2.88 / 4
|
Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 14 Reviews
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 20, 2008 | Mild | Mild to Medium | Mild | Pleasant |
I like this a lot. It reminds me of Mc honeydew although not quite as dark and not quite exactly the same flavor. It seems like a lighter version (in color) without the mollases, the flavor is very simillar. The tin aroma is close to the same. Sweet and almost tropical.
Needs a little drying out to avoid a wet dottle- after drying overnight I got a sweet smoke and a dry finish all the way to the heel. Smokes pretty smooth and sweet. Could easily be an all day smoke.
A good mild flavorful smoke with mainly a vanilla to hazelnut flavor. Great with morning or anytime coffee. I found this flake to have no bite as long as dried some first and you can actually puff down on this some. I normally sip but this one I enjoy to puff on.
I guess I would have to classify this as a crossover blend. Although it is not at all like a goopy aromatic, it has enough flavoring to accentuate the tobacco not mask it. Pretty well done. Smokes good as delivered but I would think aging would not hurt.
I really like the flavor of heavy english blends and va flakes but am finding myself able to enjoy the light ones quite a bit. The flavors are not in your face as much but they are more subtle and pleasent.
I reccomend you try this if you like flakes but miss aromatics occasionally. Pretty good stuff. Reccomended to anyone, but especially to newbies to flakes looking for a better smoke than aromatics- it's not gonna scare you off.
Update: I am enjoying this stuff- This earned a good rating.
It has a light vanilla taste and goes so good with the tobacco base. You must try this if you want a flavored tobacco that is not what you would consider aromatic. It smells good too despite what I just said. My friends tell me it smells like toasty vanilla a lot like a coffe shop. For reference though I never get many complaints except the girlfriend does not like latakia I know. My other friends that latakia smells like incense though when I'm smoking it so I guess it's a personal thing there. But this fine va blend should not offend anyone, it's rare one smells like it tastes but this is it.
Needs a little drying out to avoid a wet dottle- after drying overnight I got a sweet smoke and a dry finish all the way to the heel. Smokes pretty smooth and sweet. Could easily be an all day smoke.
A good mild flavorful smoke with mainly a vanilla to hazelnut flavor. Great with morning or anytime coffee. I found this flake to have no bite as long as dried some first and you can actually puff down on this some. I normally sip but this one I enjoy to puff on.
I guess I would have to classify this as a crossover blend. Although it is not at all like a goopy aromatic, it has enough flavoring to accentuate the tobacco not mask it. Pretty well done. Smokes good as delivered but I would think aging would not hurt.
I really like the flavor of heavy english blends and va flakes but am finding myself able to enjoy the light ones quite a bit. The flavors are not in your face as much but they are more subtle and pleasent.
I reccomend you try this if you like flakes but miss aromatics occasionally. Pretty good stuff. Reccomended to anyone, but especially to newbies to flakes looking for a better smoke than aromatics- it's not gonna scare you off.
Update: I am enjoying this stuff- This earned a good rating.
It has a light vanilla taste and goes so good with the tobacco base. You must try this if you want a flavored tobacco that is not what you would consider aromatic. It smells good too despite what I just said. My friends tell me it smells like toasty vanilla a lot like a coffe shop. For reference though I never get many complaints except the girlfriend does not like latakia I know. My other friends that latakia smells like incense though when I'm smoking it so I guess it's a personal thing there. But this fine va blend should not offend anyone, it's rare one smells like it tastes but this is it.
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Jun 10, 2008 | Mild to Medium | Mild | Mild to Medium | Pleasant |
I purchase this in Houston under the name "Bristol Slices," and I enjoy it from time to time.
I understand that local tobacconists feel that they must change the name of the bulk tobaccos they carry, so that customers will feel forced to return to their shop to buy more. But, for the better, more knowledgeable customers, it is simply frustrating to buy "Bristol Slices," only to find out later that it is really something else. This practice only encourages me to buy online, rather than support a local tobacconist who is essentially lying to me about the tobaccos he sells me.
To date, the 18 reviews on this blend are all over the place. Three give it a one- star, but four give it a four star. Eleven reviewers are about split between two and three stars. I find nothing to complain about this blend, and much to recommend it. If it were a single-malt Scotch, I'd liken it to a good dark Highland whisky.
I understand that local tobacconists feel that they must change the name of the bulk tobaccos they carry, so that customers will feel forced to return to their shop to buy more. But, for the better, more knowledgeable customers, it is simply frustrating to buy "Bristol Slices," only to find out later that it is really something else. This practice only encourages me to buy online, rather than support a local tobacconist who is essentially lying to me about the tobaccos he sells me.
