McClelland No. 5105 Stoved Virginia

McClelland - No. 5105 Stoved Virginia.

Opening this caused a bit of a disappointment, initially, as it looked too dry. Other than that, though, there isn't many issues. There also isn't much to say about the smoke! I'll try though.

This is simple: I get a sweet flavour, coupled with some subtle Virginia traits, not much nicotine, quite a cool smoke, and no bite. I can see this being a great component for adding to a raucous blend to reduce any feistiness. I find it a bit of a bore on it's own though.

For use as a blending tobacco/calming agent I'll recommend it. I would give it four if it weren't for the first issue with the moisture.

Three stars.

A very good stoved, beautifully dark Virginia. IMHO, a perfect all-day/anytime smoke. My 'sample' lit promptly, burned evenly and did not bite my tongue, although my mouth did get a tad dry when I was puffing at this blend. (Remedy: don't puff this blend!)

The so-called McClellend catchup odor was absent, but there was a faint, slightly spicey aroma from the (bulk) package contents. Very good moisture content. The only negative comment I will make is that I was expecting a little bit more from this blend, and I will agree with some other reviewers in that it is 'monochromatic' in its overall aspect. However, I have purchased pricier VAs that do not measure up to this blend. Generally, I think that VA smokers will truly enjoy this blend, as I did.

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.

In appearance a jet black broken flake. The pieces are quite small and might be considered a cube cut. The bag note has a pleasant, probably natural, sweetness with a typical McC acetic character. There are dried citrus peel notes on the nose. It does not have the post fermentation richness of the premier McC Stoved Virginias.

For a stoved tobacco, takes a light relatively well and burns satisfactorily thereafter. Some relights are to be expected. The smoke is cool and sweet and uncomplicated. The apple cider reference made by another reviewer is spot on.

There is some pepperiness as the bowl progresses and I would rate this higher in nicotine than have most reviewers. Works fine as a change of pace tobacco or as a 'beater'. Best served in a cob.

McCelland Bulk No. 5105 - Stoved Virginia

Star Rating = 3

Rating Scores - 10 is the Best and 0 is the Worst

Pouch Note = 7

Room Note = 7

Flavor = 7

Bite = 8

Burn = 8

After Taste = 8

Raw Score = 45

Rated Percentage = 75%

Comment = Smooth, Strong Strength Flavor, not an all day smoke

I will somewhat mirror DK's review. I smoked this both straight and mixed. It is an easy blend on the tongue, and makes a great Va blending leaf.

If you are venturing into blending or looking to add a little something to a flat Va, I wouldn't hesitate to pick up a few oz's or pounds!

This is a very mild stoved Virginia that can be smoked straight all day long. By itself, however, it may leave the smoker somewhat unsatisfied.

This tobacco does make a great blender. It can mellow, add complexity, and sweeten about anything you add it to. In fact, I've added it to other straight Virginia's and the the result tends to be nicer than either of the tobacco's seperately.

4 stars as a tobacco you should have in stock for experimenting with blending at home.

2.5 - 3 stars as a tobacco by itself.

I can't imagine this being sold as anything but a blending tobacco. I have smoked it straight a couple of times and it tasted, well, componential. Alone it is lacking. But, as a blender it's great. I like to add 5 to 20 % of it to some of my favorite VA flakes. It provides a toned down McClelland twang.

This is a good bulk stoved Virginia. Nothing special but worth buying. Very smokeable.