McClelland No. 900 Refined Tennessee Ribbon

McClelland's #900 Refined Kentucky Ribbon has a LOT going for it. It probably should be on any ("un-enhanced")Burley/Virginia lover's "short list". It packs/lights beautifully, behaves exceptionally well in the bowl, offers good smoke volume and delivers a nice taste which is about 65% Burley and 35% Virginia (regardless of the actual tobacco %s present). The Virginia "tang" seems to ebb and flow in a teasing way once the piper has gotten passed the initial light, and that's kinda fun. Yes, it can definitely be made to turn bitter and bitey but even a little attention paid can avoid that. For me, #900 RKR stands in the shadow of the magnificant McCranie's "Old Master" (which is done by McClelland) but #900 is still very well worth a try and likely one of those tobaccos that you'll always seem to have at least a little of on hand.

Tiger

Addendum: Ooops, Thanks Uncle Gar. Mine is labeled "Tennessee" too. Must have had a(nother) one of those mind/typing finger disconnects!

(Review based on 1oz sampler).

This is a very nice blend with a typical American Burley/Virginia flavor, the maple/caramel flavoring is light and well balanced with delicious flavor, the ?nuttiness? of the Burley here is amazing.

I find the flavoring of this blend a bit similar, but much better quality than 1Q or captain black, without artificial flavor and with a true tobacco taste.

This is definitely a great burley tobacco crafted at the finest tobacco leaf and with skilled craftsmanship. McClelland people are really good in Aromatics.

I like this blend and I will be buying some more.

I would recommend this blend to all 1Q or Captain Black lovers since this one is much better quality.

* Bad blend ** Good blend *** Excellent blend **** Exceptional blend

My impressions are in line with the previous two reviewers (except my package says ?Refined TN Ribbon?, not Kentucky, as the second reviewer stated). I enjoy the VA-type sweetness that seems aromatic and translates well to a wonderful room note. The closest comparison that comes to mind is MacBaren?s Navy Flake, sans the specifically honey taste. My only criticism is that perhaps too much flavoring has been added, tipping it more toward a drugstore cavendish type. (..and now I can't get Captain Black out of my mind, dammit.) No, this is burley. I want to try blending this with some sweet old belt VA for a quality half and half.

Good cob pipe smoke, as tend to be all burleys. Best one out of the McClelland burley sampler pack so far.

McClelland - No. 900 Refined Tennessee Ribbon.

Although this is Burley forward it doesn't have too much of the roughness some Burley blends can have. Supporting the nutty Burley there's a fragrant sweetness from the toppings and some zest from the Virginia. It burns consistently, requiring little attention.

I wouldn't class this as a smoke which requires much deciphering, it's a simple, but nice, flavour.

Nicotine: mild to medium. Room-note: pleasant.

There isn't a great deal more to say. Apart from ''recommended'':

Three stars.