To date, the 18 reviews on this blend are all over the place. Three give it a one- star, but four give it a four star. Eleven reviewers are about split between two and three stars. I find nothing to complain about this blend, and much to recommend it. If it were a single-malt Scotch, I'd liken it to a good dark Highland whisky.
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 20, 2018 | Mild to Medium | Mild | Medium | Tolerable |
I finally got to trying a sample of this a friend sent me about four years ago. Overall, I was left with the impression that it wasn't bad. It is a bit of an oddball as it is kind of a straight Virginia and kind of an aromatic. If I had to decisively state which side of things it falls, I would choose the latter.
As to the appearance of the leaf, it looks like a typical broken flake Virginia that would be produced by McClelland. It would not surprise me if the base of this is the classic Virginia #2010 as it is very similar. the major difference between these two closely numbered bulks is in the smell and taste of the two.
As to the smell, where 2010 has the typical (ketchup) McClelland Virginia aroma, the 2000 smells more like the topping. The topping is one of the common caramel/nougat/bakery type scents. It is not overwhelming in smell or taste, but its presence is certainly felt in both.
This will perform the same as any other MC Virginia broken flake, meaning it will be a bitch to light if you don't allow it to dry a bit. Ditto that to the rubbing and packing as the MC flake chunks start out like thick chunks of rubber when moist. Even these problems disappear after the bowl finally does take light. Then you will enjoy a good treat, particularly if this topping meets your fancy. This is a bite free experience that will provide both a nice topping and great Virginia flavor.
What I liked about this blend was the fact the topping never overwhelmed the Virginia which, like all MC Virginias, is stellar. What I didn't like was the topping. YMMV To me this type of topping just suits a burley base more than a Virginia base. I tend to like fruit and citrus toppings more with Virginia.
I am still giving this three stars, because I did enjoy smoking through it, but if I were to have an aching for this type of blend, I would order a tin of SG Firedance Flake instead of this one.
As to the appearance of the leaf, it looks like a typical broken flake Virginia that would be produced by McClelland. It would not surprise me if the base of this is the classic Virginia #2010 as it is very similar. the major difference between these two closely numbered bulks is in the smell and taste of the two.
As to the smell, where 2010 has the typical (ketchup) McClelland Virginia aroma, the 2000 smells more like the topping. The topping is one of the common caramel/nougat/bakery type scents. It is not overwhelming in smell or taste, but its presence is certainly felt in both.
This will perform the same as any other MC Virginia broken flake, meaning it will be a bitch to light if you don't allow it to dry a bit. Ditto that to the rubbing and packing as the MC flake chunks start out like thick chunks of rubber when moist. Even these problems disappear after the bowl finally does take light. Then you will enjoy a good treat, particularly if this topping meets your fancy. This is a bite free experience that will provide both a nice topping and great Virginia flavor.
What I liked about this blend was the fact the topping never overwhelmed the Virginia which, like all MC Virginias, is stellar. What I didn't like was the topping. YMMV To me this type of topping just suits a burley base more than a Virginia base. I tend to like fruit and citrus toppings more with Virginia.
I am still giving this three stars, because I did enjoy smoking through it, but if I were to have an aching for this type of blend, I would order a tin of SG Firedance Flake instead of this one.
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Sep 02, 2017 | Mild to Medium | Very Mild | Mild to Medium | Very Pleasant |
From the multiple bowls I smoked of this the dry time varied from 15min to up to an hour. No reason really except thats when I got to it.
The bag note was sugary syrup sweet. If you've ever smelled simple syrup that is what I'd equate this smell too. I also got a hint of buttered popcorn. Sounds weird I know, but that's what I got lingering in the background.
It comes as a flake but I rubbed it out.
After the initial light and tamp it took about two more goes before it stayed lit. I am a slow smoker so I did end up having to relight just a few times, but that doesn't bother me.
Definitely a mild tobacco. I had read that this blend is bite-y but I didn't find that to be true in my case. At a nice leisurely smoke I think you can escape the bite.
Flavor was sweet and slightly tart but as the smoke continue the tartness came out more and more. I also got a floral note on the retro hale. Even further into the bowl you get this really great lingering sugar taste in your mouth. I found this to pair well with a black cup of coffee.
Room note was sweet tobacco.
The smoke was thin but with the draw it felt chewy in my mouth which is something I like. I don't necessarily care if there are big clouds of smoke but I do look for the mouth feel of the smoke.
Thought I'd give this a shot after shying away from Aromatics. I wouldn't compare this to Lane 1Q but I'd say it is a nice step up from it. I'd return to this blend if I found I was craving something along this line.
