McClelland No. 2020 Matured Cake

It took me a while to figure out this one. I couldn’t figure out what was it; was it an oriental, as described? Was it a spiced up Virginia? Was it too strong for me? Or wasn’t it? The last time I smoked it – it was no less than great. Maybe it was the aging process that kicked in (It sat in a jar for 6 months) or maybe it was the right pipe to smoke it in; it was probably a combination of both. The tobacco really balanced. The first few draws were nothing like I remembered – it was sweet! It was a sweet Virginia with a nice, subtle touch of a smokey Latakia. Later on the Latakia was more present, but still – the aged Virginia component was really there, taking the lead. The smoke was rather cool, although there’s a little bite there. Perhaps it needs to age for a little longer. Nonetheless, this is easily an all-day smoke with low nicotine. I smoke this as a crumbled cake – just as it comes. It might require a few relights, but I like the complexity it gives. All in all, I’d recommend this one, especially for the price it’s sold!

This was my first bulk McClelland VA and I simply love it. A tasteful and smooth VA blend with a delicious addition of oriental. It burns well and evenly if you don't keep it too wet and even if it's too wet it still manages to burn decently. I'd rate it mild to medium in nicotine. It's sweet and fruity with some spiciness. Highly recommended.

Very nice rich, sweet Virginia blend. Virginia's are prominent in the first part of the bowl and the Oriental and very light Latikia come on in the second half. Definite Virginia tongue bite for me even going slowly so this is an occasional blend for me. Nice nuttiness toward the end. Moisture is about right leaning a bit toward the wet side. Nice price on a good Virginia bulk. Recommended.

Quite some time ago I decided to try every bulk McClelland blend. I didn't succeed in that I got some fatigue from the various blends and so everything kind of merged together... I also wasn't very good at smoking pipes yet, and wasn't smoking particularly good pipes either.

With that said, I recently started smoking back through the leftover samples from that odyssey, and the first hint on this one was that the bag had the least amount left of any of the English blends.

This is a really great blend. It's got an interesting broken flake cut, it has no PG to speak of, it's got high quality components, and a lot of interesting flavor.

There's just enough Latakia that you can tell it's in the blend, so Lat-heads will find this seriously lacking. It's very oriental forward, with just enough VA to keep it from being astringent, and just enough Latakia to give it some body.

I'm not giving it four stars just because I haven't smoked it enough, and generally, I think I like Pease English blends better than McClelland. I reserve the right to change my mind, and this goes on the BUY list for me.

I cant tell so mutch about it. But what i can tell is that this tobacco is great! 🙂

Revised review 5/20/2016- I've really given this blend more than its fair shot, and it now has over 5 years in a Mason jar. The flavor is good ,although a little monochromatic ,but,,,,, it just bites me bad every time I smoke it. I won't buy again.

I was gifted 2020 by a kindly soul. The orientals really add a distinctive presence and enhance the Virginias quite pleasantly. Now that I have sampled 2020 in three different sized bowls, I am poised to order some soon. I don't like to compare one tabak against another but in my view 2020 has a clear niche for those who really aren't big time Latakia fans.

Very good if aged for 6mos. atleast a case where more age time is better.I ordered 8oz. tried some and then aged it for 6mos.Very good now but fresh it was a bit rough and bitey.Good smoke I may put up apound or two.

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update This has turned out to be very good.The more I smoke it the better I likes it.In a cob noless.Ok well thays my two cents oh yes and a new rating of four stars.

I find this tobacco to be delightful. It's got a nice sweetness with a little exotic spice in the background. It's a smooth creamy smoke but I thought it was getting a little harsh towards the bottom. This is easily one of my favorites!