McClelland No. 5100 Red Cake

The blends we reach for most are often those which are uncomplicated on the surface, but have hidden inner dimensions. When the jar or tin is first opened, "No. 5100 Red Cake" gives off the characteristic vinegar and fruit smell of McClelland Virginia blends which is frequently compared to ketchup, and not without reason. Relatively moist, the tobacco spills easily into the pipe and because it clumps easily, naturally forms a densely packed bowl. Upon lighting, the ketchup flavor transmits briefly, but then the vinegar seems to burn off and is replaced by the malt, rye and wine-like fruit flavor. After some effort to get it lit, the mixture burns relatively easily but will require a few re-lights, and rewards the smoker with multiple dimensions of straight Virginia flavor with its sugary edge removed, vegetative aftertaste trimmed, and a warm and pleasing inner collection of flavor metaphors emerging. Using the capillary pressure action of the breath smoking technique, a moderately experienced smoker will experience a tapestry of varying flavors from grain through something almost like Perique in its tangy, piquant fruitiness. Comparisons to wine are not overstated. At times, an inner sweetness emerges which is less raw than that of most Virginias, more like a background honey flavor mixed with the stronger taste of something oddly like wild rice or cracked wheat. The added moisture improves flavor at the expense of a few relights and more moisture in the bowl. Over time, this blend becomes a clear favorite for its chimeric character. It would be a good all-day smoke, but many of us use it instead as a favorite ingredient to mix with other blends, for example dumping it in a 1:3 ratio into "Burley Flake #1" or "Brown No. 4" to sweeten and expand the flavor and enhance the strength of the 5100, which is naturally quite mild.