The bag note was sugary syrup sweet. If you've ever smelled simple syrup that is what I'd equate this smell too. I also got a hint of buttered popcorn. Sounds weird I know, but that's what I got lingering in the background.
It comes as a flake but I rubbed it out.
After the initial light and tamp it took about two more goes before it stayed lit. I am a slow smoker so I did end up having to relight just a few times, but that doesn't bother me.
Definitely a mild tobacco. I had read that this blend is bite-y but I didn't find that to be true in my case. At a nice leisurely smoke I think you can escape the bite.
Flavor was sweet and slightly tart but as the smoke continue the tartness came out more and more. I also got a floral note on the retro hale. Even further into the bowl you get this really great lingering sugar taste in your mouth. I found this to pair well with a black cup of coffee.
Room note was sweet tobacco.
The smoke was thin but with the draw it felt chewy in my mouth which is something I like. I don't necessarily care if there are big clouds of smoke but I do look for the mouth feel of the smoke.
Thought I'd give this a shot after shying away from Aromatics. I wouldn't compare this to Lane 1Q but I'd say it is a nice step up from it. I'd return to this blend if I found I was craving something along this line.
Pipe Used:
GBD 6660
PurchasedFrom:
smokingpipes.com
Age When Smoked:
N/A
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 14, 2014 | Mild to Medium | Mild to Medium | Medium to Full | Very Pleasant |
After smoking a 1/2 lb of this in various different pipes, I thought I would give a review.
Smoking Pipes accurately describes the tobacco as such.
This light, soft sweet cake is designed to appeal to many smokers of Matured Virginias who have been unable to endure aromatics but who would prefer a tobacco that smells sweeter in the room, as well as smokers of traditional aromatic cavendishes that would like a cooler dryer smoking tobacco. It is an excellent smoke for those who prefer Virginias over Burleys, and who enjoy a mild topping and a nice room note. It has a nice maple like flavor. I would not call it a full blown aromatic. However, neither is it a "Full Virginia Flake" For those who "do not usually smoke aros..." you may just want to stay away.
Tin note: It smells somewhat sweet, but certainly not over powering like Molte Dolce, or Odyssey. It simply has a nice light sweet fragrance to it. It's not too wet, but a little drying out makes it easier to pack.
Packing: I find it somewhat difficult to pack. It's not a ribbon or a flake, it's a cake. I had many trial and error bowels with this. I like to dry it out a bit, and then try to break it up in my fingers as I pack the bowl.
It's nicotine content is mild to medium. More than a Lane 1Q, much less than 1792 flake. The first 1/4 of the bowl can be little light on smoke, and a very little bitey on the tongue. But this soon dissipates, and therafter the tobacco burns nice all of the way to the bottom. Because its made from Virginia tobacco, you feel it on your tongue, in a good way. If you like PS Luxury twist flake, you will like this.
Smoking Pipes accurately describes the tobacco as such.
This light, soft sweet cake is designed to appeal to many smokers of Matured Virginias who have been unable to endure aromatics but who would prefer a tobacco that smells sweeter in the room, as well as smokers of traditional aromatic cavendishes that would like a cooler dryer smoking tobacco. It is an excellent smoke for those who prefer Virginias over Burleys, and who enjoy a mild topping and a nice room note. It has a nice maple like flavor. I would not call it a full blown aromatic. However, neither is it a "Full Virginia Flake" For those who "do not usually smoke aros..." you may just want to stay away.
Tin note: It smells somewhat sweet, but certainly not over powering like Molte Dolce, or Odyssey. It simply has a nice light sweet fragrance to it. It's not too wet, but a little drying out makes it easier to pack.
Packing: I find it somewhat difficult to pack. It's not a ribbon or a flake, it's a cake. I had many trial and error bowels with this. I like to dry it out a bit, and then try to break it up in my fingers as I pack the bowl.
It's nicotine content is mild to medium. More than a Lane 1Q, much less than 1792 flake. The first 1/4 of the bowl can be little light on smoke, and a very little bitey on the tongue. But this soon dissipates, and therafter the tobacco burns nice all of the way to the bottom. Because its made from Virginia tobacco, you feel it on your tongue, in a good way. If you like PS Luxury twist flake, you will like this.
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Dec 07, 2012 | Mild to Medium | Medium | Medium | Very Pleasant |
For semi-aromatics, FMC has a sweet aroma while delivering a fantastic red Virginia taste. The best of both worlds. I have been going through this stuff rather quickly, as of late. I've concluded that the more I smoke it the more I like it. The bonus is I can smoke it anywhere and people will ask question about the glorious smell of vanilla. I think it's a diamond in the rough for those looking for a GREAT aromatic that will please both smoker and those lucky enough to be in the same room. Easy on the puffing, though. As with any of the McClelland virginias, if you get after it too much you'll know why this it's meant to be a "cool smoke".
