McClelland No. 5105 Stoved Virginia

Since I enjoy the McClelland tinned Virginias very much, I decided to try their (much cheaper) bulk blends as well. This one is a pretty good start! It is a dark, rich tobacco in the style I very much enjoy. And while perhaps not as flavorful as the tinned flakes such as Dark Star, this is nevertheless an excellent, affordable substitute. The smell in the bulk bag is rich and sweet, clean and dark but without mustiness; I don't notice any of the usual vinegar Virginia smell. The tobacco itself is very dark black in color, though a broken piece shows a dark reddish brown hue on the inside. The moisture level is roughly average to damp, though not at all sticky or wet. The cut is medium to short, with a few larger chunks mixed in; the leaf is also rather hard and dense without being dry (one other review described it as pellet-like). It packs very well and lights easily, requiring an average number of relights during a bowl. In the first third of the bowl, the taste is similar to the smell: sweet, rich, and dark. The sweetness is not overwhelming, but it is definitely present. The main flavor, however, is the dark richness of the stoved Virginia. It is not overly complex at this point, but it is obviously high-quality, well-blended tobacco. It is also very nice blown out through the nose, and the room odor is fairly inoffensive. In the second third of the bowl, the sweetness is still strong, though the dark Virginia flavors have increased in strength somewhat. There is a "tang" to the smoke, almost sour, that is most noticeable in the nose. The flavors here are a bit more complex and full as well, and the sweetness is better balanced. If smoked too fast, this tobacco will bite, but overall it is remarkably bite-free for a McClelland Virginia. In the final third, the flavors continue dark and rich. This isn't the fullest Virginia I've ever smoked, but it is still very nice. There is little bite, and no moisture to speak of. The sourness has disappeared, and the taste is good right to the ashes. Overall, this is a very good tobacco. I enjoyed the dark flavor and the richness very much, and I was grateful for not having to fight the usual tongue bite. I believe that this blend will improve a great deal with some age on it, and I plan to cellar a pound or so for just that purpose. Recommended for anyone who likes darker, flavorful Virginia tobacco.