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Nov 10, 2011 | Strong | Medium to Strong | Medium to Full | Tolerable to Strong |
I mix this with some #5100 red cake and it is a very fine smoke. Alone it can be very strong in my view and mixing with McC 5100 seems to lighten the power of #2000 alone. This is my undiluted go to smoke on those mornings that I just can't get the peepers to open. All in all, a good smoke.
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Jun 17, 2008 | Mild to Medium | Mild | Medium | Pleasant |
I must agree with Elkabong, I too add Perique to this tobacco and find that simple addition tweaks this blend just enough to make it noteworthy. A friend of mine added some cheap Smokers Pride natural, which is a straight, lightly cased burley. I tried it and can honestly say that it reminded me of an old time quality OTC pouch tobacco (I can't really say which one) but it was quite nice for puffing around the shop. While not a true aromatic, it is topped with a maple or fruit-like flavoring which tends to fade quickly if left open to the air for a length of time. You then have a nice sweetened Virginia flavor to the smoke. Again, the Perique is the secret here!
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Nov 11, 2002 | Medium | Extremely Mild | Medium | Pleasant |
First off, I want to take just a few lines to say to any/all Veterans be you a fellow reviewer and pipe smoker or an Average Joe who just happens to be reading this, whatever.....Thank you for your sacrifices and your part in making this the free Nation that it is today. And for those who paid the Ultimate Price to secure that Freedom, I offer this symbol of a moment of silence, and may God bless
To the review. McC. #2000 is a good VA. flake that can be purchased most anywhere. McCranies sells it as "Sharon Crossing", Old Va. Tobacco Co. (Virginia) has it as "Old Va. Flake". The color is deep brown w/some lighter shades mixed in. It breaks up easily enough and packs well. There is a bit of moisture, but it doesn't seem to effect the burn that much. You may have to do a bit more re-lighting than usual. The VA flavor appears readily w/that typical tang and a bit of spiciness like a mild salsa. A little bitey at first, there is a natural, mellow taste that is pleasant and cool w/an underlying sweetness that remains through most of the bowl. A few gurgles occurred, but a coupla cleaners is all that I used. Not a complex tobak w/flavor shifts here and there during the bowl, this is a good utility smoke as well as a good mixer w/other blends or starting from scratch to make your own exclusive mixture. Does get a wee bit harsh near the end of the bowl, but still burns clean to mottled ash. I keep some around and used to smoke it quite regularly, but my tastes have changed and hey, there's a lotta good tobaccos out there. Still, I feel this is a good smoke and a good value since it's a bulk blend that's easy to get. IMO this makes for a good "doing something" VA. tobacco where I don't have to sit and concentrate on the myriad of flavors. Sometimes simple is best. Hey, works for me.
To the review. McC. #2000 is a good VA. flake that can be purchased most anywhere. McCranies sells it as "Sharon Crossing", Old Va. Tobacco Co. (Virginia) has it as "Old Va. Flake". The color is deep brown w/some lighter shades mixed in. It breaks up easily enough and packs well. There is a bit of moisture, but it doesn't seem to effect the burn that much. You may have to do a bit more re-lighting than usual. The VA flavor appears readily w/that typical tang and a bit of spiciness like a mild salsa. A little bitey at first, there is a natural, mellow taste that is pleasant and cool w/an underlying sweetness that remains through most of the bowl. A few gurgles occurred, but a coupla cleaners is all that I used. Not a complex tobak w/flavor shifts here and there during the bowl, this is a good utility smoke as well as a good mixer w/other blends or starting from scratch to make your own exclusive mixture. Does get a wee bit harsh near the end of the bowl, but still burns clean to mottled ash. I keep some around and used to smoke it quite regularly, but my tastes have changed and hey, there's a lotta good tobaccos out there. Still, I feel this is a good smoke and a good value since it's a bulk blend that's easy to get. IMO this makes for a good "doing something" VA. tobacco where I don't have to sit and concentrate on the myriad of flavors. Sometimes simple is best. Hey, works for me.
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Sep 13, 2001 | Mild | Very Mild | Mild | Pleasant to Tolerable |
I prefer this one from the others in their 2000 series since it doesn't have the latakia or perique that some contain. However, some might characterize my preference in taste and aroma as flat but to me, this is a pleasant and natural blend. Very moist upon receipt but partially rubbed out and once you master the packing this will burn without a relight for hours. Mild on the tongue, I enjoy this as an early AM smoke but also have used it as my all day smoke in various size bowls.
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